Help & FAQ

Help & FAQ

Video Playback

How do I Watch a Video?

In order to watch videos at SPIKE, you need to have latest version of Adobe’s FREE Flash player installed on your machine. If a recent version of the Flash player is not detected on your machine you should be prompted to download and install Adobe’s most recent Flash player.  If you are not prompted to download the player, you can manually access the download by visiting: Free Flash player.  After installing the latest version of the Flash player make sure to perform the following actions with your browser: clear the cache, clear cookies, and restart.

Please be aware that selected full episodes and clips are only available for viewing on our site by users located within the United States and Canada.

Ad blocking software (eg. Norton Internet Security) can also interfere with playing videos. If you are running any type of ad blocking software you may need to disable ad blocking, clear your cache, and restart your browser to view videos.

If you're still unable to get video clips to play, please email us a complete description of the problem. For us to best assist you, you'll need to include your computer platform, operating system, browser type and number, and the name of the clip you're trying to watch. (For example: PC, Windows 2000, IE 6.0, Miller Lite: Catfight)

PLAYER FAQ

How do I Watch SPIKE?
Video doesn't Play in the SPIKE Player.
How do I delete my cookies?
What happened to SPIKE+?
Why are some videos Blurry?
Can I Download the films on SPIKE?
Why does my Computer Crash when I try to view films on SPIKE?
What is Streaming?
What is Video Compression?
Can WebTV users watch videos?
What are the minimum system requirements for watching videos for PC users?
What are the minimum system requirements for watching videos for Macintosh users?
What are Plug-Ins?
What are Cookies?
What is Geoblocking?

How do I Watch videos?
A. To watch a video on SPIKE, you will need to download and install the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player.

Video doesn't Play in the SPIKE Player.
Please be aware that selected full episodes and clips are only available for viewing on our site by users located within the United States and Canada.
If you are having trouble getting video to play, try deleting your cookies.

How do I delete my cookies?
To delete cookies, go to your browser's preferences/options and go to the cookies section.

a. In Internet Explorer, navigate to the "General" tab and click the "Delete Cookies" button.

b. In Firefox, navigate to the "Privacy" section. Next to the "Cookies" option click the "Clear" button.

For further information, try accessing your browser's help content. This is generally located in the browser menu under "Help". Go to the index and search for "cookies" or "deleting cookies" or "manage cookies".

What happened to SPIKE+?
We are no longer offering SPIKE+ subscriptions. However, existing SPIKE+ subscribers can still watch their 500k streams with no ads. To do so, select "Media Preferences" in the Player. When you reach the media preferences screen, choose Real Player as your preferred media player and choose 500k (subscription only option) as your preferred bandwidth. You may also access the media preferences screen here.

Why are some videos blurry?
The quality of videos is relative to the speed of your modem. If you are using a 56k modem to access SPIKE, your connection speed may be too slow to get a high-quality video stream; therefore the film may appear blurry or be delivered like a filmstrip instead of a movie.

Can I download the films on SPIKE?
At the moment, we don't offer downloads of our video files.

Why does my Computer Crash when I try to view films on SPIKE?
As with all programs and plug-ins, Flash Player and/or Web browsers can freeze or crash your computer. This should not happen on a regular basis. When using a demanding application like a streaming video player, try not to have other programs running that might be using system resources.

What is Streaming?
The term "streaming" refers to files that are designed to play as they download without the need to complete the download before you begin playing it. These streaming files are specially encoded and delivered from high-performance streaming servers. The whole process is designed to let you enjoy more great, high-quality content faster. There are many streaming products on the Net: music, videos, animations and more.

What is Video Compression?
In order to deliver quality video over the Internet, digitized video clips are compressed using custom software. These video files start out so big that downloading them would take many hours, even on a high-speed connection. Compression decreases the file size, allowing for a reasonable amount of download time or streaming capability.

Can WebTV users watch videos?
Currently, WebTv doesn't support streaming media that is encoded higher than 24kbps. The slowest SPIKE streams are encoded at a minimum of 56kbps, thus SPIKE does not support WebTV.


TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEM HELP

What are the minimum system requirements for watching videos for PC users?
Minimum System Requirements * 233MHz Intel Pentium II processor * 64MB of RAM * 56Kpbs modem * 16-bit sound card and speakers * 65,000-color video display card at 800x600 resolution * Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4 or later * DirectX version 3.0 or later * IE 5.0 or later * Netscape 4.7 or later Recommended System * 300 MHz Intel Pentium III processor or greater * 128MB of RAM * DSL/ADSL/Cable Modem * Full Duplex sound card and speakers * 65,000-color video display card at 800x600 resolution * Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 4 or later * DirectX version 8.0 or later * IE 5.0 or later, OR * Netscape 4.7 or later Browsers: * IE 5.0 or later * Mozilla 1.1 and associated Gecko Engines (AOL 8.0 or later, Netscape 7.0 or later) Media Players: Adobe Flash Player 8 or better

What are the minimum system requirements for watching videos for Macintosh users?
* 266 MHz PowerPC/G3/G4 processor processor or greater * At least 64MB of RAM with Virtual Memory turned on * Mac OS 8.5 or later * 56Kpbs modem, or better Browsers: * Internet Explorer 5.0 or later * Netscape Navigator 7.0 or later Media Players: Adobe Flash Player 8 or better.

