MonkeySee - Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is MonkeySee?
MonkeySee is a new destination website where accomplished experts from all walks of life share their skills and knowledge on video. MonkeySee provides free access to a wide range of how-to videos across multiple content categories. It is owned and operated by Knowlera Media, LLC.

Who are the experts appearing in MonkeySee videos?
MonkeySee Experts come from all walks of life across all areas of expertise. Most have above-average knowledge in their field, and many are accomplished professionals with years of experience.

How can I become a MonkeySee Expert?
Anyone who submits a video is automatically a MonkeySee Expert. There is also a process for someone to become a MonkeySee Featured Expert. For more information, see Becoming a MonkeySee Expert.

Do I need to register to view videos on MonkeySee?
No. MonkeySee provides free access to videos for all visitors, but registration provides visitors with enhanced site functionality. To learn more about becoming a registered viewer, see Sign up, Login, and Account Management.

I don't see any videos on the topic I'm interested in. Can I suggest a topic?
Absolutely. We are adding new how-to videos every day, and will eventually have videos created by accomplished experts on nearly every topic conceivable. To ensure that you're input is heard, please send your topic suggestions via email to comments@monkeysee.com. Include the words [Topic Suggestion] in your subject line.

How can I contact a MonkeySee expert?
Experts can choose whether or not to accept inquiries from the general public by making their contact information public or private. To see if an expert's contact information is available, click on their name adjacent to their video and you will be taken to their channel page. If they have elected to provide contact information, you will find it there.

What should I do if I see or hear something that I believe is inappropriate in a MonkeySee video?
You should flag the video by clicking on the “Flag as Inappropriate” icon adjacent to the video. Select a reason for your flag and click submit. Our reviewers will review the video as soon as possible. Keep in mind that videos can only be flagged by registered MonkeySee viewers. To become a registered MonkeySee viewer, sign up here.

What should I do if I encounter a problem with the website, or have trouble viewing videos?
See Troubleshooting.

How can I share the videos I find on MonkeySee?
See Sharing Videos.

How do I upload videos to MonkeySee?
See Uploading Videos.

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Becoming a MonkeySee Expert

How can I become a MonkeySee Expert?
It’s easy to become a MonkeySee expert, whether you already have a video to upload, or you are thinking of creating a professional-quality video. To get started on becoming a MonkeySee Expert, visit our Become an Expert page.

I already have a how-to video, can I submit it to MonkeySee?
Absolutely. You may submit a how-to video on any how-to topic, as long as it complies with our Terms and Conditions, and meets our Rules for Expert Video Submissions.. Keep in mind that your submission must be a how-to video to be accepted.

Who qualifies as a MonkeySee expert?
Anyone with above average skill or ability on nearly any topic can share their knowledge by becoming a MonkeySee expert. There are two primary types of experts on Monkey See - Experts, and Featured Experts. The difference between the two has nothing to do with the Expert's experience or ability. The differences are generally in the quality and formatting of the video production.

What is a MonkeySee Expert and how do I become one?
An Expert is someone who has uploaded a how-to video through our "Upload a Video" function. It's easy to become a MonkeySee Expert. All you need to do is create a video that meets our Expert Video Guidelines, then upload it. Expert videos can be made by anyone with a video camcorder and some basic video skills, and you can create and upload as many videos as you like. You will also have your own channel page where you can showcase your videos and actively promote your business or hobby. For more information, visit our Become an Expert page.

What is a MonkeySee Featured Expert and how do I become one?
MonkeySee Featured Experts occupy a premium position on the site in return for adhering to our Video Production Standards for Featured Expert Videos . Because most experts won't have the equipment and skills to meet these standards, these videos are usually created with the assistance of a professional filmmaker. For more information on becoming a MonkeySee Featured Expert, visit our Become an Expert page.

Will I need to pay a fee to become a MonkeySee Expert?
No.

Will I be paid to be a MonkeySee Expert?
Participation as a MonkeySee expert is a great way to increase your credibility, promote your profession or hobby, create new business, and create content for your own promotional purposes. For that reason, Experts participate voluntarily in return for the exposure and promotional opportunities provided. For more information on the benefits of becoming a MonkeySee expert, visit our Become an Expert page.

