Microsoft makes video ads available to the general public

Microsoft Audience Network video ads are now widely available to supplement existing search and picture advertising campaigns.

Microsoft began testing video ads in select countries in September 2021.

Video advertising are now available to all Microsoft advertisers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, more than a year later.

In the countries listed above, video advertising are provided across the Microsoft Advertising Network.

Intent data from Bing search, the Microsoft Edge Browser, LinkedIn, and users' web behavior are used to target Microsoft video adverts.

According to Microsoft's study, including video in search advertisements increased conversions by 50% when compared to conducting a search campaign alone.



Microsoft Video Ad specs

Microsoft video ads can last anywhere from six seconds to two minutes, but the company recommends that movies no longer than 30 seconds generate the best interaction.

The video aspect ratio can range from 16:9 (widescreen) to 9:16 (narrowscreen) (vertical).

Microsoft provides the following video ad bidding options:

• Optimize for impressions: Bid per 1000 viewable impressions. When a viewer observes two seconds of continuous play, an impression is recorded.
• Optimize for views: Bid on a single video view. When a person views at least 15 seconds of video or clicks on the ad, a view is recorded.
• Optimize for clicks: Bid per click on the video. When a viewer arrives at your website, a click is recorded.

Creating a Microsoft video campaign''

Follow the steps below to create a Microsoft video advertising campaign:

• Select Campaigns from the collapsible menu on the left.
• Choose Create campaign.
• Choose one of the video-related objectives.
• Enter the Campaign name and Daily budget, then click Save and proceed to the next step.
• Enter a name for your ad group and select your target audience.
• Select Save and proceed to the next step.
• Include your video.
• Select Save and proceed to the next step.
• Set your budget and bid parameters.
• Choose Save.

Once your video is uploaded, Microsoft Advertising will automatically create multiple videos for these aspect ratios: 16:9, 5:4, 1:1, 4:5, and 9:16.

You can also check out Microsoft's help page here.