College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Web Team

MSU professionals who create promotional or educational video content may choose to host their videos on MSU Extension- or AgBioResearch-managed YouTube channels (including MSU Extension, Michigan 4-H and AgBioResearch). This option is appropriate for educational or promotional videos that are created intentionally as video content. They should not be a recording of presentations, webinars or other forms of lengthy program delivery; these video recordings are more appropriate for MediaSpace. For those who wish to use this option, videos must meet the following specifications:

1. Video Content – All videos should be peer-reviewed by another expert in the content area BEFORE they are submitted. Ensure that educational content shared in the video is properly attributed to the original source. View “Keeping It Legit” for additional information on proper citation.
2. Video Quality – Videos should be shot or created in 16x9 widescreen format.  Orientation must be horizontal, not vertical. Video should be white balanced for lighting location. Video should also have correct exposure, not too light or dark.
3. Audio Quality – Audio levels should be appropriate for the subject.  Wind noise and extraneous sound should be kept to a minimum. Whenever possible, subjects should use a microphone when shooting or creating the video.
4. Accessibility – Videos must meet standards for accessibility, including but not limited to closed captioning.  View “Accessibility & Captioning of Video” for additional information and tools for creating your transcript file.
5. Brand Standards – Videos should include branding for MSU Extension or AgBioResearch and follow MSU brand standards, including colors, fonts and other elements. View the MSU Brand Studio for additional details. MSU Extension video creators may wish to use the MSU Extension video stinger. 
6. Audio Permissions - When using production music, ensure associated elements are licensed or permissioned for use on the organizational channel. No unlicensed music can be included, and personally licensed stock music may not be covered for use by the university. If you’re using elements from Creative Commons, all the usage language must be included either embedded in the video or added to the description, depending on the author’s requirements. This should be specified by the requesting party.
7. Image Permissions - When using images, ensure you have permission for each element and that the images are licensed or permissioned for use on the organization channel. Include all proper attributions as required by the image; all required usage language should be embedded in the video or in the description, depending on the author’s requirements. This should be specified by the requesting party (including Creative Commons images). Personally licensed stock images may not be covered for use by the university. If using images of past participants, ensure that you have photo releases for individuals in the photo and that no identifiable information can be seen on images of minors.
8. Encoding – Finished videos should be in either .mp4 or .mov form. The minimum size acceptable is 720x480.

Videos that meet these standards can be submitted for consideration to the MSU Extension, Michigan 4-H or AgBioResearch YouTube channels through the online request form. A multimedia producer will review the video and work with the creator on any issues before posting it. Video submissions will be reviewed on a weekly basis; please build several weeks into your timeline before an anticipated publish date to allow time for correction, if needed.

Once the video is posted to YouTube, videos should also be posted on the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources website via dotCMS. Contact your communicator for assistance or view “How to Create a Video in dotCMS.”

Looking for additional tips on creating video content? Check out “Best Practices for Recording Video.”