How to Set Up Netflix Ads: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Watch the full video: How to Set Up Netflix Ads: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Netflix Ads Are Here — And You Set Them Up Through Microsoft

Netflix advertising is now accessible to a much broader range of advertisers, and the setup happens entirely within the Microsoft Ads dashboard. If you already have a Microsoft Ads account, you’re most of the way there.

Here’s a complete walkthrough of how to create your first Netflix ad campaign.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Create a New Campaign

Log into your Microsoft Ads account and click to create a new campaign. You can skip the guided setup and go straight to the campaign type selection.

2. Select Premium Streaming — Netflix

Choose Premium Streaming as the campaign type, then select Netflix as the platform. Next, choose the duration of your video ad. Options typically include 15-second and 30-second spots.

3. Configure Your Targeting

Netflix ads are CPM-based (cost per thousand impressions) — you’re paying for impressions, not clicks. You have several targeting options to narrow your audience:

• Age — Target specific age ranges (e.g., 35+). Selecting age filters will adjust your CPM accordingly. In our example, targeting 35+ showed a CPM of $28.75.
• Supply networks — Choose which Netflix inventory networks you want your ads to appear on. Click into the options to see a full breakdown of available networks.
• Location — Target specific geographic areas, down to the state or metro level.

4. Create Your Ad

This is where you’ll add your video creative and any companion text. A critical note here: Netflix and Microsoft have strict creative requirements for video ads. Videos must meet specific parameters around format, resolution, content, and compliance — and many submissions get rejected on the first attempt.

Make sure your video meets all the technical and content specifications before uploading. Rejected videos get flagged immediately, so you’ll know right away if there’s an issue.

5. Set Location Targeting and Campaign Name

Add your geographic targets at the campaign level (e.g., California) and give your campaign a clear, descriptive name — something like “Netflix — California” so it’s easy to identify in your account.

6. Set Your Schedule and Budget

Choose your start and end dates for the campaign. Then set your daily budget with an important caveat: Netflix ads require a minimum daily budget of $25. At the time of this recording, the minimum CPM bid was $27.50, though this may change over time.

7. Review and Launch

Review your campaign settings, targeting, creative, and budget. Once everything looks good, click Go Live and your Netflix ad campaign is active.

What to Know Before You Start

• CPM pricing only — No CPC option. You’re paying for visibility, not clicks.
• Strict creative approval — Plan for potential rejections and have your video specs dialed in before uploading.
• Minimum daily budget — Currently $25/day, but check current requirements as these can change.
• Microsoft Ads account required — All Netflix ad management happens through the Microsoft Ads platform.

Key Takeaways

• Netflix ads are accessible through Microsoft Ads and relatively straightforward to set up
• Targeting options include age, supply network, and location
• Budget minimums and strict creative guidelines are the main barriers to be aware of
• This is a brand awareness play — CPM-based, focused on premium streaming inventory

Interested in testing Netflix ads or other streaming platforms for your brand? Book a call and let’s explore whether it’s the right fit.