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Image Guidelines
Contents 1. Introduction
2. BBC Image Ecosystem
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
4. Episode Imagery
5. Brand Imagery
6. Podcast Imagery
7. Formats & Delivery
1. Introduction
This is a document to bring cohesion and quality control
2. BBC Image Ecosystem
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats to imagery which will appear in BBC Sounds and in 3rd
4. Episode Imagery
5. Brand Imagery
party on demand audio platforms. Images are currently
6. Podcast Imagery updated and managed by various teams across the business
7. Formats & Delivery
including digital producers , marketing, BBC iPlayer Picture
Editors, producers and UX. Our ambition is for the various
teams to understand where the images they produce will
appear in BBC Sounds and follow the rules around best
practice to ensure consistency and a premium look for
BBC Sounds in a competitive environment.
2. Image Ecosystem
1. Introduction Brand image
2. BBC Image Ecosystem
The main image used to represent a radio programme. For
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats radio shows it is often a presenter picture, though this can be
4. Episode Imagery a graphic or illustrated image.
5. Brand Imagery Images created for
6. Podcast Imagery - Schedule pages
7. Formats & Delivery - BBC Sounds (a square crop version)
- 3rd Party radio player / podcast site
Episode image
Producers often source images relevant to a specific episode
for example when a guest is on air or there’s a specific theme to
the show
Images created for
- Schedule page thumbnails when episodes are listed together
- BBC Sounds station picker
- BBC Sounds on demand listening
- Social Media links
Podcast image
Images created for
- 3rd party podcast sites
- The 16:9 square cropped clean (no logo) version of the
podcast image is used in BBC Sounds
1. Introduction BBC Sounds
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Image lifecycle
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
4. Episode Imagery
5. Brand Imagery
6. Podcast Imagery
7. Formats & Delivery
1 2 3
16 x 9 Image is uploaded to iBroadcast The centre crop of the image The square crop is the image you
is automatically generated see across the BBC Sounds Platform
3. BBC Sounds
Image formats
1. Introduction BBC Sounds
2. BBC Image Ecosystem An introduction
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
4. Episode Imagery
5. Brand Imagery BBC Sounds brings together our live and
6. Podcast Imagery on demand radio, music and podcasts into
7. Formats & Delivery a single personalised app. It is important
that the brand imagery we produce follows
the not only the technical requirements for
BBC Sounds but also complements the look
and feel of the new app.
1. Introduction BBC Sounds
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Responsive web
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
4. Episode Imagery
5. Brand Imagery
6. Podcast Imagery
7. Formats & Delivery
1. Introduction BBC Sounds
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Size requirements
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
All images must work at sizes
4. Episode Imagery
16:9 / 1920x1080
5. Brand Imagery
1:1 / 1080x1080
6. Podcast Imagery
7. Formats & Delivery
16:9 / 1920x1080 1:1 / 1080x1080
Templates can be downloaded here
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6ybrye1hiu3bqh9/Square%20Template.psd?dl=0
1. Introduction BBC Sounds
2. BBC Image Ecosystem How your image will appear
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats in BBC Sounds:
4. Episode Imagery
5. Brand Imagery
6. Podcast Imagery
7. Formats & Delivery
Station Picker Brand Page On Demand Listen Live Listen
1. Introduction BBC Sounds
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Station Picker cropping
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
BBC Sounds episode images will appear in the station
4. Episode Imagery picker at the top of the product where people select which
5. Brand Imagery radio station to listen to.
6. Podcast Imagery The image needs to work well in the circular format, and
7. Formats & Delivery also avoid the circular network logo overlay. If a presenter
image is being used, please ensure the face is not obsured
by the network logo.
LIVE
1:1 / 1080x1080
Templates can be downloaded here
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wp623snnpwf5ap3/AABwk8yRgLZ7iv4BNSNMzHAda?dl=0
1. Introduction BBC Sounds
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Container Tear
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
Please avoid the container tear. The bottom 13% of the
4. Episode Imagery image is hidden by the ‘tear’ asset ie. if the image is
5. Brand Imagery 640px x 640px the ‘tear’ asset is 80px high.
6. Podcast Imagery
7. Formats & Delivery
13%
Templates can be downloaded here
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wp623snnpwf5ap3/AABwk8yRgLZ7iv4BNSNMzHAda?dl=0
4. Episode Imagery
1. Introduction Episode Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem An introduction
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats Please ask yourself...
There is currently unlimited variation of imagery used to represent
4. Episode Imagery for radio episodes across the BBC.
is this image good enough?
5. Brand Imagery Is the content of the image visible in the space?
Ensure the image fits into the 1x1 circle crop, this is a small space
6. Podcast Imagery so the image needs to be clear and ideally uncluttered. If there are Is the subject recognisable?
7. Formats & Delivery two or more people in the shot please ensure both are visible in the Do I get the gist of the episode by looking at this image?
roundel template.
