Action and Title Safe
All Yale videos must contain all critical graphic and text elements within the action and title safe zones specified by SMPTE ST 2046-1:
- Action Safe: 93% of the width and height of the image frame (7% from frame edge).
- Title Safe: 90% of the width and height of the image frame (10% from frame edge).

Dimensions
When exporting video files, the aspect ratio of your export must match the primary aspect ratio of your edit. In general, you should not have letterboxing or pillarboxing burned into your export (this does not apply to occasional clips which might have a different aspect ratio from your primary footage).
Copyright
Videos must only use content (music, sound effects, still images, and video) which you have all necessary permissions and follow all license terms and conditions for. Copyrighted content may not be used in any Yale video without permission from the creator.
Many websites supply paid or free stock media for use in your videos:
- YouTube Audio Library: Free music and sound effects. Some clips require attribution, see license type.
- Mixkit: Free stock video, music, sound effects, and video templates. No attribution required, see license terms.
- Various premium stock sites offer paid stock footage and/or music. Refer to each platform’s license terms for usage information.
Graphics Package
The Office of Public Affairs & Communications offers a video graphics package for Yale- affiliated content creators. Using these graphics in your videos is not mandatory, but they can facilitate the creation of your videos and provide them with a streamlined look that incorporates Yale’s visual identity. The package includes several graphics templates for lower thirds, text elements, full-screen graphics, and an outro animation.
If you wish to have these graphics sent to you or your department, please contact Lee Faulkner (lee.faulkner@yale.edu), Digital Assets Manager, Office of Public Affairs & Communications.