Before you record with the StoryCorps App: Tips for a trouble-free recording

We know that you want your experience recording an interview to be smooth and trouble free: that way you and your interview partner can focus on the conversation, not technical issues. That’s what we want too.

To make your recording experience as smooth as possible, take a look at these tips to prevent technical issues that might disrupt your interview experience.

Note: If you ignore all our tips but one, we hope you’ll see the last tip about using airplane mode when you record. A phone call interrupting your interview can ruin the experience and your ability to record.

Tips for a trouble-free recording:

• Make your account before you sit down to record. Don’t make your interview partner wait for you to select a password. Open the app and create your account in advance.
• Give the StoryCorps App access to your microphone and camera. The app should prompt you to do this when you first open it: if not, make sure your microphone and camera work with the app when you do a test recording. Why?
• Check your device’s storage and operating system. This will make sure there is enough room on your device for the recording. Find instructions here.
• Prep your recording space for good sound quality. Check out our tip sheets here for instructions on how to ensure great sound quality (plus tips for conducting a great interview!).
• Do a test recording. Before you meet with your partner to do the real thing, record a practice interview from start to finish. This will also give you a chance to practice entering keywords and other data; you can even publish the practice interview to our archive. (You can always delete it later!) Doing a test recording helps you make sure you understand how everything works before you record the real thing.
• Use the “Prepare an Interview” feature. When you click the “+” icon in the app, it gives you the option to prepare your interview or start recording. For the best experience, we recommend you prepare your interview in advance. This gives you a chance to create a title, enter the participant name(s), and most importantly, create the list of questions you’ll use when you record.
• Use airplane mode when you record. You’ll need to be connected to the internet later to publish your interview, but when you sit down to record, put your phone on airplane mode. Not only will a phone call during your interview cause a disruption, it will also take access to your microphone away from the app. Putting your phone in airplane mode will help prevent a microphone interruption. (Just don’t forget to turn airplane mode off and connect to Wi-Fi afterward so you can publish!)