Video Production NAICS Code: 512110 and Related Codes
NAICS 512110 — Motion Picture and Video Production is the main NAICS industry for establishments primarily engaged in producing video content.
It also covers establishments that both produce and distribute motion pictures, videos, television programs, or commercials.
Other codes can apply when the primary activity is postproduction, commercial event videography, commercial photography, or independent production work.
Video Production and Related NAICS Codes
| NAICS Code | Industry | Relevant Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 512110 | Motion Picture and Video Production | Producing video content, including establishments that both produce and distribute it. |
| 512191 | Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services | Specialized postproduction work such as editing, captioning, animation, and special effects. |
| 541922 | Commercial Photography | Commercial photography for business users. The 2022 NAICS index also lists commercial event videography here. |
| 711510 | Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers | The 512110 cross-reference directs independent producers working on contract to this industry. |
When 512110 Applies
The Census Bureau defines 512110 around the establishment’s primary activity.
It covers establishments primarily engaged in producing motion pictures, videos, television programs, or television and video commercials.
It also covers establishments that both produce and distribute that content.
Distribution without production is classified separately under 512120 — Motion Picture and Video Distribution.
Video Editing and Postproduction: 512191
512191 — Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services covers establishments primarily engaged in specialized postproduction services.
Examples include editing, transfers, subtitling, credits, closed captioning, animation, and special effects.
Commercial Event Videography: 541922
541922 — Commercial Photography covers commercial photography services for business and industrial users.
The 2022 NAICS index specifically lists commercial event videography services under 541922.
This differs from personal special-event videotaping examples, such as weddings and birthdays, listed under 541921.
Independent Production Work: 711510
The 512110 cross-reference directs independent producers working on contract to 711510.
That cross-reference does not mean every freelance videographer automatically uses 711510.
The applicable classification depends on the establishment’s primary activity and the work being classified.
Federal Procurement Rules for NAICS Codes
Federal procurement uses NAICS codes differently from general business classification.
Under FAR 19.102, the contracting officer assigns the solicitation’s NAICS code and corresponding size standard.
The assigned code must describe the acquisition’s principal purpose.
The contracting officer considers the NAICS description, solicitation requirements, component values, and the function of the purchase.
The size standard in effect when the solicitation is issued generally applies.
The contracting officer’s designation is final unless it is appealed under the applicable SBA procedures.
Business Classification vs. Solicitation Classification
NAICS classifies an establishment according to its primary economic activity.
A business can perform work that falls within other NAICS industries.
For federal contracting, follow the NAICS code assigned to the solicitation rather than substituting another code.
2027 NAICS Status as of September 13, 2026
The 2022 NAICS remains the current U.S. classification as of September 13, 2026.
OMB published proposed 2027 updates on July 13, 2026. Those updates are not yet in effect.
The proposed-change notice does not list 512110, 512191, 541921, 541922, or 711510 for revision.
The proposed 2027 revision would apply to establishment data for periods beginning January 1, 2027.
Current Federal Size-Standard Status
SBA’s current size standards remain in effect as of September 13, 2026.
SBA proposed revised size standards on August 20, 2026. Those proposed changes are not yet effective.
Check the SBA Table of Size Standards for the current threshold tied to a solicitation’s NAICS code.
FAQ
What is the NAICS code for video production?
512110 — Motion Picture and Video Production is the main NAICS industry for establishments primarily engaged in producing video content.
What NAICS code applies to video editing?
512191 — Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services applies to establishments primarily engaged in specialized video postproduction services.
What NAICS code applies to commercial event videography?
The 2022 NAICS index lists commercial event videography services under 541922 — Commercial Photography.
Is 512110 used for corporate video production?
It can be when the establishment’s primary activity is producing video content.
A federal solicitation still uses the NAICS code assigned by the contracting officer.
Who assigns the NAICS code for a federal solicitation?
The contracting officer assigns the NAICS code and corresponding size standard based on the acquisition’s principal purpose.
What NAICS code applies to freelance video work?
There is no single code that automatically applies to every freelance videographer.
The 512110 cross-reference directs independent producers working on contract to 711510.
Are the 2027 NAICS revisions in effect?
No. As of September 13, 2026, the 2022 NAICS remains current.
Official References
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