Video Production NAICS Code: 512110 and Related Codes

NAICS 512110 — Motion Picture and Video Production covers establishments primarily engaged in producing, or producing and distributing, motion pictures, videos, television programs, or television commercials.

It is an important video-production classification, but it is not the correct code for every videographer or every project. The U.S. Census Bureau classifies businesses by their primary activity and provides cross-references to other industries when the work is primarily postproduction, commercial photography, special-event videography, or independent production.

When Each NAICS Code May Apply

512110 — Motion Picture and Video Production
Applies to establishments primarily engaged in producing, or producing and distributing, motion pictures, videos, television programs, or television commercials.

512191 — Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services
Applies to establishments primarily engaged in specialized motion picture or video postproduction services such as editing, film or tape transfers, subtitling, credits, closed captioning, animation, and special effects.

541921 — Photography Studios, Portrait
Applies primarily to portrait studios. The Census Bureau also lists videotaping services for special events such as weddings under this industry.

541922 — Commercial Photography
Applies to establishments primarily engaged in commercial photography for advertising agencies, publishers, and other business or industrial users. The 2022 NAICS index also includes commercial event videography services and video taping services for legal depositions under 541922.

711510 — Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
The Census Bureau cross-references motion picture and video work performed on contract by independent producers to this industry.

Which NAICS Code Should You Choose?

Choose the code that best matches the business’s primary activity or the work being procured. A company primarily producing video content may fall under 512110, while an editing-only business may fall under 512191. Commercial photography or some commercial event videography may fall under 541922.

Do not assume that every freelance videographer, event videographer, or video-production assignment uses 512110. The applicable code can change based on the primary activity and the specific procurement or solicitation.

Why NAICS Codes Matter

NAICS codes are used to classify business activities for statistical, registration, procurement, and contracting purposes. For government work, the code associated with a solicitation should be reviewed along with the official NAICS definition and any applicable size standard.

FAQ

What is the NAICS code for video production?

512110 — Motion Picture and Video Production is the NAICS industry for establishments primarily engaged in producing, or producing and distributing, motion pictures, videos, television programs, or television commercials. Other codes may apply when the primary activity is different.

What NAICS code applies to video editing?

512191 — Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services applies to establishments primarily engaged in specialized video postproduction services such as editing, transfers, subtitling, closed captioning, animation, and special effects.

What NAICS code applies to commercial event videography?

The 2022 Census NAICS index includes commercial event videography services under 541922 — Commercial Photography. The correct classification still depends on the primary business activity and the work being performed.

Is 512110 used for corporate video production?

It may be. If the establishment’s primary activity is producing video content, 512110 may fit. The official definition and any procurement-specific requirements should be checked before selecting a code.

What NAICS code applies to freelance video work?

There is no single code that automatically applies to every freelance videographer. The Census Bureau cross-references independent producers working on contract to 711510, while other video activities may fall under 512110, 541921, or 541922 depending on the primary activity.

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