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Video Game Trailer Specifications

Each of the major video game platforms have different video specifications for trailers; if your trailer doesn't comply, you can waste valuable time re-submitting. The information on this page is a based on official branding guides, trailer submission guides, and trailers clients of mine have successfully submit. 

Where available I've provided links to websites that list specifications in more detail for each platform. Your contact from each of the game platforms will be able to get you access to the branding guidelines which contain more information about branding than you could ever want.

To share this page with friends and colleagues, just send them to
GameTrailerSpecs.com!

I cannot guarantee that following these specs will get your trailer approved;

I've run into cases where I followed all the specifications presented to me, but still got rejected because of one tiny detail that wasn't listed. Be sure to read each section in its entirety to make sure you don't miss anything.

At the very least this should minimize the time spent on the submission process. Regions outside of the United States often have different ultra specific rules, so to be 100% sure your trailer won't get rejected, contact your console representative for exact specifications. I'll update this as necessary, but if there's a blind spot or edge case I missed in this post please contact me with the solution!

Platforms often require separate versions for YouTube. For those just use h.264 encoding settings of 10Mbps and up for 1080p, and 30-50Mbps for 4K.


Nintendo Switch

Contact your Nintendo representative for access to Nintendo logos, mnemonics, and branding guidelines

If releasing in all regions, these are the versions you’ll need to export:

1. North America - eShop - ESRB
2. North America - YouTube - ESRB
3. Europe - eShop - No Rating
4. Europe - YouTube - PEGI
5. Japan - eShop - No Rating
6 Japan - YouTube - No Rating

nintendo-switch-logo.png

NINTENDO SWITCH LOGO USAGE

- Use Nintendo Switch logo in either stacked or horizontal in white, or white in red vignette
- DO NOT MODIFY THE LOGO IN ANY WAY OR USE THE ICON BY ITSELF.
This includes fading in the logo or any sort of animation on the logo, or even a little particle floating over the logo.
To be absolutely certain the logo is as unadulterated as possible, make it the top layer of your timeline or comps. If even so much as a white particle for a single frame makes the logo look at all different, you risk getting rejected!

Nintendo Switch animated intro MUST COME DIRECTLY AFTER RATING WITH NO BLACK IN BETWEEN

Nintendo Switch animated intro MUST COME DIRECTLY AFTER RATING WITH NO BLACK IN BETWEEN

NINTENDO SWITCH END SLATES

switch-na.jpg

NORTH AMERICA

End slate must include:
- Game Title logo
- Nintendo Switch icon
- Legal line: "Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. "
- DO NOT INCLUDE ANY NON-NINTENDO CONSOLE LOGOS
- Games with online multiplayer should add the legal line:
Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online

switch-eu_v3.png

EUROPE

End slate must include:
- Game Title logo
- Publisher logo
- Nintendo Switch icon
- Nintendo eShop logo
- Legal line: "Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo."
- FRENCH legal line: “Nintendo Switch est une marque de Nintendo.”
- DO NOT INCLUDE ANY NON-NINTENDO CONSOLE LOGOS
- Due to EU regulations your call to action cannot direct underage viewers to purchase (e.g. no “Buy it now!” or “Pre-order now!”
- Games with online multiplayer should add the legal line:
Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online

switch-jp-v2.png

JAPAN

End slate must include:
- Game Title logo
- Nintendo Switch stacked logo in red vignette on top right corner of the screen
- Nintendo eShop logo
- Legal line: "Nintendo Switch・Nintendo Switchのロゴは任天堂の商標です."
- DO NOT INCLUDE ANY NON-NINTENDO CONSOLE LOGOS
- DO NOT SHOW AGE RATING AT BEGINNING OF TRAILER

If the game is rated CERO D/Z, you must include this slate for at least 3 seconds before the Nintendo Switch mnemonic!

CERO_D (1).png

North American/Europe Nintendo eShop Encoding Specifications

30 fps version
Resolution
: 1280x720
Framerate: 29.97 fps
Video Codec: h.264
Bitrate Encoding: VBR 2 Pass
Video Bitrate (Target): 4000 kbps
Video Bitrate (Maximum): 4500 kbps
Keyframe Distance (frames): 60
Total Bitrate: 4.5 mbit/s
File Format: mp4

Audio Codec: AAC
Audio Bitrate: 192 kbps

60 fps version
Resolution
: 1280x720
Framerate: 59.94 fps
Video Codec: h.264
Bitrate Encoding: VBR 2 Pass
Video Bitrate (Target): 7300 kbps
Video Bitrate (Maximum): 8000 kbps
Keyframe Distance (frames): 60
Total Bitrate: 8 mbit/s
File Format: mp4

Audio Codec: AAC
Audio Bitrate: 192 kbps

Japan eShop Encoding Specifications

30 fps version
Resolution
: 1280x720
Framerate: 29.97 fps
Video Codec: h.264
Total Bitrate: 2 mbit/s
File Format: mp4

YouTube Version Specifications

Most editing software have presets for exporting to YouTube, just use one of those.
Otherwise just export using h.264 at 1920x1080p at a high bitrate.