How much does it cost to create a MonkeySee video?
If you have a video camera and some basic video skills, creating a simple MonkeySee Expert video will cost you nothing more than a little bit of your time. For tips on creating a great MonkeySee video, see our Expert Video Guidelines.

If you're looking to create a MonkeySee Featured Expert video, you'll probably need to enlist the help of a professional filmmaker. The fees for this type of service vary, but we can provide you with a list of filmmakers in your area that participate in our MonkeySee Filmmaker Program. These video producers are expected to be familiar with our format and standards, and have agreed to adhere to a highly discounted fee schedule. Using these filmmakers, a simple, professionally produced Featured Expert video could cost as little as $200! To learn more about becoming a Featured Expert, visit our Become an Expert page.

Who owns the videos I produce?
You own the videos you create, and retain the rights to use the video in any way you choose. As with most video websites, by submitting your videos to MonkeySee.com, you provide us with a non-exclusive, unlimited right to use the video. For more information, see the MonkeySee Terms & Conditions. Occasionally, MonkeySee commissions and pays for the production of how-to videos. In those cases, MonkeySee retains full ownership and copyright of the video. It is our current policy to permit experts that appear in the videos we create to use the videos for promotional purposes. This is accomplished by linking to, or embedding them on their own website, or sending a link to the videos by email.

Can I submit the videos I create to other sites?
Since you own the videos you create, you retain the rights to use them in any way you choose. We encourage you to embed the videos in your own websites and blogs, and share links to them with friends, family and customers. Of course, we hope you'll consider becoming an active member of the MonkeySee community, and make MonkeySee the primary destination for all your how-to videos.

Can I submit the videos created by MonkeySee to other sites?
Videos created by and paid for by MonkeySee are copyrighted and owned by Knowlera Media, MonkeySee's parent company. We encourage you to embed these videos on your own websites and blogs, and share links to them with friends, family and customers. However, they may not be submitted to other video sharing sites, or used for other commercial purposes.

Are there contracts or releases that need to be signed?
Yes. As with any video production that will be made available to the public, having the proper releases is extremely important. When you upload an Expert video to MonkeySee, you must agree to the MonkeySee Terms and Conditions, which stipulates that you have full ownership rights to everything in the video. Featured Expert videos may require additional specific releases. Those requirements are listed in our Video Production Standards for Featured Expert Videos .

Can I remove or de-activate the videos that I create?
By submitting a video you agree to provide MonkeySee with a non-exclusive, unlimited license to use the video. However, we understand there are occasionally good reasons for removing a video. If you have a compelling reason for removing a video, send an email to support@monkeysee.com and our staff will review your request promptly.

Can I delete my contact information if I'm overwhelmed with business or other requests?
All experts receive a channel page where they can display their contact information if they choose. You can change or delete that information at any time by simply editing your account settings.

What is the “Regional or National“ Expert check box I see on the expert sign up page?
Occasionally, we receive requests to create how-to videos from nationally recognized experts and celebrities. If you are a nationally recognized celebrity, professional sports figure, television host, national record or national title holder, there is a place for you to indicate that status during the Featured Expert signup process. If we are in need of how-to videos in your area of expertise, a member of the MonkeySee staff will contact you directly.

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Creating MonkeySee Videos

What makes a good MonkeySee Video?
The goal of any MonkeySee video is to demonstrate or explain how to do something useful. Even the best looking video is not meeting that goal if a viewer is unable to actually use the information, so be sure to spend as much time planning and organizing the content of your video as you do with the technical aspects of the video production. For more detailed information on producing a great how-to video, visit our Guidelines for expert video submissions page. For information on creating a professional-quality Featured Expert video, see Production Standards for Featured Expert videos.

My topic area is large. What type of video should I create?
In general it's best to start with a video that covers the basics, or fundamentals. You can then expand into more advanced areas by creating additional videos. It's always advisable to first see what videos are currently available in your category before deciding on your topic. However, there are no restrictions on having multiple videos covering the same topic. If a video similar to the one you'd like to do already exists, and you think you can do it better, go for it!

