If you need help using SkyCast or understanding what videos you can upload then you have found the right place to look. You can find more details in our Terms of Use.

Getting Started
What is SkyCast?

SkyCast is your chance to get yourself on Sky TV. You can watch, upload, share, rate and comment on videos. SkyCast also showcases some of the best bits from Sky TV programmes, along with DVD-extra style goodies.

Could my video really be shown on TV?

Yes, if your video is chosen by a Sky producer then it could appear on Sky TV! Any appearance would be subject to Terms and Conditions, and your parent or guardian would need to give us their consent if you are under 18.

Is it free to register?

Yes.

Can anyone register?

Yes - but you have to be 16 or over and live in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

Do I need to be a Sky TV or DTH subscriber to use SkyCast?

No, as long as you have registered with SkyCast you will be able to use most of what we offer on the service. For more on Sky's other products and services visit www.sky.com

Preparing Videos
What format does my video need to be in?

We can handle the majority of popular video formats, whether you upload a file from your computer or send it to us from your mobile phone. Any uploads you make from your mobile phone will be subject to a charge of 25p plus network operator charges.

Can you be more specific?

Video formats we can accept include AVI, ASF, QuickTime, Windows Media and MPEG. This means if your video file has an extension like .avi, .asf, .mov, .mpeg, .mp4, .ra or .ram then you should be fine. The frame rate should be above 12 frames per second with a bitrate of more than 260Kbps. If your video is not technically suitable then we will let you know.

What's the best video format to send you?

For good quality with a reasonable file size, we would suggest MPEG4 at 2mbps or MPEG2 at 5mbps. Try resolution at 640x480, 4:3 ratio rather than widescreen (16:9).

Can you give me software to help me edit my videos?

No, but you probably have some on your computer already. If you are using Windows on a PC you are likely to have Movie Maker installed. If you are on a Mac you may already have iMovie on your computer. Other video editing programs are available to download from the internet.

What is the maximum length for videos?

10 minutes if you are uploading through the website www.SkyCast.com. If you are using your mobile phone to upload your video then your network operator will have set the limit - usually it is between 10 and 30 seconds. If you are unsure about this limit then ask your mobile network operator.

What is the maximum fix size for videos?

100MB if you are uploading through the website www.SkyCast.com. If you are using your mobile phone to upload your video then your network operator will have set the limit. If you are unsure about this limit then ask your mobile network operator.

What are tags?

Tags are words you use to describe your videos, making it easier for other users to find them. So general tags might be 'football', 'holiday', 'poetry', 'cat', 'fashion' or even two word tags like 'David Beckham' or 'Road Wars'. You can use as many tags as you like but the more specific you are the better. You can add tags at the timeyou upload or when you watch a video that has already gone live. You can add tags to any video, it does not need to be your own.

Can I upload digital photos as well as videos?

You cannot upload digital photos on SkyCast right now but it is something we may allow in the future.

Uploading & Viewing
How do I upload my videos?

You need to register in order to upload to SkyCast. If you enter your mobile number into your profile you will also be able to upload from your phone by sending your video as an MMS message to 64666. Uploading your video from your mobile phone costs 25p plus network operator charges and may be subject to limitations or terms and conditions set by your mobile network operator. Please note that it is essential to register your mobile number before uploading by phone so that we can identify you.

Are videos checked before they go on SkyCast?

Yes, all videos are watched first to make sure they do not contain anything that does not comply with our Terms of Use. Videos that do not comply with our Terms of Use will not make it onto the site. You can find more details about what we cannot accept are in these FAQs and our Terms of Use.

Why does my video not appear on SkyCast straight away?

We watch all videos before they appear on SkyCast. This means it may sometimes take a while before your video is available. We try to be as quick as we can and will send you an email to let you know when your video is available for viewing.

Why do I not receive confirmation or other emails from you?

Automated email filtering systems may sometimes prevent our messages from reaching you. These systems may be operated by your Internet Service Provider or be installed on your own computer. Please check with the provider of your filtering system for assistance.

How can I watch videos?

On the website www.skycast.com, by mobile phone through our WAP site wap.skycast.com (video downloads by mobile phone cost £1 each plus network operator charges), through Sky Anytime on Mobile, on Sky Anytime on PC and through the Sky television interactive service accessible through your Sky television remote control. You may also be able to watch some of the very best clips on Sky television.

Can I download videos to my mobile phone?

Yes you can buy videos through our WAP site http://wap.skycast.com/. Video downloads by mobile phone cost £1 each plus network operator charges. See our Terms of Use for more details.

What is your WAP site address?

http://wap.skycast.com

How do I download videos to my mobile phone using your WAP site?
Use your mobile phone to log onto wap.SkyCast.com. You will find a selection of videos to download. Each download costs £1 plus mobile network operator charges. See our Terms of Use for more details. We may have to edit these videos because of the file size/length limitations in effect on some mobile phone handsets or networks.

Sharing Videos
Can I put links to SkyCast on my blog, website, Facebook page or MySpace profile?

