How To Submit A Video To Afv

So, you think you've got a video worthy of America's Funniest Home Videos (AFV)? Great! Submitting a video isn't rocket science, but maximizing your chances of getting selected (and maybe even winning!) requires understanding the process and ensuring your video meets their criteria. This article will break down the submission process, cover technical aspects that influence video quality, and help you increase your odds of landing on national television.

The Purpose: More Than Just a Laugh

Let's face it: the primary purpose of submitting to AFV is for the potential prize money and the fleeting fame. However, understanding the *why* behind AFV's selection process is crucial. They are looking for genuinely funny, family-friendly content that resonates with a broad audience. They want videos that are unique, unexpected, and of reasonable quality. Think about the kind of videos that consistently make the cut – they often involve slapstick humor, animal antics, and unexpected moments of clumsiness. Understanding this helps you tailor your submissions and increase their chances of success.

Key Specs and Main Parts of Your Video Submission

Think of your video submission like a complex engine: several parts need to work in harmony for optimal performance. Here's a breakdown of the key specifications:

Video Format and Resolution

AFV accepts a wide range of video formats, but MP4 (.mp4) is generally the preferred and most universally compatible format. Other acceptable formats often include MOV, AVI, and WMV, but MP4 offers a good balance between quality and file size. For resolution, aim for at least 720p (1280x720 pixels). While 1080p (1920x1080 pixels) is even better, remember that larger file sizes can lead to longer upload times and potential issues if your internet connection is unstable. Higher resolutions don't automatically equal funnier content, but poor resolution can definitely disqualify your video.

Audio Quality

Clear audio is just as important as visual clarity. Background noise can be distracting, and muffled or distorted audio will make it difficult for viewers (and the AFV team) to understand what's happening. Use a decent microphone if possible. Even a smartphone microphone can produce acceptable results if you are close to the action and minimize background noise. If possible, consider noise reduction in post-production using audio editing software like Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition (paid).

Video Length

Brevity is key. AFV typically features short clips, often less than 1 minute in length. Aim to keep your submission concise and engaging. Focus on the funniest part of the incident and avoid unnecessary footage. The upload portal may have a maximum file size, which further encourages conciseness.

Content Guidelines and Copyright

This is crucial. AFV has strict content guidelines. Your video must be family-friendly, free of offensive language, and not infringe on any copyrights. This means no unauthorized use of music, movie clips, or other copyrighted material. You must have the rights to the video you are submitting, and if minors are featured, you must have their parents' or guardians' permission. Violation of these guidelines will result in immediate disqualification.

Decoding the Submission Process: The Steps

Submitting to AFV involves a few key steps, which we'll break down like diagnosing a car problem:

Capture the Moment: This seems obvious, but remember the fundamentals: good lighting, stable camera work (use a tripod if possible!), and clear audio.
Edit Your Video: Trim the video to the funniest part, add simple edits like transitions (if needed), and optimize the audio. Consider adding captions if the dialogue is essential to understanding the humor.
Visit the AFV Website: Go to the official AFV website (abc.com/shows/americas-funniest-home-videos). Look for the "Submit Video" or similar link.
Create an Account (if needed): You may need to create a free account to submit your video. This allows AFV to track your submission and contact you if your video is selected.
Upload Your Video: Follow the instructions on the website to upload your video. Be prepared to provide a title and a brief description of the video. Choose relevant categories to help AFV find your video.
Agree to the Terms and Conditions: Read the terms and conditions carefully before submitting your video. This outlines your rights and responsibilities, as well as AFV's rights to use your video.
Submit and Wait: Once you've uploaded your video and agreed to the terms and conditions, submit your video. The waiting game begins.

How It Works: Behind the Scenes at AFV

After you submit your video, it enters AFV's review process. AFV's team screens thousands of videos each week. They look for videos that meet their content guidelines, are funny, and have good production quality. Selected videos are then considered for air on the show. If your video is selected, you will be contacted by an AFV representative to discuss the details. Remember, it is a long shot!

Real-World Use: Troubleshooting Your Submission

Just like troubleshooting a car, here's how to handle common problems:

Video Fails to Upload: Check your internet connection. Try uploading the video at a different time of day when internet traffic is lower. Ensure your video meets the file size and format requirements.
No Response from AFV: Be patient. AFV receives a massive number of submissions. It can take weeks or even months to hear back. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back – it doesn't necessarily mean your video wasn't funny.
Video is Rejected: Review AFV's content guidelines. Did your video violate any of the rules? Could the quality be improved? Use this as a learning experience and try again with a different video.

Safety Considerations: Copyright and Permissions

Think of copyright as the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) of your video submission – it prevents potential crashes. Submitting copyrighted material without permission is a serious violation and can result in legal consequences. Always ensure you have the rights to use any music, sound effects, or other copyrighted material in your video. If you feature minors, obtain written consent from their parents or guardians.

Final Thoughts

Submitting a video to AFV is a fun and potentially rewarding experience. By understanding the submission process, optimizing your video quality, and adhering to AFV's guidelines, you can increase your chances of getting selected and sharing your funny moment with the world.

We have compiled a helpful checklist containing best practices and requirements. You can download the checklist for easy reference and submission preparation. Good luck!