Skip to main content

Guide: General File vs General Asset vs Required Assets

Understanding Files, Required Assets & General Assets

A
Written by Avid Admin
Updated this week

Read Time: 3 minutes

IN THIS ARTICLE


What Is This Guide For?

This guide is for users of Campaign Manager who need to upload, manage, or validate campaign media. It explains the difference between files, general assets, and required assets, and helps you understand where to upload each type during the campaign process.

What’s the Difference Between a File and an Asset?

In Campaign Manager, you'll come across two types of uploads—files and assets—each serving different purposes in the campaign lifecycle.

Files

Files are uploads used for collaboration, planning, or reference purposes. They are not linked to a product and do not go through system validation.

Examples include:

  • Briefing documents

  • Strategy decks or PDFs

  • Reference images or creative inspiration

  • Google Drive or Dropbox links

Files can be added at any time and live in the Files Tab of your campaign.

Assets

Assets are media uploads directly associated with campaign content. They can be uploaded against a product or flexible for the campaign and may undergo validation depending on the product setup.

Asset examples:

  • Images (e.g. hero banners, thumbnails)

  • Video (e.g. trailers, reels)

  • Audio (e.g. podcasts, voiceovers)

What Are General Assets?

General assets are flexible media files used throughout the campaign and content pieces.

  • Not product-dependent: You can upload general assets even if they’re not linked to a product.

  • No validation required: These assets won’t be checked for format, specs, or quality.

  • Use case: Upload multiple image options for consideration, share preview videos, or store alternative audio clips for internal review.

You can also optionally link general assets to a product—but they won’t be subject to validation.

What Are Required Assets?

Required assets are tied to a specific product in your media plan and must meet pre-set validation rules.

  • Validation is mandatory: File type, size, dimensions, and quality must meet the product’s specifications.

  • Enforced by Workspace Owners: Validation rules are turned on at the product level via the Product Form.

  • System-enforced checks: If a required asset fails, users are prompted to re-upload a compliant version.

Required assets help ensure consistent, campaign-ready creative that meets platform specs without back-and-forth.

Where to Upload Files and Assets

You can upload media in three main areas:

1. Campaign Briefing Form

  • Click Upload File to attach general files (e.g. briefs, PDFs

  • Click Upload Asset to add campaign media (e.g. image, video)

  • Drag and drop or browse

  • Click Upload to save

2. Files Tab

  • Open the Files tab in your campaign

  • Use:

    • Upload File for documents and links

    • Upload Asset for product content

  • To add shared links:

    • Click Add Link with Shared Assets

    • Provide a title + URL

3. Content Plan

  • Products with validation: Upload assets directly to trigger checks

  • Products without validation: Upload freely as general assets

Only assets attached to a product will be validated. Standalone uploads remain general.


Need more help?

Contact PubSuite Support via the chatbot button located in the lower-right corner of your screen

Did this answer your question?