1. Establish who filmed and owns it
The strongest starting point is the original recording you personally made and own. Keep the unedited source file if you can. If another person filmed it, determine who owns the copyright and obtain clear commercial redistribution permission where applicable.
2. Account for everyone and everything in the footage
Consider identifiable people, private locations, safety, consent and any third-party material. Some circumstances require releases or other permissions. Laws vary, so ask a qualified professional when rights are unclear.
3. Clear music, artwork and audio
A song playing in the background, a copyrighted graphic or recorded dialogue can raise licensing issues even where you own the camera recording. A platform allowing a post does not establish commercial sublicensing rights.
4. Avoid reposts and unsupported claims
Downloads from YouTube, TikTok, Reddit and Instagram are not automatically licensable originals. A watermark, an attribution, a credit line or a claim of fair use is not equivalent to ownership or a suitable commercial licence.
5. Prepare a usable source file
Keep the original quality where possible, document the source and the context, and provide accurate information during submission. DCC currently accepts supported video formats rather than standalone photos. Your upload is scanned and reviewed before it is eligible for consideration.
6. Understand the agreement
Read the applicable contributor licence, submission terms and earnings information. Acceptance, publication and earnings are not automatic. If you do not have sufficient rights, do not submit the clip.
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