How to Submit Imagery to DMA via DVIDS

How To 2 min
Defense Media Activity (DMA) is the official records manager for DoD Visual Information (VI). DMA ensures DoD visual history is preserved through regular transfers of VI to the DoD VI Archives (DVIA) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 

Per DoD Instruction 5040.02, all imagery, with associated captions and metadata, must be submitted to DMA using one of the methods described below, regardless of release status. This includes the original, hi-res version of all images and videos posted to DoD and non-DoD web pages and social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and Instagram.

The following steps and content are adopted from DoD Instruction 5040.02.

Before selected images are submitted, ensure each submitted image meets the captioning and metadata standards described in the DoD VI Style Guide.

Screenshot of selected images
Review the visual information for each image and confirm the caption and metadata meet the DoD requirements. Photo by DINFOS PAVILION
Screenshot of selected images
Review the visual information for each image and confirm the caption and metadata meet the DoD requirements.
Download Image 
Share Image:
Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION
VIRIN: 200717-D-ZW071-0001

For Unclassified or Released VI

  • Submit to DMA via DVIDS, as outlined in step 3.

Screenshot of DVIDS Direct landing page
Select only unclassified images for submission to DVIDS. Photo by DINFOS PAVILION
Screenshot of DVIDS Direct landing page
Select only unclassified images for submission to DVIDS.
Download Image 
Share Image:
Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION
VIRIN: 200717-D-ZW071-0002

For Office Use Only (FOUO), Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Unreleased or Classified VI

  • Do not send to DVIDS. Only unclassified images should be submitted to DVIDS.
  • Shall be handled by the originating command in accordance with DoD VI Records Schedule and DoDD 8000.01 in coordination with the service or DoD Records Manager.

Register for an account by visiting https://www.dvidshub.net/member/registration and entering your information.

OR

Login by visiting https://www.dvidshub.net/login?redirect_to=http://www.dvidshub.net/ and entering your email and password.

Screenshot of a set of images from Adobe Bridge
Log into your DVIDS with account information. Photo by DINFOS PAVILION
Screenshot of a set of images from Adobe Bridge
Log into your DVIDS with account information.
Download Image 
Share Image:
Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION
VIRIN: 200717-D-ZW071-0003

Once registered, select the DVIDS Direct tab to begin the submission process.

Screenshot of selected images
Select DVIDS Direct tab at the top of the DVIDS landing page to begin the submission process. Photo by DINFOS PAVILION
Screenshot of selected images
Select DVIDS Direct tab at the top of the DVIDS landing page to begin the submission process.
Download Image 
Share Image:
Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION
VIRIN: 200717-D-ZW071-0004

When following DoD Instruction 5040.02 guidelines, remember: 

  • Up to 2GB of imagery can be submitted through the web interface in a single session.
  • Submit only high-resolution images; low-resolution imagery is of little historical value.
  • Complete the DVIDS metadata screen for each asset.

You can upload images from your computer using Web Upload or SFTP Upload. DVIDS also offers FileZilla to facilitate FTP/SFTP submissions. Follow the directions on the DVIDS Direct page for this option.

Screenshot of DVIDS log in page
Upload images from your computer using Web Upload or SFTP Upload. Photo by DINFOS PAVILION
Screenshot of DVIDS log in page
Upload images from your computer using Web Upload or SFTP Upload.
Download Image 
Share Image:
Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION
VIRIN: 200717-D-ZW071-0005

Alternate Methods: If your unit has a registered DVIDS account, you may transmit images via regular email or AMRDEC SAFE, which allows for the secure transmission of up to 25 items or 2GB of data. AMRDEC SAFE also allows the option to encrypt your files.

If you cannot access or transmit via DVIDS, please coordinate with DMA Customer Services at http://www.dimoc.mil/Customer-Service/Contact-Us/.

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