Skype Broadcast
Guidelines
For TV, film, and radio

July 2018

Contents

3 Introduction
4 The Skype Brand
5 Watermark icon
9 Skype user interface
10 Optional elements
11 Skype TX
12 Sound
13 Verbal and visual mentions of Skype
14 System requirements
15 Tips for video performance
16 Tips for audio performance
17 Terms of Service

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Welcome to
Skype. These are
our guidelines
for using Skypesoftware inbroadcastand film.

3

Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Introduction
Broadcasters and studios can introduce live, face-to-face video calls to
TV and film in order to reach remote locations, interview people from the
comfort of their homes, and engage with experts from around the world.
Skype can also be used for free Skype-to-Skype calls during
radio programming.
These guidelines will provide you with the tools you need to brand your calls
correctly and consistently with the Skype experience.
Following are the different versions of Skype software that you may use:

Name

Description

SkypeThis is the Skype that most consumers use

Skype for Business

Skype for Business allows larger organizations to easily
integrate Skype with their existing Exchange Server.

Skype TX

Skype TX allows producers and contributors to enhance
programming with real-time contributions from Skypeusers and collaborate with them easily wherever they are,whatever device they have.

Skype Room Systems

Skype Room Systems is Microsoft’s conferencing solution
designed to transform your meeting room into a rich,collaborative Skype for Business experience.

The Skype brand

When you are creating a Skype call, it needs to lookauthentic. We want it to be instantly recognizable
when seen in a feature film or live TV broadcast.
To allow this authenticity, we have provided guidance on thefollowing areas to help you brand your broadcasts.
Watermark icon
Learn how to identify the watermark icon and incorporate itcorrectly into your branding.
Watermark size and position
Learn how to use the Skype watermark and where to place it.
Picture-in-picture (PIP) size and position
Learn how to replicate a picture-in-picture Skype experience.
Performance guidance
Find tips for getting the best sound and video during aSkype taping, including system requirements.

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Watermark icon

The Skype logo is no longer in use. It is being replaced by a watermark icon on screens.
The Skype watermark icon should be used when representing the user interface, placedin the corner of the screen.
Please don’t alter the standard watermark icon’s shape, color, or proportions, and use
the icon as outlined in the following pages.
The watermark icon should not be used anywhere other than the Skype-user interface,and should not be used on Skype video messages.
Please make sure you are using the latest version of the Skype software. The following
pages cover the positioning and usage of the watermark icon.

Watermark icon

Watermark opacity 60%

5Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Watermark icon in place

Contact Skype Brand Help

Watermark icon

Device-specific user interface
When footage needs to match a device-specific user interface, use the guidance below
to position the Skype watermark.

Size chart

If no specific device-specific user interface is being mimicked, the height of thewatermark icon should be 7% of the height of the screen (7% of y) and positioned 3.5%of the height of the screen (3.5% of y) away from the edge (margin).

720 x 480
Watermark = 34px highMargin = 17px
768 x 576
Watermark = 40px highMargin = 20px
1024 x 768
Watermark = 54px highMargin = 27px
720 x 480 - DV NTSC/VGA

1280 x 720
Watermark = 50px highMargin = 25px
1920 x 1080
Watermark = 76px highMargin = 38px

768 x 576 - PAL
1280 x 720 - HDTV

1024 x 768 - XGA

1920 x 1080 - HDTV

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Watermark icon

Things to avoid
There are certain things you can’t do with our watermark icon.

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Don’t squish or rotate it.

Don’t put any version of the standard
logo on flat-colored backgrounds
that clash.

Don’t change the color or add drop
shadows or effects.

Don’t assume you have thecorrect logo, always check thebrand site for the latest version.

Don’t use the watermark icon foranything other than launching
applications. Don’t modify it.

Don’t separate the watermark iconfrom its bubble.

Don’t use the Watermark icon foranything other than representing
the user interface.

Never use the Skype watermark icon
in a lock-up that suggests a new brandwithout approval by the brand team.

Watermark icon

ExampleThis image shows the standard Skype watermark icon being used along with a graphicaloverlay in the lower third.

