Sponsored screensaver

Sponsored Screensaver is a full-screen ad placement integrated with the original landscape image screensaver experience on Fire TV.

Experience overview

After a period of inactivity, Fire TV shows a screensaver that is led by full screen promotional images. Each image shows for 30 seconds. Customers can view more details of the ad by pressing the Play or Pause button on their remote controls. They can also use the left or right buttons to browse other promotions and screensaver images. After all ads have been shown, landscape images are displayed for the remainder of the screensaver session.

Creative guidelines

Creative components

A Screensaver ad requires two custom components: a logo image and a background image. A translucent overlay will apply to a background image automatically, dimming the left half of the image for more contrast between the creative’s background image and logo image.

Screensaver ad example showing the logo image and the background image

Asset specifications

Creative componentRaw asset requirement*Final file requirement
Background imageDimensions: 1920 x 1080 px or bigger
Format: PSD (High-quality and layered)
Dimensions: 1920 x 1080 px
Max. file weight: 450 kb
Format: JPG (baseline)
Logo imageDimension: 640 x 360 px or bigger
Format: PSD (High-quality and layered),
AI, EPS or SVG
Dimensions: 640 x 360 px
Max. file weight: 450 kb
Format: PNG

* Raw assets are mandatory. See our full Asset Checklist.

Ad content restrictions

In order to make sure people of all ages have the best experience possible on their Fire TV, we work with our clients to run ads that are appropriate for all audiences. All Fire TV ad content must conform to Amazon’s Creative Acceptance guidelines and Fire TV Guidelines and Acceptance Policies. Amazon requires that advertisers review their content with these guidelines in mind before submitting.

Background images

Safe zone

The green area is the safe zone for the background image of a Screensaver ad. Keep essential elements (e.g. the head of a key character) inside the safe zone so they don’t get cropped by zooming effects or covered by the dark overlay.

Example of a safe zone for the background image in a Screensaver ad.
Example of a background image of a Screensaver ad without overlay.

Without overlay

Example of background image of a Screensaver ad with overlay.

With overlay

Final file requirements

Dimensions: 1920 x 1080 px
Format: JPEG
Maximum file size: 450KB

Examples
Example of a background image for Screensaver ad.
Example of a background image for Screensaver ad.
Example of a background image for Screensaver ad.
Example of a background image for Screensaver ad.
Example of a background image for Screensaver ad.
Example of a background image for Screensaver ad.
Guidelines
  • Background image should look clear on a high-definition television (HDTV); don't include upscaled images; image retouching is photorealistic; avoid defects in gradients, shadows and perspective.
  • ✔ Do:
    Screensaver – Approved
    Screensaver – Not approved
    ✘ Do not:
    Screensaver – Not approved
    Screensaver – Approved
  • Imagery should be engaging, enticing customers with key characters of the content or exciting elements from the product.
    • For entertainment ads: Use imagery that features the content that’s being promoted.
    • For non-entertainment ads: Use imagery that communicates a story about the advertised brand, products, services or promotional events to viewers. Make sure the subject of the background image matches the ad copy used in the logo image.
      • Physical products: Imagery should show the advertised product, customer using the product, or be brand focused.
      • Service products: Imagery should show customer using the service or the amenity that’s being advertised, or be brand focused.
      • Brand focused: Brand-focused imagery should feature branded characters (e.g. brand mascots, ambassadors or characters from brand’s commercials), show brand events (e.g. a trail day event from an outdoor product company), or include branded illustrations. Brand-focused imagery must communicate a clear brand story, or a brand’s products or services. Imagery that doesn’t provide context to the ad (e.g. generic patterns and graphics) is not allowed.

      ✔ Approved

      Background image – Approved

      This creative shows the advertised product.

      ✔ Approved

      Background image – Not approved

      This creative shows a customer is using the advertised product.

      ✔ Approved

      Background image – Approved

      This creative shows a customer is using the advertised service.

      ✔ Approved

      Background image – Not approved

      This creative shows the context (an aeroplane) of the advertised service.

      ✔ Approved

      Background image – Approved

      This creative features the brand’s mascots.

      ✔ Approved

      Background image – Not approved

      This creative shows imagery that features an event sponsored by the brand.

      ✔ Approved

      Background image – Approved

      This creative shows branded illustrations that provides context for the brand’s products.

      ✘ Not approved

      Background image – Not approved

      Why? The illustration in this creative looks generic and doesn’t help articulate a brand story.

  • Ensure that the focal point (e.g. key subjects or character heads) of a background image is inside the green safe zone.
  • Ensure that there is sufficient open space to the left side of the background image, which is where the logo image is overlaid.
  • ✔ Do:
    Screensaver – Approved
    ✘ Do not:
    Screensaver – Not approved
  • Fill the safe zone with the key subject of the background image as much as possible. Make sure that the composition looks balanced; avoid cut-off key subjects and very large faces.
  • ✔ Do:
    Screensaver – Approved

    The key subject fills the safe zone and looks balanced.

