What is The Library?
The Clearcast Library is a centralised library of final clocked, broadcast-quality TV and VoD ads. The Library will run full technical checks on an asset against the DPP Delivery Standard before then feeding it into CopyCentral for the usual copy compliance checks in line with the BCAP Code.
This new clearance process ensures that your final clocked ad is broadcast-ready – the content cleared is always the content aired. With The Library, you can upload an asset once and never have to touch it again.
When do I need to start using The Library?
We have been onboarding agencies in a staggering roll-out over 2022 - all agencies should be using The Library by the 30th March 2023. You will not be able to use CopyCentral to upload final edits/TVCs after this point.
What can I do to join The Library?
To use The Library, a person of authority in your organisation will need to sign our T&Cs and get registered. Please contact help@clearcast.co.uk to get these T&Cs sent to your agency. In the meantime, you can also take a look at useful materials, like our FAQs and file specs below.
What has changed?
The fundamental structure of ad clearance isn’t changing; CopyCentral will continue to be the home of copy clearance. Your script and rough cut will still go through CopyCentral, but the change we're introducing will affect where you upload your final clocked ad and its related metadata, which will be managed by The Library going forward.
Will this affect the existing clearance process? And if so, how?
The existing clearance process will remain broadly the same, especially as we are onboarding agencies through a staggered approach for now.
Your stage one (Script) and stage two (rough cut) versions of your ad will still go through CopyCentral, and you will still have the same Clearcast contact guiding you through the process as before.
The main change is for stage three (TVC/clocked ads), which will now be uploaded to The Library. There will be different specs and your final ad will pass through slightly different Quality Checks, rather than the automatic transcoding system on CopyCentral.
Although all clocked ads will need to be uploaded to The Library, a clocked version will also automatically be generated in our existing CopyCentral system and cleared in the normal way through your normal account manager.
What are the benefits of The Library to the clearance process?
The Library brings a range of improvements to the clearance process, such as:
- A single upload
- Automated technical checks on broadcast-ready ads with immediate results
- Less admin
- Centralised dashboards
Do I still need to use Clearcast’s CopyCentral system?
Yes, the Clearcast CopyCentral system is still where all communication and questions around clearance need to be completed and reviewed. Your final approval/restrictions will be available on the according material's page on The Library.
Will I require a separate login?
Yes, The Library is a new system and you will require a separate login. Please contact help@clearcast.co.uk to set up your agency and your user accounts. If your agency is already set up on The Library, please contact your Organisation Admin to add you directly themselves.
If I want to amend my ad after it's been submitted, can I do this?
Once the copy has been accepted by The Library (I.E it has passed QC and is marked 'complete' in green), it cannot be changed. This means that as soon as the QC has completed, the clock number is completely locked in. Any amendments will require a new ad to be submitted, no matter how seemingly minor. Remember, the clock number is attached that specific video - so new video means new clock number.
How much will the new service cost?
For standard clearance, there is no cost to use The Library. Optional services such as Fast Track, Edit to Clear, and TV Admin, are paid for, and if you would like to know more about delivery through The Library, please contact the delivery team at delivery@clearcast.co.uk.
How do we make a submission during the changeover?
Any new final ad submissions from the date your organisation has come on board will need to be made through The Library. However, you can still submit your scripts and rough-cuts through the CopyCentral system, as there are no changes to this part of the process.
Are there different tech specs?
The Library has a different QC process than CopyCentral, which makes sure the final clocked ad is as close to broadcaster specifications as possible. The new tech specifications can be found here: