Here's How:
Open a Vimeo Account
To share videos on Vimeo, you'll need a Vimeo account. For musicians, there are two account choices: the free, basic account and Vimeo PRO. The PRO account costs $59.95 per year, which can be paid in monthly installments of $9.95 each. If you're new to making videos and don't plan to have a steady stream of them, the basic account is a perfectly adequate place to start. Remember that you can always upgrade later. If you have multiple videos and plan to use them aggressively as a promotional tool, than the PRO account could be a good investment. It provides 5GB of weekly upload space (versus 500 MB in the basic plan), but more importantly, gives you access to analytical tools. Use this page to compare the options side by side.
Note that if you are a record label or other business, rather than an individual artist, you will need to set up a Vimeo business account. The cost for businesses is $199 per year.
Prepare Your Video for Uploading
Once your video is loaded into your video editing program, you'll need to make sure your settings are acceptable for Vimeo uploading. Editing software programs vary, and Vimeo is generally pretty forgiving, though they do advise against using Apple ProRes. Here are some general settings to stick to:
- Codec - For the video codec, go for MP4 (aka H.264) or WMV3. For the audio codec, AAC (advanced audio codec).
- Framerate and Keyframe - Set to "current"
- Data Rate - Use 2000 k/bits per second for standard definition, 3000 for widescreen and 5000 for high definition.
- Deinterlace - Not all editing programs have this function, but if yours does, enable it.
- Resolution - 640 x 480 for standard, 853 x 480 for widescreen and 1280 x 720 for high definition.
- Audio Settings - 320 kbps and 44.100 kHz for the sample rate.
Upload Your Video
Log into your Vimeo account and go to the "Upload" page (there is a link on the home page). Select "choose a file to upload" and select your video file on your computer. Hit "Select" and your video will automatically start uploading to Vimeo. A progress bar will appear to show you how much time you have left in your upload. The upload speed depends on your connection speed.
After the upload finishes, Vimeo will put your video through a compression process. A new progress bar will appear so you can monitor that process. You will also receive an email when your video is compressed and ready for viewing on the site.
Promote Your Video
At its heart, Vimeo is a social networking site, and to get your video seen, you have to network! Get active in the Vimeo community by watching other videos and leaving comments. As others return the favor, your video will start racking up views.
If you'd like to have your video featured as a Staff Pick selection, you can leave a link in the Shoutbox found on the Staff channel.
Tips:
Remember that you can only upload original videos to Vimeo. You may not upload any videos that contain footage/music for which you do not own the copyright or have a license. For instance, you cannot include uncleared movie clips in your video or upload a video for an uncleared cover song.
Vimeo cannot be used to promote a product or service.
Need help shooting a music video? Get advice from a pro in this step by step guide.
