Submitting Video to ABC News: Mastering the Journey from Footage to Front Page

For journalists, citizens, and storytellers alike, submitting video to one of America’s most trusted news platforms—ABC News—represents a powerful opportunity to shape public discourse. With millions watching every broadcast and digital segment, having a polished, compelling submission can quickly elevate raw footage into a featured story. Navigating ABC News’ submission process demands clarity, precision, and adherence to strict editorial standards—but with the right strategy, even a seasoned video creator can increase their chances of broadcast success.

Submitting video to ABC News begins with understanding the editorial voice and technical profile of the network. Unlike generic media submissions, ABC News seeks authentic, timely, and newsworthy content that aligns with its mission to inform and illuminate. Whether a breaking moment or a carefully crafted documentary segment, storytellers must ensure their material meets both artistic excellence and journalistic integrity.

What ABC News Looks for in Submissions

ABC News evaluates video submissions through multiple critical lenses: relevance, clarity, quality, and newsworthiness.

Each criteria shapes the selection process and determines whether a piece earns airtime or inclusion in digital packages.

Newsworthiness: Content must address current events, societal trends, or underreported stories with genuine impact. “Stories that connect emotionally while grounding viewers in facts have the strongest traction,” notes a senior producer from ABC News’ video team.
Visual Clarity: Resolution at a minimum of 1080p is standard; uncompressed footage minimizes technical loss.

Poor audio or shaky handheld shots can diminish credibility, no matter how compelling the subject.
Technical Compliance: Files must adhere to ABC’s format specifications—commonly MP4 or MOV at 30 frames per second, embedded with metadata, closed captioning, and source attribution.
Factual Accuracy: All visuals must be verified; unfiltered, unverified content risks disqualification. Submissions containing misleading or unverified footage are automatically rejected.

Visual storytelling at ABC News demands more than high production value—it requires authentic, on-the-ground narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Videos must balance narrative flow with precision, avoiding sensationalism while maintaining emotional engagement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Video to ABC News
The process, though streamlined for efficiency, requires careful attention to procedural detail.

Media creators are advised to follow these key steps rigorously:
1. Prepare a Concise Story Concept: Draft a one-page summary outlining the story’s significance, core visuals, and audience relevance. “ABC values clarity—your hook must be sharp and news-focused,” says a production lead.
2. Ensure Compliance with Technical Standards: Use WAV or high-quality MP3 for audio, with synchronized captions. Footage must be at least 1080p; metadata including timestamp, location, and subject details must be embedded.
3. Submit via the Official Channel: Current submissions are accepted through ABC News’ Media Relations portal or designated email: subscription@abcnews.com.
  
  Inquiries about press credentials or special packages should be directed to their press operations team.
4. Wait for Assessment and Follow-Up: Submissions are reviewed within 48–72 hours for editorial fit. ABC may request additional context, crediting, or alternate angles.
5. Be Open to Feedback: Rejection rarely reflects creative merit; instead, it’s often due to timing, format deviation, or competing headlines. Use insights to refine and re-submit.
  
  Timing matters: ABC News prioritizes real-time responsiveness, especially during breaking news.
  
  For evolving stories, sending preliminary footage with clear timestamps and verified context can establish early credibility and improve pickup odds.
  
  Best Practices for Maximizing Broadcast Impact
  Success in submitting video to ABC News extends beyond technical compliance—it hinges on storytelling discipline and strategic awareness. Experts recommend several key practices:
  - Prioritize Originality: Coverages that present unique perspectives, lesser-known angles, or immediate human impact stood out in recent broadcasts.
  - Embrace Clarity and Conciseness: Editors value brevity; 2–5 minute runtimes with focused narrative arcs are most effective.
  - Include Context in Captions and Slate: Clearly attribute sources, locations, and timestamps in both video and submission forms to reinforce credibility.
  - Diversify Content Types: While footage dominates, pairing video with on-the-ground audio interviews or supplementary photos can strengthen submissions.
  Submitting video to ABC News is as much about artistry as it is about adherence. Producers frequently note that the most impactful stories emerge when raw emotion is matched with rigorous verification and editorial alignment.
  
  Real-World Success Stories and Lessons Learned
  Over the past decade, several citizen journalists and independent creators have successfully transitioned video submissions into ABC News features.
  
  One standout case involved footage of a community-led environmental rescue operation—a local uprising against illegal dumping. The 4-minute video, shot on a smartphone with synchronized commentary, captured footage of residents confronting officials and recovering endangered wildlife. Within 36 hours, it was reviewed and featured in a morning broadcast, catalyzing regional policy discussion.
  
  Another example involves a freelance filmmaker whose intimate documentary on urban displacement—a 12-minute narrative centered on personal testimony and street footage—was accepted after repeated refinements to pacing and audio clarity. The segment now contributes to ABC’s ongoing series on housing equity. These cases underscore a critical insight: technical quality and emotional resonance are equally vital.
  
  Equally important is persistence—many successful submissions underwent multiple iterations before acceptance.
  What makes these successes repeatable? Discipline in storytelling, respect for journalistic standards, and a willingness to adapt based on feedback.
  
  ABC News does not merely chase novelty; it seeks stories with enduring public value.
  
  The Future of Submission: Digital Platforms and Rapid Acceptance
  As media consumption evolves, so does ABC News’ submission landscape. The rise of digital-first platforms and real-time reporting has accelerated ingestion timelines, with some footage reviewed and acknowledged within hours. Additionally, ABC’s expanded use of multimedia portals enables creators to upload multiple formats and support extended storytelling—from photo essays to interactive video components.
  
  Moreover, with growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, submissions reflecting underrepresented voices and global perspectives increasingly align with ABC’s evolving editorial mission. This shift rewards creators who not only document events but also amplify marginalized narratives with authenticity and sensitivity.
  In this dynamic environment, staying informed about evolving submission guidelines, technical requirements, and content priorities is essential.
  
  Regular check-ins with ABC News’ Media Relations, following their official press kit updates, and participating in journalist workshops enhance visibility and responsiveness.
  
  Final Perspective: From Footage to Impact
  Submitting video to ABC News is more than a technical exercise—it’s a direct channel to shaping public awareness and accountability. Through deliberate