Video on Insight Timer
Insight Timer is expanding into video to help teachers deepen their teachings and offer members a more immersive learning experience.
Unlike social media platforms, Insight Timer is a place where people come to slow down, reconnect, and find moments of peace.
For this reason, video content on Insight Timer should feel calm, intentional, and authentic. We encourage teachers to focus on meaningful guidance rather than fast-paced or highly produced content.
Simple, well-prepared videos that reflect presence, clarity, and genuine connection often create the most powerful experiences for our community.
These guidelines are designed to help teachers create video content that maintains the trusted, peaceful environment Insight Timer is known for.
1. What types of video content can I publish?
Insight Timer currently supports three types of video content.
Free Individual Videos
Videos that are available to all Insight Timer users at no cost.
Premium Individual Videos
Videos available exclusively to MemberPlus subscribers.
To maintain a strong library of free content, teachers must publish at least 5 free videos before uploading Premium Individual Videos.
Premium Video Series or Courses
Structured, multi-lesson video programs are offered behind a paywall.
Teachers may also create video versions of their existing audio courses and audio tracks.
Note:
- The requirement to publish five (5) free videos applies only to Premium Individual Videos.
- Premium Series or Courses may be uploaded directly.
2. What video formats are supported?
Teachers can upload videos in the following formats:
Portrait (9:16)
Portrait videos can provide a more immersive experience and are optimized for mobile viewing, which is how most Insight Timer members access the app.
Landscape (16:9)
Best suited for:
- Yoga
- Movement practices
- Sessions that require wider framing
Teachers are encouraged to include a variety of formats where appropriate.
3. Production Quality Requirements
Videos must meet a high production quality standard.
Videos that appear poorly produced, unclear, rushed, or careless may not be approved.
Common issues that may lead to rejection include:
- Blurry or low-resolution footage
- Poor lighting
- Distracting environments
- Unstable camera framing
- Poor camera positioning
Insight Timer prioritizes quality and meaningful guidance over quantity.
4. Audio Quality Requirements
Audio quality is essential for the Insight Timer experience.
Your voice should be:
- Clear
- Calm
- Easy to understand
- Balanced with any background music
Avoid:
- Background noise
- Microphone interference
- Sudden volume fluctuations
- Music that overpowers the voice
The voice should always remain the primary focus of the video.
5. Technical Upload Requirements
Accepted format: MP4
Maximum file size: 2 GB per video
Videos must maintain clear resolution throughout the entire recording.
6. Can I upload recordings from Live Events?
Yes, but only if the video feels like a complete and polished experience.
Repurposed Live Event recordings are accepted only if:
- The video quality is excellent
- The content works as a standalone experience
- The presentation feels intentional and professional
Videos may be rejected if they include:
- Technical issues
- Audience interactions
- Chat references
- Unedited livestream elements
7. Can I add subtitles to my videos?
Please do not upload videos with embedded subtitles (burned-in captions).
Insight Timer generates captions within the app so members can turn them on or off.
This also ensures a consistent viewing experience across languages and devices.
8. Text and On-Screen Graphics
Insight Timer videos should remain visually simple and calm.
Avoid redundant text
Do not include text overlays that repeat information already displayed in the app, such as:
- The video title
- The teacher's name
- Session titles like “Morning Meditation”
This information is already visible in the app interface.
Text placement
Text must not appear in the lower portion of the video, as this area is reserved for captions.
When text is acceptable
Text may be used when it adds real value, such as:
- Highlighting key concepts in a teaching
- Supporting structured lessons
- Showing short practice instructions
Text should always remain minimal and non-distracting.
9. Branding, Logos, and Watermarks
Videos must not contain:
- Logos
- Watermarks
- Platform branding
- Social media handles
Insight Timer maintains a non-promotional environment.
Teachers may include their website link only in their Teacher Profile.
10. Promotion and External Links
Videos must not include:
- Website links
- Email addresses
- Social media mentions
- Calls-to-action directing users off the platform
- Advertising of external programs or services
11. Use of AI in Videos
AI tools may be used carefully in the production process.
Allowed
- AI tools for editing or production
- AI-generated music is used quietly as background
Not allowed
- AI-generated narration
- AI voices replacing the teacher
- Fully AI-generated content
The teacher’s real voice must always lead the experience.
12. Backgrounds and Visual Style
Insight Timer prioritizes authentic human connection.
For most guided content, the teacher should be clearly visible on screen.
Avoid replacing the teacher with:
- AI-generated scenery
- Stock nature footage
- Animated visuals
- Slide presentations
These may only be acceptable in specific categories such as music or sleep content.
13. Camera Setup and Framing
Videos should be recorded with a stable, professional camera setup.
Avoid:
- Holding the camera while filming
- Moving around with the camera
- Placing the camera too close to your face
Recommended framing:
- Shoulders-up or waist-up for guided sessions
- Full body visible for movement practices
The camera should ideally be positioned at eye level.
14. Start the Video Cleanly
Videos should begin clearly and intentionally.
Avoid including moments such as:
- Adjusting the camera
- Preparing the space
- Walking into frame
- Setting up equipment
The session should begin ready for the member to watch.
