Technical Submission
Specifications

No — editing codecs like Apple ProRes, Avid DNxHD, and CineForm are not accepted for broadcast delivery. You must export a distribution master in H.264 (High Profile, Level 4.1+) or H.265 (HEVC) wrapped in an MP4 or MOV container. If you are working in an editing suite, export your final cut using your NLE's "H.264 broadcast" or "YouTube 1080p" preset as a starting point, then verify the bitrate is at least 8 Mbps for 1080p content.

Integrated loudness (LKFS/LUFS) is measured using a loudness meter, not a standard peak meter. Free options include the Youlean Loudness Meter plugin (VST/AU) for your DAW, or the free FFMPEG command-line tool. To measure: run `ffmpeg -i yourfile.mp4 -filter:a loudnorm=print_format=summary -f null -` in your terminal. To correct: in Adobe Premiere, use the Essential Sound panel and set the target loudness to −24 LUFS. In DaVinci Resolve, use the Fairlight Loudness Meter. In Logic Pro or GarageBand, use the Loudness Meter plugin. Aim for −24 LKFS ±2 LU with a true peak no higher than −2 dBTP.

Hearthlight Media broadcasts in 16:9 widescreen only. Vertical (9:16) and square (1:1) formats are not accepted for the FAST channel. However, if you have a 16:9 master of the same content, you may submit that. If your original footage is vertical, you have two options: (1) export with pillarboxing — place the vertical video centered on a 16:9 black or blurred background — though this is a last resort; or (2) re-edit with a 16:9 crop if your footage resolution allows it. Contact our technical team if you need guidance on your specific situation.

Yes. The −24 LKFS ±2 LU integrated loudness standard applies to all content, including music videos, lo-fi programming, and instrumental pieces. FAST platforms apply loudness normalization on ingest regardless of content type. If your music master is louder than −18 LKFS, it will be turned down significantly on-air, which can make it sound thin or distorted. We recommend mastering your music specifically for broadcast — this is different from a streaming master (Spotify targets −14 LUFS) or a club master. A broadcast master should feel full and present at −24 LKFS.

Closed captions are required for spoken word, sermon, and narrative film content, and strongly recommended for music videos with lyrics. Submit captions as a separate .srt or .vtt file with the same base filename as your video (e.g., JohnSmith_HolyGround_1080p_2026-04.srt). Free tools for creating captions include: Kapwing (auto-captions with manual correction), Subtitle Edit (desktop, free), and YouTube Studio (auto-generate then export as .srt). For music content, timed lyric captions are preferred over static text overlays burned into the video.

Use the format: ArtistName_Title_Resolution_Date.mp4 — for example, JohnSmith_HolyGround_1080p_2026-04.mp4. Spaces, special characters, and emoji in filenames cause ingestion errors in Viloud and downstream FAST platforms. Use underscores instead of spaces, avoid apostrophes and ampersands, and keep the filename under 100 characters. Your caption file should use the identical base name with a .srt or .vtt extension. Your thumbnail should use the same base name with _thumb appended (e.g., JohnSmith_HolyGround_1080p_2026-04_thumb.jpg).

Individual files may be up to 10 GB. Upon approval of your artist application, you will receive a secure, time-limited upload link via email. Do not attempt to send files via email or social media. If your file exceeds 10 GB (e.g., a feature-length film in high bitrate), contact our technical team before submitting and we will arrange an alternative transfer method. Upload speeds vary — a 5 GB file on a 50 Mbps connection takes approximately 15 minutes. We recommend uploading from a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi to avoid interruptions.

Yes — any music you did not write and record yourself requires a synchronization (sync) license for broadcast distribution. This includes popular worship songs by Hillsong, Elevation Worship, Bethel Music, and others, even if you performed a cover. A sync license is separate from a mechanical license (for audio-only recordings) and must be obtained from the song's publisher. Services like DistroKid's Cover Song Licensing, Songfile (Harry Fox Agency), or direct publisher contact can help. Alternatively, use royalty-free or Creative Commons music, or original compositions. Submitting content with unlicensed music will result in rejection and potential legal liability.

Modern smartphones (iPhone 13 Pro and later, Samsung Galaxy S21 and later) can shoot broadcast-quality 1080p or 4K footage that meets our technical standards. The key requirements are: shoot in 1080p or higher at 29.97 fps (not 60fps slow-motion), ensure good lighting so the subject is clearly visible, use a stabilizer or tripod to minimize shake, and record audio separately with a lapel or shotgun microphone rather than the built-in phone mic. Export using a video editing app (CapCut, DaVinci Resolve Mobile, or iMovie) and verify the output specs before submitting.