Frequently Asked Questions

Stuck, confused, or curious? We have answers.

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Viewer Questions

Watching films on Reelhouse

What browsers do you support on Reelhouse?

  • Chrome (latest)
  • Firefox (14+)
  • Internet Explorer (9+)
  • Safari (5+)

Following stories on Reelhouse

What is the follow feed?

Follow your Facebook friends or your favourite filmmakers to see what inspires them, and the cool stories they’re discovering on Reelhouse.

How do I stay updated with a film project?

‘Like’ the project, or ‘Follow’ the filmmaker. Check your alert settings to be updated via email or within the follow feed.

Ads on Reelhouse

How come there are no banner ads or pop-ups?

Reelhouse is 100% ad free. We believe that great pieces of content should be enjoyed how the filmmaker intended, without distractions and in a place that values their work of passion.

Paying on Reelhouse

Do I have to pay?

That depends on the film, and you. We have a wide variety of amazing paid, free or ‘support’ projects for you to experience and engage with.

What do I get when I pay for the film?

This depends on what the filmmaker is offering. On a paid project, check below the video stage for how many videos, extras and minutes of content they’re offering up.

What do I get when I support a film?

This depends on what the filmmaker is offering. On a ‘Support’ project, click “Support Now” to check out the Support video from the filmmaker which should explain why you should contribute as well as any other related details. Below will be a list of rewards that you can select in return for different contribution amounts.

How do I support a film?

Click the “support” on the project page, watch the filmmaker’s support video and read their description. If they have rewards, look below to see their offered incentives and chose one to claim. If you’re not interested in claiming a reward, click “support” and check the box saying: “ I don't want a reward. I just want to show my support.” You will then be directed to a PayPal page where you can pay via PayPal or credit card.

How do payments work on Reelhouse?

All payments on Reelhouse are done via PayPal. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can still pay via a credit card through PayPal.

What if I don’t have a PayPal account?

PayPal allows you to use their service even if you don’t have an account with them- simply enter your credit card details to make a secure purchase through their service.

Where is my money going when I pay on Reelhouse?

All payments on Reelhouse go directly to the artist through PayPal. Reelhouse’s percentage is automatically deducted from the transaction.

Creator Questions

How do I make it on to the “staff picks” and discovery page?

We love compelling, inspiring and entertaining films. Use our tools in innovative and unconventional ways to make your film experience incredible and successful. Everyone on the Reelhouse team crawls the site 24/7 looking for great content and we chose what we’d like to pick.

Uploading video and Images

What format should my uploaded video file be?

We support AVI, MOV, MPG, or MP4 formats under 4GB per video.

MOV files created by iMovie are not supported.

How many films can I upload?

A maximum of 20 per project. Talk to us if you think you might go over.

What tier of quality do you support?

  • 360 SD - 640x360
  • 720 HD - 1280x720

Why isn’t my video uploading?

  • Be sure that your file size is below our 4GB limit.
  • Check if your flash player is up to date.
  • See our upload requirements above.

What are your recommended upload specifications?

  • Codec: h264
  • Resolution: 1280x720 (720p)
  • Frames per second: 24, 25 & 30
  • Audio: 256 kbps / 320 kbps
  • Audio sampling rate: 44.1 kHz
  • Field order: Progressive
  • Pixel aspect ratio: square pixels
  • Data rate: 2000-20,000 kbps

How do I upload images to my project?

In your project page, under the “Images” tab, click “Add new image”. Upload the file, add a caption or title and click save.

How do I change the caption of my image?

Under the “Images” tab in your project page, roll over the image with your mouse and click the gear icon.

How do I delete an image?

Under the “Images” tab in your project page, roll over the image with your mouse and click the “X” icon.

What image format do you support?

JPG, GIF, or PNG. no bigger than 2000 pixels x 2000 pixels

How do I upload a video poster?

Go to your project page, under the home tab, click the poster icon and upload a custom poster for your film. To avoid cropping, upload an image that is 182 x 272 pixels.

Where can I upload my images?

Lots of places! Upload an inspiring custom image or picture to your video poster, video preview tile, background wallpaper, profile picture, and in the “Images” and “News & Info” tabs.