Also please ask yourself – is this image good enough? There are
many instances when the default brand image of the presenter is
a better option than a presenter image, please avoid uploading an
episode specific image if the quality is poor and it is unclear.
Ensure the image fits into the 1x1 circle crop
1. Introduction Episode Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem The rules
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
There are some overarching rules that should be taken into
4. Episode Imagery consideration when producing an episode image.
5. Brand Imagery
• Do not include network or BBC block logos
6. Podcast Imagery • Ensure image rights cleared within perpetuity
7. Formats & Delivery • Cleared to use across all BBC platforms
• Require paperwork to prove the image is cleared
for use
1. Introduction Episode Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Guest Images
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
If requesting an image from agents or artist management
4. Episode Imagery please try and source the best possible image, aspirational
5. Brand Imagery and premium, or artistic.
6. Podcast Imagery Image request mandatories:
7. Formats & Delivery • Ensure Image rights cleared within perpetuity
• Cleared to use across all BBC platforms
• Require paperwork to prove the image is cleared
for use.
1. Introduction Episode Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Best practice
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
When selecting episode or clip images:
4. Episode Imagery
• Include clear focus on subject
5. Brand Imagery
• Check that image crops effectively to circle
6. Podcast Imagery • Ensure image is high quality and well composed.
7. Formats & Delivery
5. Brand Imagery
1. Introduction Brand Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem An introduction
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats Brand imagery can be created using the following:
A brand image is the lead image which represents the radio
4. Episode Imagery or on demand programme.
Presenter photography
5. Brand Imagery Stock photography
On the app searching for a brand will generate brand result
6. Podcast Imagery (with the brand image) and below that episode results which Illustration
7. Formats & Delivery are relevant.
It is also the default image which is pulled through to the
schedule page when there is no episode image available on
the schedule page, and is pulled through when you search
for a specific programme in BBC Sounds.
1. Introduction Brand Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem The rules
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
There are some overarching rules that should be taken into
4. Episode Imagery consideration when producing an episode image.
5. Brand Imagery
• Do not include network or BBC block logos
6. Podcast Imagery • Ensure image rights cleared within perpetuity
7. Formats & Delivery • Cleared to use across all BBC platforms
• Require paperwork to prove the image is cleared
for use
Please note: slightly different rules apply to podcasts
which are not broadcast on BBC radio. Please see page 28
for further detail.
1. Introduction Brand Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Presenter photography
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
Presenter imagery is used as the lead brand image for radio Photography can be on colour or a grey background depending on
4. Episode Imagery programmes, or for certain episodes of radio shows. Some the content or presenter’s preference. Please do not use a white
5. Brand Imagery presenter images are also used for podcast image artwork. background with no shadow as there needs to be detail to the image
6. Podcast Imagery edges. This prevents the image merging with the background when
The photography style for presenters is natural and expressive.
in a white grided layout.
7. Formats & Delivery The background is minimal. For colour photography, the
backgrounds will be rendered with different tints of from the
BBC Sounds colour palette.
Templates can be downloaded here
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dd5h3g7uhvu5u9v/AABdDsf_Yw_-OSNsi27bEKUya?dl=0
1. Introduction Brand Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Stock Photography
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
Avoid overly retouched, staged, busy or artificial images.
4. Episode Imagery Don’t use images with effects or filters applied to them.
5. Brand Imagery When using stock images and illustration avoid clichés and
6. Podcast Imagery pastiches. If no image can be found please default to the
programme’s lead image.
7. Formats & Delivery
Chose images that feel natural, dynamic and composed.
uction When
Avoid overly retouched, staged, busy or artificial images. using
Don't use stock
images photography, please
with effects Choseselect images
images that that dynamic and composed. When using stock
feel natural,
or filters applied to them. When using stock images and illustration avoid clichés and photography, please select images that continue the narrative without being overly
continue
pastiches. If no image can be found please default to the programme'sthe narrative
lead image. without being overly
obvious andobvious
artifical.
te and artifical.
No Yes
s
ts
ry
ed, busy or artificial images. Don't use images with effects
age 1. Brand
Chose imagesintroduction Avoid
that feel natural, dynamic and overly retouched,
composed. staged,
When using stockbusy or artificial images. Don't use images with effects Chose images that feel natural, dynamic and composed. W
hen using stock images and illustration avoid clichés and or filters
photography, please select images that continue applied
the to them.
narrative When
without using
being stock images and illustration avoid clichés and
overly photography, please select images that continue the narra
e found please default to the programme's lead image.
2. Logo
obvious and artifical. pastiches. If no image can be found please default to the programme's lead image. obvious and artifical.
3. Colour palette
4.
Yes Typography No Yes
5. Photography
5.1 Campaign shots
5.2 Presenters shots
5.3 Supplied imagery
ith effects Chose images that feel natural, dynamic and composed. Whenlanguage
6. Brand using stock
hés and photography, please select images that continue the narrative without being overly
mage. obvious and artifical.
