Trailers are short, portrait-format video clips that appear on your live event and course pages. They give members a quick preview of what your session or course offers before they begin. This guide covers best practices on how to record or upload one.
What is a trailer video?
A trailer is a short portrait video that gives our community a quick, personal preview of your live event or course. Think of it as a 30-second pitch direct to camera: who this is for, what they'll experience, and why it matters. It appears on your live event or course page and in search results, so a compelling trailer can significantly boost registrations.
Quick tips for a successful trailer
You likely have five seconds to get someone excited about joining your event, or starting your course.
- Record in portrait mode (aspect ratio 9:16).
- Start mid-thought. Skip "Hi, my name is". Open with the problem your session solves: "If you keep waking at 3 am, this is for you."
- Look into the lens. Eye contact builds trust. Prop your phone at eye level and try not to read a script; sound natural.
- Say who it's for and what they'll walk away with. One sentence each. If you try to speak to everyone, you'll reach no one.
- One idea only. Aim for 20 seconds. A single clear promise beats a summary of everything you cover.
- Face a window. Soft, natural light is best.
- End with the invitation. "Join me live on Thursday."
Where can I add a trailer?
You can add a trailer to:
- New live events — as part of the event creation form
- Published or approved live events — you can add or update a trailer on any existing live event, even after it has been approved
- Audio courses — as part of the course creation form (audio courses will now have video trailers in addition to audio previews)
- Video courses — as part of the course creation form, separate from the existing course intro video
Is a trailer mandatory?
Live events: Trailers are currently optional for live events, but will become mandatory in the near future. We strongly encourage you to add one now — events with trailers receive greater featuring.
Courses (audio and video): A trailer video is mandatory for all courses. You will not be able to publish a course without one.
Existing courses: If your course was published before this feature launched, a trailer is not immediately required, but adding one is strongly encouraged. Courses with trailers will receive additional featuring opportunities.
How do I add a trailer?
There are two ways:
Option 1 — Upload a file: Select "Upload video" and choose an MP4 file from your device. This is the best option if you have a pre-recorded clip ready to go.
Option 2 — Record in your browser: Select "Record now" to use your webcam and record directly inside the teacher dashboard. No third-party app required. Read the tips below before you hit record.
Technical requirements
Requirement | Spec |
|---|---|
Format | MP4 |
Orientation | Portrait (vertical) |
Ideal length | 20-30 seconds |
Videos shorter than 20 seconds or longer than 45 seconds will not be accepted.
Can I update my trailer after publishing?
Yes. You can add, replace, or update a trailer on any live event or course at any time, including content that has already been approved and is live on the platform.
Once you have added it, please resubmit it for approval.
What if I already have a course intro video?
Course intro videos remain a separate field and are still required. Your trailer and your course intro serve different purposes:
- Trailer: Shown to people who haven't enrolled yet. Convinces them to sign up.
- Course intro: Shown inside the course to students who have already enrolled. Welcomes them and sets expectations.
If you'd like to use the same video for both, you can upload the same file to each field.
Can I record a trailer on my phone and upload it? Yes. Record in portrait mode on your phone, then export and upload the MP4 file from your device.
My live event is already approved. Can I still add a trailer? Yes. You can add or update a trailer on any published live event, even after it has been approved. Once you've submitted your trailer, your event will stay live while we review it — we just need to confirm it meets our guidelines before it goes public.
Will my course be removed if I don't have a trailer? Existing courses will not be removed, but they will miss out on featuring opportunities. New courses require a trailer to publish.
What if my trailer is slightly over 30 seconds? It will not be accepted. Edit it down to 30 seconds or under before uploading.
Do audio courses need trailers too? Yes. Trailers are required for audio courses, video courses, and live events.
Questions? Reach out through the teacher chat on your dashboard or email us at publishers@insighttimer.com.