2026 NYC Web Fest Rules and Guidelines
PLEASE NOTE: The following rules apply to all submission categories, including Web Series, Short Films, Pilot Episodes, Micro Episodes/Verticals, and Podcasts.
Definitions
Web Series
A serialized project with a minimum of three episodes, which may be fiction or non-fiction. Episodes may be Short Form, Medium Form, or Long Form.
Pilot Episode
The first episode of a series submitted as a standalone entry.
Short Film
A standalone project with a total runtime of 25 minutes or less. It is not part of a series or pilot.
Audio Podcast
An audio-only submission, which may be fiction or non-fiction. Submissions must include at least two episodes, with a total runtime of 10 to 60 minutes.
Video Podcast
A video-format podcast or talk-show series. Submissions must include at least two episodes, with a total runtime of 10 to 60 minutes.
Micro Episodes/Verticals
Short-form content, typically 3 minutes or less per episode. Submissions must include at least three episodes.
2026 NYC Web Fest Timeline
- Submissions Open: April 1st through July 31st, 2026
- Official Selections Announced: September 2026
- Award Nominees Announced: October 2026
- Festival Dates: November 13th through November 15th, 2026 in New York City
- Festival includes screenings, industry panels, and awards ceremony
Submission Fees and Deadlines
- Early Access: April 1st through April 30th, 2026
- Main Entry: May 1st through June 15th, 2026
- Last Call: June 16th through July 31st, 2026
- All fees are due at the time of submission
- All entry fees are non-refundable
- Payments are processed securely via Stripe in United States Dollars
- Submissions without payment will be removed within 24 hours
Costs to Submit
Web Series
- Short Form, under 10 minutes per episode: $55 / $65 / $75
- Medium Form, 10 to 20 minutes per episode: $65 / $75 / $85
- Long Form, 20 to 30 minutes per episode: $75 / $85 / $95
Pilot Episodes
- Short Form: $50 / $60 / $70
- Medium Form: $60 / $70 / $80
- Long Form: $70 / $80 / $90
Short Films, 25 minutes or less: $50 / $60 / $70
Micro Episodes/Verticals: $40 / $45 / $50
Podcasts
- Video Podcast: $45 / $55 / $65
- Audio Podcast: $45 / $55 / $65
General Submission Terms
- All fees are in United States Dollars
- Must be 18 years or older to submit
- Web Series must have at least three completed episodes, each no longer than 30 minutes
- Pilot Episodes must include only one episode
- Short Films must be 25 minutes or less
- A streaming link is required; private links are accepted if a password is provided
- Each submission must include a synopsis and a list of credits
- Projects must be submitted under the correct genre; NYC Web Fest may request clarification
- Pornography will not be accepted
- Multiple submissions are allowed; each requires a separate entry and fee
- Non-English projects must include English subtitles or dubbing
- Submitters must hold all rights to submitted material, including music and footage
- No proxy submissions are permitted
- NYC Web Fest reserves the right to use submitted materials for promotional purposes and award presentations
- All submissions will be judged using the same criteria
- Selected entrants will be notified via email
- By submitting, entrants agree to hold harmless NYC Web Fest from any liability related to participation or awards
Additional Information
- All in-person events will follow venue capacity and local safety regulations.
- NYC Web Fest reserves the right to amend guidelines, selection criteria, awards, screening formats, or events as needed.
- All city, state, and federal laws apply.
By submitting, you agree to these Official Rules, Guidelines, and Terms.