Yes
Supplied imagery P.30
1. Introduction Brand Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem BBC Blocks & Radio Network Logos
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
BBC Blocks and radio network logos should be avoided in
4. Episode Imagery brand and episode images which will appear in BBC Sounds.
5. Brand Imagery Logo’s should only be applied to images which are being
6. Podcast Imagery used externally to BBC platforms.
7. Formats & Delivery
1. Introduction Brand Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem BBC Blocks & Radio Network Logos
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
BBC Blocks and radio network logos should be avoided in
4. Episode Imagery brand and episode images which will appear in BBC Sounds.
5. Brand Imagery Logo’s should only be applied to images which are being
6. Podcast Imagery used externally to BBC platforms.
7. Formats & Delivery
1. Introduction Brand Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Use of text
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
If text appears as part of the image it should - Be considered
4. Episode Imagery and applied in a creative way that enhances the image.
5. Brand Imagery
6. Podcast Imagery
7. Formats & Delivery
1. Introduction Brand Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Use of colour
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
People will make a split-second decision based on what
4. Episode Imagery they see. Try to create an image with impact, simplicity and
5. Brand Imagery clarity of tone and purpose. It should convey the editorial
6. Podcast Imagery proposition of your podcast at a glance.
7. Formats & Delivery Thinks about how your podcast will look alongside others
in popular apps. What will make ot stand out? Dark
backgrounds, strong colours and direct imagery can draw
the eye
6. Podcast Imagery
1. Introduction Podcast Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem The rules
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats There are some overarching rules that should be taken
4. Episode Imagery into consideration when producing a brand image.
5. Brand Imagery • Brand image and podcast artwork should match as
6. Podcast Imagery closely as possible to reinforce brand identity.
7. Formats & Delivery • Titles should applied using BBC Reith Sans Bold.
• Station branding should be placed as advised
• We understand that space is minimal however please
aim to retain the recommended clearance area around
station branding.
BBC MUSIC
INTRODUCING
MIX TAPE
Example of brand image Example of corresponding podcast image
1. Introduction Non Broadcast Podcast Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem The rules
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats Slightly different rules apply to podcasts not broadcast on
4. Episode Imagery BBC radio. For these:
5. Brand Imagery • Title should always be integrated into the artwork
6. Podcast Imagery • Artwork on BBC Sounds should replicate artwork on
7. Formats & Delivery 3rd party platforms as closely as possible.
Example
Brand image BBC Sounds cropped image 3rd party podcast image
Example
Brand image BBC Sounds cropped image 3rd party podcast image
1. Introduction Podcast Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Branding guidelines
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats A BBC or Network logo should always be used for podcasts
4. Episode Imagery available in 3rd party spaces. To ensure brand attribution
5. Brand Imagery the logo should always appear either top left or right of
the image. The minimum size for the BBC blocks is shown
6. Podcast Imagery
below. This ensures that the logo is legible even when in the
7. Formats & Delivery smallest space.
BBC Blocks only & BBC World Service All other stations
1080pix 288pix 144pix
1080pix
1080pix 1080pix
Logos can appear either top left or right Logos can appear either top left or right
Clearance area of BBC blocks only = @ 50% Clearance area of all other stations = @ 100%
1. Introduction Podcast Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Network templates
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
If you are lacking resource but need to create a new image
4. Episode Imagery for a podcast image please see network templates. These are
5. Brand Imagery graphic led, but you can tailor by adding presenter imagery
6. Podcast Imagery if necessary.
7. Formats & Delivery Templates can be downloaded here
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/arfsrrjjkzxhohe/AAAt5ypQGBml9NEGE2mbGcCWa?dl=0
WIRELESS NIGHT MARK KERMODE
WITH JARVIS THE SOUNTRACK
COCKER OF MY LIFE
1. Introduction Podcast Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Presenter images
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
Use presenter images sparingly.
4. Episode Imagery
Does your audience know who they are?
5. Brand Imagery
You are trying to catch the attention of a browsing audience
6. Podcast Imagery
and you have very little time to do this. Does the image you
7. Formats & Delivery want to use instantly convey the tone and subject of the
content.
1. Introduction Podcast Imagery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem Illustration or photography
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
Illustration can be really effective but can also be expensive.
4. Episode Imagery
Talk to your digital team about ideas before you commission
5. Brand Imagery
anyone to create podcast artwork.
6. Podcast Imagery
7. Formats & Delivery
7. Formats & Delivery
1. Introduction
Formats & Delivery
2. BBC Image Ecosystem
3. BBC Sounds Image Formats
4. Episode Imagery
5. Brand Imagery
6. Podcast Imagery
7. Formats & Delivery
Podcast cover image: 3000 x 3000px Brand image: 1920 x 1080px
Social imagery: See relevant platform for guidance Apple podcast promo banner: Visit
https://help.apple.com/itc/podcastspromoart/#/itc4425c5252
Please provide both layered psds and jpgs for each
image. Final images must be delivered to the digital
contact for your network at least 15 working days
before the launch of your first episode.
Contact If you have any questions about the
BBC Sounds brand image guidelines,
please get in touch
[email protected]