    ✘ Do not:
    Screensaver – Not approved

    The key subject is too small.

    ✔ Do:
    Screensaver – Approved

    The key subject fills the safe zone and looks balanced.

    ✘ Do not:
    Screensaver – Not approved

    The face is too big, and it will be cut off when this creative appears on TV.

  • Use a single image asset that extends all the way to the edge of a background image (full bleed). The following scenarios are also allowed when meeting our requirements:
    • A single image that’s not big enough to fill the background image: The image asset should fill at least the right half (50%) of the background image with no gaps around the edges, while additional visual treatment can be added on the left side of the background image to fill the empty space. Avoid a straight division (vertical line) between the image asset and the additional visual treatment.
    • ✔ Approved

      Background image – Approved
      Background image – Approved

      ✘ Not approved

      Background image – Approved
      Background image – Approved
      Background image – Approved
    • Multiple images need to show in one image: The combined image should have an edge-to-edge background that situates the image assets. The composition of a combined image should be balanced and prioritise the key subjects from the image assets. Avoid using plain background or visual treatment that has no association with the image assets.
    • ✔ Approved

      Background image – Approved
      Background image – Approved

      ✘ Not approved

      Background image – Approved
      Background image – Approved
  • A TV screen must not be inside the safe zone.
  • ✔ Do:
    Screensaver – Approved
    ✘ Do not:
    Screensaver – Not approved
  • Don’t use high-contrast patterns. A contrast ratio of 5:1 or lower is strongly recommended.
  • ✔ Do:
    Screensaver – Approved
    ✘ Do not:
    Screensaver – Not approved
  • Don’t use imagery with predominantly white or light backgrounds that are harsh on eyes and don’t provide enough contrast for UI elements. Brightness and/or saturation should be reduced if such backgrounds are used.
  • ✔ Approved

    Background image – Approved

    ✘ Not approved

    Background image – Not approved
  • Don’t add text or logos to the background image. (This doesn’t apply to content rating label, legal text or multi-title creative, or text and logos that exist organically in the background image, such as on product packaging or on a backdrop in a news room.)
  • ✔ Approved

    Background image – Approved

    ✘ Not approved

    Background image – Not approved

    Why? The background image has an added logo in it.

  • Don’t include the translucent overlay when exporting the background image.

Safe zone

Example of safe zone for the logo image in a Screensaver ad.
Final file requirements

Dimensions: 640 x 360 px
Format: JPEG
Maximum file size: 450KB

Examples
Logo examples

A logo image contains the following elements:

Example of logo elements
NumberLogo elementsWhat does it mean?Limitation
1Logo(s)A content tile logo, a brand logo or a content provider logo.If included, content title logos must have the highest visual priority.
2Ad copy
(optional)
CTA text, brand tagline, additional ad copy or a disclosure.Text length is subject to the maximum lines allowed in the logo lockup (five lines including all text and logos).

Up to two words (15 characters for JP) for disclosure text. (Disclosure longer than two words should be placed in the background image.)
3Content rating label
(if applicable)
The rating of the content title being advertised.Required for content rated for 12/13 years and older.
Guidelines
  • Only include necessary information in the logo lockup. Up to five lines of logo and text are allowed, as it helps maintain a clear visual hierarchy of the logo lockup.
  • Keep the logo lockup left aligned and vertically centred.
  • ✔ Do:
    Approved logo images
    ✘ Do not:
    Not approved logo images
  • When a content title logo is included, it should have the highest visual priority when compared to other logo elements. For example, the content title logo is in a brighter colour or bigger size than other logos and text.
  • All logos must be legible: the primary text of a logo should be at least 24 pt (Arial regular or equivalent size). Otherwise, the smallest text of a logo should be at least 14 pt.
  • The logo image must contrast well with the background image; a minimum 3:1 contrast ratio is required.
  • Don’t duplicate logos or text copy. (This doesn’t apply to logos or text that exist organically in the background image.)
  • A trademark symbol is discouraged and will be removed by default.