Yes. We give each video its own link so you can embed it into your blog or website. Contact your blog provider or web host if you need help embedding your video.

Do you offer any widgets/plugins for sites like Facebook?

Not yet, but we are developing some, so let us know what you would find most useful. See below for our contact details.

Can I edit comments?

No, once you have posted comments to the site they cannot be changed. If you feel a comment is inappropriate then you can report it to us by using the 'Flag as Inappropriate' function next to the comment.

Can I remove my videos from SkyCast?

Yes, you can remove your videos at any time by clicking the 'remove video' option under 'my uploads'. Please check the Terms of Use for details of how quickly we are able to do this and how we can use your video in the future.

What Not to Upload
We want SkyCast to be a fun, safe and family-friendly service. However, you must be at least 16 years old to register and use the service. We want to give everyone the chance to have their say but the law still applies to the internet. We all must respect the different opinions and views of our other users.

Can I upload movie trailers, my favourite TV shows or any other video that I did not make myself?

No. Making films, TV programmes and videos involves a huge amount of work and money. Copyright protects the interests of the people and companies who make films, TV programmes and videos. Using video that was created by other people could be a copyright infringement and you risk being prosecuted if you use it.

Can I upload sports footage?

You cannot upload other people's videos of sports events (this includes TV footage) or videos you have made yourself of professional sports events, particularly if you have paid for (or there was restricted access to) the particular sports event you filmed. This means that uploading a clip that you recorded on your mobile of your favourite football team would not be permitted. If you film a sports event that is organised by somebody else you may infringe copyright or some other rights and you risk being prosecuted. Amateur sports events (like a Sunday morning kick about) are different and you are more likely to be allowed to film these - just remember not everyone wants to be on TV, so it is important you have permission before filming people. If you are uploading a video of an amateur sports event it will be helpful if you tell us in the description if you have the permission of everyone who appears in your video.

In what circumstances will videos be rejected?

We will reject your video if you do not comply with our Terms of Use. We may also reject your video if we have technical problems with it. We will generally email you to tell you whether we can or cannot accept your video.

The Rules About Music
Can I use music in my videos?

Music (both the lyrics and the melody) is protected by copyright. It means you cannot use commercial or any other music (such as music videos show on music TV channel, music taken from one of your CDs, DVDs, a library or anything created by any other person). You need to obtain permission from all the people or companies who wrote and played the music or bought the rights to it. You can only include music in your video if you created it yourself or have written permission - and we need you to confirm in the description if this is the case. If you break the law you risk being prosecuted.

Why do you have these rules about music?

These rules are universal and do not just apply to SkyCast. They are to protect the livelihoods of writers, composers, performers, artists and recording and publishing companies. If you make their music available on the internet then people may not buy it from a store or distributor and consequently you may damage people's livelihoods and the future of the industry.

Why can I not use music from one of my CDs?

When you buy music on a CD, DVD or as a legal download you are only allowed to use it for your own personal entertainment. By putting it on the internet you are providing it to other people - this is not viewed as personal use and you risk being prosecuted.

What does 'using music' mean?

It can mean uploading music videos (that you might see on TV), repeating or singing lyrics, humming a tune, uploading a soundtrack, editing, sampling, performing karaoke or even just using a clip of your favourite chart song.

Can I upload a video of myself singing?

You are welcome to video yourself performing your own song or music but you cannot video yourself singing or playing someone else's music. You must have written original lyrics and melody, have permission from anyone else performing with you and you must not have licensed or sold your music to a record company or music publisher. You must confirm all this to us in the description or we will not be able to post your video. Email us before uploading if you have any questions. See below for our contact details.

Can I send you a recording I made at a concert?

No, you cannot record a concert (or any part of it) and then post the video on SkyCast. It does not matter whether the band or performer is famous or not. The exception would be if you are filming yourself/your own band performing music you have written yourself. You will need to confirm in the description area that you have written the music (lyrics and melody) and any other band members have given their permission for you to upload your video, and that you and any band members have not licensed or sold your music to a record company or music publisher. If you cannot confirm these three things we will not be able to post your video. See below for further details.

What if I am an artist or a member of a band and want to showcase my original work?

If you or your band members have genuinely written original music (lyrics and melody), have not sold or licensed your music to any recording company or music publisher and have the permission of everybody who is performing in your band then you may upload your video to the site. You must confirm in the description area that the music is your own and you have all the necessary permissions. Email us before uploading if you have any questions. See below for our contact details.

What We Check
Copyright and Intellectual Property Infringement
Films, TV programmes, videos, DVDs and logos are protected by copyright and other laws. Copyright protects the interests of the people and companies who create these products. If you break the law you risk being prosecuted. It is important that you understand that you cannot take other people's creations and use them as you see fit. Uploading somebody else's video is no different to taking something from a shop without paying. Copyright infringement damages the music, film and television businesses and the future development of music, film and TV programmes.

