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Content Quality Standards: Still Photo in Video

Still photos in videos are acceptable when used with specific effects.

If your video was rejected with “Content does not meet our minimum quality standards,” it may be because of one of the following issues:

Video is an unacceptable ‘still’ photo

  • The video is comprised solely of still photographs with basic zooms or pans (a.k.a. The “Ken Burns” effect)

  • Video includes still photographs without camera moves, such as a slideshow

Acceptable ‘still’ photograph

  • Cinemagraphs

  • Advanced photo composite

  • Video is a still photo with a parallax effect

Here are some examples of video clips with acceptable incorporations of still photos:

This clip is an example of a cinemagraph, a shot that features a still photograph in which a minor and repeated movement occurs.

This clip uses both a loop and advanced compositing of still photographs.

A parallax effect has been added to this still image, creating depth and the illusion of motion.

We Recommend

  • If incorporating still photographs into your video, use advanced visual effects, motion graphics, or compositing

  • Remember to include property releases and model releases as required for your photographs

  • Write a detailed description of your video in the title, for example, if a clip is a cinemagraph, identify it as such in the title and keywords


If you don’t understand the reason for the rejection of your images or if you need additional clarification, you can always contact contributor support.

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