Ad copy

  • Ad copy should be clear, direct, accurate and understandable to the average customer.
  • Avoid end punctuation.
  • Maximum font size for prices is 48 pt (Arial regular or equivalent size).
  • All text should be at least 24 pt (Arial regular or equivalent size).
  • Do not include “fine print”, copyright statements or legal symbols.
  • For entertainment ads, use a recommended CTA whenever possible.
  • CTA text must:
    • Communicate the action that the customer is expected to take.
    • Reflect customer experience on the landing page.
    • Start with a verb.
    • Be at least 28 pt.
    • Not be used to message an offer (e.g. “Save $5”).
  • Disclaimer text
    • Subscription required – If the content promoted requires an additional paid subscription beyond a Prime Video subscription, this must be made explicit in the creative by one of the following methods:
      • Within the call-to-action text: “Watch with a subscription”, “Subscribe to watch now” etc.
      • As legal text within the creative: “Subscription required”, etc.
      • Within the Call-to-Action text plus legal text: “Watch with seven-day free trial” plus additional legal text “Restrictions apply” etc.
    • Rent/Buy – If the content promoted requires payment to rent/buy/purchase the app or piece of content, this must be made explicit in the creative.
      • Within the call-to-action text: “Buy or Rent on Prime Video”, “Available to Rent”, “Available to Buy”, “Own it today”, “Stream with Purchase”, “Prime Member Deal”, “Watch now [+ Prime Video Cinema logo lockup]”, etc.
    • Standard guidelines for call to action text apply.
  • Claims and substantiation: follow guidance for Claims and Substantiation.

All ad copy (including disclosure) in Screensaver creatives should meet creative acceptance policies when applicable.

Content rating labels

Safe zone

A content rating label can be placed either in the blue safe zone on the background image or in the logo image. A content rating label is required for content rated for 12/13 years and older when the ad drives directly to a video or a page where video is featured.

Content rating safe zone
Example of content rating safe zone
Examples
Example of content rating safe zone
Example of content rating safe zone
Guidelines
  • Use the content rating labels provided in the PSD template.
  • Ensure that content rating labels are legible. For example, adjust the background image or the colour of the rating label when necessary; and avoid applying drop-shadow effects to the rating label.
  • Ensure that the content rating label reflects the rating of the content title or app being advertised.
  • Use the default position of a content label when placing it in the background image.

Safe zone

Example of a safe zone for the legal text in a Screensaver ad.

Legal text such as copyright statements and legal symbols will be removed by default. If legal text is used, adhere to the following requirements:

  • Place legal text in the blue safe zone on the background image.
  • Do not stack legal text with a rating label. Place legal text on the left side of the content rating label (if applicable).
  • Use 14 pt font.
  • Keep up to two lines of text.
  • Legal text must not overflow the safe zone.
Example
Example of legal text in a Screensaver ad.
Example of legal text in a Screensaver ad.
Multi-title creative
What is a multi-title creative?

A creative’s logo lockup includes two or more content title names/logos, or its background image includes key arts from two or more content titles. A multi-title creative can include up to three content titles.

A Multi-title creative should promote:

  • A streaming service or app that is available on Fire TV (e.g. Freetime Unlimited, Netflix or Sling TV).
  • Film titles in series (e.g. Smurf and Smurf 2; Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3). Multiple seasons of a TV series will count as a single title following general creative guidelines.
  • A collection of content titles (e.g. “Scary good films”, “Festive films” or “Family film night”).

Multi-title creatives should adhere to the following guidelines in addition to general creative guidelines for Screensaver ads.

Multi-title creative background image

The background image of a multi-title creative should follow general guidelines except that multi-title creative allows content title logos/name copy to be in the background image. Visual treatment should follow the below requirements:

✔ Do:
Example of multi-title creative background image

Combine multiple full-bleed key arts in one image.

✔ Do:
Image with characters from multiple content titles in one image.

Place characters from multiple content titles in one image.

✘ Do not:
Example of multi-title creative in multiple box arts in the same background image

Don’t place multiple box arts in
the same background image.

Multi-title creative content title logo

If the goal of a creative is to promote a streaming service/app, it is OK to omit the title names. If the goal is to promote the content titles, the title names must be visible on the creative.

Included:
Multi title creative – approved
Not included:
Multi title creative – not approved

Title names can be placed in the logo lockup if all titles are from the same series and the background image is showing common characters from these titles.

Example 1 of same series multi title
Example 2 of same series multi title

When titles are independent from each other, place the title names in the background image. Make sure that each title name is close to the corresponding key arts.

✔ Do:
Example of multi-title, approved
✘ Do not:
Example of multi-title, not approved

Depending on visual treatment, title names can be in either text format or logo format. Title names must be:

  • Legible (minimum font size: 24 pt Arial regular or equivalent)
  • Consistent in format within the same creative (all logos or all text)
  • Inside the background image’s green safe zone
Multi-title creative content rating

If the creative is promoting content titles, show the rating of the content title that is rated most restrictively. For example, if a creative is featuring two titles, one is rated R and the other is rated PG-13, show the R label in the creative.

