Frequently Asked Questions

If you need help uploading videos to natgeotv.com/green then you are in the right place.

Getting Started

Why should I upload a video to natgeotv.com/green?If you upload your videos to the Website there is a chance it could be shown on television and you might also be invited to take part in an interview.

Could my video really be shown on TV?
Yes, if your video is chosen by a producer then it could appear on TV and you may even be approached for an interview. Any appearance would be subject to Terms and Conditions, and your parent or guardian would need to give us their consent if you are under 18.

Is it free to upload my videos?
Yes.

Can anyone upload a video?

Yes- but you have to be 16 or over and live in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

What happens once I have uploaded a video?
Once you have uploaded your video, you will be notified when the video has been published on natgeotv.com/green. We do not review or check these so you need to ensure that any video you upload is in accordance with the Usage Policy.

What kind of videos are National Geographic looking for?
Anything related to saving the planet. It may be something you are personally doing, an event in your local area that you think people should know about, or a major national incident. If you have a video that you think we would find interesting or is relevant then simply upload your video and we could be showing it on TV or on the Website. We may even approach you for an interview.

Preparing Videos
What format does my video need to be in?
We can handle the majority of popular video formats.

Can you be more specific?
Video formats we can accept include QuickTime and Windows Media. This means if your video file has an extension like .avi, .asf, .mov, .mpeg, or .mp4 then you should be fine. The frame rate should be above 12 frames per second with a bitrate of more than 260Kbps. If your video is not technically suitable then we will let you know.

What is the best video format to send you?
For good quality with a reasonable file size, we would suggest MPEG4 at 2mbps or MPEG2 at 5mbps. Try resolution at 640x480, 4:3 ratio rather than widescreen (16:9).

Can you give me software to help me edit my videos?
No- but you probably have some on your computer already. If you are using Windows on a PC you are likely to have Movie Maker installed. If you are on a Mac you may already have iMovie on your computer. Other video editing programs are available to download from the internet.

What is the maximum length for videos?
10 minutes if you are uploading through the Website.

What is the maximum file size for videos?
500MB if you are uploading through the Website. If you are using your mobile phone to upload your video then your network operator will have set the limit. If you are unsure about this limit then ask your mobile network operator.

Can I upload digital photos as well as videos?
If you want to upload a photo then visit natgeotv.com/green/photo/upload-your-photo

Uploading & Viewing
How do I upload my videos?
Follow the instructions on the Website to upload a video directly from your computer. TV producers watch all the videos we receive.

Are videos checked before they go on Television?
Yes, all videos are watched first to make sure they do not contain anything that does not comply with our Terms of Use. Videos that do not comply with our Terms of Use will not make it onto the site. You can find more details about what we cannot accept in these FAQs and in our Terms of Use.
Why does my video not appear on Television straight away?
We watch all videos before they appear on Television. This means it may sometimes take a while before your video is available. We try to be as quick as we can and will send you an email to let you know when your video is available for viewing.

Why do I not receive confirmation or other emails from you?
Automated email filtering systems may sometimes prevent our messages from reaching you. These systems may be operated by your Internet Service Provider or be installed on your own computer. Please check with the provider of your filtering system for assistance.

How can I watch videos?
You can watch videos on the Website. You may also be able to watch some of the best clips on television.

Sharing Videos
Can I put links to natgeotv.com/green on my blog, website, Facebook page or MySpace profile?
Yes. We give each video its own link so you can email it to your friends. Every video uploaded to the Website also has embed code which you can paste into your blog or website. Contact your blog provider or web host if you need help embedding your video.

Can I remove my videos from natgeotv.com/green?
Yes. Go to your profile page and click remove below the video you would like removed.

What Not to Upload
We want the video service to be fun, safe and family-friendly. However, you must be at least 16 years old to use the service. We want to give everyone the chance to have their say but the law still applies to the internet. We all must respect the different opinions and views of other users.

Can I upload videos that I did not make myself?
No. Making films, TV programmes and videos involves a huge amount of work and money. Copyright protects the interests of the people and companies who make films, TV programmes and videos. Using video that was created by other people could be a copyright infringement and you risk being prosecuted if you use it.

In what circumstances will videos be rejected?
We will reject your video if you do not comply with our Terms of Use. We may also reject your video if we have technical problems with it. We will generally email you to tell you whether we can or cannot accept your video.

The Rules About Music
Can I use music in my videos?
Music (both the lyrics and the melody) is protected by copyright. It means you cannot use commercial or any other music (such as music videos shown on music TV channel, music taken from one of your CDs, DVDs, a library or anything created by any other person). You need to obtain permission from all the people or companies who wrote and played the music or bought the rights to it. You can only include music in your video if you created it yourself or have written permission – and we need you to confirm in the description if this is the case. If you break the law you risk being prosecuted.

Why do you have these rules about music?
These rules are universal and do not just apply to our Website. They are to protect the livelihoods of writers, composers, performers, artists and recording and publishing companies. If you make their music available on the internet then people may not buy it from a store or distributor and consequently you may damage people’s livelihoods and the future of the industry.