Helen Owens

Seattle, Washington

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Skype user interface

Look like Skype
Being true to the Skype user interface is key to creating a believable and authentic Skype call.
To ensure your call represents a true Skype experience, always compare it to the latest versionof the Skype client. For licensing reasons, ensure you remove the placeholder avatar and calling
images, and replace with your own.

Video call on Skype for Android

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Video call on Skype for iPhone

Group video call on Windows desktop

Optional elements

Using a picture-in-picture (PIP)
The use of a PIP is optional and not always necessary when visualizing Skype in a broadcast
environment.
When emulating a PIP, be true to Skype’s user interface with regards to the size and positioning
on the screen.
Align the PiP formatting to match the look and feel of Skype on the device you are using.
Device-specific user interface
When footage needs to match a device-specific user interface, please refer to the devicespecific watermark information on page 6.
You may wish to capture both sides of a Skype call on different devices. To avoid the watermark
icon and PIP jumping around in the edit, keep the size and position of the elements consistent,
matching one of the device UIs and applying to both sides of the conversation.

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Contact Skype Brand Help

Skype TX

Broadcast HD-quality Skype video calls with Skype TX
Skype TX allows producers and contributors to enhance programming with realtime content from Skype users and collaborate with them easily wherever they
are, with whatever device they have. Skype TX gives them the tools needed toeasily control, adjust, and preview multiple Skype calls in your workflow.

You can work with Skype TX in one of two ways:
Use the default Skype logo anywhere on thescreen during the broadcast.
Announce Skype at regular intervals during thebroadcast instead of using the Skype watermark.
Guidance for Skype announcements is on Page 13.

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Skype TX broadcast-ready, enhanced software, and control room tools take
Skype video calls to the next level. The Skype TX hardware provides HDSDI, analog audio or IP work flows via Network Device Interface (NDI) to
accommodate all production facilities. The controller gives users an easy way tomanage calls in your production workflow with Tally and Talkback tools to give
added abilities to Skype. Talkback allows producers to talk to the talent privately
during the broadcast and Tally is an indicator to show the talent when they areon air. Skype TX can manage up to 14 individual channels concurrently.

Skype sounds

Sound

Contact Skype Brand Help

Sonic elements are really important to our brand. We have a variety of sounds thatare instantly recognized as ‘Skype”. Click on the icons below to hear them.
Each sound is specific to a Skype feature and should only be used to represent thatfeature. Skype sounds shouldn’t be used as sound effects for unrelated actions.
Product sounds should always be added in post-production. You should consider
the device and the environment in which they are occurring.
Please ensure that these sounds are used in the correct context and that they
match up with the action on-screen.
Always check that the sounds you are using are up to date.

Use this sound when a callis reconnecting.

Use this sound whensigning into Skype.

Use this sound on a loop
while a call is connecting.

Use this sound for an
incoming audio call andincoming video call.

Use this sound when acall is resumed.

Use this sound when a filetransfer is incoming.

Use this dialing sound oncethe “call” button has beenpressed and before theoutgoing call sound starts.

Use this sound when
there is no answer.

Use this sound when a filetransfer has completed.

Use this sound when an instantmessage has been received.

Use this sound for an
outgoing audio call andoutgoing video call.

Use this sound when atransfer has failed.

Use this sound when an instantmessage has been sent.

Use this call hang-up
sound once a call has been
terminated.

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Verbal and visual mentionsof Skype

Contact Skype Brand Help

What to do

Audio
For audio-only programs where no visual
representation of the brand is possible,
mentions of Skype should be done by a verbal
announcement.
If the call is less than 15 minutes, anannouncement should be made at the
beginning of the call. For calls longer than 15
minutes, you should make the announcement at
the beginning and end of the call, and at no lessthan 15-minute intervals.

“Newscaster [Nina] is joining us on a Skype video call.”“We are chatting with [Nina] on a Skype video call.”“Video calling with [Nina] on Skype.”“We are speaking to [Nina] on a Skype video call.”
Voice-only usage

Visual

“We are talking to [Nina] on Skype.”

In any program that uses or includes a visual
depiction of the Skype software, you should
place the Skype watermark icon in such a
way that it is scaled proportionately and toa reasonable size so that it is clearly legible.
Your use of the Skype watermark icon mustcomply with all requirements identified in theseguidelines.

