Editorial policy

Selection and playback checks

A public source list does not automatically become part of Topy. New standard listings must play directly in a supported browser, begin within the current verification window, and produce stable video at 720p or better. Entries that require a Topy relay, fail repeatedly, or do not meet the quality threshold are not accepted into the standard directory.

Metadata and original context

Topy normalizes channel titles, removes technical suffixes, consolidates duplicate stream addresses, and assigns country, language, category, and quality information based on playback, public broadcaster information, and independent research. Channel descriptions are written or materially edited for this directory to explain what a viewer can expect; they are not copied program blurbs.

Verification images and program guides

When a stream successfully plays, Topy may retain one standardized still image with a verification time. The image helps viewers and administrators recognize the channel and assess whether an entry is current. It is not a substitute for the program and is removed when its channel is deleted. Program-guide links point to broadcaster or relevant third-party schedules when available.

Topy Verified and broadcaster claims

A Topy Verified record links back to an official proof page and remains current for 30 days after a qualifying Direct browser playback check at 720p or better. A public Topy Trust score combines verification freshness, confirmed broadcaster identity, quality, Direct availability and privacy-bounded playback reliability. Reliability appears only after at least 20 aggregate samples and a regional result only after at least 10; alternate streams, raw events, evidence and internal performance scores remain private. Verification describes the quality of our directory record and never proves ownership or broadcast authorization. Signed-in broadcaster representatives may submit an identity claim using an official organization website. Approved representatives may request listing or stream changes, but every request requires administrator review and never changes a channel automatically.

Original editorial provenance

Topy records a SHA-256 fingerprint when an original channel description is created or materially edited. The fingerprint and timestamp help establish the history of our editorial work without publishing internal drafts or a second copy of the text.

Recommendations and rankings

Smart Picks use approximate region, browser language, community favorites, and randomness. Favorite rankings reflect user actions. Listings do not receive higher editorial ranking because they buy advertising. Any future sponsored placement will be labeled clearly and kept separate from organic results.

Automation and human review

Automation can assist playback checks, duplicate detection, classification, captions, and drafting. It does not make a listing authoritative. Administrators review uncertain results, and community reports help identify broken, mislabeled, inappropriate, or rights-sensitive entries.

Corrections and removals

Anyone can report a problem from a channel card. Broadcasters and rights holders can use the copyright and removal process. Credible corrections are reviewed against current playback and reliable public sources; confirmed errors are corrected or removed without accepting payment.