Why can I not use music from one of my CDs?
When you buy music on a CD, DVD or as a legal download you are only allowed to use it for your own personal entertainment. By putting it on the internet you are providing it to other people - this is not viewed as personal use and you risk being prosecuted.

What does 'using music' mean?
It can mean uploading music videos (that you might see on TV), repeating or singing lyrics, humming a tune, uploading a soundtrack, editing, sampling, performing karaoke or even just using a clip of your favourite chart song.

Can I upload a video of myself singing a football chant or song?
You are welcome to video yourself performing your own song or music but you cannot video yourself singing or playing someone else's music. You must have written original lyrics and melody, have permission from anyone else performing with you and you must not have licensed or sold your music to a record company or music publisher. You must confirm all this to us in the description or we will not be able to post your video. Email us before uploading if you have any questions. See below for our contact details.

What We Check
Copyright and Intellectual Property Infringement
Films, TV programmes, videos, DVDs and logos are protected by copyright and other laws. Copyright protects the interests of the people and companies who create these products. If you break the law you risk being prosecuted. It is important that you understand that you cannot take other people's creations and use them as you see fit. Uploading somebody else's video is no different to taking something from a shop without paying. Copyright infringement damages the music, film and television businesses and the future development of music, film and TV programmes.

Taste & Decency
All kinds of people use the Service, including families, teenagers and older people. Everyone has different views of what is acceptable so we cannot use videos which might cause offence. Videos which encourage racism, violence or sexual discrimination will be rejected. Videos that contain untrue or derogatory statements will also be rejected, as may those that contain swearing or nudity. We do not want to know your intimate details or personal secrets - these are best kept to yourself. Funny accidents (think 'Kirsty's Home Videos') probably would not offend viewers but you must not deliberately set up stunts that are dangerous to people or animals - bear in mind children might want to copy your video.

Defamation or Libel
You cannot make untrue comments about a person or an organisation which could harm their reputation or make them look ridiculous. You are entitled to your opinion, even when it goes against the grain, but it must be true and justified. There is a big difference between expressing a personal opinion and making untrue claims based on gossip or rumours, rather than facts. These rules apply to both people and companies - whether they are famous or not.

Commercial Messages
You can promote your hobby or own private project but the Website is not the place for you to advertise commercial brands, products or services. Your video must not display brands prominently. You are welcome to have an opinion about what you like and dislike but the Website is not an advertising space or trading floor.

Technical Problems
We sometimes may have technical problems watching your video. We will normally email you if this is the case.

Languages
It is quicker and easier for us to process your video if the language used is English. If you use another language then please ensure it complies with the Terms of Use.

Defamation or Libel
You cannot make untrue comments about a person or an organisation which could harm their reputation or make them look ridiculous. You are entitled to your opinion, even when it goes against the grain, but it must be true and justified. There is a big difference between expressing a personal opinion and making untrue claims based on gossip or rumours, rather than facts. These rules apply to both people and companies - whether they are famous or not.

Illegal Activities
We want the Service to be fun, safe and a family-friendly environment and we will use our discretion to make our own decisions. The law still applies to the internet.

Permissions & Consent
Do I need permission to film people?
Not everyone wants to be a TV star! People need to know your video is going to be published on the internet and there is a chance they will appear on Television. As a film maker it is your responsibility to make sure everyone is happy to be shown in your video. You also need to be aware of activities that might be going on in the background of your video - particularly anything that might be inappropriate, indecent or that does not comply with our Terms of Use.

Reporting Concerns
How do I report illegal, abusive or inappropriate content on the Website?
The Internet Watch Foundation www.iwf.org.uk is one place to start. The government's online child protection centre www.ceop.gov.uk, Think UK Now www.thinkuknow.co.uk and the Virtual Global Taskforce www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com also offer online safety tips and allow you to report suspicious behaviour or inappropriate material. Your Internet Service Provider may also offer safety tips or parental controls.

Where can I go if I need help or advice about personal problems, or if I just want to talk to someone in private?
We cannot offer personal advice. However, if you need help then some of the places that you might be able to try are: The Samaritans www.samaritans.org.uk the NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk and NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Contacting Us
Please make sure you have read these FAQs and our Terms of Use fully before getting in touch.What is the customer service address for natgeotv.com/green?
Email green@ngceurope.com

Who do I contact about technical problems with natgeotv.com/green
Email green@ngceurope.com

How do I opt-out of marketing & promotional emails?
Email green@ngceurope.com. We also provide unsubscribe links in our mailings.

Can I contact you by text message?
We are unable to respond to queries you send us by text message. Email us green@ngceurope.com if you need to get in touch - but do check these FAQs first as they may well answer your question.

What is your postal address?

Our postal address is:
Online Team
National Geographic Channel
2nd Floor
Shepherd's Building East
Richmond Way
London W14 0DQ

Who do I contact if I am a journalist?

See contacts here: http://www.natgeochannel.co.uk/info/contactus.aspx

Who do I contact about advertising on natgeotv.com/green?

See contacts here: http://www.natgeochannel.co.uk/info/commercial.aspx