I. Formats and sizes (existing posts)

Each platform (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok) has its own specifications / ad placements to ensure optimal performance of your campaigns. Here's a guide to make sure your content complies with the guidelines for placements selected by Ctrl+Reach.

Instagram

Square post

• Dimensions: 1080 x 1080 px
• Ratio: 1:1
• Size: <100 MB

Story or Reel :

• Dimensions : 1080 x 1920 px
• Ratio : 9:16
• Size: <100 MB

Landscape video (In-Feed) :

• Dimensions : 1920 x 1080 px
• Ratio : 16:9
• Maximum length: 90 seconds for Reels, 60 seconds for Stories.
• Size: <100 MB

Facebook

Post video :

• Dimensions : 1080 x 1920 px
• Ratio : 9:16
• Maximum length: 240 minutes for long videos, but favor short formats for engagement.
• Size: <100 MB

Story :

• Dimensions : 1080 x 1920 px
• Ratio : 9:16
• Maximum length: 15 seconds per story.
• Size: <100 MB

YouTube

Horizontal video (pré-roll, in-stream) :

• Dimensions : 1920 x 1080 px
• Ratio : 16:9
• Size: <100 MB

Vertical video (Shorts):

• Dimensions : 1080 x 1920 px
• Ratio : 9:16
• Size: <100 MB

II. Dark / Ghost post: when and why to use it?

What is a dark post?

A dark post (Meta or TikTok) is an advertisement created specifically for a campaign and which does not appear publicly on your profile or page. Unlike a classic post, it's invisible to your subscribers your feed, except those directly targeted by the campaign.
It's often used to test or target specific audiences without impacting your organic content.

When should you use a dark post?

To test multiple ad contents (A/B Test): You can create several variations of a campaign (images, videos, text) and analyze which ones work best without cluttering up your public profile.

To target specific audiences: If you want to tailor your message to a specific audience (for example, different age groups or areas), a dark post is ideal.

To avoid confusion with your organic posts: If the content of your campaign differs from your usual editorial line, the dark post lets you promote it without making it public on your page.

For international or multilingual campaigns: Create country- or language-specific versions without flooding your profile with multiple publications.

For temporary or specific promotions: If you're proposing a limited offer or targeting a particular event, the dark post is perfect for targeted, temporary visibility.

 How do I create a dark post with Ctrl+Reach?

• In the “Create a campaign” tab, select the desired objective.

• Configure your targeting and advertising settings.

• In the “Content” section, select the “Dark Post” option, then “Import content”.
• Upload the video or image you wish to use.
• Add a caption

• Launch the campaign: your dark post will be visible only for the targeted audience.

III. Optimize my content for a campaign

Optimizing your videos or images is essential to maximize the impact of your advertising campaigns. Here are our best practices to ensure optimal performance:

Respect technical specifications

Each platform has its own requirements. Here are the key points:
Recommended file formats :

• Video : MP4 ou MOV (compression H.264, audio AAC).
• Image : JPG ou PNG.

Ideal resolutions:

• Stories/Reels : 1080 x 1920 px (ratio 9:16).
• Feed : 1080 x 1080 px (ratio 1:1) ou 1080 x 1350 px (ratio 4:5).

Maximum file size :

• Video : 4 Go.
• Image : 30 Mo.

Create eye-catching visuals

• Put forward a clear message: The image or video should capture attention from the very first seconds.
• Avoid cluttered elements: Leave space so that your message is easy to read.
• Color and contrast: Use colors that stand out and catch the eye.

Add text and subtitles

• Text in videos: Limit to 20% of visual space to avoid an overloaded look.
• Subtitles: Particularly useful for videos that will be viewed without sound.

Avoid common pitfalls

• Poor resolution: A blurred image or pixelated video will have a negative impact.
• Too much text: Keep it concise and to the point.
• Elements hidden by the interface: Check that the platform's buttons or icons don't hide important information.

IV. Recommended content : release campaign (music)

The aim of a release campaign is to attract people by turning the curious into regular listeners. Content is key to a successful release campaign. It must make people want to listen immediately, while reflecting the project's artistic universe.

Recommended content types

Recommendations:

• Duration: 10 to 20 seconds
• Format: Vertical (9:16)
• Catchy extract from a track (chorus or intro).
• Adds text with release date, track name or catchphrase.
• Call to action (CTA).

Here are the contents that work best:

• Clip excerpt: choose a strong or visually impacting moment, with the sound well timed
• Visualizer: if you don't have a clip, an animated visual + audio (with lyrics or simple loop) can work very well
• Live/studio session: short excerpt in studio or acoustic, very effective for authenticity
• Teaser: the artist reacting to his own sound, announcing the release, or staging a situation related to the track.