Taste & Decency
All kinds of people use SkyCast, including families, teenagers and older people. Everyone has different views of what is acceptable so we cannot use videos which might cause offence. Videos which encourage racism, violence or sexual discrimination will be rejected. Videos that contain untrue or derogatory statements will also be rejected, as may those that contain swearing or nudity. We do not want to know your intimate details or personal secrets - these are best kept to yourself. Funny accidents (think "Kirsty's Home Videos") probably would not offend viewers but you must not deliberately set up stunts that are dangerous to people or animals - bear in mind children might want to copy your video.

Defamation or Libel
You cannot make untrue comments about a person or an organisation which could harm their reputation or make them look ridiculous. You are entitled to your opinion, even when it goes against the grain, but it must be true and justified. There is a big difference between expressing a personal opinion and making untrue claims based on gossip or rumours, rather than facts. These rules apply to both people and companies - whether they are famous or not.

Commercial Messages
You can promote your hobby or own private project but SkyCast is not the place for you to advertise commercial brands, products or services. Your video must not display brands prominently. You are welcome to have an opinion about what you like and dislike but SkyCast is not an advertising space or trading floor.

Technical Problems
We sometimes have technical problems watching your video. We will normally email you if this is the case.
Languages
It is quicker and easier for us to process your video if the language used is English. If you use another language then please ensure it complies with the SkyCast Terms of Use.

Illegal Activities
We want SkyCast to be a fun, safe and family-friendly environment and we will use our discretion to make our own decisions. The law still applies to the internet.

Permissions & Consent
Do I need permission to film people?

Not everyone wants to be a TV star! People need to know your video is going to be published on the internet and there is a chance they will appear on Sky TV. As a film maker it is your responsibility to make sure everyone is happy to be shown in your video. You also need to be aware of activities that might be going on in the background of your video - particularly anything that might be inappropriate, indecent or that does not comply with our Terms of Use.

Can I send you videos of my pets?

Yes, provided you do not to harm your animal in any way. We love animals and it is not acceptable to abuse them. You must never force your pet to perform tricks it does not want to do.

Your Profile
What happens if I forget my password?

Select the option on the login screen asking us to email your password to you.

How do I change my password?
You can change it by using the option on your user profile details page.

Can I change my username?

No, so try and pick the one you want.

How do I close my account?

Email contactus@skycast.com and we will close it for you as soon as we can. See the Terms of Use for more details.

Reporting Concerns
How do I report illegal, abusive or inappropriate content on SkyCast?

Click the 'flag as inappropriate' button next to the relevant video, comment or message and we will investigate. You must supply your email address and details of your complaint. We will contact you if we need to.

Can you give me some safety tips for using the internet?

You need to use your common sense to stay safe on the internet. Never reveal personal information like your home address, phone number or email address in videos, comments or in messages to other users. Never go to meet someone unless you are with an adult you trust. Report people to us if you have serious concerns about them. Remember, internet users are not always who they say they are! See our Safety Tips for more suggestions.

What is SkyCast doing about safety?

There is an option next to all SkyCast videos which allows you to report to us any illegal, abusive or inappropriate comments and videos. See our Safety Tips for more suggestions.

How else could I report inappropriate behaviour?

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre is a place you can report any inappropriate online behaviour toward a child. CEOP, as it is known, is staffed by police officers and investigators who work with businesses and charities. CEOP has also set up www.thinkuknow.co.uk to offer advice on how to use the internet safely. See our Safety Tips for more suggestions.

Where can I find out more about online safety?

The Internet Watch Foundation www.iwf.org.uk is one place to start. The government's online child protection centre www.ceop.gov.uk, Think UK Now www.thinkuknow.co.uk and the Virtual Global Taskforce www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com also offer online safety tips and allow you to report suspicious behaviour or inappropriate material. Your Internet Service Provider may also offer safety tips or parental controls.

Where can I go if I need help or advice about personal problems, or if I just want to talk to someone in private?

We cannot offer personal advice. However, if you need help then some of the places that you might be able to try are: The Samaritans www.samaritans.org.uk, the NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk and NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

Contacting Us
Please make sure you have read these FAQs and our Terms of Use fully before getting in touch.

Who do I call about my Sky TV subscription?

If you are a Sky TV customer and you want to speak to somebody about your Sky subscription, satellite dish or set-top box then the relevant phone numbers are listed on www.sky.com.

Can you help me with my Sky Broadband account?

You'll need to visit http://www.sky.com for help with Sky broadband. Details are posted in the customer support section.

What is the customer services address for SkyCast?

Email contactus@skycast.com

Who do I contact about technical problems with SkyCast?

Email support@skycast.com

Who can answer mobile phone billing questions relating to SkyCast?

Email mobile@skycast.com

Can I contact you by text message?

We are unable to respond to queries you send us by text message. Email us at contactus@skycast.com if you need to get in touch - but do check these FAQs first as they may well answer your question.

What is your postal address?

Our postal address is: SkyCast, British Sky Broadcasting, Grant Way, Isleworth, TW7 5QD. Who do I contact if I am a journalist?

See the 'About SkyCast' page.

Who do I contact about advertising on SkyCast?

See the 'About SkyCast' page.