For most, posting a demo reel online is imperative. Having your demo reel online allows you to make it easily available to just about anyone, without the need for a physical copy. Many employers will no longer even request demo reels on VHS, CD, or DVD, and instead ask for links to an online reel or portfolio of content. Keeping a demo reel online also allows you to promote your work via various social and business networks, and possibly find new job opportunities. It also gives you an opportunity to link to extended samples of the demo reel clips, letting interested parties view longer segments of your portfolio.
Many may have concerns about the safety involved in posting copyrighted work online. As far as theft is concerned, the risk isn't as great as one might think. If anyone tried to steal your demo reel and claim it as their own, they would quickly suffer for it when asked to prove their talents and unable to duplicate the results. Most wouldn't even try. The biggest concern is when others steal clips from your demo reel and use them in mashups or compilations without credit, or even taking credit themselves and making a profit from said compilations.
One way around this is to watermark your work. Any demo reels or samples can easily be watermarked in ways that still let the quality of your work show through while preventing anyone from using your media without crediting the source.
