Digital Signage

Thank you for your interest in advertising on JHU’s digital signage network!

We are currently in the process of upgrading the network, and will be introducing a new digital signage platform for Homewood campus soon. Many of our existing screens will be offline while we replace hardware and prepare to launch an improved online experience for submitting and sharing content; we currently have a limited number of screens active in key locations, and can accept requests for digital ads on a limited basis.

Please continue to check this page for updates, and thank you for your patience!

Submit an ad for consideration

If you have an ad you would like to see appear on digital signage, please email [email protected] and provide the following information:

  • Your name and JHU affiliation
  • Your digital signage ad (either an attached file or hyperlinked in the body of your email). Your ad should meet the eligibility and design guidelines listed below.
  • Requested run dates (please submit your ad no later than two business days before your requested start date).

Eligibility

  • JHU affiliates are invited to submit digital signage ads on behalf of university-affiliated organizations, departments, offices, programs, and/or initiatives. Ads for student-run programs or events must be associated with a Registered Student Organization. The digital signage network is not open to non-affiliates (e.g., local businesses, national organizations, or corporate sponsors).
  • Ad content should be relevant to students on the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus. .
  • Only one ad will be accepted per event, program, or initiative.
  • Ads must be submitted at least two business days prior to the requested posting date; ads submitted closer to their requested posting date are not guaranteed to run on the scheduled requested. Once approved, an ad will run for two weeks OR until the advertised event date, if applicable.
  • The digital signage network cannot accept ads submitted more than two weeks prior to the requested posting date.
  • Student Affairs Communications reserves the right to remove or refuse any ad that does not adhere to these guidelines or is deemed inappropriate or irrelevant to Homewood students. JHU will notify the submitter so that, if possible, they may change and resubmit the ad.

Best Practices for Designing Your Ad

  • Your ad should be landscape-oriented and sized 1280 x 720 pixels (or larger while still preserving a 16:9 aspect ratio).
  • Accepted image file types are jpg / .jpeg, .png, .gif, or .svg. Accepted video file types are .mp4 OR a YouTube video URL.
  • Static ads comprised of multiple slides may not exceed four slides. Video ads must not exceed 30 seconds in length.
  • Video content will be muted by default. If a video ad contains narration or other spoken dialogue, captions must be added to the video file prior to uploading or enabled on YouTube if submitting a video link.
  • Choose background and text colors that are in high contrast to each other, to ensure readability for all viewers. You can use a contrast checker to ensure your selections are accessible.
  • Text should be large enough so that your message is legible from a distance. Try to limit text to a headline, one or two lines of descriptive text, and call-to-action language that directs viewers to where they can find more information, as shown in this example:
    A sample digital signage adRemember that your ad does not need to include a full description of the event or program it’s advertising; instead, viewers should be instructed to visit a URL or scan a QR code to see all the information that doesn’t fit in your ad.
  • Avoid including URLs unless they are concise and easily remembered (e.g., studentaffairs.jhu.edu).
  • Use clear, concise language that’s easily understood. Avoid using acronyms that some viewers may not recognize.
  • If your ad incorporates official JHU logos and/or brand marks, it must comply with university brand guidelines.

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