Can you send a video to America’s Funniest Home Videos? Yes, you absolutely can! America’s Funniest Home Videos (AFV) is always on the lookout for hilarious home videos from viewers like you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting your funny clips, from filming to the final upload.
Have you ever captured a moment so funny, so unexpected, that you immediately thought, “This has to be on America’s Funniest Home Videos“? You’re not alone! Many people dream of seeing their family, pets, or even themselves become TV stars, even if it’s just for a few seconds of pure comedic gold. Submitting funny videos to AFV is your chance to share those laugh-out-loud moments with a national audience and potentially win some cash. This detailed guide will break down the entire AFV submission process, helping you navigate the steps to share your funny videos and increase your chances of getting on the show.
The Appeal of AFV: Why Share Your Funny Videos?
For decades, America’s Funniest Home Videos has been a staple of weekend television, bringing families together with a collection of the most side-splitting clips captured by everyday people. The show’s enduring popularity lies in its relatability. We’ve all been there: the unexpected pratfall, the pet’s quirky behavior, a child’s innocent but hilarious comment. AFV taps into this universal experience of everyday absurdity and turns it into entertainment.
Why do people submit clips? The reasons are as varied as the videos themselves. For some, it’s about the sheer joy of sharing a laugh. For others, it’s the thrill of seeing their home video on national television. And of course, there’s the incentive of submitting clips for cash. AFV offers prize money for winning clips, adding an exciting extra layer to participating in this funny video contest. Whether you’re hoping to snag a grand prize or just want to spread some joy, submitting funny videos is a rewarding experience.
Deciphering the AFV Submission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your video onto AFV involves a few key steps. The official AFV submission process is designed to be straightforward, but it’s essential to follow their guidelines closely.
Step 1: Capture the Comedy Gold
This is the most crucial step. You need a genuinely funny video. What makes a video suitable for AFV?
- Originality: While it’s tempting to send anything remotely amusing, AFV often looks for unique and unexpected moments.
- Clarity: The humor should be easily understood. Avoid overly complex situations or things that require a lot of explanation.
- Good Quality: While professional filming isn’t required, the video should be clear enough to see what’s happening. Shaky, blurry footage can detract from the humor.
- Conciseness: Get to the funny part quickly. Most winning clips are short and to the point.
- Safety and Consent: AFV has strict rules about what they will and will not air. Ensure no one is put in danger, and always have permission from anyone featured in your video.
Think about your family. Are there any recurring funny moments? Do your kids say hilarious things? Do your pets have a repertoire of amusing antics? These are prime candidates for funny family videos or funny pet videos.
What Makes a Video “Funny” for AFV?
The definition of funny is subjective, but AFV tends to favor:
- Unexpected Mishaps: People tripping, falling (safely!), or experiencing minor, harmless accidents.
- Animal Antics: Pets doing human-like things, getting into trouble, or having funny reactions.
- Kid Chaos: Children’s innocent but hilarious observations, misunderstandings, or funny actions.
- Clever or Witty Moments: People reacting in funny ways or saying something unexpectedly funny.
- DIY Disasters: Attempts at building or fixing things that go hilariously wrong.
- Surprise Reactions: People being startled or reacting comically to something.
Tips for Filming Your Funny Video:
- Shoot Horizontally: This is standard for television broadcast and most viewing platforms. Vertical videos (like those shot for social media) may not be ideal.
- Use Good Lighting: Natural light is best. Avoid filming in dimly lit rooms.
- Stable Camera: If possible, use a tripod or rest your phone/camera on a stable surface to avoid shaky footage.
- Clear Audio: Make sure any dialogue or sound effects are audible.
- Capture the Whole Moment: Sometimes the buildup is as funny as the punchline. Try to film a bit before and after the main event.
Step 2: Format Your Video for Submission
Once you have your comedic gem, you need to ensure it’s in a format AFV can accept. While AFV’s official website is the ultimate source for the most up-to-date technical specifications, here are some general guidelines:
- File Types: Common video file types like MP4, MOV, AVI, and WMV are usually accepted.
- File Size: AFV typically has limits on file size. They often recommend uploading clips under a certain megabyte (MB) limit. If your video is too large, you may need to compress it.
- Resolution: Higher resolution is generally better (e.g., HD – 1080p or 4K).