Why won’t my image upload?

Ensure your image file and size meets our upload requirements. Try cropping, compressing or resizing to fit the specs.

Telling your story on the project page

Where do I briefly describe my film?

Directly under your video stage, click edit on the right hand side

Where do I explain my project’s story, in more depth?

Under the home tab in your project, beside the title for your film, click edit on the right.

Where do I customize colours and visual interface of my video player?

In your project page, click “Customize” in the top right hand corner.

Where do I add a background image/wallpaper?

In your project page, click “Customize” in the top right hand corner. Your image will be resized to 1920 by 1200 pixels. Crop the image to design the perfect fit around your video player.

Where do I add hyperlinks for the people who worked on the film?

Under the News and Info tab, find credits on the right, click edit to add producers, actors, crew and your best friend. Indicate the role they played in the project and insert a link to their homepage, twitter handle or online portfolio. These will show up on your Home tab in your project page as well.

Where do I add my equipment and technical details?

In your project under the “News and Info” tab, find Equipment on the right, and click edit. Here you can add visual, audio and lighting equipment specs

Where do I give credit to the musicians on the film?

In your project page under the ‘News and Info’ tab, find Music on the right, click edit. Here you can add the song name, artist and link to their website.

Where do I add updates to my story and film?

Check out the “News & Info” to post sharable updates, video, image and text. Add press links, accolades, festival acclaim and breaking news here to keep your fans engaged.

How do I comment and respond to comments?

Comment on a project by clicking the “Comments” tab in the project page. Reply to a specific comment by rolling your mouse over the comment and clicking the “Reply” button. Click the heart icon if you liked this comment or reply. Flag it if you think it’s inappropriate or offensive.

Releasing your project on Reelhouse

Can I embed the Reelhouse player on my own site, or a blog?

Yes, the Reelhouse player is embeddable on multiple platforms, click the share button on the video player to get the embed link and insert it into your site’s code. Viewers will be able to click Reelhouse logo on the embedded player to be directed back to the film’s project page.

Why doesn’t my embedded player work?

If you’re embedding on a blog, ensure that you copy the exact code from the share icon. Avoid tampering with this code to ensure a smooth embedded video.

My licensing agreement prohibits me to share this film with a specific region, can I geo-block with Reelhouse?

Reelhouse is a global player, connecting filmmakers with their diverse and niche audiences around the world. Looking to restrict access for certain regions? Drop us a line, we can make this happen.

Can I enable subtitle tracks on my film?

Not at the moment, but feel free to upload multiple versions of your film in different languages or with subtitles embedded in them.

Can I play a movie in an auditorium, for a classroom or a watch party?

Check with the filmmaker if you’re planning to screen their film for a larger, public audience, whether for free or not.

Who can see my project when I’m working on it?

You have the choice to activate and de-activate your project whenever you choose. It will be private until you activate it. Your profile is always public, anyone that follows you or has the link to your profile will be able to see your profile page.

Monetizing your film

What is the Paywall? How do I activate it?

First you’ll need to upload a teaser to get your viewers inspired. Now, above your video stage, click the ‘free’ button to select a price and teaser clip. Agree to our terms & service, activate your project, and watch the funds flow in!

Where do I find out who’s using my paywall?

Under your profile drop down menu, click “Your Fans”, manage all fan “Pay To Watch” data from here.

What is the Support function? How do I activate it?

Once you’ve entered your verified PayPal account, you’ll need to upload a support video. Now, under the funding tab, click ‘raise support’ to fill out your support details, and chose whether or not to give rewards.

Is the Support function right for me?

Do you have an inspiring cause? Are you hoping to raise funds for your next project? Do you have a film that friends, family and strangers could help out with? Use your creativity to make this film a success.

What is the support video?

The support video is a tool for you to encourage your fan base to contribute to the film, objective or cause. This video explains where contributions will be going, why you’re raising them and why the viewer should be compelled to give.

What makes a great support video?

Viewers love to hear the story behind why you need their support, here’s your chance to inspire, motivate and tease them.