Are there technical or style requirements that my video must meet?
All videos must comply with our Terms and Conditions, and follow our Rules for Expert Submissions. Copyright violations, and serious technical deficiencies are among the most likely reasons for a video to be removed from the site. However, many quality issues are subjective, so we prefer to let the MonkeySee community decide what constitutes a good video by rating videos directly. If you want viewers to discover and watch your video, your goal should always be to make as good a video as possible - especially since low rated videos generally draw very low numbers of viewers.

What is the best location for my MonkeySee video shoot?
There are three stars in any MonkeySee video… the expert, the filmmaker, and the location. For that reason you should do everything in your power to shoot your video in a location where the task you are demonstrating is normally performed by a professional. For example, if you are demonstrating how to perform some type of exercise routine, shoot your video in a professional gym - not your living room. If you are a professional chef showing how to make a restaurant dish, try to shoot in the restaurant. If the goal is to show how to make the dish at home, then shooting it in a nice home kitchen may be appropriate. Also, don't hesitate to “stage” your location, which means to rearrange items or add appropriate items into the background of your shot to make it look more pleasing.

Can multiple experts appear in the same video?
In general, it's best to have one expert do all the talking, but it's not uncommon that a task will require the participation of an assistant or other individuals. In those cases it's still best to have one expert deliver all of the important information to the audience. If you are making a MonkeySee Featured Expert video, which is normally broken into multiple segments, it is not uncommon for one individual to appear as the expert in one segment, and other experts in other segments, especially if each segment requires someone with a specialized type of expertise.

What if my video exceeds the time limit set by MonkeySee?
Currently, Expert videos are restricted to a 15-minute time limit. There are two ways to get around this limitation. One is to break your topic into multiple videos or segments. If possible, be sure to have the expert mention in your video that it consists of multiple segments. You might also want to include a graphic at the beginning or end of your video prompting viewers to watch the other segments. The second method is to create a Featured Expert video. These must be formatted in multiple segments, and there is no restriction on the number of segments. To learn more about creating a Featured Expert video, see Creating a MonkeySee Featured Expert Video.

What is the difference between an Expert video and a Featured Expert video?
MonkeySee Expert videos can be made by anyone with a video camcorder and some basic video skills. Once you've created your video, simply upload it to MonkeySee and you're done. Featured Expert videos require a higher level of video production, usually requiring the assistance of a professional video producer. To learn just how easy it is to become either type of MonkeySee Expert, visit our Become an Expert page.

How do I embed my video on another website or blog?
See Sharing MonkeySee videos.

How do I link to my videos?
See Sharing MonkeySee videos.

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Creating Featured Expert Videos

What is a MonkeySee Featured Expert video and how do I create one?
MonkeySee Featured Experts occupy a premium position on the site in return for creating videos that adhere to our Video Production Standards for Featured Expert Videos . Because most experts won't have the equipment and skills to meet these standards, these videos are usually created with the assistance of a professional filmmaker. For more information, or to get started on becoming a MonkeySee Featured Expert, visit our Become an Expert page.

I'd like to produce a Featured Expert video. How do I find a filmmaker in my area?
When you sign up to become a Featured Expert you will be provided a list of filmmakers in your area. These experienced video producers can help ensure your video meets our standards.

How can I ensure that the filmmaker I select has the required skills?
Only filmmakers that have told us they have the required equipment and experience are permitted to participate in the program. (Keep in mind that we cannot independently verify the information they provide.) Experts are encouraged to interview filmmakers and review their work. Filmmakers can point to previous MonkeySee videos they’ve completed, and should be ready to provide references. Eventually, a rating system will be implemented that will utilize feedback from multiple sources, including experts themselves.

Will my video be rejected if it doesn't meet all MonkeySee standards?
No. All videos are permitted to remain on the site unless they violate our Terms and Conditions, or break one of our Rules for Expert Submissions. Copyright violations, and serious technical deficiencies are among the most likely reasons for a video to be rejected. However, many quality issues are subjective, so we prefer to let the MonkeySee community decide what constitutes a good video by rating videos directly. If you want viewers to discover and watch your video, your goal should always be to make as good a video as possible - especially since low-rated videos generally draw very low numbers of viewers.

