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Video Introduction Guidelines and Requirements

After viewing thousands of teacher video introductions, we’ve created these guidelines to help you make the best possible video!  

Japanese teacher Atsuko's introduction is an excellent example

 

Requirements for all videos:

  • YOU MUST: Appear in the video. Students want to know who their teacher is and hear the language they are about to learn. It's important to represent yourself truthfully to students.
  • YOU MUST: Speak in all the languages that you have listed as "Native" or "C2" in the video. Your languages listed as "Native" and "C2" will be set as your teaching languages. italki requires teachers to demonstrate their ability to speak these languages fluently in the video. 
  • DO NOT: Provide personal contact information - Your video will be available to people on the internet, so protect your own privacy.
  • DO NOT: Advertise or promote other services in your video.
  • DO NOT: Shoot vertical/square videos.  
  • DO NOT: Use copyrighted music or any media for which you do not have the rights.
horizontal video

square video

vertical video

 

Here is what to consider as you prepare to make your video:

Shooting Video

GOOD: BAD:
Do: Shoot horizontal video.
Do: Put camera on level with your eyes and look into the camera.
Do: Put the camera on a stable surface or use a tripod to keep the video still.		 Do not: Shoot vertical video. Why?
Do not: Put the camera below your face and talk down to it.
Do not: Hold the camera with your hands or allow the camera to shake.

Optional advanced shooting tips:  Vertical Video Syndrome;  Make a DIY Phone Tripod

 

Lighting

GOOD: BAD:

Do: Use natural daylight or powerful lamp lighting from the FRONT

Even better: Complimentary light from behind + 45 degrees

Do not: Record at night with poor lighting.
Do not: Record with strong lights or lamps behind you.

 

Optional advanced lighting tips: How to Get Better Video Lighting Tutorial

 

Sound

GOOD: BAD:

Do: Use quiet surroundings and speak in a clear voice.

Even better: Using a field recorder or speak into a microphone.

 Do not: Place microphone very close to mouth (causes "beatboxy" noises and distortion).
Do not: Place microphone too far away from mouth (too quiet).
Do not: Allow wind or any other distracting background noise.

Optional advanced audio tips: 7 Tips for Better Audio Recording

 

Background

GOOD: BAD:

Do: Use a clean and tidy study room or classroom

Even better: something that represents your language or country

 Do not: Show moving or distracting things ­in the background (TV, etc).
Do not: Use An overly busy or “chaotic” background
Do not: Show any commercial logo in the background

Optional advanced setting tips: How To Make Your Videos Look More Professional

 

Editing (optional)

GOOD: BAD:

Do: Add subtitles.

 

 Do not: Post your personal contact information in the video.
Do not: Use logos or advertisements from other companies or services.
Do not: Add loud music that makes it difficult to hear your voice.

 

 

Read more examples and further instructions on what to say in your video introduction. 

 

 

 

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