Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT US

What is Studio Resonate? expand_more

We're so glad you asked! Studio Resonate is SXM Media's world-class, audio-first creative consultancy. We've produced hundreds of thousands of digital audio ads for tens of thousands of advertisers, and our expert audio producers and voice-over artists are the engine behind every AdMaker audio ad. Learn more at studioresonate.com.

What is SXM Media? expand_more

SXM Media is a cross-platform digital audio advertising partner that helps advertisers place and manage campaigns across SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher -- as well as the many platforms reachable through the SXM Media Network, including SoundCloud, NBC News and MSNBC Podcasts, and more. All AdMaker ads include a license to run your audio anywhere across your SXM Media buy. Additionally, licenses are available for purchase to run your ad outside SXM Media, with options for all internet streaming, and AM/FM radio broadcast (U.S. only). The base fee for your audio ad includes a license to run it on Pandora and anywhere within your SXM Media buy.

How do I advertise on SXM Media? expand_more

That's a really great question. Learn more about how to find your audience at sxmmedia.com.

AD CREATION

How long does it take to produce an ad? expand_more

Express Ads are delivered next-business day. Deluxe Ads start at two business days, with additional time required if copywriting or additional Studio Resonate creative recommendations are required.

Please note that:
A. Submissions received after 3 p.m. PT will not be processed until the following business day, so orders that require next-day deliver must be submitted before the deadline.
B. If your ad contains restricted content categories or if your script is unclear, our studio team may reach out to you with questions. If that's the case, you can expect your audio ad within 1-2 business days of finalizing your order.

How do I create a great audio ad? expand_more

Our Studio Resonate team has been hard at work for the past decade making hundreds of thousands of world-class digital audio ads, and have learned a ton about what works in digital audio. Have a look at our audio creative best practices.

If you’re considering a single ad to run across streaming and podcast, we recommend keeping things simpler and following podcast creative best practices. Podcast ads typically sound great in a streaming environment, but streaming ads may not sound great in a podcast environment.

CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT - Depending on your audio strategy, your creative might play on different platforms, publishers, and types of content. Make sure your creative is contextually relevant everywhere it will be heard.

USE A CONVERSATIONAL TONE - Today's audio experience is more intimate than ever. Listeners are plugged in to earbuds. Or, at home or in their car. Speak in a relatable and authentic way, like one friend talking to another. Read your script aloud to check length and flow of language.

EMPLOY A CLEAR CALL-TO-ACTION - Tell the listener exactly what to do and why. When directing to a URL, be simple and memorable ("Listen now at Pandora dot com!"). If your ad is being served without a guaranteed companion banner, direct your audience to an action that doesn’t require a "tap" or "click."

USE FORMATTING TO HELP US GET IT RIGHT - CAPITALIZE Words you think should be emphasized. Spell out any numbers you want read a certain way (i.e. "twenty twenty-two" or "two thousand twenty-two").

MIND YOUR SCRIPT LENGTH - Packing too much copy into an audio ad leads to a sped-up, often robotic-sounding read. We recommend about 70 words for a :30 ad, and 35 words for a :15 ad, but word count isn’t a very precise measurement, so it’s always best to read your script out loud to a stopwatch.

Can I request multiple ads within a single order? expand_more

Yes. When you create an AdMaker order, you'll have the option to add multiple ads to the same order, allowing you to include all of them within a single transaction.

However, keep in mind that all ads within a single order must be approved or canceled in order to download your ad for use. If you know that you'll need separate launch dates and approval timelines, we recommend splitting your ads into separate orders.

Can I make any changes to my ad(s) after I’ve submitted my order? expand_more

We don't want to jinx it, but our expert team of producers pride themselves on delivering ready-to-run audio the first time around. But we get it. Sometimes changes happen.

When you receive your audio ad for review, you'll have the options to approve, request a revision, or cancel your order.All AdMaker ads include one round of revisions at no charge, but multiple rounds of revision may incur additional production fees, to be confirmed by Studio Resonate before producing any cost-incurring revisions.

