Mastering the Art of Getting Your Video on VEVO

Aspiring musicians often dream of having their videos featured on VEVO, a platform known for its high-quality music videos and massive audience. With millions of viewers and a reputation for showcasing top-tier content, VEVO offers an incredible opportunity for artists to gain visibility and recognition. However, getting your video on VEVO involves more than just uploading your content. It requires understanding the platform’s standards, working with approved distributors, and effectively promoting your video. This article will guide you through the process of getting your video on VEVO, from production to promotion, ensuring you make the most of this prestigious platform.

1. The Importance of VEVO

VEVO’s Role in the Music Industry

VEVO, launched in 2009, is a premium music video platform that collaborates with major record labels to bring high-quality content to viewers worldwide. VEVO’s extensive reach spans across YouTube, smart TVs, mobile apps, and its own dedicated platform, making it an essential tool for artists aiming for global exposure. The platform’s reputation for quality and its vast audience make it a valuable asset for any musician looking to elevate their career.

Benefits of Being on VEVO

Professional Image: Being featured on VEVO lends credibility and professionalism to your brand.

Wide Reach: VEVO’s massive audience can significantly boost your visibility and fanbase.

Monetization Opportunities: VEVO offers artists the chance to earn revenue through ads and premium content.

Industry Recognition: Being on VEVO can open doors to new opportunities, including collaborations and record deals.

2. Eligibility and Standards

Who Can Upload to VEVO

While VEVO primarily features established artists, independent musicians can also get their videos on VEVO by meeting certain criteria:

Professional Branding: Ensure your artist profile, including social media presence and website, is professional and active.

Previous Releases: Having a track record of previous releases demonstrates your commitment and professionalism as an artist.

Social Media Presence: A substantial and engaged social media following can increase your chances of being accepted by VEVO.

Video Quality and Content Guidelines

VEVO maintains high standards for the videos it hosts. Your music video should meet the following specifications:

Resolution: Minimum 1080p (Full HD) resolution.

Format: Commonly accepted formats include MP4 and MOV.

Aspect Ratio: Standard aspect ratios such as 16:9.

Audio Quality: Ensure your audio is professionally mixed and mastered for the best listening experience.

Content: The video should adhere to VEVO’s content guidelines, avoiding any inappropriate or copyrighted material.

3. Steps to Get Your Video on VEVO

Step 1: Producing a Professional-Quality Music Video

The first step in getting your video on VEVO is to create a high-quality music video. This involves:

Hiring Professionals: Work with experienced videographers, directors, and editors to ensure the highest quality production.

Concept Development: Develop a unique and engaging concept for your video that aligns with your brand and resonates with your audience.

Production Value: Invest in good lighting, camera equipment, and post-production to ensure your video meets industry standards.

Step 2: Partnering with a VEVO-Approved Distributor

To get your video on VEVO, you need to partner with a VEVO-approved distributor. These distributors act as intermediaries between artists and VEVO, handling the submission and approval process. Some reputable distributors include:

Deliver My Tune: Known for helping independent artists distribute their music across various platforms, including VEVO.

Ditto Music: Provides services for artists to distribute their music videos to VEVO and other platforms.

RouteNote: Offers free and premium distribution services, allowing artists to reach VEVO's vast audience.

Amuse: An artist-friendly distributor that offers free distribution to VEVO and other major platforms.

Step 3: Submission and Review Process

Once you have partnered with a distributor, follow these steps:

Uploading the Video: Submit your video file along with required metadata, such as title, artist name, release date, and genre.

Metadata Optimization: Ensure your metadata is accurate and optimized for search. This includes using relevant keywords and tags.

Compliance Check: The distributor will review your submission to ensure it meets VEVO's standards and guidelines.

Approval Process: VEVO's team will review the video for final approval. This process can take a few days to a few weeks.

4. Optimizing Your VEVO Presence

To maximize the impact of your video on VEVO, it’s essential to optimize various elements:

Metadata and Tags

Proper metadata helps VEVO categorize and promote your video. Include:

Title and Description: Write a compelling title and description that accurately reflects your video content. Include important keywords to improve discoverability.

Tags: Use relevant tags to help categorize your video and increase its visibility in search results.

Credits: Properly credit everyone involved in the video production, from the director to the sound engineers.

Video Description

A well-crafted video description not only provides context but also helps with SEO. Include:

Brief Synopsis: A short summary of the video content.

Artist Information: Background information about the artist and links to social media profiles.

Call-to-Action: Encourage viewers to like, comment, and share the video.

Thumbnails and Visuals

Custom Thumbnails: Create an eye-catching thumbnail that accurately represents your video. A good thumbnail can significantly increase click-through rates.

Brand Consistency: Ensure that all visuals, including thumbnails and end screens, align with your overall branding and style.

5. Promoting Your VEVO Video

Once your video is live on VEVO, the next step is to promote it effectively to ensure it reaches a broad audience.

Leveraging Social Media for Promotion

Utilize your social media platforms to promote your VEVO video:

Share the Video: Post links to your video on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms. Use engaging captions and relevant hashtags to increase visibility.

Create Teasers: Share short teaser clips or behind-the-scenes content to generate interest before the full video release.

Engage with Followers: Respond to comments and messages to build a stronger connection with your audience.

Engaging with Your Audience on VEVO

VEVO offers several features that allow you to interact with your viewers:

Comments Section: Engage with fans by responding to their comments. This interaction not only builds a loyal fan base but also boosts the video's engagement metrics.

Social Media Integration: Share your VEVO video on all your social media platforms. Encourage your followers to watch, like, and share the video.

Collaborate with Other Artists

Collaborations can significantly boost your video’s reach. Consider:

Featuring Guest Artists: Collaborate with other artists to expand your audience.

Cross-Promotions: Partner with other artists for mutual promotions on VEVO and social media.

Leverage VEVO's Promotional Tools

VEVO offers various tools to help promote your video, including:

Playlists: Get your video featured in popular VEVO playlists.

Homepage Features: Aim to have your video featured on VEVO’s homepage or recommended sections.

VEVO Ads: Invest in VEVO’s advertising options to promote your video to a larger audience.

Conclusion

Navigating the process of getting your video on VEVO can be challenging but rewarding. By adhering to the guidelines and partnering with the right distributor, you can showcase your talent on a global platform. Remember, the key to success on VEVO lies in maintaining high production standards, optimizing your content for search, and actively engaging with your audience. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success and gain the visibility your music deserves.