Overview

We welcome submissions for video, audio and slideshows created by Princeton students, faculty members or staff members that depict academic or campus life. Submitted media will be considered for presentation on princeton.edu, in news stories, the University's YouTube channel and on other websites. Content creators: Please follow the guidelines and procedures that follow.

Scheduling

Contact Danielle Capparella, senior video producer, as early as possible about a planned video submission, with an expected delivery date and the date of any related events, so that we can include your project in our editorial calendar. Please include a brief written summary (one to three sentences) of your video that can be displayed as a summary alongside the video. 

Content Guidelines

Your video should be informative and not promotional in tone. We are seeking videos with content that can be understood by and appeals to a broad general audience. We will not accept works containing profanity or content that violates University policies found in Rights, Rules, Responsibilities. Additionally, as a nonprofit institution, we require that videos appearing on University websites not include commercial logos, messages or URLs directing viewers to external businesses.

When using text to show the name and title of an individual, include proper names rather than abbreviations.

Videos that are approximately three minutes or less in length tend to be viewed more completely than longer videos.

Closed Captioning

Video that appears on princeton.edu must be captioned. You are responsible for providing captions, and we prefer the .srt format. You may use your own tools for adding closed captioning, a paid professional service, or free tools such as the one available through YouTube. The closed captions should identify the speakers each time they speak, and be free from spelling errors.

Copyright & Intellectual Property

Videos created by University employees using University funds or resources are copyrighted to the Trustees of Princeton University. The copyright statement should appear at the end of the video using the current year in the following format:

© 2024 The Trustees of Princeton University

For media to be considered for University websites, you must have created and/or have permission to use all content, including video and still imagery, words and music. You also will need to gain permission if your video includes sets, props, lighting and/or costumes designed by individuals who are not part of the campus community.

You may license music through a clearinghouse; music typically requires obtaining explicit permission from all copyright holders, including holders of lyrics, composition, performance and recording rights. Brief instances of incidental background music in a scene may be acceptable, according to generally agreed-upon fair-use guidelines. Examples of incidental music include a recording made during a performance or sporting event, from which the video producer could not remove the background music.

Alternatives to using copyrighted sound recordings for background music include:

• ambient noise,
• audio that is shared via a Creative Commons license,
• compositions and recordings by friends who grant you permission, and
• music you create yourself.

Appearance Releases

Adults being interviewed must sign a recording release form (.pdf) and parents of all children under 18 must sign a child/ward release form (.pdf). For virtual events, parents/guardians must sign the Virtual Programming Consent and Waiver Form (.pdf).

File Formats & Transfers

The easiest ways to share video files are to upload a .mov or .mp4 file onto a file-sharing site and send us the link and details via email.

Video resolution must be at least 1080p (1920 x 1080) or 4K (3840 × 2160). If the video is 1080p and will appear on the main University website, we will request a still image that is at least 3840 × 2160 pixels to use as a cover image for the video.

Submissions for Princeton's YouTube Channel

The Office of Communications manages the official Princeton University YouTube channel. Students, faculty and staff can submit videos to be considered for the Princeton University YouTube channel; email the team.