Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Common Problems When Registering with Direct

New users to the site can register here: https://direct.usagm.gov/user/create

Please fill out every field with the red *. If you miss a field, you will need to go back and fill in the missing field. Missing fields will be highlighted with a message underneath to indicate information is missing. Be certain to check the boxes at the bottom of the form.

If this does not fix your problem, please contact our support and someone from the Direct team will be in touch with you to help.

Here is a video describing the registration process:

Problems with Accessing Your Account

Each registered Direct user, will have a My Account page. You can access your My Account page by clicking on the avatar icon in the upper right hand corner of the page next to the bell icon. You can also access your account by following this link: https://direct.usagm.gov/account

If this does not fix your problem, please contact our support and someone from the Direct team will be in touch with you to help.

Here is a video describing how to access and use  the My Account page:

Resetting Your Password

The reset button link, is located directly under the login button throughout the site. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it by following this link: https://direct.usagm.gov/site/forgottenpassword

Enter the email you used to set up your account and follow the directions on the page. 

An email should be sent to the email address you provided with instructions on how to reset your password. 

If this does not fix your problem, please contact our support and someone from the Direct team will be in touch with you to help.

Issues with Downloading

You are able to download media files by navigating to the record page of the media item you wish to download. Click on the download button above the media player. This will open a window providing options to download the file.

There are multiple options to download files in addition to downloading from an individual record page. You can read more about them here: 

Accelerated File Delivery (AFD)

Application Programming Interface - API

MRSS Feeds

Download Multiple Files at Once

If this does not fix your problem, please contact our support and someone from the Direct team will be in touch with you to help.

Here is a video explaining how to download videos from an individual record page:

Locating Content: Search, Email Notifications and File Expiration

You have multiple options to locate content and even set up email alerts. If you ever get lost, click on the Direct logo at the very top of the page. This will bring you back to the USAGM Direct homepage. From here you can use the search box at the top of the page to search all content. You can also navigate to the network or language of your choice by selecting the appropriate language in the dropdown box then clicking on the logo of your desired network.

Here is more information on how to search content:

You are also able to save your search and set up email notifications from the search page. You can even set up MRSS feeds based on your search results. Simply click on the Star icon located next to the Filter & Sort section, enter a name and save. You can manage all of your searches and email alerts from this window by clicking on the Bell icon or clicking Manage.

Here is a video with more information on saved searches:

By default, most content will expire and be deleted from the Direct system after 30 days. However, many documentaries, interviews and special series will be kept for a longer period of time.

If you are looking for content that you cannot find, please contact our support and someone from the Direct team will be in touch with you to help.

User Account Expiration

The Direct system it set to expire accounts after 180 days of inactivity from the day you open your account. If you don't access your account after you open it, you will receive a warning message after 30 days and again after 90 days. If you do not log in within the 180-day limit, your account will become deactivated and you will lose access to the Direct system.

If this happens to you in error and you need assistance reinstating your account, please contact our support and someone from the Direct team will be in touch with you to help.