Am I required to use a filmmaker from the MonkeySee Filmmaker program to create my Feature Expert video?
Absolutely not. You may hire or use any producer that has the skill and equipment to create videos that meet our Video Production Standards for Featured Expert Videos . Keep in mind that other producers are not required to adhere to our discounted price schedule.

What if I am unhappy with a video created by a filmmaker I found through the MonkeySee Filmmaker Program?
Filmmakers who register in the MonkeySee Filmmaker Program are expected to be familiar with our format and standards, and have agreed to adhere to a highly discounted fee schedule. However, they are independent contractors, not affiliated with MonkeySee. For that reason, you should hire one of these producers with the same care and research that you would in hiring any other type of contractor. Ask to see their prior work, evaluate their skills and temperament, fully discuss the scope of your project, and get all the details in writing before you proceed. MonkeySee has no direct business relationship with the producers in its Filmmaker Program, and will not intervene in any disputes should they occur.

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Sign up, login, and account management

How do I sign up to become a MonkeySee registered viewer?
To become a Monkey See registered viewer, visit the Signup page, choose a user name and password, and enter your information. Then click the "Sign Up" button and you're done. You will now be a MonkeySee registered viewer with access to functionality reserved only for those viewers.

Do I need to register to view videos on MonkeySee?
No. MonkeySee provides free access to videos for all visitors. Registration provides visitors with enhanced site functionality (see below).

What are the benefits of becoming a MonkeySee registered viewer?
Registered visitors benefit from enhanced site functionality including the ability to rate videos, leave comments, flag videos, download videos for specialized devices, and save or bookmark videos to their personalized account page. To become a Monkey See registered viewer, visit the Sign up page.

How do I login if I've forgotten my user name and/or password?
Click on “Forgot user name or password?” from the Login page. Enter your email address and you will be sent new login credentials.

How do I change my user account settings?
Login to your account and edit your settings by clicking on the link to the settings you wish to modify.

How do I change my user name?
Your user name is permanent and may not be modified once it is created

How do I change my password?
Login to your account and edit your settings by clicking “Change Password” located under account settings.

How do I update my email address?
Login to your account and edit your settings by clicking “Update email address” located under account settings.

How do I locate my Expert channel page?
Channel pages do not become active until you have submitted a video that appears on the site. You can accomplish that by either uploading a Topic Expert video, or completing and submitting your first Featured Expert video. You can change the information on your channel page by accessing it through your My Account page once you have logged in.

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Website Features

How do I leave a comment on a video?
Registered viewers can leave a comment by clicking the link in the comments section below the video player. Comments can only be created by MonkeySee registered viewers. To become a registered viewer, sign up here.

How do I rate a video?
Registered viewers can rate videos by clicking on the star ratings on the video page. Videos are rated one to five stars, with five being the highest rating. Click on the star that reflects your rating and it will be automatically calculate in the overall results for that video. Again, videos can only be rated by registered MonkeySee registered viewers. To become a registered viewer, sign up here.

How do I flag a video for inappropriate content?
Registered viewers can flag a video by clicking on the link in the “About this video” box adjacent to the video player. Videos can only be flagged by MonkeySee registered viewers. To become a registered viewer, sign up here.

How do I save or bookmark a video to my account?
Registered viewers can save a video to their account by clicking on the link in the “About this video” box adjacent to the video player. To become a registered viewer, sign up here.

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Sharing MonkeySee videos

How do I share my videos with others?
There are multiple ways to share your videos, including embedding them on other websites and sending links to the videos via email. To access these features, click on the “Share this video” link located in the About This Video box adjacent to the video you are viewing.

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Uploading videos

How do I upload a video to MonkeySee?
Expert videos can be uploaded to MonkeySee directly from your Internet-connected computer using these simple steps.* Be sure your video meets our Rules for Expert Video Submissions and Terms and Conditions.

1. Click the “Upload Videos” tab on the MonkeySee home page or any category page.
2. Enter some basic information about your video, including Title, Description, Tags, and Category. The more information you include, the easier it is for users to find your video.
3. Click the "Continue Uploading" button.
4. In the next window, click the "Browse" button to browse for the video file on your computer. Select the file you want to upload.
5. Click the "Upload Video" button.