  • Tell us your story and what’s unique about it
  • Let us know what you’re raising support for, why, and where the funds are going
  • Let us know how we can help, and why we should
  • Show off your rewards, or describe the tip jar function
  • Show us yourself, your studio, your cat or anything else that shows us a glimpse inside the life of your project
  • Be unique, yourself and inspiring!
  • Thank your fans!

What are rewards?

Rewards encourage your fans to contribute by receiving incentives or rewards in return. This can be everything from a virtual high five, to dinner on set with the crew. Allocate a contribution amount, description, title, image and quantity available (optional). Viewers can also contribute without claiming a reward if they wish.

What is the tip jar?

The tip jar function is an option to enable viewers to contribute to your film, without buying a reward or incentive; however, we strongly recommend offering compelling rewards. You’re a creator, be creative! (keep in mind you still need a support video for the tip jar).

Can I activate both rewards and tip jar in the support function?

Yes, it’s up to you on how you would like to set up your support structure.

Where do I find out who’s contributing through the support function?

Under your profile drop down menu, click “Your Fans”, manage all fan support data from here.

Where do I track fulfillment for support rewards?

Under your profile drop down menu, click “Your Fans”, manage all fan rewards data from here.

What is the Store? How do I activate it?

Under the funding tab in your project page, click “Set up a Store”

Where do I find out who’s buying what in my store?

Under your profile drop down menu, click “Your Fans”, manage all fan data from here.

Who’s in charge of merchandise fulfillment?

All fulfillment, shipping and delivery of items in the store is the creator’s responsibility.

Where do I track store fulfillment?

Under your profile drop down menu, click “Your Fans”, manage all fan fulfillment data from here.

Collecting Payment

How do people pay me?

Simply set up a verified Business or Premier PayPal account and determine a price & monetization structure for your content.

What if I don't have a PayPal account?

It’s easy to set one up on PayPal’s site; do it here

How many PayPal accounts can I have per project?

At this time, only one. Let us know if you’d like more, we’ll talk.

What currencies do you accept?

Lots, check the list here

What currency are the prices in Reelhouse?

US Dollars (USD)

I'm trying to link my Reelhouse and PayPal accounts, but am told I need to accept USD.

At this time all PayPal payments via Reelhouse happen in US dollars. To ensure your PayPal account will accept this currency, try both of the following account checks:

Check 1
  • Log In to your PayPal account.
  • Click "Profile" in the top menu
  • Click "My selling tools" on the left menu
  • Find "Block payments" under "Getting paid and managing my risk", click "Update"
  • Under "Block payments sent to me in a currency I do not hold" select "No, accept them and convert them to U.S. Dollars"
  • Scroll to the bottom and click "Save"
Check 2
  • Log In to your PayPal account.
  • Click "Currency converter" above and to the right of your balances
  • Choose "U.S. Dollar" from the dropdown and click "Add Currency"

Where can I manage and analyze my fan data?

Under your profile drop down menu, click “Your Fans”. Here you can keep track of who contributes to your project, when they contributed, how much, what they bought, and where they live. You can also execute email campaigns to all or a select few of your fans, assign tasks and keep notes of them all in one place.

Who’s watching my films, how long are they watching them for, where are they from and what else can I find out about my page’s metrics?

Check out your analytics page under “Metrics” in your profile drop down menu in the top right corner.

Settings and Licensing

How do I delete my account?

Under your profile drop down menu, click settings, then click ‘delete your account’. Enter your password and some feedback, and we’ll say our goodbyes.

How do I change my profile name and email address?

Under your profile drop down menu, click settings, profile, and edit away. Make sure you save your changes.

How do I change my password?

Under your profile drop down menu, click settings, then password. Enter your current password, a new password and verify it. Make sure you save your changes.

How do I change my email alerts?

Under your profile drop down menu, click settings, then alerts. Change your email notifications to never, once a day or once a week. Make sure you save your changes.

How do I change my Paypal account?

Under your profile drop down menu, click settings then funding. Enter your new Paypal information. Make sure it’s verified and save your changes.

I don’t have licensing for the music in the film, can I still monetize?

We’re not lawyers, but we do advise you to have a conversation and a legal agreement with all parties involved before sharing your content on Reelhouse.