PlayStation

Contact your PlayStation representative for access to PlayStation logos, mnemonics, and branding guidelines

If releasing in all regions, these are the versions you’ll need to export:

1. No Rating
2. ESRB
5. PEGI

Pretty much, just don’t do anything to the logos where they look the slightest bit different from the official version.

Pretty much, just don’t do anything to the logos where they look the slightest bit different from the official version.

PLAYSTATION END SLATES

ALL REGIONS

- Trailers for YouTube must start with Intro “BING” mnemonic and end with Outro “BONG” mnemonic
- Trailers for the PlayStation store page have NO “BING” or “BONG”!
- 2024 UPDATE! US, AU, and NZ have a new “BONG” with a ® registered trademark symbol on the “PLAY HAS NO LIMITS” slogan. Other regions still have to use the ™ trademark symbol.

End slate must include:
- Game Title logo
- PlayStation 4 and/or PlayStation 5 logo, or Combination PS5 | PS4 logo

- DO NOT INCLUDE ANY NON-PLAYSTATION CONSOLE LOGOS

- Legal line (certain parts may be removed if they’re not applicable. e.g. if there’s no PS4 logo): "© 2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. “PlayStation", "PlayStation Family Mark”, “PS4”, “PS4 logo”, “PS5”, “PS5 logo”, “PlayStation Shapes Logo” and “Play Has No Limits” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. "
(Font is SST Roman)

PlayStation Store Encoding Specifications

Video resolution: 720p, 1080p, 2160p (preferred)
Video Formats
: Prores 422 .mov (preferred), h264 .mp4, VP9 .webm
Framerate: Native to source
Video bitrate for 30 fps: Prores .mov - 600 Mbps, h264 .mp4 - 40 Mbps, VP9 .webm - 20 Mbps
Video bitrate for 60 fps: Prores .mov - 1200 Mbps, h264 .mp4 - 60 Mbps, VP9 .webm - 30 Mbps
Max file size: 50 GB

Audio: Linear PCM
Audio resolution - 16 bits
Audio Sample Rate - 48kHz
Audio bitrate mode: CBR
Audio bitrate (recommended): 1536 kbps


Xbox

Contact your Xbox representative for access to Xbox logos, mneumonics, and branding guidelines

If releasing in all regions, these are the versions you’ll need to export:

1. No Rating
2. ESRB
3. PEGI

xboxone-logo-v2.png

XBOX END SLATE

xboxone-v2.png

ALL REGIONS

- DO NOT INCLUDE ANY NON-XBOX OR MICROSOFT LOGOS

- Legal Line (I’ve never been asked to include this, but here it is just in case):
Microsoft, the Xbox Sphere mark, the Series X logo, Series S logo, Series X|S logo, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X|S are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Xbox trailers must begin with the Branded Intro and end with the mnemonic

Xbox trailers must begin with the Branded Intro and end with the mnemonic

- Xbox exclusive games must start with Xbox Branded Intro
- Trailers must end with 3 second Xbox Outro Mneumonic

- Each submission requires SRT subtitle/captions file. Xbox Intro and Outro Mnemonic have to be captioned: [XBOX SOUND]
If no dialogue is present, put "[MUSIC]" (Here's a guide for making captions in Premiere)

Xbox Store Encoding Specifications

Video Master

Resolution: 4K 2160p or 1080p
Framerate: up to 60 fps
Video format: Prores 422 HQ or DNxHR HQX (for 4K), DNxHD HQX (for 1080p)
WAV Deliverables: Full Mix, Music Splits, Dialogue Splits, Sound Effects Splits
Audio Loudness: -16 LKFS/LUFS
True Peak: -2dBTP

Video Encodes for Distribution (YouTube, Xbox.com, etc.)

Resolution: 4K 2160p
Bitrate: 45 Mbps for 30fps or lower, 60 Mbps for 60fps
Video Mode: VBR (One-Pass)
Audio Loudness: -16 LKFS
True Peak: -3dBTP
Audio codec: AAC-LC
Audio format: 384 kbps Stereo, 48kHz, 16bit CBR
Total bitrate: ~45.4 Mbps

Resolution: 1080p
Bitrate: 15.4 Mbps
Video Mode: CBR (One-Pass)
Audio Loudness: -16 LKFS
True Peak: -3dBTP
Audio codec: AAC-LC
Audio format: 384 kbps Stereo, 48kHz, 16bit CBR
Total bitrate: ~15.3 Mbps


applearcade.png

Apple Arcade

Contact your Apple representative for access to Apple Arcade logos, and branding guidelines

Apple arcade games need the game title horizontally centered in the designated safe area, and to use the provided logo animation appropriate to the background of the end slate. There are variations provided for if the background is brightly colored, very dark or very light.

- Legal line: The Apple logo and Apple Arcade are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Arcade is a service mark of Apple Inc. Subscription required. 30-day free trial, terms apply. Some games may not be available in your area.

App Store & Apple Arcade Encoding Specs 

Panic Software has a free After Effects template file that helps you create and preview your app preview in the resolutions for all the devices. Click here for this AMAZING resource!

