Delivering Your VEVO Videos

Written By Absolute Label Services

Want to get your music video live on VEVO? Follow this guide to ensure everything runs smoothly — from uploading files to submitting artwork and metadata.

Submit Your Metadata

To get started, fill out the official VEVO metadata form:

👉 Submit VEVO Metadata

This form covers all required and optional information. If your video is being pitched for editorial support, make sure to include compelling details (e.g. story behind the video, promo plans, etc.).

Pitching Your Video

If you're hoping for additional promo or playlist support, please email your pitch directly to the Digital Retail team. Once you receive your VEVO link, we'll prompt you to provide any relevant release info that might help support your pitch.

Upload Your Video & Thumbnail

Use this Dropbox link to upload your final video file and thumbnail image:

📁 Upload to Dropbox

File naming format:

  • Use: Artist_Title.mov or Artist_Title.mp4

  • Avoid: Special characters (e.g. : ! # , @ $ % ? “ ‘)

🚨 Please ensure delivery at least 5 working days before the intended launch date.

Video Specs

General Guidelines:

  • Deliver the highest quality video available (2K/4K preferred)

  • H.264 preferred for HD

  • No slates, title cards, or logos

  • No branding that could conflict with YouTube/VEVO ads

HD (1080p):

  • Format: .mov or .mp4

  • Codec: H.264 or ProRes

  • Frame rate: Native (≥ 23.98)

  • Audio: AAC, 44.1kHz, 320kbps stereo

4K / 2K:

  • Format: .mp4

  • Codec: ProRes

  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9, 2:1, etc.

  • Frame rate: 23.976 – 60 fps

  • Audio: LPCM, 48kHz, stereo

Vertical:

  • Format: .mov or .mp4

  • Dimensions: 1080x1920

  • Same audio/video requirements as HD

Processing Time

4K videos take significantly longer to process than HD. For example, a 60-minute 4K video at 30fps may take 4+ hours to fully process on YouTube.

Aspect Ratios

YouTube’s player adapts to the uploaded aspect ratio. Non-standard ratios (e.g. vertical or square) may appear with white or dark gray padding on desktop.

Content Guidelines

✅ Allowed:

  • Album/single art at end (max 3 seconds)

  • Logos (label, management, etc.) – max 3 seconds combined

  • Hashtags

  • Tasteful credits integrated into video

🚫 Not Allowed:

  • Front or end slates (beyond 3 seconds)

  • URLs, social handles, DSP links

  • Burned-in logos or watermarks

  • Ads or brand/product placements

  • Chyrons/lower thirds (unless it’s non-official content like BTS or live sessions)

Explicit Content

  • Must be clearly marked in the metadata

  • If nudity is included, add a warning slate at the start:

    “Warning: The following content includes scenes containing explicit and graphic material.”

VEVO and YouTube reserve the right to remove or age-gate explicit content without notice.

Artwork Specs

Profile Image:

Video Thumbnail:

  • Size: 1920 x 1080 px

  • Bright, eye-catching, artist-focused images work best

  • Crop out black bars — no letterboxing

  • Resize even if your video is in 4K or 720p

Channel Banner:

🎨 Updating your profile, banner, or thumbnails? Please open a ticket.

Official Artist Channels

If you have an Official Artist Channel on YouTube, you must update profile and banner images via your YouTube account directly.

Any Questions?

If you’re unsure about your content or specs, reach out to a member of the team before submitting

 

Absolute Label Services
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