What are Plug-Ins?
Plug-ins are small applications that give your browser extra capabilities, such as playback of audio or video files, 2-D or 3-D animation, and so on. When you try to view or hear a file that requires a plug-in, like a movie or sound clip, the necessary plug-in launches automatically if you already have it. Current browsers come prepackaged with the most popular plug-ins (some are listed below), but if you don't have the plug-in you need, you can download it from the developer's site. Plug-ins are generally free, though some offer advanced features for an extra fee. If you download and install a plug-in but find that you still can't view the desired files, quit the browser and reopen it. Some older browsers require you to quit the program in order to fully install a plug-in.

What are Cookies?
A "cookie" is a small piece of data that a Website sends to your computer to make your surfing easier. By doing the record-keeping for you saving passwords, noting which plug-ins you have, and so on cookies make surfing more efficient and more personal. We take the security and privacy of our users very seriously, but cookies are required to view films on SPIKE. For full details about our privacy policy, please click here.

What is Geoblocking?
Geoblocking is a technology that is used to prevent access to web sites from visitors in particular countries or regions. Geoblocked content on SPIKE is normally available only to users located within the United States and Canada.

Submitting Videos on SPIKE

Who can submit videos to SPIKE?
Will this submission cost me anything?
What else do I get with SPIKE exhibition?
How long does it take to get my video up once SPIKE gets the tape?
Once my package expires, how can I renew it?
How does SPIKE make money?
What rights do I need to have cleared before I submit my video to SPIKE?
Non-student films
Student films
Any advice on getting the music rights cleared? Do I really need them?
In what formats/players will my video be available on SPIKE?
How does SPIKE decide what to show?
How will my video look and sound on the Web?
How does SPIKE differ from other online movie sites?
Which formats does SPIKE accept?
How do I update information on my video's detail page or on MySPIKE profile page?
What if I want to take my video off the site? What do I have to do?
Can I send SPIKE a better quality tape to re-encode my video at a later date?
If I submit more than one video, how do I get my videos to link together?
How does my video move up and down the Top 100 lists?
Where will my video show up when it premieres?
How do the showcases work? How does my video get selected for one?
Can someone, like a distributor or agent, contact me directly from the site?
How can I get more people to watch my movie on SPIKE?
How can I find/search for my video on SPIKE?
Does SPIKE syndicate content?

Who can submit videos to SPIKE?

To show your video on our site you must own or hold the rights to the video and have all the rights and clearances (music, etc.). You must not have granted exclusive Internet rights to any other company.  The easiest way to submit a video to SPIKE is to register for a user account, click on the “Upload a Video” link at the top left of any page, and follow the simple upload instructions. 

Will this submission cost me anything?

No, submission to SPIKE is free, although submission does not guarantee that we will exhibit your video. Registering and uploading your video takes about 5 minutes. Don’t hesitate to send it to us for consideration.

What else do I get with SPIKE exhibition?

In addition to the encoding, hosting and streaming of your video you get a combination of services not offered anywhere else, including:

Eligibility for SPIKE's many other programs and syndication opportunities (at the discretion of the Programming Department).

A MySPIKE Profile page (optional, you can easily create one yourself) listing your biographical info, website URL, email address, completed projects and projects in development: an effective way for all types of viewers to learn about and contact you.

A unique Video Detail Page for each video you launch on SPIKE. This page shows a synopsis for the video (subject to editing by SPIKE), cast and crew credits, and links to your Web page, and the personal information you have provided.

How long does it take to get my video up once SPIKE gets the tape?

On average, it takes less than a day for out review team to accept or reject your video submission.  For mail-in submissions, you can expect four to six weeks to launch your video after we receive it.

How does SPIKE make money?

As a leading portal and directory for videos on the Web, SPIKE attracts many advertisers. We also generate revenues via partnerships with other companies.

What rights do I need to have cleared before I submit my video to SPIKE?
Non-student films - You must have all the rights cleared, including music*, before you can legally submit a video to SPIKE (as specified in the Terms of Service Agreement).

Student films- If your video is a student production, YOU--not your school--must own all rights and clearances before submitting. If your school owns rights to the project, they must authorize its submission to SPIKE . Submitting to SPIKE is not considered the same thing as submitting to a festival. The following schools have informed SPIKE that the school owns the rights to their student films:
FSU
USC
AFI

Any advice on getting the music rights cleared? Do I really need them?

