01
Why is a cover different from the clip itself?
Because it is promotional rather than editorial. Many jurisdictions treat using a person's image to attract attention to something more strictly than showing them in the content, and a guest who agreed to appear in an episode has not obviously agreed to be the face advertising it.
02
Editorial against promotional
Many jurisdictions treat using someone's image to attract attention more strictly than showing them in the content itself.
| Use | How it is generally treated | Consent needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Guest appears in the episode | Editorial | Covered by the appearance agreement |
| Guest's face on the cover | Promotional | Often a separate question |
| Guest's face in a paid advertisement | Advertising | Almost always explicit consent |
| An unflattering frame as the cover | Promotional, and personal | Legally varies, practically costly |
| Guest promoting a product you sell | Endorsement | Explicit, and disclosure rules apply |
03
Asking about the cover
When asking a guest for permission to publish, include the cover explicitly: we may use your face on thumbnails and covers to promote the episode and clips. Most guests agree, and asking shows respect.
Offer to share the cover before publishing if the guest is sensitive about their image.
04
Choosing a respectful frame
Pick a frame where the guest looks natural and engaged, not mid-blink, mid-word or in an unflattering expression. A cover that embarrasses a guest can damage the relationship and discourage future guests.
Avoid exaggerated editing of their face or expression.
05
Promotional uses need more care
Using a guest's face to promote a paid product, a course or a sponsor goes beyond promoting the conversation. That kind of use generally needs clearer, specific consent, and sometimes payment.
Keep editorial and promotional uses separate in your agreements.
06
Well-known guests
Recognisable guests are especially valuable on covers, which is exactly why their permission matters. Some have agents or rules about how their image is used. Ask early.
Respecting those rules makes future bookings easier.
07
Records and removal
Keep the permission with the recording. If a guest later asks for their face to be removed from a cover, replace it promptly.
A backup cover without faces is useful to have ready.
08
Covers for clips as well as episodes
Clips often get their own covers or first frames that show the guest. The same permission should cover these, so mention clips specifically when you ask. A guest who agreed to the episode cover may be surprised to see their face on dozens of short clips.
If a guest prefers fewer appearances, use a text-led cover for most clips and save their face for the main episode.
09
Ask about the cover too
- Include covers in the permission conversation. It is one extra sentence at the time.
- Avoid expressions the guest would object to. A frame chosen for shock reads differently to the person in it.
- Ask again for anything unusually prominent. A campaign is not an episode.
Clip an episode you have permission for.
Questions people ask
- Does appearing in the video cover the cover?
- Not obviously. Editorial appearance and promotional use are treated separately in many places.
- What about an unflattering frame?
- Legally it varies. Practically it is the fastest way to lose a guest and their audience.
- Can I use a guest to promote a paid product?
- That moves further into advertising, where consent requirements are generally strictest.
- Do these rules vary?
- Considerably. Rights over one's own image differ substantially between countries.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. Anything commercial involving a named person deserves proper advice.