diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index b8ebd68a..6fec229a 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -45,10 +45,11 @@ Automated agents contributing to this repository should follow these rules:
 
 1. Fork the repository and create a new branch from `main`.
 2. Make your changes, adding tests if applicable.
-3. Run `npm run test:unit` and `npm run lint` to ensure quality.
+3. Run `npm run format`, `npm run test:unit`, and `npm run lint` to ensure quality.
 4. (Optional) Run `npm run test:visual` if you made UI changes.
-5. Push your branch and open a Pull Request against the `main` branch.
-5. Provide a clear description of the problem and solution.
+5. (Optional) Run domain-specific tests if relevant (e.g., `npm run test:dm:unit` for Direct Messages).
+6. Push your branch and open a Pull Request against the `main` branch.
+7. Provide a clear description of the problem and solution.
 
 ## CI Behavior and Operations
 
@@ -112,6 +113,12 @@ To set up the project locally:
    npm run test:visual
    ```
 
+   For Direct Message features, run:
+   ```bash
+   npm run test:dm:unit
+   npm run test:dm:integration
+   ```
+
 4. **Format & Lint**:
    ```bash
    npm run format
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b7a727d1..095c4408 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -437,33 +437,13 @@ placeholder at “—” and development builds log a warning—so mixed deploym
 
 ### How to Contribute
 
-1. **Fork and Clone**:
-   ```bash
-   git clone https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/bitvid.git
-   cd bitvid
-   ```
-2. **Create a Branch**:
-   ```bash
-   git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name
-   ```
-3. **Install Dependencies**:
-   ```bash
-   npm ci
-   ```
-4. **Make Changes**:
-   - Ensure your code follows best practices and is well-documented.
-5. **Test**:
-   - Run unit tests: `npm run test:unit` (or a shard like `npm run test:unit:shard1`)
-   - Validate the site functionality locally before submitting.
-6. **Submit a Pull Request**:
-   - Explain your changes and reference any related issues.
+Please see [`CONTRIBUTING.md`](./CONTRIBUTING.md) for detailed setup instructions, code guidelines, and agent PR conventions.
 
-### Contribution Guidelines
-
-- Follow the [GPL-3.0-or-later License](LICENSE).
-- Use clear, concise commit messages.
-- Respect the existing coding style and architecture.
-- Run the manual QA script (see below) and note results in PR descriptions for changes that affect upload or playback.
+1. **Fork and Clone** the repository.
+2. **Create a Branch** for your feature or fix.
+3. **Install Dependencies** with `npm ci`.
+4. **Make Changes** and ensure tests pass.
+5. **Submit a Pull Request** with a clear description.
 
 ---