Clearance FAQs

Clearcast has transitioned all clearance processes into The Library system, which consolidates and streamlines the process for a more efficient and user-friendly experience. Below, we outline how to get started, the stages of clearance, associated costs, and additional resources.

How do I sign up for clearance?

New Users: If your company is new to Clearcast, complete our registration form to sign up.
Existing Users: If you are already registered, contact your organisation admin for setting up new users. If you need assistance identifying your agency org admins, email help@clearcast.co.uk.

Who should we contact if we have an ad query?

Ad-Related Queries: For questions about your ad, contact your assigned Clearcast representative. If they are unavailable, another team member will cover their work. If your contact is away, their work will be covered by one of our cover team or by another member of staff. You can find out who will be covering your work by emailing clearcast_cover@clearcast.co.uk.
Technical Issues: For issues with The Library, file specifications, or failed transcodes, email help@clearcast.co.uk.

Clearance process

Allow two to three weeks for the clearance process. It consists of three stages, all managed through The Library:

Stage One – Script Submission:

Submission: Log into The Library and submit your script, including necessary storyboards and substantiation for any claims.
Feedback: We aim to provide feedback within three working days.
Approval: On average, script approval takes about two weeks. The longer you allow for clearance, the better.
Next Step: Once your script is approved, proceed to Stage Two.

Stage Two – Rough Cut:

Submission: Create a new submission in The Library for your rough cut.
Approval: Approval typically takes two working days if there are no technical issues or deviations from the approved script. Submitting a rough cut helps identify any issues early, saving time and costs.
Next Step: Once your rough cut is approved, proceed to Stage Three.

Stage Three – Final Clocked Ad:

Submission: After approval of the rough cut, upload the final clocked version of your ad to The Library. This final version should include a 7-second countdown clock, 3 seconds of black screen, and a vision hold for 5 seconds.
Approval: Final approval usually takes two working days. You will see the approval in The Library . The ad will be available to broadcasters through the system.
Next Step: Once your clocked ad is approved, your ad is now cleared! You will see the approval in The Library. You can now deliver your ad to the stations where you’ve booked airtime.

Costs

Standard Clearance:
Clearance is free of charge under the following conditions:

The ad will be broadcast on one of the channels for which we provide clearance, including on-demand and online channels.
The ad duration does not exceed five minutes.
Teleshopping ads longer than five minutes will incur standard charges. Other types of ads may also be subject to case-by-case fees.

Non-Cleared Channels:
For channels not included in our list, you should contact them directly as they may have a different clearance process.

Optional Services:
Charges apply for the following services:

Late Clearance: If your ad's transmission is imminent, we can offer provisional clearance so it can air while we complete full approval. This provisional clearance does not include the same level of checks and guarantees as final clearance and can be overturned if issues arise. This service is chargeable.
Fast Track: Accelerates the clearance process to guarantee feedback within one working day, for a fee.
Edit-to-Clear: We can streamline help with getting your ad format and technical aspects right. For more information, please email edittoclear@clearcast.co.uk.
TV Admin Services: We can manage the complete end-to-end process for you or help with your admin, international clearances, copy instructions and ad deliveries.

Late Submissions

Provisional Clearance: If the ad’s transmission is imminent and there’s not enough time for standard clearance, we’ll provide provisional clearance to allow the ad to air while we work on full approval. This provisional clearance does not include full checks and guarantees and can be overturned at a later stage.
Late Clearance: Available as a chargeable service. For more details, click here.

Technical Specifications

Rough Cuts & TVCs: Check technical specifications for rough cuts here.

Legal Text and Flashing Guidelines

Legal Text (Supers): Ensure that legal text meets the required size and hold time. Use our Height of Super Test Card and Duration of Hold Calculator to verify compliance.
Flashing: Adhere to guidelines for flashing images as detailed in the Supers & Flashing section.

Additional FAQs

How long does it take to clear an ad?

The time required for ad clearance can vary based on the ad's complexity. Typically, the average approval time is between two and three weeks. However, allowing more time generally results in a smoother process. Providing substantiation or evidence for claims ahead of time can expedite the process. We can give a more precise timeframe after reviewing your final script and supporting evidence.

Do you need Clearcast approval for VOD?

Our broadcasters require VOD approval for their Video on Demand (VOD) advertising in the UK. VOD ads must comply with the CAP code here. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regulates all advertising in the UK, including VOD.

Which broadcasters does Clearcast clear ads for?

Clearcast clears ads for major UK broadcasters. You can find the full list of channels we clear ads for here.

Does Clearcast clear ads for other broadcasters?

Yes, we offer our services to other broadcasters who wish to use them. Please email us at help@clearcast.co.uk to discuss if you are a broadcaster interested in using our clearance services.

How do we check the progress of our ad or script in clearance?

You can track the progress of your script, rough cut, or clocked ad in The Library. The status indicators show:

Red: QC failed or video file not yet uploaded
Grey: QC in progress
Green: QC passed and uploaded

The clearance status will also be displayed at the top of your material page, with indications such as 'not submitted for clearance,' 'submitted for clearance,' or 'clearance granted.' Once clearance is granted, you can find detailed information about any restrictions or clearance details at the bottom of the material page.

Our clearance request requires a consultant's input. How long will it take?

When a specialist consultant's input is required, we aim to work with them as quickly as possible. Typically, this process can take up to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the issue and the completeness of your supporting evidence.

What is a timing restriction, and why has our ad been given one?

Timing restrictions are applied to ensure ads are broadcast at times appropriate to their content. For example, ads may be restricted to broadcast only outside of children's programming or after the adult watershed. Some ads may receive a 'post 1930' restriction due to moderate references to sensitive content.

Our ad has been restricted to 'ex-kids'. What does this mean?

'Ex-kids' or 'PK' means that the ad will not be broadcast before, after, or during children's programmes. This restriction is based on the content of the ad and aims to prevent it from appearing in contexts where children are a significant audience.

This is not a timing restriction but rather a content-based restriction that applied to the type of programme being broadcast.

For more advice about the 'ex-kids' restriction, please contact your Clearcast representative.

Helpful Documents

Additional Assistance

For further questions or issues, email help@clearcast.co.uk.

For further guides on using The Library, please find more support articles here.