Sequential messaging (US only)
Guidelines
  1. When running screensaver sequential messaging campaigns, three screensaver ads will be shown one after the other from the same content provider.
  2. The ads must follow standard screensaver specs and guidelines.
  3. Each ad must function on its own as a unique screensaver ad and not require customers to have seen two or three of the ads in order to understand what is being promoted.
  4. The background image for the three creatives must be unique. The screensaver must not repeat the same background image, as this can feel like a broken CX when the screensaver transitions from one slide to another.
  5. The logo image may be identical across all three creatives, or it may change and include different content/messaging (e.g. taglines, actor’s names, award nominations etc.)
  6. The click-through destination across all three creatives can be either:
    • Identical (e.g. all three creatives link to the same video detail page)
    • Unique: for cases where each ad has its own landing page (e.g. creative promotes an app and ad one links to the Comedies page, ad two links to the Dramas page, ad three links to the Kid’s Series page).
✔ Do:
Sequential messaging – approved
✘ Do not:
Sequential messaging – not approved

Why?

The background image for the three creatives must be unique. The screensaver must not repeat the same background image, as this can feel like a broken CX when the screensaver transitions from one slide to another.

✔ Do:
Sequential messaging – approved
✘ Do not:
Sequential messaging – not approved

Why?

  1. Creatives must follow standard screensaver specs and guidelines. The logo image in the first two ads must contain a content tile logo, a brand logo or a content provider logo.
  2. Each ad must function on its own as a unique screensaver ad and not require customers to have seen two or three of the ads in order to understand what is being promoted.
✔ Do:
Sequential messaging – approved
Sponsorships (US only)

Screensaver

Sponsorship – Screensaver

Landing page

Sponsorship – Landing Page
Background image
  • Creative must focus on a single title (multi-title creative is currently not supported for screensaver sponsorship campaigns).
  • Standard guidelines for rating labels apply.
Logo image

Standard guidelines for the logo image apply, but with additional requirements for sponsorship creatives. Do not use more than two logos in the logo image. The logo image must include the following three pieces:

Logo image
  1. Content title logo
  2. Call to action including channel provider in plain text (Amazon Ember Regular)
    • The call to action must indicate if the content is part of a collection that is being sponsored, and the type of collection (e.g. Watch Free Sports Movies on Freevee).
  3. Sponsorship message, sponsor’s logo and rule line
    1. The sponsor’s logo must be all black or all off-white (RGB: 235, 235, 235) and no larger than 250 px by 50 px.
    2. Sponsorship text must be Ember Regular Condensed 30-40 pts, off-white (RGB: 235, 235, 235) and use the following messaging:
      • Limited commercials: “Presented with limited commercials by [sponsor’s logo]”
      • Discounted titles: “Limited time deal brought to you by [sponsor’s logo]”
      • Curated list: “Presented by [sponsor’s logo]”
    3. Rule line is 4px, 50% opacity white

An example of the logo image for sponsorships is available in the PSD template.

Landing page

Landing pages have fewer restrictions and can include more prominent branding from the sponsor advertiser.

Sponsorship – Landing Page
  • For landing pages featuring a carousel, the first title may be owned by the sponsor and link to a commercial for their brand or to a product detail page (for physical products). Videos must follow standard specs and guidelines for Fire TV landing pages.
  • An interstitial video from the sponsored brand is NOT permitted for Feature Rotator sponsorships. Customers must click on the carousel tile in order to launch the sponsor’s video.
  • It is recommended to include the channel logo on the landing page since it is featured as text in the Feature Rotator creative.
Approved/Not Approved
✔ Approved
Sponsorship – Approved
✘ Not Approved
Sponsorship – Not approved
Why?
  1. The logo image must lead with the content title logo (e.g. Outdoors). The sponsor’s logo must be placed below the rule line at the bottom of the logo image.
  2. The sponsor’s logo must be all black or all off-white (RGB: 235, 235, 235) and no larger than 250 px by 50 px.
  3. Call to action must indicate if the content is part of a collection that is being sponsored, and the type of collection (e.g. Watch Free Travel Movies on Freevee).
  4. The channel provider logo (e.g. Freevee) must be shown in plain text (Amazon Ember Regular) in the Screensaver. This prevents the logo image from becoming too busy and creating a “logo sandwich”. It is recommended that you include the channel provider logo on the landing page.
  5. The background image must focus on the single title content being promoted (e.g. Outdoors) and cannot include any imagery or branding from the sponsor.
Locales
North America
  • CA
  • MX
  • US
South America
  • BR
Europe
  • BE
  • DE
  • ES
  • FR
  • IT
  • NL
  • PL
  • SE
  • TR
  • UK
Middle East
  • EG
  • KSA
  • UAE
Asia Pacific
  • AU
  • IN
  • JP
  • SG
Asset checklist
  • Pre-existing standard ad units for reference
  • High-resolution imagery in layered PSD format
  • High-resolution imagery in JPG, TIFF or PNG format (optional)
  • Logos in vector format (PSD, AI, EPS or SVG)
  • Campaign copy
  • Fonts
  • Brand guidelines
  • Click-through URL (if applicable)
  • Content rating (if required)