15. Image Guidelines
Images used in thumbnails or visuals should be high-resolution and visually calm.
Recommended:
- Natural photography
- Minimal editing
- Clean, simple visuals
Avoid:
- Busy graphic designs
- Overly edited imagery
- Distracting visual effects
AI-generated images are not permitted if they contain:
- Distorted faces
- Unnatural limbs
- Cluttered or unsettling imagery
Images should not include:
- Logos
- Text overlays
- Watermarks
- Frames or collages
16. Class Recordings and Movement Practices
Movement practices and class recordings are allowed if filmed professionally.
For movement practices:
- The full body should be visible
- Camera framing should allow members to follow the practice clearly
- The video should feel like a standalone teaching session
Videos should not look like:
- Zoom calls
- Casual livestream recordings
- Unedited class footage
17. Keep the Visual Experience Calm
Insight Timer videos should maintain a calm and grounded visual style.
Please avoid:
- Fast editing
- Rapid cuts
- Loud or dramatic intros
- Flashy transitions
- Social-media-style production
A steady, simple visual approach creates the best experience for members.
18. Avoid Short, Low-Value or “Fluff” Videos
Insight Timer prioritizes meaningful guidance over short-form content.
Videos that resemble social media clips or promotional snippets are generally not suitable.
Short videos are allowed only when they provide clear value, such as:
- A short breathing practice
- A brief meditation
- A meaningful poem
- A concise teaching
Very short videos that feel rushed, repetitive, or lacking substance may not be approved.
Every video should provide a complete and meaningful experience.
19. Every Video Must Stand on Its Own
Each video should offer a complete experience for the member.
Members should be able to watch the video and feel they received:
- A clear practice
- A meaningful insight
- A moment of reflection
Videos should not feel like:
- Promotional clips
- Teasers for other content
- Fragments of longer programs
Even when part of a series, each video should still provide real value.
20. Topics That Are Not Allowed
The following content is not permitted:
- Hyper-political content
- Discrimination or hate speech
- Promotion of mind altering substances
- Financial services or money-making schemes
- Hypnosis
- Suicide-related content
- Content led by children under 16
- Explicit sexual content
Content that is unsafe, harmful, or divisive will be rejected.
21. Sensitive Mental Health Topics
If your video discusses topics such as:
- Depression
- Trauma
- Eating disorders
- Addiction
You must:
- Include a trigger warning at the beginning
- Include the same warning in the description
- Clarify that the video is not a substitute for professional support
Teachers must also have uploaded their relevant qualifications to their teacher profiles.
22. Credential Requirements
Proof of accreditation is required when teaching specialized practices such as:
- MBSR
- ACT
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Wim Hof Method
- Yoga lineages
- Breathwork
Credentials must be uploaded to:
Teacher Profile → Accreditations
23. Copyright Requirements
Teachers must own or have permission for all materials used, including:
- Video footage
- Audio recordings
- Music
- Images
- Third-party content
Copyright violations will result in removal.
24. Music Video Guidelines
If uploading music content:
- You must own the rights to the music
- Royalty-free music may only be used as background for guided content
Music-only videos must contain authentic original music.
25. How to Upload a Video
Upload videos through:
Teacher Dashboard → Video
Required information:
- Title
- Description (minimum 200 characters)
- MP4 video file
- Thumbnail image
- Category selection
- Copyright confirmation
- Publishing schedule
Descriptions must not include:
- Links
- Emojis
- Promotional language
26. Video Review Process
During the early rollout phase, videos may not appear in the app immediately.
The review team will begin reviewing submissions closer to the official launch.
After launch, reviews typically take up to 2 business days.
27. Common Reasons Videos Are Rejected
Videos may be rejected for:
- Poor resolution
- Poor audio quality
- Promotional content
- Embedded subtitles
- Copyright violations
- AI narration
- Missing credentials
- Unedited recordings
- Low-value or repetitive content
Rejected videos can be edited and resubmitted.
What Great Insight Timer Videos Look Like
Successful Insight Timer videos tend to be:
- Calm and visually simple
- Clearly recorded
- Authentic and grounded
- Focused on meaningful guidance
Common successful formats include:
- Guided meditations
- Breathing practices
- Mindfulness teachings
- Yoga or movement sessions
- Poetry or reflective readings
Tips for Creating a Great Insight Timer Video
You do not need a professional studio setup.
Simple improvements can greatly increase video quality.
Choose a quiet environment
Avoid traffic noise, echoing rooms, or interruptions.
Use soft lighting
Natural light works best. Avoid strong light behind you.
Stabilize the camera
Use a tripod or a stable surface.
Keep the background simple
Choose calm, uncluttered environments.
Speak clearly and naturally
Your voice should remain the focus.
Prepare before recording
Check lighting, sound, and framing before beginning.
Final Note for Teachers
When creating videos for Insight Timer, focus on authentic presence, calm delivery, and meaningful guidance.
Members come to Insight Timer to slow down, reconnect, and find moments of peace in their day. The most impactful videos support this intention through simplicity, clarity, and genuine human connection.
Often, the most powerful experiences come from simple, well-prepared videos delivered with care and presence.