Clock Number - What/How/Adding
Find out what a clock number means and how they’re allocated
A clock number is a unique alphanumeric identification number. It identifies an advertisement and its creators or source (usually an advertising agency).
The number is used from when we clear an ad, right through to when the ad is transmitted — and subsequent reporting.
What is a clock number and how do I get one?
A clock number consists of several groups of letters or numbers, each providing specific information. Here's a breakdown for short-form and long-form ads:
Short-form clock number format:
AAA/BBBB123/456
- The first three letters of the clock number must be your Agency Code. This will be created and sent to you by Clearcast after registering with us.
- The middle section of the clock number is made up of four letters followed by three numbers, determined by you. The four letters must be something relevant to either the agency, client, or product. For the three numbers use ‘001’ for your first ad submitted to us, ‘002’ for your next one, etc. If preferred, you can use your own internal numbering, please ensure it’s three digits.
- The last three digits should be the duration of the ad so for example, a 30-second ad will be ‘030’.
Long-form clock number format:
AAA/BBBB12/3456
- The first three letters of the clock number must be your Agency Code. This will be created and sent to you by Clearcast after registering with us.
- The middle section of the clock number is made up of four letters followed by two numbers. This section is created by you. The four letters must be something relevant to either the agency, client or product. For the two numbers use ‘01’ for your first ad submitted to us, ‘02’ for your next one etc. If preferred you can use your own internal numbering, please ensure it’s two digits.
- The last four digits should be the duration of the ad so for example, a 30-minute ad will be converted into seconds = ‘1800’ or a 15-minute will '0900'.
This clock number must be clearly displayed on screen whilst the countdown clock counts down.
Who creates clock numbers?
Agencies or advertisers are responsible for making up the clock number, but we allocate the agency code in the clock number.
When submitting material through The Library, your agency code and the last last three or four digits are automatically populated in your submission metadata. This is because the system will already know the agency you're submitting on behalf of after already creating the campaign, and once you enter the duration of your ad, the system will translate that into the final digits as a time period. This automation streamlines the process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
