Getting a music video on TV used to mean knowing somebody at the station. Streaming channels have changed that, and independent artists can now submit directly. The ones who get accepted are usually the ones who show up prepared.

This guide covers what a channel like ours looks at, in the order we look at it, and the mistakes that get otherwise good videos turned down.

Step 1: Make sure you have the rights

Before anyone airs your video, they need to know you're allowed to let them. That means you own or control two separate things: the song and the footage.

The song. A recorded song is really two copyrights. One is the composition, meaning the words and melody. The other is the recording itself, often called the master. You need permission for both. Here's what that covers:

  • Beats. If you used a leased beat, read the lease. Many non-exclusive leases cap the number of streams, ban broadcast use, or only cover audio, not video. If you're not sure, ask the producer in writing.
  • Samples. An uncleared sample is something to fix before you submit, not after. If you can't clear it, replay or remove it.
  • Features. If another artist is on the track, make sure they've agreed to the video being distributed. A short email from them is better than nothing.

The footage. Anything you didn't shoot yourself needs permission too. That includes stock footage, clips from movies or TV, and drone shots someone else took.

The people and places. If recognizable people appear in your video, especially if they're featured, get a simple signed release from each one. If you filmed inside a business, get the owner's permission. If you filmed in a public place that needs a film permit in your city, keep a copy.

Keep all of this in one folder. If a channel asks, you can send it in minutes.

Step 2: Get the file right

TV is less forgiving than a phone screen. A video that looks fine on Instagram can look soft, blocky or too dark on a 65-inch TV.

  • Resolution: at least 1080p. If you shot in 4K, deliver a 4K or high-quality 1080p master.
  • Format: a common format like MP4 (H.264) or MOV (ProRes). Ask the channel what it prefers.
  • Audio: steady levels, no distortion, and no clipping on the loudest parts. Use the final mastered version of the song, not a rough mix.
  • Clean picture: remove watermarks, "subscribe" overlays, social handles burned into the corner and end screens built for YouTube.
  • Delivery: send a downloadable link from a service like Google Drive or Dropbox, not just a YouTube link. Reviewers need the actual file.

Watch the whole thing on a real TV before you send it. You'll catch problems your laptop hides.

Step 3: Know the content standards

Every channel has content standards. Common reasons a video gets passed over:

  • Graphic violence or weapons pointed at the camera
  • Hate speech or slurs aimed at a group
  • Explicit sexual content or nudity
  • Drug use shown in a way that glorifies it

If your song has explicit lyrics, a clean version can help it air at more times of day. It's worth making one even if you love the original, because it opens doors.

Step 4: Make the reviewer's job easy

Reviewers look at a lot of submissions. The ones that come with complete information move faster. Include:

  • Artist name, exactly as you want it shown on screen
  • Song title and release date
  • Writer and producer credits
  • Label, if you have one, or "independent" if you don't
  • A short bio of three or four sentences
  • Links to your streaming and social pages
  • A clean cover image or press photo
  • A contact name, email and phone number

Common mistakes that get videos turned down

  • Sending a YouTube link only, with no downloadable file
  • Leaving watermarks or "link in bio" text on screen
  • Using a leased beat that doesn't allow broadcast
  • Not being able to answer "who owns this?" when asked
  • Submitting a lyric video or visualizer when the channel asked for official videos
  • Following up every day. Once a week is plenty.

Step 5: If you're accepted, promote it like a premiere

Getting on TV is only worth something if people know about it.

  • Tell your fans the date and time it airs, or that it's in rotation.
  • Post a photo or short clip of your video playing on a TV screen, and tag the channel.
  • Send the clip to your local radio stations, blogs and anyone who's supported you.
  • Add "As seen on Nagast TV" to your press kit and EPK.

Channels notice artists who bring viewers. When you show up for your own airing, you're more likely to get the next one.

How submissions work at Nagast TV

Nagast TV reviews official music videos from artists, labels and managers. You can see what our Standard and Priority options cover, and our refund terms, on the video submission page. A person reviews every video, and placement is never guaranteed, whichever option you choose.