*Featured Expert videos cannot be uploaded. They must be submitted on hard media through the mail.

How long will it take for my video to upload?
Uploading a video can take anywhere from a few mintues to several hours, depending on the size of your video file, your connection speed, and the demand on our servers. If your video upload is taking an excessively long time to complete, we recommend canceling the upload, checking the length and settings for your video, and uploading it again.

My video is not in a format that is accepted by MonkeySee's upload process. Can I submit my video some other way?
Like most other websites that accept video submissions, MonkeySee cannot accept user-created video submissions on tape or other media. They must be converted to an accepted format and uploaded through our Upload a Video function. Only Featured Expert Videos that have been professionally produced according to our Video Production Standards for Featured Expert Videos may be submitted to MonkeySee on other media.

What file formats can be uploaded to MonkeySee?
MonkeySee accepts video files from most digital video cameras in .WMV, .AVI, .MOV, and .MPG file formats. For more detailed technical information on accepted formats, see our Technical Standards for Expert Videos.

What are tags and why are they asked for on the upload form?
A tag is a relevant keyword or term that helps to describe your video. They are included in the information that is searched by our search function, so they are very valuable in helping viewers discover your video. For example, an expert submitting a video on “How to Play Baseball” might want to submit the tags “Baseball”, “Sports” “Pitching”, “Hitting”, “Batting”, and any other words that describes the content of the video.

Once I've submitted a video to MonkeySee, how long will it take to appear on the site?
Expert videos submitted through our Upload a Video function will often appear on the site within an hour from the time the video has finished uploading. However, in times of heavy volume, that time can stretch to as long as 48 hours due to bandwidth restrictions, server volume, and other technical issues. Featured Expert videos are delivered to MonkeySee on DVD through delivery services like Fedex and UPS. For that reason, and because they go through a more thorough quality control process, Featured Expert videos could take up to two weeks to appear on the site once they've been delivered to us.

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FAQ for Filmmakers

What is the MonkeySee Filmmaker Program?
The MonkeySee Filmmaker Program is a way for experienced filmmakers to earn money creating MonkeySee how-to videos. It consists of a national database of part-time and full-time professional filmmakers, independent video producers, production companies and hobby/amateur video makers who have agreed to create videos that meet our Video Production Standards for Featured Expert Videos . It's a great way to make extra money, and gain worldwide exposure for your talent - while helping millions of visitors answer their “how-to” questions.

How much can I make creating MonkeySee Featured Expert videos?
The fee schedule for producing MonkeySee Featured Expert videos is based on tiers according to the complexity of the project. The fee schedule for the simplest videos ranges between $200 - $500. Videos in this fee range should be able to be shot and edited by an experienced filmmaker in about a day. The fee range for more complex videos goes all the way up to $2,000. Videos near the top of the fee range typically require multiple days of shooting.

Additionally, after completing a Featured Expert Video, it is not uncommon for experts to have other video production requirements like video marketing pieces. Any additional work like that is a product of your introduction through MonkeySee is completely independent and is negotiated separately between you and the expert. Being introduced to new clients, and the opportunity for new work that comes with it, is just another benefit of participating in the MonkeySee filmmaker program.

How does the MonkeySee Filmmaker Program work?
There are two ways for a filmmaker to participate in the MonkeySee Filmmaker Program.

1. Produce videos for experts in your area
Most experts who wish to create Featured Expert videos will require the assistance of a professional filmmaker. If they don't have an existing relationship with a filmmaker, they will need to find one. When experts register they are presented with a list of participating filmmakers in their area. By joining the MonkeySee Filmmaker Program, your name is automatically included on this list. Experts contact filmmakers directly, and negotiate to have their video created based on a fee schedule that filmmakers have agreed to follow. Filmmakers are paid directly by the experts.

2. Produce videos for MonkeySee
Periodically, filmmakers from around the country are hired to produce videos for MonkeySee directly. To obtain these assignments, participating filmmakers elect to receive emails with a list of available video assignments. These emails include details of each assignment, along with the fee that will be paid by MonkeySee for the completed video. Filmmakers indicate their interest in a particular assignment by recruiting and expert, and providing their expert's qualifications and a scheduled completion date to MonkeySee. Assignments are awarded based on a combination of factors that include the experience of the expert, and the capabilities and experience of the filmmaker.

