Direction for video content on Expedia brands: Give travelers a delightful and relevant experience through our rich content and display. Videos will help show travelers what the property has to offer and what it would be like to stay there.

Key guidelines

Video Duration: Videos should preferably be under 60 seconds, with a maximum length of 2 minutes. The minimum video length is 15 seconds. 

Video Format: Acceptable formats include mp4 or mov, with a preference for mp4. 

Audio: Only video with audio that you have all rights or permissions to use in the video will be allowed on Expedia’s platforms. Clear audio voiceover and captions in English can be included. No other sound effects are allowed; any other added music may be removed and the entire video may be rejected or removed.

Video Orientation: Portrait videos are preferred, but videos in landscape are also accepted. 

Video Resolution: Accepted aspect ratios are 9:16 and 16:9. Minimum video resolutions are 1080*1920 (9:16) or 1920*1080 (16:9). Expedia does not support 4K or higher resolutions. If you upload a 4K video to Expedia, it will be compressed and cropped.

Video quality

Video media should not be:  
•    Low resolution, blurry, or pixelated 
•    Graphically filtered with overlays, borders, or artistic effects 
•    Too dark or light 
•    Black and white or sepia 
•    Sideways, upside down, or otherwise improperly rotated

Using a phone to capture videos

•    Clean your lens to avoid unwanted smudges or dust
•    Use high quality settings on your phone
•    Stage the space (arrange it nicely for display, removing any unwanted items)
•    Use smooth, steady movements to avoid shaky shots
•    Use plenty of light (avoid dark or backlit shots)
•    Keep the phone orientation consistent
•    Limit using phone zoom to avoid degrading quality

Creative guidelines

Engagement: Create engaging and informative videos showcasing unique aspects of the property and surroundings.
Primary Focus: The primary focus of the video should be on the property: property exterior/interior, rooms, suites, amenities (pools, gyms, spa, dining) views from property, property exterior within destination.
Amenities Showcase: Highlight amenities that are offered during the stay.
Attraction Highlight: Videos should be of the property and can include the surrounding area. Up to 20% of the video can showcase relevant nearby attractions or experiences.
Perspectives: Capture the different aspects of the stay from a variety of angles and distances (such as at eye level, from above, from far away and up close).
Mobile-Friendly: Many customers shop on Expedia using mobile devices, so make sure your video is mobile-friendly and looks great on small screens.
User Generated Content: As well as traditional videos, user generated content (UGC) including ambassador and/or influencer content that displays the vibe of the property is accepted.

Prohibited elements

We strive to create a safe, helpful, and inclusive platform for everyone. By avoiding these prohibited elements, you contribute to a positive and welcoming community for all travelers.

We do not accept videos that include: 

Explicit Content: Nudity, sexual acts, graphic violence, drug use, or excessive alcohol consumption. 

Discriminatory Content: Hate speech, racism, sexism, xenophobia, harassment, bullying.

Illegal Activity: Violation of local laws or Expedia policies.

Unsafe Practices: Risky behavior, dangerous stunts, or illegal activities.

Private Information: Unintentional exposure of others' identity without consent, including faces, license plates, or addresses.

Promotional Content: Direct advertising of Expedia competitor products or services.

Still Images in Video: Videos comprised of still images in a slideshow or montage.

Misrepresentation: Intentionally misleading viewers about the property or surrounding area.

Impersonation: Attempts to impersonate another person, account, or entity, including Expedia representatives.

Infringement of Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights: Content that infringes the intellectual property or other proprietary rights of others. Only submit your own content or content that you have permission to use. For example, unless you have obtained permission from all relevant third parties, do not play music or include images, artwork, or other audiovisual works in your video(s). Anyone featured in the video should avoid prominently visible branding on clothes, jewelry, or accessories if you don't have permission from the brand owner.

Confidential Information: Any personally identifiable information about others, including full names, addresses, contact information, credit card numbers or other personally identifying information should not be displayed in the video.

Irrelevant Titles: Video captions containing irrelevant information to the property listing type, style, or experience.

Symbols or Emojis: Listing titles containing symbols or emojis.

Fraudulent Information: Video content showcasing fraudulent, false, misleading, or deceptive information.

External Links: Video content with any web links, URLs, phone numbers or calls.

Property Access: Videos containing specific information about accessing the property such as door codes, key locations, or exact addresses for vacation rental properties.

Branding & Tagging Celebrities: References to or footage containing other brands and logos, especially logos or branding for other travel agencies or Expedia competitors should not be displayed. #Hashtags with brand, celebrity or product names or tagging third-party companies or celebrities without prior agreement.

Alcohol and Alcohol Consumption: 

  • Do not encourage, feature, or refer to behaviors that suggest irresponsible drinking
  • Do not encourage excessive consumption
  • Do not show alcohol more than what might be reasonably served to those in the video (i.e., one drink per person, no magnums for just 1-2 people, etc.)
  • Do not disparage abstinence from alcoholic beverages
  • Do not show products by alcohol manufacturers or distributors

Minors: Videos of guests under 18 years old will be excluded, unless they're accompanied by an adult. 

Prices and Promotions: Videos containing prices, promotional information, discount claims, or time-sensitive information.

Expedia Logos: Use of Expedia's intellectual property (such as logos and service names) unless you have received our express written consent.


Last revised: 10/10/2024