So, you've captured some incredible footage and you're thinking, "This needs to be on ABC News!" That's awesome! Getting your video to a major news outlet can be a game-changer, but it's essential to know the right steps to ensure your submission gets seen. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully send your video to ABC News, from understanding their submission guidelines to preparing your footage for the best possible impact. Let's dive in, guys, and get your video the attention it deserves!

Understanding ABC News' Submission Guidelines

Before you even think about hitting that send button, it's crucial to understand ABC News' specific submission guidelines. News organizations like ABC have protocols in place to manage the influx of submissions they receive daily. Ignoring these guidelines is a surefire way to have your video ignored. So, how do you find these guidelines? Start by heading to the ABC News website and looking for a section typically labeled "Contact Us," "Submit News," or something similar. These sections often contain detailed information about what they're looking for and how they want you to submit it.

What kind of videos are they typically interested in? ABC News, like other major networks, is generally looking for timely, newsworthy content. This could include breaking news footage, coverage of significant events, compelling human-interest stories, or videos that highlight important social issues. If your video aligns with current events or offers a unique perspective on a relevant topic, it's more likely to catch their eye. Make sure your video is clear, stable, and features good audio, if possible. Poor quality footage is less likely to be used, regardless of the content. In the submission, include a detailed description of the video, including when and where it was taken, who or what is featured, and any relevant background information. Accuracy is key, so double-check all your facts before submitting. Also, be prepared to provide your contact information so ABC News can reach you if they have any questions or want to use your video. This might include your name, phone number, email address, and any other relevant information that helps them verify the source and authenticity of the footage. By following these guidelines, you significantly increase the chances of your video being considered by ABC News. Remember, they're looking for high-quality, relevant content that their viewers will find informative and engaging.

Preparing Your Video for Submission

Okay, so you know ABC News' guidelines, now let's get your video submission-ready! How you prepare your video can significantly impact whether it gets used. First, ensure your video is in a widely accepted format. Common formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI are generally safe bets. Avoid obscure or less common formats that might require special software to view. File size matters! News organizations often have limitations on the size of video files they can receive. Check ABC News' guidelines for specific file size restrictions and compress your video accordingly. There are many free online video compression tools available that can help you reduce the file size without sacrificing too much quality. Think about your video's length. While there's no magic number, shorter is generally better. News segments are typically concise, so aim to keep your video focused and to the point. Edit out any unnecessary footage or filler. If your video is longer than a few minutes, consider creating a shorter, highlight reel version to grab their attention. Watermarking your video is a good way to protect your content, especially if it's exclusive or sensitive. Add a subtle watermark with your name or contact information to deter unauthorized use. However, avoid making the watermark too intrusive, as it can distract from the video itself.

Crafting a compelling description is crucial. Your description should provide context, explain what the video shows, and highlight its newsworthiness. Include details like the date, time, and location the video was taken, as well as the names of any people or places featured. Be clear, concise, and accurate in your description. Before submitting, double-check your video for any technical issues. Make sure the audio is clear and understandable, the video is stable and in focus, and the colors are accurate. Poor quality video is less likely to be used, even if the content is compelling. Ensure that you have the rights to submit the video. If you filmed someone else's property or if the video features copyrighted material, you may need to obtain permission before submitting it to ABC News. Submitting a video without the necessary rights could lead to legal issues. Finally, back up your video! Keep a copy of the original file in case ABC News needs it or if you want to submit it to other news outlets. By following these preparation steps, you can ensure that your video submission is professional, polished, and ready for consideration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Video