“Over to newscaster [Nina] on a Skype call.”If you want to mimic a specific device in yourprogram, only use the Skype User Interface
appropriate to the device.

Avoid using “connect” or ”connecting”. Skype doesn’t
connect calls, it helps you keep in touch or reach people.

If you wish to include in any program a soundto represent a particular Skype-calling featureor action (for example, a “call answer” soundfor when a call is accepted or a “call hang-up”
sound for when a call is terminated), use only
the sounds located in Skype.

13

Skype Broadcast Guidelines“Calling [Nina] on Skype.”

What not to doSystem requirements

ComputerInternet connection

The best calls have good quality video and sound.
These pages have some technical tips that will help
you get the best performance from a live Skype call.

Your computer hardware needs to meet the minimum requirements to broadcast HD
video as best as possible. Restart your computer before the broadcast, switch off all
background applications, and disable firewalls and virus scanners during the broadcast.
If you are using a laptop, it should be mains powered where possible, and set to “optimal
performance mode.”

Check that your internet connection speeds are suitable for video calls.
You need at least 400 kbps upload and 500 kbps download speed.

See here for the most recent system requirements

Always make sure the user has the latest version of Skype.
Minimum requirements Windows
Classic version of Skype: PC running Windows XP with SP3, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or 10.
Both 32- and 64-bit operating systems.
New Skype for Windows 10: Windows 10 Anniversary Update (OS Version 1607 or higher)​Processor: At least 1 GHz
RAM: At least 512 MB
Additional software: DirectX v9.0 or above
Mac
Version: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher
New Skype on Mac: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher​
Processor: At least 1 GHz Intel processor (Core 2 Duo)
RAM: At least 1 GB
Additional software: Latest version of QuickTime
Linux
Version: 64-bit Ubuntu 14.04+, 64-bit Debian 8.0+, 64-bit OpenSUSE 13.3+,
64-bit Fedora Linux 24+
Processor: An Intel Pentium 4 processor or later that’s SSE2 capable RAM: At least
512 MB Optional
RAM: At least 512 MB
Optional software: libappindicator1 or GtkStatusIcon to make the tray icon work

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Test the caller’s internet speed to determine what quality to expect fromthe call: www.speedtest.net.
Use a dedicated broadband internet access with greater than 1.2 Mbps
bandwidth for HD calling (Dedicated Wired Broadband or LAN, then WIFI, or 3g/4g in order of preference).
For a good HD call, the download speed should be 10 Mbps down with
5 Mbps up. For a robust HD call, the internet connection should haveheadroom.
Minimum specs for Skype video
Standard Def: Download 0.5 Mbps / Upload 0.5 Mbps
720: Download 1.2 Mbps / Upload 1.5 Mbps
1080: Download 3.5 Mbps / Upload 5 Mbps
Government and public buildings such as schools and town halls arenotorious for having firewalls that throttle Skype’s quality, so the firstthing to do is contact their IT administrator.

Tips for video performance

Simple tips for best performance

Equipment for remote participants

Audio

Everything that is visible on the computer screen will also be visible on therecording. Therefore, it is best to avoid mouse movements over the picture, and todisable pop-ups, screen-savers, and sleep mode. You should also set Skype to “donot disturb” to avoid incoming calls and messages.

Video

The best calls have good-quality video
and sound. The following are sometechnical tips that will help you get thebest performance from a live Skype call.
For questions regarding technicalsupport for your production, pleasecontact Skype Brand Help.

Set your shot. You’ll need an HD webcam or camera in order to record andbroadcast HD video content.
Get your acoustics and audio right. Set the lighting for improved performance.
Don’t backlight, and try to avoid sudden movements.
Participants should wear plain clothing, as patterns and black or white clothingcan be difficult for cameras to decode.
Even if the user has an HD cam, if they are on a low-powered netbook or their
CPU usage is high, you will never obtain a high-quality feed.
Allow the call to stabilize before recording. The quality of the call will improve
gradually as the system optimizes. This can take roughly 1 minute.

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

Most external cameras will produce better quality results than any
internal camera.

MobileMobile phones should not be used for TV interviews.

Tips for audio performance

Simple tips for best performance

Equipment for remote participants

The best calls have good-quality video
and sound. The following are sometechnical tips that will help you get thebest performance from a live Skype call.