- Clip Length: While you don’t need to edit your video down to a specific length for submission, AFV primarily uses short clips. If your video is very long, consider trimming it to highlight the funniest part.
How to Compress Your Video (If Needed):
If your video file is too large, you can use online video converters or video editing software to reduce its size. Many free tools are available. Search for “free video compressor online” and choose a reputable site.
Step 3: Navigating the AFV Submission Website
The primary way to send clips to AFV is through their official website. This is where you’ll find the most current and accurate information.
- Visit the Official AFV Website: Search for “America’s Funniest Home Videos official website” or similar terms. Look for a section specifically dedicated to video submissions.
- Read the Submission Guidelines Carefully: This cannot be stressed enough. AFV has very specific home video submission guidelines regarding content, legal rights, and technical requirements. Failing to adhere to these can lead to your submission being rejected. Pay attention to:
- Ownership Rights: You must own the rights to the video you submit. This means you filmed it yourself, or you have explicit permission from the person who did.
- Model Releases: For anyone identifiable in the video (especially if they are clearly the focus), a model release form is often required. The AFV website will usually provide information or links to these forms.
- Content Restrictions: AFV generally avoids excessively violent, dangerous, or offensive content.
- Create an Account (If Required): You may need to create an account on the AFV submission portal to upload your video.
- Fill Out the Submission Form: This will ask for information about you, the video, and the people or animals featured in it. Be thorough and honest. Describe what makes the video funny in your own words.
- Upload Your Video: Follow the prompts to upload your formatted video file.
- Agree to Terms and Conditions: You will need to agree to AFV’s terms and conditions, which usually grant them the right to use your footage if selected.
What Information Do You Need for the Submission?
When you submit funny videos, be prepared to provide:
- Your Contact Information (Name, Email, Phone Number)
- A Title for Your Video
- A Brief Description of What Happens in the Video
- Information about the People/Animals Featured (Names, Relationship to you)
- Date and Location the Video Was Filmed
- Confirmation that You Own the Rights and Have Permissions
Step 4: What Happens After You Submit?
Once your video is uploaded, the AFV submission process enters the review stage.
- Review Period: AFV receives thousands of submissions. It can take time for them to review each one. Be patient!
- Selection Process: If your video is a good fit for the show, the producers will contact you. This doesn’t mean it will definitely air, but it’s a positive step. They may request additional information, like signed model releases.
- Air Time: If your video is selected to air, you’ll be notified about when it might be broadcast.
- Winning: If your video is chosen as a “winner” for a particular episode, you’ll receive prize money. The amounts vary, but AFV is known for offering cash prizes.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting on AFV:
- Be Patient and Persistent: Don’t get discouraged if your first submission isn’t selected. Keep capturing funny moments and keep submitting.
- Focus on Quality (of Humor and Video): A clear, funny video with a clear comedic point is more likely to stand out.
- Follow the Guidelines Exactly: This is crucial. Any deviation can lead to disqualification.
- Submit Unique Content: While relatable, try to find moments that feel fresh and haven’t been seen a million times on other platforms.
- Tell a Story (Briefly): A little context can help. What led up to this funny moment?
- Share with Friends and Family: Encourage them to also share funny videos they capture. You never know where the next viral hit will come from.
Understanding the “Why”: Why AFV Selects Certain Videos
AFV’s producers are looking for content that resonates with a broad audience. They want viewers to laugh, relate, and feel good.
What AFV Looks For:
- Genuine, Unscripted Moments: The more natural and spontaneous, the better.
- Surprise and Delight: Moments that catch people off guard and evoke laughter.
- Relatability: Content that many people can connect with, whether it’s a funny pet moment or a kid saying something unexpected.
- Positive Vibes: While mishaps are funny, AFV generally aims for a positive and lighthearted tone.
- Storytelling Potential: Even in a short clip, a clear beginning, middle, and funny end makes it more engaging.
What AFV Generally Avoids:
- Staged or Scripted Humor: They want real life, not rehearsed skits.
- Dangerous Stunts: Videos that involve significant risk of injury are typically rejected.
- Excessive Violence or Gore: Even if it’s funny in context, it often crosses a line for broadcast television.
- Offensive or Discriminatory Content: AFV aims to be inclusive and entertaining for all.
- Low-Quality Footage: If the video is too dark, blurry, or shaky to see what’s happening, it’s unlikely to be chosen.