You must have all the rights cleared, including music*, before you can submit a video to SPIKE. This is a requirement of the Terms of Service Agreement that must be agreed to during the video-submission process. In many cases, music-publishing companies will grant licenses for festivals and other forms of public screenings when the exhibitor is not paying the production company for rights.

In what formats/players will my videos be available on SPIKE?

Your video will be streamed in Adobe Flash Player.

How does SPIKE decide what to show?

All eligible submissions will be considered by our Programming Committee. We do not, however, accept works determined to be pornographic. Videos more than 45 minutes long will not be accepted.

SPIKE's unique content-selection process mirrors the democratic nature of the Web. While SPIKE's programming team highlights particular works, the audience also chooses, moving their choices up the ranks in our "Top 100" lists.

How will my video look and sound on the Web?

We know that you put a lot of time and effort into achieving high production values for your video. The better the quality of the media you provide us, the better we can make the film look and sound online. The SPIKE programming team is working hard to translate that quality into a dynamic viewer experience.

Download speed and quality also depend upon the speed of the viewer's Internet connection. Videos tend to stream somewhat inconsistently, making them look jerky to watch over a 28.8kbps modem connection but look great over a broadband connection. Of course, as technology continues to improve, so will the viewer experience. Streamed content requires negligible download time, regardless of a video's length.

How does SPIKE differ from other online movie sites?

Unlike many other sites, SPIKE allows you, the filmmaker, to retain rights to your video. We encourage you to use SPIKE and its distribution partners as a launchpad to get your work in front of a worldwide audience. Film programmers, film distributors and Industry players visit SPIKE and its partners regularly in search of new talent. Our mission is to promote your work and give you visibility.

Mail-in submissions

If you would prefer to mail in your submission please use the following address:
SPIKE Submissions
1024 N. Orange Drive
Hollywood CA 90038

Formats we accept are: mini DV, DV cam, Beta Sp, VHS, DVD and CD. NTSC only.

Be sure to include your contact information. We will contact you once your video has arrived at our office. If you have any questions please contact Feedback.

How do I update information on my video's detail page or on My SPIKE profile page?

To update information on your video detail page or your profile page, simply log-in to SPIKE with your username and password. Then, click on your username at the top left of any page. This will direct you to your user account pages where you can add new stuff and make changes to anything that currently exists.

What if I want to take my video off the site? What do I have to do?

You may revoke SPIKE 's license by giving written notice sent to techsupport@spike.com. We will pull the video off the site within 30 days after receiving the written request.

If I submit more than one video, how do I get my videos to link together?

Just be sure to register all your videos through the same SPIKE user ID and password. Your videos will all be linked together through your My SPIKE rofile page. Everyone who visits it will be able to read a brief description of each video you currently have on our site and watch it in your own in-page player.

How does my film move up and down the Top 100 lists?

Top 100 lists are generated by both newest uploaded and most popular. Your video will automatically appear on the newest uploaded lists, while your video's ranking on the most popular lists is determined by number of views. You want a higher ranking? Tell all your friends to watch your video.

Where will my video show up when it premieres?
Each new video receives its own video-detail page on the day it goes live. Certain videos will be selected for special placement, subject to Programming Committee discretion.

How do the showcases work? How does my video get selected for one?

All videos submitted are considered for SPIKE showcases. Videos are chosen based on relevance to the showcase subject matter and quality. Selections are made by SPIKE 's Programming Committee.

Can someone, like a distributor or agent, contact me directly from the site?
Yes! Each My SPIKE Profile page has a link that allows people to send you an email without having to go through us. The email address that you entered during your filmmaker registration is the address that will allow people to contact you (If you get invited to a great festival or sell your film through your SPIKE association, let us know).

How can I get more people to watch my movie on SPIKE ?

Think of us as your exhibitor. What would you do to get people in to see your video if you had a run at your local theater?

How can I find/search for my video on SPIKE ?

In the navigation bar at the top of each page there is a search field which allows you to search by video's title or keywords.

Does SPIKE syndicate content?

Absolutely! When your video goes live on SPIKE, it is evaluated by our SPIKE Programming Committee for possible participation in each of our special programs. SPIKE has an extensive network of partners, and your video could be deemed appropriate to be showcased in any or all of our programs.

Registration FAQ

How do I register for a SPIKE account?

To register for an SPIKE account and gain access to your personalized MySPIKE page, Clip of the Day, Newsletters, and many other cool features, just follow the instructions on the SPIKE registration page.

During registration you’ll be asked to provide a desired username, password and valid email address.  A confirmation email will be sent to you that includes instructions on how to complete the registration process and gain access to your MySPIKE account.  Once logged in you can edit your profile, upload videos, view your favorites and uploads, quickly share videos with friends and family, and explore the variety of other cool tools and features MySPIKE has to offer.

I did not receive an email to validate my account.  What do I do? 

 Please send us an email to: registration@spike.com and tell us about your issue.  Don't forget to include the username and email address you used to set up your account.