Use a separate high-quality microphone and pre-amp setup with balanced cables.
In-built systems tend to pick up more background noise and therefore should be
avoided for professional use.

Audio

For questions regarding technicalsupport for your production, pleasecontact Skype Brand Help.

During the broadcast, mute all microphones when not in use. Use wind screens on
microphones to prevent environmental interference and ambient bleed.
Ensure that microphones are as far away as possible from loud sources of ambient
noise and close to the intended sound source (voice).
Capture ambient sounds using an alternate microphone.
When recording a conversation over Skype, the preferred order of audio capture
for recording conversational Skype audio is as follows:

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines•

Skype TX.

•

Sound card audio capture programs (such as Soundflower, Audio Hijack,Free Sound Recorder).

•Stereo headphone output to the line-in of auxiliary device or workstation.

•“Over-the-Shoulder” camera capture of audio.

A good set of headphones with a noise-reducing speaker willproduce the best results. But, a pair of generic headphones withno access to a USB mic is better than having the caller listen to thereturn video via the internal speakers.

MobileMobile phones should not be used for TV interviews.

Broadcast Terms of Service (TOS)

1. Broadcast TOS Applicability
Unless agreed otherwise in writing by Skype, any useof Skype software in a Program (as defined below) for
Broadcast (as defined below) shall be subject to theseBroadcast TOS.
If You want to use Skype software in a Program for
Broadcast, You must agree to these Broadcast TOS.
Unless agreed otherwise in writing by Skype, if You do
not agree to these Broadcast TOS You may not use Skypesoftware in a Program for Broadcast.

2. Skype Identification in Programsfor Broadcast
When using Skype software in any Program for
Broadcast, You agree to comply with any applicableterms of the Skype Broadcast Guidelines (as may be
updated from time to time) and the following additional
requirements, except where prohibited by law:
2.1 Audio Programs. With respect to any Program
where there is no visual image being Broadcast, thefollowing requirements apply:(a) For any Program where use of the Skypesoftware will be fifteen (15) minutes or less in duration,
You shall transmit an identification announcement at
the beginning and end of such use, as described in the
Skype Broadcast Guidelines;(b) For any Program where the use of the Skypesoftware will be fifteen (15) minutes or more in duration,

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

You shall transmit an identification announcement at the
beginning and end of such use and over the course of
the Program in no less than fifteen (15) minute intervals,
as described in the Skype Broadcast Guidelines; andYou shall further comply with the requirements relating
to the use of Skype sounds set it in the Skype Broadcast
Guidelines.

(c) If You wish to include in any Program a sound torepresent a particular Skype-calling feature or action (forexample, but without limitation, a “call answer” soundfor when a call is accepted or a “hang-up” sound forwhen a call is terminated), You shall use only the Skype
specific sounds found in Skype and You shall further
comply with the requirements relating to the use of
Skype sounds set out in the Skype Broadcast Guidelines.

3. General Provisions

2.2 Audiovisual Programs. With respect to any
audiovisual Program (i.e., where a visual image is
Broadcast with an accompanying audio signal) in which
You use Skype software or include a video depiction of
the Skype software, the following requirements apply:(a) Any Program that uses or includes a visual
depiction of the Skype software requires Microsoft
approval and license. Upon receiving a license, Youruse of the Skype watermark icon must comply with all
requirements set out in the Skype Broadcast Guidelines.
To request a license, submit a request here.
(b) If You want to mimic a specific device in yourProgram, You shall only use the Skype user interface
appropriate to the device as shown in the SkypeBroadcast Guidelines. (c) If You wish to include in any
Program a sound to represent a particular Skype-callingfeature or action (for example, but without limitation, a“call answer” sound for when a call is accepted or a “callhang-up” sound for when a call is terminated), You shalluse only the Skype specific sounds found in Skype and