- Copyrighted Material: Unless you have explicit permission, using copyrighted music or other elements can be problematic.
Submitting Clips for Cash: The Prize Structure
One of the biggest draws for submitting funny videos is the chance to win money. AFV features various prize categories throughout its seasons.
Typical Prize Structure:
- Clip of the Week: Often, the best clip featured in a particular episode receives a cash prize.
- Monthly Winners: Some seasons may have monthly prize winners.
- End-of-Season Grand Prize: Typically, the most popular or funniest clip of the entire season wins a substantial grand prize, often a vacation or a larger cash amount.
The exact prize amounts and categories can vary from season to season, so it’s always best to check the official AFV website for the latest details on their funny video contest rules and prizes.
Sharing Your Funny Family Videos and Pet Antics
AFV is a fantastic platform for sharing funny family videos. Whether it’s a toddler’s epic tantrum that ends in a giggle, a teenager’s awkward dance move, or a grandparent’s funny misunderstanding, these moments make for great television.
Similarly, funny pet videos are a perennial favorite. Cats doing bizarre things, dogs reacting to common objects, or animals interacting in unexpected ways are gold. If your furry, feathered, or scaled friends provide you with endless amusement, consider capturing it and submitting it.
Best Practices for Family and Pet Submissions:
- Focus on the Funny, Not Just the Cute: While cute is nice, AFV is looking for laugh-out-loud funny.
- Ensure Safety: Never put children or pets in harm’s way for the sake of a video.
- Get Everyone’s Consent: If other family members are involved or clearly visible, ensure they are comfortable with the video being submitted.
- Describe the Behavior: Sometimes, knowing what the pet or child is usually like adds to the humor. For instance, “Fluffy never barks at the mailman, but today…”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about AFV Submissions
Q1: Can I submit a video that I found online but didn’t film myself?
A1: No. You must have full rights to the video you submit. Submitting content you don’t own can lead to legal issues.
Q2: What if my video is in vertical format (like from my phone)?
A2: While AFV prefers horizontal videos, they might still consider vertical clips if they are exceptionally funny. However, you increase your chances by filming horizontally. You might need to edit it to fit a horizontal frame if possible.
Q3: How long does it take to hear back after submitting a video?
A3: It can take several weeks or even months, as AFV receives a vast number of submissions. They will contact you if your video is selected for consideration.
Q4: Is there an age limit for submitting videos?
A4: While the videos are often about children, the person submitting the video must be 18 years of age or older. If the content features minors, parental consent is crucial.
Q5: Can I submit the same video to multiple shows or websites?
A5: It’s generally best to submit your video exclusively to AFV if you want them to consider it. If you’ve already granted exclusive rights elsewhere, AFV may not be able to use it. Always check the specific submission terms of each platform.
Q6: What if the funny moment involves copyrighted music?
A6: Avoid using popular copyrighted music in your video if you want it to be considered. AFV may be able to add music themselves, but your original audio should be clear.
Q7: How do I know if my video is “funny enough”?
A7: If it genuinely made you and the people who saw it first laugh uncontrollably, it has a good chance. Think about what makes AFV clips funny: surprise, absurdity, relatable situations gone awry.
Q8: Can I submit a video from a security camera or doorbell camera?
A8: Yes, if you own the footage and it captures a funny moment, you can submit it, provided you have the necessary permissions if identifiable people are involved.
Q9: What if my video is already on social media? Can I still submit it to AFV?
A9: Yes, you can. However, be aware that if you’ve granted broad usage rights to a social media platform, it could potentially impact AFV’s ability to use it. It’s often best to submit directly to AFV before widely sharing your best clips.
Q10: How does AFV decide which clips win money?
A10: The producers select clips based on humor, originality, video quality, and audience appeal. Often, viewers of the show may have some say through voting on certain platforms or during specific segments.
Final Thoughts on Sharing Your Laughter
How to get on AFV is about capturing those fleeting, hilarious moments that make life memorable. It’s about sharing the joy and the unexpected silliness that happens every day in homes across the country. By following the home video submission guidelines, focusing on quality and originality, and having a bit of patience, you could see your funny family videos or your pet’s most amusing antics featured on America’s Funniest Home Videos. So, keep those cameras rolling, and happy submitting! You never know when your next home video will be the one that brings millions of smiles and a cash prize.