To register as a MonkeySee Filmmaker, sign up here.

What skills are required for filmmakers in the program?
While many MonkeySee filmmakers are full-time professional video producers, anyone with solid video production skills is welcome into the program. MonkeySee videos are unscripted, and filmmakers typically handle every production role on a project, from pre-production through to completed project. You'll need to own your own equipment, and should have experience shooting, lighting, setting up audio, and editing on non-linear editing systems. You should also be able to coach non-professional talent to produce solid on-camera performances.

What equipment is required for filmmakers in the program?
Only filmmakers that have the required equipment and experience are permitted to participate in the program. Required equipment includes:

3-chip prosumer video camera (16x9 capable)
Lavalier microphone
Tripod
Non-linear editing system

All MonkeySee Feature Expert videos must be shot with a 3-chip camera capable of shooting in Standard or High Definition (HD is preferred). Your camera must also be capable of shooting in the 16x9 widescreen format. It must also be capable of using professional-grade external microphones, as we require an external microphone for all audio (a lavalier is preferred). Audio from on-camera microphones is never acceptable. It is useful to have a light kit available, but supplemental lighting is not necessary if there is already sufficient light to produce a pleasing shot without the camera adding gain. You must also shoot on a tripod whenever possible. Finally, you'll need a quality non-linear editing system like Final Cut Pro, Avid Express, Adobe Premiere, or any other system capable of editing in the 16x9 format. For more information on required equipment, see our Video Production Standards for Featured Expert Videos .

Are there different filmmaker designations or ratings?
Not at this time. Experts are encouraged to interview filmmakers and review their work. Filmmakers can point to previous MonkeySee videos they've completed, and should be ready to provide references. Eventually, a rating system will be implemented that will utilize feedback from multiple sources, including experts themselves.

Can I charge more than the fee schedule permits?
No. The MonkeySee fee schedule is designed to keep costs low for experts while providing fair compensation to filmmakers. However, the fee schedule is based on tiers according to the complexity of the project, and the fees within each tier fall within a range. As with any other occupation, filmmakers with good references and solid work examples can expect to be offered more jobs, and can often command fees at the higher end of the range compared to their inexperienced counterparts. Attempting to charge fees higher than the schedule permits is grounds for dismissal from the program.

Where can I find more details about being a MonkeySee Filmmaker?
Take a look at our Complete Filmmaker FAQ for more details.

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Troubleshooting

MonkeySee videos won't play for me.
Videos on MonkeySee are played through an Adobe Flash player. For the best viewing experience, we suggest you install the latest version of Adobe Flash.

You must completely uninstall Flash before reinstalling the latest version. To uninstall Flash, please follow Adobe's instructions, listed here: http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/knowledgebase/index.cfm?id=tn_14157

Once you're done, restart your computer and follow Adobe's instructions for reinstalling Flash: http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash

If the instructions above don't resolve the issue please try the following:
- Temporarily disable popup blocking software installed on your computer to test.
- Allow MonkeySee.com as a trusted site in your Firewall software.
- Ensure other applications like Quicktime, iTunes, Real Player, or Windows Media Player aren't set as the default streaming application, as this might affect the video player.

I'm unable to leave a comment on a video.
Comments can only be created by registered MonkeySee viewers. To register, sign up here.

I'm unable to rate a video.
Videos can only be rated by registered MonkeySee viewers. To register, sign up here.

I'm unable to flag a video for inappropriate content.
Videos can only be flagged by registered MonkeySee viewers. To register, sign up here.

I'm unable to save or bookmark a video to my account.
Videos can only be saved by registered MonkeySee viewers. To register, sign up here.

I have another problem not listed.
To contact MonkeySee technical support, send an email to support@monkeysee.com. Please describe your problem in as much detail as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Information Center

General Questions

Becoming a MonkeySee Expert

Creating MonkeySee Videos

Creating MonkeySee Featured Expert Videos

Sign up, login, and account management

Website Features

Sharing MonkeySee videos

Uploading videos

FAQ for Filmmakers

Troubleshooting