3.1 Definitions
3.1.1 “Broadcast” means to transmit simultaneously
to the general public through any now known andunknown media and formats, including, without
limitation, a data communications network, the Internet,
electronic mail system, television, radio or satellite
system, or point to multi-point transmission over awired, wireless or fiber network; and for purposes ofthese Broadcast TOS shall also include narrowcasting
and multicasting.
3.1.2 “Program” means a live or pre-recorded audio
or visual performance.
3.2 You represent and warrant that You areauthorized to agree to and comply with the terms andconditions of these Broadcast TOS. You are responsible
for clearing all rights and paying all licensing fees andother costs and expenses arising from the Program andthe Broadcast. In no event shall Skype be responsible forany costs or expenses incurred in connection with theProgram or the Broadcast.
3.3 You shall be responsible, at Your expense, forcompliance with all applicable laws pertaining to theProgram and the Broadcast. You agree to indemnify,

Broadcast Terms of Service (TOS)

defend, and hold Skype, its Affiliates, and the Skypestaff harmless from and against any and all losses, costs,
liabilities, damages, and expenses (including reasonable
legal fees and other expenses incidental thereto) of
every kind, nature, and description, arising from: (i) the
Broadcasts and the Programs; (ii) any misrepresentationor breach of any warranty of Yours contained in theseBroadcast TOS; or (iii) any breach of any covenant,agreement, or obligation of Yours contained in theseBroadcast TOS.
3.4 You will take care to observe and exercise reasonablediligence to ensure that the Programs, Broadcast, and/or the Skype software will not: (i) be used as a medium
for attack on any individual, organization, faith,
denomination, or sect; (ii) contain any announcements
or promotions prohibited by law; (iii) be used to makefalse or unwarranted claims for any product or service;(iv) contain any content or announcements that areslanderous, obscene, profane, indecent, vulgar, repulsive,
or offensive, either in theme or in treatment; (v) containany testimonials which cannot be authenticated; (vi)contain any descriptions or references to matters which
are not considered acceptable topics of discussion
in social groups (e.g., profanity, obscenity); or (vii) be
used in connection with any advertising matter orannouncement which may, in the opinion of Skype, be
injurious or prejudicial to the interests of the public,
Skype, or honest advertising and reputable business ingeneral.
3.5 The rights granted to You hereunder are nonexclusive and revocable. You shall not acquire any right,
title or interest in or to any Skype logos, trademarks, or18

Skype Broadcast Guidelines

other indicia of origin (collectively, the “Skype Brand”)
and You hereby acknowledge that as between You andSkype, that Skype is the exclusive owner of all right,
title, and interest in and to the Skype Brand. Your use of
the Skype Brand hereunder shall inure to the benefit ofSkype. Skype reserves the right to instruct You on theuse of the Skype Brand and how the Skype Brand ispresented during the course of the Programs. Skype
may also instruct You to cease use of the Skype Brand in
the event such usage is, in Skype’s sole and absolute
discretion, unacceptable to Skype. In the event You areso instructed to cease use of the Skype Brand, You shallimmediately do so (and if such instruction relates to aparticular Program, You shall no longer be permitted to
Broadcast or license the Broadcast of such Program with
the Skype Brand).
3.6 Skype reserves the right to modify these Broadcast
TOS at any time. Your continued usage of the Skypesoftware as authorized herein shall constitute Your
acceptance to be bound by the terms and conditions of
the revised Broadcast TOS. Skype will not be liable inrelation to any damage caused by the modification ofthese Broadcast TOS and/or the termination thereof.
3.7 YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVEREAD THESE BROADCAST TOS AND UNDERSTAND THE
RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS SETFORTH HEREIN. BY USING THE SKYPE SOFTWARE IN
THE MANNER AUTHORIZED HEREIN, YOU EXPRESSLYCONSENT TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS AND GRANT TO SKYPE THE RIGHTS SETFORTH HEREIN.

Contact us
If you have any questions about these guidelines,
please contact Skype Brand Help.

Optional elements

PIP size and position
This page shows how the PIP is sized and positioned on various standard screen sizes
using the fallback 19% of the height of the screen rule.

Size chart

1920 x 1080 - HDTV

720 x 480
PIP = 136 x 91
Margin = 17px
768 x 576
PIP = 146 x 109
Margin = 20px
1024 x 768 - XGA

1024 x 768
PIP = 195 x 146
Margin = 27px
1280 x 720
PIP = 243 x 137
Margin = 25px
1920 x 1080
PIP = 365 x 205
Margin = 38px

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Skype Broadcast Guidelines

768 x 576 - PAL

720 x 480 - DV NTSC/VGA

1280 x 720 - HDTV