In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, compelling video content is more valuable than ever. Whether you’re a regular person who happened to capture something unusual on your smartphone, a full-time creator, a journalist, a freelancer, a photographer or a cameraman, working with a professional video agency can open the door to global exposure and real income.

Agencies like ViralPress help to bridge the gap between your original footage and the media outlets, publishers, and advertisers actively searching for fresh, authentic stories. They are everything from a middleman selling the content to vast, technologically advanced platforms. This article breaks down how video licensing works and how the right agency can bring lasting value to your original content.

1. ViralPress

ViralPress is a leading video licensing agency that acquires videos and photographs from the public and freelance creators, hosts them on a platform and distributes them to media organisations. The video agency specialises in digital content that stands out from the rest. This includes anything from street events and family moments to news incidents.

How to work with ViralPress

The process is designed for simplicity. Creators and filmers can upload videos directly via viralpress.com/upload, automatically registering on the platform. Videos must have original sound and be free of added music, watermarks, or text overlays to ensure they are ready for licensing.

Benefits of working with ViralPress

• Revenue Share: ViralPress offers a 60% revenue split with the filmmaker for videos published by media companies. Users can track their earnings online, and withdrawals are typically processed efficiently within 7 to 14 days.
• Copyright Protection: Video owners have their work identified as their original piece of intellectual property. This prevents unauthorised usage and increases revenue, allowing sales to be collected from publishers who used the content without paying a licensing fee.
• Maximised Earnings: ViralPress enhances the value of videos by adding detailed descriptions and supporting images, using editorial expertise to present the content professionally and in line with centuries-old industry standards.
• Global Media Reach: With strong connections to thousands of media outlets, ViralPress helps videos gain broad exposure and secure competitive licensing fees.
• Personalised Support: ViralPress provides dedicated, hands-on support to help users and partners succeed at every step of the process.

2. SWNS

SWNS is a major supplier of news and features to leading global publishers. They have an entrenched network of offices across the UK and close partnerships with British publishers stretching back through the generations.

How to work with SWNS

Both the general public and professional journalists with newsworthy content can submit stories, photos, or videos. Submissions are accepted via https://swns.com/sell-content/, email, or WeTransfer. Contributors must confirm they own the copyright and have obtained the content legally.

Benefits of working with SWNS

• Revenue Share: SWNS shares all content earnings with the copyright holder and is motivated to secure the highest fee possible. Earnings depend on how the content is used. They may license content exclusively for a higher fee or offer it to multiple publishers for less.
• Copyright Protection: Filmmakers retain copyright of the content. SWNS discourages multi-agency representation to avoid payment delays and partners with Visual Rights Group to pursue unauthorised usage, ensuring fair compensation.
• Extensive Reach: Content gains exposure through their international newswire and global network of revenue share partners, reaching major news outlets worldwide.

3. Newsflare

Newsflare focuses on exclusive video licensing to maximise creator earnings by eliminating price competition among buyers. They serve a diverse client base, including publishers, brands, TV production companies, and even for AI training.

How to work with Newsflare

Creators and filmers can upload directly to the website https://www.newsflare.com/upload. Content must be original, adhere to strict guidelines (e.g., no digital alteration, no AI unless disclosed/opted-in) and require written consent for any individuals appearing in the video.

Benefits of working with Newsflare

• Revenue Share: Newsflare offers a 50/50 revenue split on licensing sales and online monetisation, which users can track in their online account.
• Copyright Protection: Filmers retain full ownership and copyright of their content. Newsflare uses official tools provided by platforms like Meta and YouTube to monitor and manage unauthorised use. In some cases, they also contact infringers to request a license fee, which is then paid back to the owner.
• Diverse Content Acceptance: They accept a wide range of video content for editorial, entertainment, and advertising, and actively seek content for trending topics through 'Video Briefs'.

4. Reuters

Reuters is a global news agency renowned for its rigorous journalistic standards, providing highly verified, curated news content primarily to professional media clients (B2B model).

How to work with Reuters

Reuters does not accept unsolicited content submissions from individuals seeking to monetise viral videos. Their content acquisition relies on established journalistic networks, verified sources, or commissioned work. Ideal contributors are professional journalists, news organisations, or highly credible sources capable of meeting their stringent ethical and accuracy standards.

However, the easiest way to submit videos directly to Reuters is through one of their established Content Partners, such s ViralPress, with the content being placed directly on the Reuters platform in front of their worldwide network of leading media outlets.

Benefits of working with Reuters

• Credibility and Reach (for B2B Partners): While not an open platform for individual viral video monetisation, Reuters offers 'Content Distribution & Monetisation' solutions for its partners' content, leveraging its global reach and reputation for accuracy.
• Content Integrity: Their strict journalistic standards ensure the highest level of content integrity and authenticity for their clients.

5. Storyful

Storyful is owned by the media conglomerate News Corp, the company that was owned by newspaper tycoon Rupert Murdoch and is now run by the Murdoch family.

Storyful focuses on the 'social media newswire' concept, specialising in sourcing, verifying, and licensing user-generated content with strong viral potential. They also provide their media clients with videos sourced from police, governments and other state bodies.

How to work with Storyful

Filmers and creators of user-generated video content can submit their videos through a quick and easy process via video.storyful.com

Benefits of working with Storyful

• Revenue Share: Storyful operates on a revenue-sharing model, aiming to maximise a video's sales potential, though earnings vary depending on usage and duration. Payments are made via PayPal once a minimum revenue threshold is met.
• Copyright Protection: Storyful operates on a non-exclusive and exclusive licensing model, so copyright protection is not always included. Check their terms and conditions.
• Maximised Exposure: Storyful's licensing team works to maximise a video's reach, getting it in front of global newsrooms, broadcasters, publishers, and advertisers.
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Choosing the right video agency depends on your content type and goals. Each agency plays a role in formalising video monetisation, so compare their revenue models, payout terms, and licensing rules to find the best fit for your work.

Here is a chart with an overview of different features and services provided by video licensing agencies.