Swapping out a video file for an upgraded version of a video that is live on YouTube is referred to as an Inline Replacement.
The process replaces the live video file without changing any metadata, including the YouTube ID/URL, comments, or View Count. The process involves both Vevo content ops + YouTube in conjunction.
Please scroll to the bottom for FAQ.
Criteria
Requirements for a successful Inline Replacement:
- a new video file with an minor improvement/minor change* to the video (SD to HD upgrade, audio improvement, etc.) *see "Reasons for Inline Replacements" below.
- The video must be published/live. If the video is not live, you can replace the video file in Backstage before it goes live. Link: See how to delete/reinsert a new video file here.
- A properly formatted Inline Replacement request form (please see instructions below)
- The approval of YouTube. If YouTube determines the changes to the video are too drastic, they will not process the inline replacement. Vevo cannot offer any recourse if YouTube rejects the replacement, YouTube has final say.
Reasons for Inline Replacements
On the form, you will be asked to provide an explanation of what changes are made between the original video and the replacement version.
Please be as specific as possible when describing the reason for the replacement, and include timestamps. If you do not submit the form with a detailed reason and timestamps, your request may be rejected and delay the process for days or weeks. If you do not submit detailed reasoning, content ops will not process your request.
Common/acceptable reasons for an inline replacement**: SD to HD upgrade, mono to stereo audio, out-of-sync audio, typo in a lyric video, typo in a title card, color grading correction...
Reasons for inline replacements that may be rejected: Swapping in an extended or shortened version of the video, drastic editorial changes, bonus scenes, removal of scenes in the video
Examples of valid reasons for form submission:
Reason: There is a typo in the video from 00:31-00:35, "The" is misspelled.
Reason: SD to HD replacement, duration: entire video
Reason: 0:00 - 0:06 Adding a flash/strobe warning at the beginning of the video
Examples of an invalid reasons for form submission:
Reason: New version of the video
Reason: Adding an extended dance break at the end of the video
**Please note YouTube has final say in rejecting/processing inline replacements. If they deem the changes are editorially different, the request may be rejected. Vevo cannot guarantee your inline replacement will be processed. Vevo cannot pre-approve inline replacements, only YouTube approves the inline.
***Submitting a detailed, valid reason with timestamps on the form will ensure the process moves along as quickly and smoothly as possible.
The Process
1. Deliver the replacement video either via feed or via your FTP sideloading folder.
2. Generate your S3 URL
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Pointing to the specific location using the full URL will expedite your request. Please provide a complete file location to ensure your replacement request is processed as quickly as possible.
Examples of complete file locations/S3 URLs:
s3://vevo-ingestion/feed/company/00602435484211_20210104192312967/resources/00602435484211_T2_vidtrk.mp4
https://vevo-sideload.s3.amazonaws.com/sideload/Company/123456789abcdefg.mp4
3. Submit your Inline Replacement request using the Inline Replacement Request Form: https://ops.vevo.com/inline/
- Remember to write a detailed description of the changes for the new version of the video with timestamps to ensure your request is processed in a timely manner (see above for examples).
4. This step is completed by Vevo. Vevo will handle the new file and send the request to YouTube (We usually do this same day or within 1-2 business days (M-F).
5. The files and the request are submitted to YouTube by Vevo. At this point, YouTube reviews the replacement and will either approve or reject the request.
6. If YouTube approves the request, they will process the replacement. The processing times vary greatly, and they can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.
FAQ
Will views, comments, URL stay remain unaffected during this process?
Yes, they will be unaffected. The URL, views, and comments will remain the same! Virtually no changes will take place to the video except the new file will be live instead of the old one.
How long will it take for my video to be replaced?
Once a request is submitted, Vevo content ops will take 1-3 business days (depending on ticket volume/coverage) to handle the new file/ submit the request to YouTube.
YouTube can take an additional 1-5 business days (or more) to process the request.
- Vevo has no control over YouTube processing times for inline replacements.
- Vevo cannot provide ETAs for Inline Replacement processing, once we hand the process to YouTube, it is entirely out of our hands and we have no information to base an estimate on.
- Our partners at YouTube are not able to escalate Inline Replacements to process them more quickly.
- Vevo cannot "rush" inline replacements.
- Vevo cannot guarantee that a replacement will be processed by a certain date.
A video replacement can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to be processed by YouTube.
Can an inline replacement request be rushed?
Unfortunately once the request is in with YouTube, there is no escalation path to complete an inline more quickly. But we can rush it on the Vevo side.
If the request is urgent, please contact your label rep (if applicable), or send an additional ticket to content ops using Urgent messaging. While the processing of the inline on YouTube's end cannot be rushed, Vevo content ops can at least submit our part as soon as possible.
As a preventative measure, be sure to QC videos thoroughly before publishing! It is very unlikely an inline replacement will take less than 2 business days. To ensure the process is speedy, please be sure to submit a detailed description of the changes made for the replacement version of the video.
I want to make sure my inline replacement is completed by a certain date, is that possible?
We cannot control the date/time an inline is processed. YouTube does not offer this either. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Can Vevo check if /pre-approve my replacement video is eligible for an inline replacement?
We cannot! YouTube handles the approval of inline replacements, Vevo has no control or insight over this.
How can I check if my inline replacement is complete?
Once YouTube processes the request, the changes will be live on YouTube. The best way to check is to view the video link and see if the changes have taken effect!
I have more than 5 inline replacement requests, how can I submit in bulk?
Yes, please send a spreadsheet with the following five columns in order (left to right):
1. Video ISRC (This is the ISRC in Backstage for the video)
2. Video id (This is the last part of the YouTube URL for the video, eg, the video id for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcd12345 is "abcd12345")
3. VEVO Channel URL(Very important: Please provide the VEVO channel URL, not the OAC)
4. S3 URL (see instructions under "The Process" heading)
5. Reason (please write the specific reason and the timestamps. See "Reasons for Inline Replacements" above for examples.
We do not need artist names, titles, etc, or anything else! Please only include the info above.