Insight Timer is expanding into video to give teachers new ways to share their work and to help members deepen their practice through visual learning. These guidelines are designed to support high-quality, authentic video content while maintaining the trust, safety, and calm experience our community values. Please review the information below before uploading your video to ensure a smooth review process and successful publishing.
1. What types of video content can I publish?
We currently support:
Free Individual Videos
Available to all Insight Timer users.
Premium Individual Videos
Available exclusively to MemberPlus subscribers.
To ensure the platform continues to grow a strong library of free content for our community, teachers must first publish 5 free videos before gaining access to upload premium individual videos.
Premium Series / Courses
Structured, serialized video content offered behind a paywall. You are welcome to enhance your existing audio courses by creating video versions of them.
2. What video formats will be available?
You will be able to upload videos in both portrait (9:16) and landscape (16:9) formats.
Portrait videos are immersive and optimized well for mobile.
Landscape videos work well where wider shots are suitable, such as yoga or other movement practices.
We encourage teachers to upload a mix of both formats so students have a variety of viewing experiences.
3. Can I upload recordings from Live Events?
Yes, but with important quality requirements.
Repurposed Live Event recordings are allowed only if the video quality is exceptionally high and the content works as a standalone experience.
The video should feel intentional and professionally presented, rather than simply a recording of a live session.
Videos that include technical issues, low resolution, interaction with the audience, or other distracting live-event elements will be rejected.
4. What are the technical requirements for video uploads?
Accepted Format
- MP4
File Size
- Maximum file size: 2 GB per video
Resolution
- Videos must be clear and professionally presented
- Low-resolution or pixelated videos will be rejected
Audio Quality
- No background noise or microphone interference
- No sudden volume fluctuations
- Proper balance between voice and background music
5. Can I upload videos I’ve already published on other platforms?
Yes. You may upload previously published videos, provided that:
- You own the full copyright
- The content complies with Insight Timer guidelines
- The video does not include external promotion
6. Can I add subtitles to my videos?
To ensure a consistent experience for user in the app, please upload videos without subtitles embedded directly in the video (also known as "burned-in" subtitles).
We will generate captions that users can turn on or off within the app.
7. Can I promote my website, courses, or social media in my video?
No. Insight Timer maintains a non-promotional environment.
Videos must not include:
- Links
- Website mentions
- Contact information
- Calls-to-action directing users off-platform
You may include your website link in your Teacher Profile only.
Videos containing promotional content will be rejected.
8. Can I have text in my videos?
Yes, please ensure:
- No other distracting visual elements
- Clear lighting and stable framing
- Alignment with community safety standards
Low-quality visuals may result in rejection.
9. Can I use AI in my videos?
Yes, with limitations.
- The narration must always be recorded using your real voice.
- AI-generated voices are not allowed.
- AI-generated music may only be used as background beneath a human-led track.
- Music-only videos must contain genuine, non-AI music.
AI-generated backgrounds
Insight Timer prioritizes human connection, so showing real teachers and authentic human presence is our priority.
AI-generated backgrounds may be used only in certain categories such as music or sleep, where the focus may be primarily auditory.
Our AI policy may evolve over time.
10. Are there restrictions on topics?
Yes. The following are not permitted:
- Hyper-political content
- Discrimination or hate speech
- Promotion of drugs, alcohol, or mind-altering substances
- Financial services or money-making schemes
- Hypnosis
- Suicide-related content
- Content led by children under 16
- Explicit sexual content (see Sexuality Guidelines)
Content that is divisive, unsafe, or harmful will be rejected.
11. What if my video discusses sensitive topics?
If your video addresses topics such as depression, eating disorders, trauma, or other sensitive mental health subjects, you must:
- Include a trigger warning at the beginning of the video
- Include the same trigger warning in the description
- Clearly state that your content is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological support
- Be appropriately qualified to teach the subject
- Upload proof of relevant accreditations to your Teacher Profile
Where relevant, include safety reminders (e.g., do not practice while driving).
12. Do I need credentials to publish certain content?
Yes. If you teach specialized or trademarked practices (e.g., MBSR, ACT, Wim Hof Method, Psychology, Neuroscience, Yoga lineages, etc.), proof of accreditation is required.
Upload credentials in Publisher Profile → Accreditations.
13. What are the guidelines for music videos?
If uploading music content:
- You must own the rights to the music.
- Royalty-free music is permitted only as background for guided content.
We may request proof of authenticity when necessary.
14. What about copyright?
You must own or have permission for:
- Video footage
- Audio recordings
- Music
- Images
- Any third-party material
Copyright violations will result in removal.
15. How do I upload a video?
Upload through your Teacher Dashboard → Video
Complete the following:
- Title (clear, specific, properly capitalized)
- Description (minimum 200 characters; no links, emojis, or promotional content; include relevant keywords for discoverability)
- Upload MP4 Video file
- Upload Thumbnail
- Select the relevant categories
- Copyright confirmation
- Publishing schedule
Submit your video for review once complete.
16. How long does the review process take?
During this early phase videos uploaded will not yet appear in the app. They will become visible once video officially launches for the community.
Our team will begin reviewing submitted videos closer to the launch date to ensure everything is ready when the feature goes live.
Once video is fully launched, the standard review process will typically take 2 business days.
If you have feedback or questions, please get in touch with us at publishers@insighttimer.com.
Your input helps us refine and improve the video experience for teachers and members.
17. Why might my video be rejected?
Common reasons include:
Poor resolution
Poor audio quality
Promotional content
Embedded subtitles
Copyright issues
Violating content guidelines
Use of AI narration
Missing credentials for specialised topics
Unedited footage (e.g., the video starts with the teacher preparing or setting up rather than beginning the session clearly)
If rejected, you may edit and resubmit your video.
18. How the income will be allocated?
Video content earns money similar to audio content on Insight Timer.
- Free videos will have income allocated from the free content allocation.
- Premium videos and video courses will have income distributed from the premium content allocation.
For more details, please refer to our revenue article: How Can Teachers Earn Revenue From Their Work?
19. What defines a successful video on Insight Timer?
A successful video:
- Meets quality and authenticity standards
- Maintains community trust
- Engages members meaningfully
- Encourages completion, ratings, and follows
Our goal is to expand into video while preserving the calm, safe, and trusted environment Insight Timer is known for.