Start with the destination and the actual file
A listing slot, a social feed and a buyer message are different destinations. Write down the actual placement before choosing an export. The standard AI Car Video brief is a vertical 9:16 MP4 of about 20 seconds. The public examples have different lengths and resolutions; inspect your own delivered sample rather than treating every demo as a file specification.
Use shape and dimensions as separate checks
| Item | What it tells you | Useful check |
|---|---|---|
| 9:16 | Portrait shape | For example 1080×1920 or 720×1280 |
| 16:9 | Landscape shape | A different export, not a second standard deliverable |
| MP4 | File container | Open the delivered file in the actual publishing workflow |
| Duration | Running time | Read the player/file details, then check the destination limit |
Changing a shape can remove part of the photographed car or leave empty space. A wide export needs an intentional layout, not a stretched portrait file. Have a different aspect ratio, resolution or length confirmed before ordering it.
What belongs in a useful specification
Include the stock reference, output shape, intended destination, caption text, vehicle price currency, distance unit and contact line. Say whether the destination needs an uploaded MP4 or a hosted-video link. Ask whether the content itself is accepted: a portal that requires a continuous recorded walkaround may reject a photo-built trailer even if the file dimensions are correct.
YouTube Shorts and hosted listing links
YouTube states that square or vertical videos up to three minutes uploaded after 15 October 2024 are categorised as Shorts on standard channels. That classification is separate from whether a vehicle portal accepts a particular YouTube link. Replacing the text in a copied link does not change the underlying video shape or prove portal acceptance.
YouTube’s current explanation of Shorts classification describes the platform rule. For a UK advert, read the Auto Trader Vehicle Video terms and check your own dealer agreement.
Check text and framing on a phone
Play the downloaded sample on a phone. Pause on the model, price and end card; text should remain readable without covering a relevant vehicle detail. Check the first and last frames, because interfaces can cover the top or bottom of a social video. A readable preview on the order page does not replace checking the final upload.
Resolve a mismatch before publishing
If a file does not fit the intended destination, record the actual width, height and duration and send the requirement with the stock reference. If an image or fact is wrong, identify the shot and the correct source. Keep format requests separate from factual corrections so the next action is clear.
Continue with this vehicle
Check the source-photo brief before sending material, then use the prepaid package calculator for the actual batch.
Review the sample against your source.