Trailers should be made in resolutions according to the devices your game is playable on and also the orientation of the device the game plays in. Since the resolutions are different enough they require reformatting of the footage I find it’s better to set the resolutions of each version in your editing software and then export them all using the same encoding presets.

Landscape Resolutions: 1920x1080, 1600x1200, 1920x886, 1334x750
Portrait Resolutions: 1080x1920, 1200x1600, 886x1920, 750x1334
Framerate: 30 fps
Min length: 15 sec
Max length: 30 sec

Video format: h.264 at 10-12 Mbps
Audio format: AAC at 256 kbps 44khz or 48khz
File format: mov, m4v, mp4
Max file size: 500 MB

or

Video format: Prores 422 HQ at VBR ~220 Mbps
Audio format: PCM or AAC at 256 kbps 44khz or 48khz
File format: mov
Max file size: 500 MB (lol wut???)


epic.png

Epic Games Store

Contact your Epic Games representative for access to Epic Games logos, and branding guidelines

Legal line: © 2022 Epic Games, Inc. All rights reserved. Epic, Epic Games, Epic Games Store, And their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and elsewhere.

Game Page Carousel Asset

Resolution: 1920x1080
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 or 3x4
File format: YouTube URL or .WebM & MP4 (both MUST be provided!)
File size: 50 MB maximum


Steam

Resolution: Up to 1920x1080
Framerate: 29.97/30 fps, 59.94/60 fps
Video format: h.264 (transcoding from other formats is possible)
Audio format: AAC (transcoding from other formats is possible)
Total Bitrate: 5000+ Mbps
File format: mov, wmv, mp4

Legal line: ©2022 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

End slate should either have the Steam logo or no logos at all!

steam-logo-v1.png

Ratings

ESRB

To receive the the most current ESRB logos, icons, and guidelines. Contact the ESRB to request access to the ARC manual. Once you have access, you'll be able to pre-submit trailers to the ESRB to ensure they comply with their guidelines!

ESRB ratings are shown either via a full screen rating or a small icon on the bottom left or right of the screen.


Full screen specs:

(Font is Arial Narrow)

(Font is Arial Narrow)

- Display rating with content descriptors for 2 seconds at start of video
- Must be displayed on solid black, white or gray background
- Rating's height must be no less than 50% of the total vertical height of the video.


Icon specs:

esrb-bug-example.jpg

- Display rating icon on either bottom left or right of the screen
- Rating's height must be no less than 15% of the total vertical height of the video.
- For videos 15 seconds or fewer, display icon for 2 seconds at the start
- For videos 15 seconds or more, display icon for 4 seconds at the start
- If you fade it out, 10 frame fade for 30fps videos, 20 frame fade for 60fps videos.


Animated GIFs

- GIFs 7 seconds or less are not required to show the rating
- GIFs 7 seconds or more require ESRB rating in bottom left or right for first 4 seconds. Must be 15% of the total vertical height of the GIF.


How do you know whether to use a full screen rating or an icon?

- Game trailers with content suitable for a GENERAL AUDIENCE can use either the icon OR full screen rating.
- Game trailers with content not suitable for a general audience rated Teen, Mature or Adults Only must use the full screen rating.
- If you're not sure what qualifies as "suitable for a general audience" consult the ESRB's guide (available once you're given a login), and/or contact the ESRB about a pre-screening. In general, unsuitable content means nudity, blood, graphic violence, people getting shot, choked etc.


FULL SCREEN "RATING PENDING" RULES

Rating Pending games anticipated to be EC, E, or E10+ must display this full screen rating.

Rating Pending games anticipated to be EC, E, or E10+ must display this full screen rating.

Rating Pending games anticipated to be T, M or AO must display this full screen rating.

Rating Pending games anticipated to be T, M or AO must display this full screen rating.


PEGI

To receive the the most current PEGI logos, icons, voiceover, and guidelines. Contact PEGI to request access.

PEGI ratings can be displayed in either of the two options. People favor the full screen version option so that there's no icon in the bottom corner during the trailer.

Full screen logo
- At the beginning of the trailer, the age rating must appear on its own on a black or white background.
- If rating is on a dark background, use PEGI logo with the white border, and for white backgrounds use logo with black border
- Icon must measure no less than 30% of the vertical height of the screen, and appear for a minimum of 1.5 seconds
- Icon must not be modified in any way
- Voiceover used should be in the language of the advertisement.

Icon logo
- Icon must be displayed during all gameplay and pre-rendered CGI game footage & game logo, box art graphics.
- Icon can be left out during console or player footage, partner branding, hardware intros etc.
- Icon must be displayed on bottom lefthand corner at a height of no less than 15% of the screen.
- Icon must not be modified in any way

If you do not have an official PEGI rating yet, then use the rating the game is probably going to be and add “PROVISIONAL” to the bottom (Arial Narrow)

If you do not have an official PEGI rating yet, then use the rating the game is probably going to be and add “PROVISIONAL” to the bottom (Arial Narrow)


PHEW! Hopefully this works out for you, and your trailers get approved!

Again, if you run into problems, please contact me with problem you encountered, and the solution that got your trailer submission accepted.

ResourcesDerek Lieu2017