Alright, your video is prepped, and you've read the guidelines. Time to actually submit it to ABC News! The exact method for submitting your video can vary, so let's break down the common approaches. Many news organizations, including ABC News, have online submission forms on their website. These forms typically require you to upload your video file, provide a description, and enter your contact information. Look for a section labeled "Submit News," "Contact Us," or something similar. Fill out the form completely and accurately, and double-check all the information before submitting. If ABC News doesn't have a direct online submission form, you might need to send your video via email. Find the appropriate email address for news submissions on their website. Keep your email concise and professional. Include a brief introduction, a link to download your video (using a service like Dropbox or Google Drive), and a compelling description. Attach any relevant documents or information, such as press releases or background information. Some news organizations use social media to solicit user-generated content. Check ABC News' social media channels (like Twitter or Facebook) for any calls for submissions or opportunities to share your video. If you choose to submit via social media, be sure to follow their specific instructions and use any relevant hashtags. If you're submitting breaking news footage, time is of the essence. Let ABC News know that your video is time-sensitive in your submission. This will help ensure that your video is reviewed quickly and considered for immediate use. After submitting your video, follow up with ABC News to confirm that they received it. You can send a brief email or call their news desk to inquire about the status of your submission. Be polite and professional in your communication. Be patient after submitting your video. News organizations receive a large volume of submissions, so it may take some time for them to review your footage. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back immediately. Keep checking ABC News to see if your video has been used. If your video is selected, be prepared to provide additional information or documentation, such as a signed release form. By following these steps, you can ensure that your video submission to ABC News is smooth, efficient, and professional.

Maximizing Your Chances of Getting Seen

So, you've submitted your video, but how can you boost your chances of it actually getting seen by ABC News? Here's the deal: making your video stand out in a sea of submissions takes some strategy. If your video is related to a current news story, highlight that connection in your submission. News organizations are always looking for content that's timely and relevant to their ongoing coverage. Try to frame your video within the context of the larger news narrative to increase its appeal. Exclusive content is gold. If your video is something that no one else has, make sure to emphasize that in your submission. News organizations are more likely to use content that's unique and can't be found anywhere else. Build relationships with journalists and news producers. If you have contacts in the media industry, reach out to them and let them know about your video. A personal recommendation can go a long way in getting your submission noticed. Share your video on social media and tag ABC News. This can help increase visibility and draw attention to your submission. Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience. However, be careful not to spam them – keep it professional. If you have a website or blog, feature your video prominently and write a post about it. This can help drive traffic to your video and increase its chances of being seen by news organizations. Monitor the news and identify opportunities to pitch your video. If a story breaks that's related to your video, reach out to ABC News and let them know that you have relevant footage. Customize your submission for ABC News. Avoid sending the same generic submission to multiple news organizations. Tailor your pitch to ABC News' specific interests and audience to increase your chances of getting noticed. By following these strategies, you can significantly increase the likelihood that your video will be seen and considered by ABC News.

What to Do After Submitting: Follow-Up and Next Steps

You've sent your video off to ABC News – great job! But what do you do now? Knowing the proper follow-up steps can make all the difference. First off, keep an eye on ABC News. Regularly check their broadcasts and website to see if your video has been used. It might pop up unexpectedly, so stay vigilant! If you don't hear back within a reasonable time frame (a week or two), it's okay to send a polite follow-up email. Briefly reiterate the key details of your video and express your continued interest in having it featured. Keep the tone professional and respectful. Don't bombard them with emails, though. If your video isn't selected, don't get discouraged! The news industry is competitive, and there are many reasons why a video might not be used. Instead, consider submitting your video to other news outlets or exploring alternative platforms to share your content. Learn from the experience. If your video wasn't selected, try to identify areas for improvement. Was the quality lacking? Was the content not relevant enough? Use this feedback to improve your future submissions. If your video is selected, be prepared to provide additional information or documentation. ABC News may require you to sign a release form, verify the authenticity of your footage, or provide additional details about the video. Stay responsive and cooperative throughout the process. If your video is used, promote it! Share the news on social media, tell your friends and family, and celebrate your success. This can help increase the visibility of your video and potentially lead to future opportunities. Consider what other videos you can capture and submit. Now that you have some experience, think about what other newsworthy events or stories you can document and share. Building a portfolio of high-quality videos can increase your chances of getting your content used in the future. By taking these follow-up steps, you can maximize the impact of your video submission and continue to build your presence in the world of citizen journalism.