How does my ad get made? expand_more
Draft Your ad is still missing details and has not been sent to our studio team yet. You can make any changes you’d like before submitting.
Under Review Your order is being reviewed by our creative team. We’ll let you know if we have any questions before we produce it. We cannot accept any changes once your order is Under Review.
In Production Your ad is being created! We’ll let you know when it’s ready to review.
Approval Required Your ad is ready for you to review and approve! Take a listen!
Revision Your ad is being revised according to your feedback. We’ll let you know when it’s ready for review.
Complete Your ad is ready to be downloaded.
Expired The license for your ad has expired. Once your ad expires, a new order is required for future campaigns.
Canceled You no longer want the ad. We’re sorry to see you go! If you have any feedback for us, please let us know at support@admaker.com.

Can I use my AdMaker ad outside of my SXM Media campaign

All AdMaker ads include a license to use within your SXM Media campaign. That said, if you’d like to use your ad outside of SXM Media, off-platform licenses are available for purchase to use across all internet streaming and/or AM/FM broadcast in the U.S. only.

Why do I need to set a license start date for my audio ad? expand_more

Once your audio ad is approved, AdMaker will deliver you the MP3 file for you to use within the license terms you’ve selected. You don’t need your ad to run immediately once it’s delivered, but you must set a future start date. Please note that you may only run your AdMaker ad within the timeframe and scope you selected under the Duration of Use and Platform(s) for your order. See the AdMaker Terms of Use for more details.

CREATIVE TIPS

  • CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT - Depending on your audio strategy, your creative might play on different platforms, publishers, and types of content. Make sure your creative is contextually relevant everywhere it will be heard.

  • USE A CONVERSATIONAL TONE - Today's audio experience is more intimate than ever. Listeners are plugged in to earbuds. Or, at home or in their car. Speak in a relatable and authentic way, like one friend talking to another. Read your script aloud to check length and flow of language.

  • EMPLOY A CLEAR CALL-TO-ACTION - Tell the listener exactly what to do and why. When directing to a URL, be simple and memorable ("Listen now at Pandora dot com!"). If your ad is being served without a guaranteed companion banner, direct your audience to an action that doesn’t require a "tap" or "click."

  • USE FORMATTING TO HELP US GET IT RIGHT - CAPITALIZE Words you think should be emphasized. Spell out any numbers you want read a certain way (i.e. "twenty twenty-two" or "two thousand twenty-two").

  • MIND YOUR SCRIPT LENGTH - Packing too much copy into an audio ad leads to a sped-up, often robotic-sounding read. We recommend about 75 words for a :30 ad, and 36 words for a :15 ad, but word count isn’t a very precise measurement, so it’s always best to read your script out loud to a stopwatch.

PAYMENT

How much will my audio ad cost? expand_more

For SXM Media advertisers, your media buy will include an allocation of Free Ads available to you at no cost. Additional Express Ads can be purchased for $250, and additional Deluxe Ads can be purchased for $500.

If you select to purchase an off-platform license to use your ad across other publishers, the exact cost will depend on the specifics of your ad, which you will be able to see within your AdMaker order. Factors that impact fees include duration of your campaign, number of voices in the ad, whether your ad includes music, and whether you need internet streaming or AM/FM broadcast use.

What payment types are available? expand_more

AdMaker accepts major credit cards for payment.

If you've previously established an advertising account with SXM Media, you're also able to pay by invoice.

Can I get a refund? expand_more

Once an audio ad is approved and available for download, all fees are non-refundable. If you'd like to cancel your order before approving and downloading, a cancellation fee may apply.

OTHER QUESTIONS

Where can I ask other AdMaker questions I can’t find on this page? expand_more

We’re here to help!

  • If you’re a SXM Media advertiser and have questions about your media plan, please reach out to your account team.

  • If you’re unable to answer your question from this FAQ or you’d like to report any issues with the website, please email the AdMaker team directly at support@admaker.com.

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