Press Photo & Video Policies

Last modified: September 16, 2025

We are excited for you to share your SXSW and SXSW EDU (the “Event(s)”) experiences in your news coverage, but it’s imperative that all accredited media also respect the rights of the creators that participate in SXSW and SXSW EDU. This Accredited Press Photo & Video Policy covers what type of photo and video recording is and isn’t allowed during the Event.

Professional photography and videography is permitted at the Events only with press credentials provided by the SXSW and/or SXSW EDU PR Teams. By accepting press credentials, you agree to the terms detailed in this Photo and Video Policy.

REGISTERED PRESS AND PRESS LANYARDS

  • All accredited SXSW and SXSW EDU press will have a “press” lanyard which will be the credential that may allow you to take professional photos and video within SXSW venues or at SXSW events.
  • Under no circumstances are tripods, lights, cabling, power cords and/or elaborate set ups permitted in any SXSW venue hallways.
  • Media attendees are not permitted to take photos or shoot video where it is unsafe or disruptive such as in doorways, fire exits, expo floor aisles, hallways, walkways, lobbies, pre-function areas, sidewalks, etc. Please note, failure to comply with a request to relocate or stop recording may result in your removal and/or your SXSW credential being revoked.
  • For questions about potential filming or photography locations, please contact press@sxsw.com.

Press credentials and photographer/videographer access are issued at the discretion of SXSW and can be revoked at any time at SXSW’s sole discretion.

PHOTGRAPHY

Additionally, flash photography is only allowed as follows:

SXSW and SXSW EDU Conferences:

  • Accredited press may take photos during conference sessions from their seats, provided they do not use flash and do not obstruct the view of other attendees.
  • Access to the front of the room for photography will be permitted on a case-by-case basis due to restrictions with room sizes and layouts. In certain sessions, front-of-room press will be notified in advance when these opportunities are available.
  • Additional details will be shared in the Press 101 guidelines sent to all registered and accredited press prior to the event.
  • SXSW reserves the right to alter, move, or cancel designated press access at any time and at its sole discretion.

SXSW Music Festival:

  • During the first three (3) songs of an artist’s set, flash photography is allowed.
  • After the first three (3) songs, no flash photography is allowed.
  • Some artists, venues, and/or showcases may have different rules regarding flash photography. You must follow any posted signage or direction from staff.

SXSW Film & TV Festival:

  • Flash photography and/or any roaming photography during Film & TV Festival introductions or Q&As is prohibited. Some flash photography may be approved on a limited, case by case basis, by the SXSW Communications team in advance. No photography is allowed at any time during any official screenings. Please email filmpress@sxsw.com with any questions.

VIDEOGRAPHY

In order to protect SXSW and the rights of artists and speakers, videography for news coverage, reviews and interviews are permitted and restricted as follows:

Permitted Videography

SXSW and SXSW EDU Conferences:

  • During the first four (4) minutes of any speaker session, videography is allowed, subject to the restrictions below.
  • Tripod or handheld video recording is allowed from the designated press area. If there is no designated press area, then videography is allowed from the back or sides of rooms; provided, that no filming or photography may impede the ingress or egress of a room.
  • Some rooms may be subject to designated areas and/or capacity limits for accredited press. SXSW reserves the right to alter, move, or cancel the front of room access at its sole discretion.

SXSW Music Festival:

  • Video may be recorded during three (3) songs of any one artist’s set and up to :45 continuous seconds of live footage may be broadcast.
  • It is your sole responsibility to obtain and supply to SXSW written permission from artist or artist management, if requested by SXSW.

SXSW Film & TV Festival Q&As and Introductions:

  • Videography is allowed during Film & TV Festival introductions or Q&As from your seat as long as you are not obstructing or blocking views at all Film & TV Festival venues except the Paramount and State Theatres; at these venues no videography is allowed at any time, without prior approval by the SXSW Film & TV PR Team.
  • No videography is allowed at any time during any official screenings.

RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES

  • Your Event press credentials will NOT allow you to audio or video stream, broadcast or otherwise transmit, retransmit or copy in any form any SXSW artist performance, conference programming, or Film & TV Q&A longer than :45 continuous seconds. To request additional Event recording and licensing rights, please fill out this form.

For any questions about this policy, please contact press@sxsw.com.

For photo policy information for non-media registrants or the general public, please see the Attendee Photo & Video Policy. For information about the SXSW trademarks, please see the SXSW Trademark Guidelines.

Additionally, all SXSW and SXSW EDU attendees agree to the SXSW Participation & Credentials Terms & Conditions.