Creative tips

• Focus on accessibility: Choose musical extracts that are easy to listen to for a wide audience (catchy intro or chorus).
• Use representative visuals: Present the artist's universe through images or videos that highlight his or her musical identity.

Examples of CTAs

Add a clear CTA to your content, tailored to your objective:
"Add to your Spotify library now!"
"Discover [Artist name] on YouTube."
"Listen to our new single here."

Content examples

Release #1

Release #2

V. Recommended content: playlist promotion campaign (music)

The aim of a playlist promotion campaign is to generate listens on a specific playlist (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc.).

The content used must make people want to click on the playlist, discover the universe, and dive in.

Recommended content types

Recommendations

• Vertical (9:16)
• Duration: 10 to 30 seconds
• Integrated text: Playlist name, mood, genres, clear call to action.

Contents

• Multi-artist editing: song excerpts + names of artists in the playlist.
• Dynamic screen capture: scroll through the playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, zooming in on key tracks.
• Animated playlist teaser: dynamic visuals with a sequence of covers, or staging of the playlist theme.

Creative tips

• Be ultra-clear: from the very first seconds, it must be clear that this is a playlist to discover, not a song or a concert.
• Highlight the artists or mood: this is what attracts the most attention (e.g. “Best of new soul”, “Only bangers”, “Rap nuggets 2024”...).

Examples of CTAs

Add a clear CTA to your content, adapted to your objective:

• "Discover the playlist"
• "Your soundtrack of the moment is here"
• "The selection not to be missed"

Content examples

Playlist Promotion Campaign #1

Playlist Promotion Campaign #2

VI. Recommended content: audience growth campaign (music)

The aim of audience growth campaigns is to convert the people reached into subscribers.

Content plays a key role in this conversion: it must reflect the artist's universe, while being clear, engaging and easily understood.

Recommended content types

Recommendations:

• Ideal length: 10 to 30 seconds.
• Vertical format (9:16)
• Add subtitles for soundless viewing.
• Include a call to action (CTA)

Here are the contents that work best:

• Live / performance: live extract or studio session with good audio quality
• Clip extract: only if the message is clear, impactful and adapted to the vertical format
• Universe presentation: video mood, short montage that makes you want to see more
• Face cam: the artist speaks directly to the audience, presents a project or shares a moment of life.

Creative tips

• Highlights your visual identity: Includes logo and uses colors consistent with your branding.
• Starts strong: The first 3 seconds are crucial to capturing attention.
• Add storytelling: Create an emotional connection by telling a story.
• Optimize for mobile: Make sure visuals and text are readable on small screens.

Examples of CTAs

• "Discover our new products"
• "Watch the clip now"
• "Swipe for more details"
• "Join our community"

Content examples

Followers #2

Followers #1

VII. Recommended content: sales campaign (music)

A sales campaign aims to direct your audience in a consistent way, to a specific link (tickets, merch) to increase clicks and conversions. Here are recommendations for optimizing your content, especially for videos and Smartlink.

Recommended content types

Recommendations:

• Vertical (9:16)
• Duration: 10 to 30 min
• Integrated text: Name of artist, title of project related to sale, sale date, clear call to action.

Contents
For ticket sales:

• Aftermovie or live extract: show the atmosphere, the crowd, the energy of your past concerts
• Face cam / artist announcement: “See you on July 12 at La Maroquinerie!”
• Event teaser: line-up, location, date, rhythmic visual effects with call-to-action
• Video contest / limited pre-sales: “First 50 tickets at a discount!”

For merchandise sales :

• Product presentation in situation: someone wearing the t-shirt / hoodie
• Unboxing or focus on details: fabrics, silk-screening, packaging
• Face cam announcement / storytelling: why this collection, what it represents

Creative tips

• Hook from the start: The first 3 seconds are crucial: strong visual or direct message.
• Stay consistent with your world: Colors, tone, style, people should recognize you at a glance.

Smartlink optimization

• Customized visual: Video or artwork by the artist.
• Streaming platforms included: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer.
• Catchy message: "Add to your playlist now!"

Examples of CTAs

Add a clear CTA to your content, tailored to your objective:

• "See you on stage? Click here!"
• "Pre-sale tickets available here"
• "Limited edition tickets - don't miss out"

Content examples

Ticket sale Campaign #1

Ticket sale Campaign #2

Updated on: 13/08/2026