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Video Contribution Guide

Every merged contribution to AnswerAI requires a video explanation. This creates a human connection to each contribution and reinforces our mission alignment. Here's how to create compelling videos that earn your credits.

🎥 Why Videos Matter​

Mission Alignment​

Videos help us ensure every contribution serves our privacy-first, developer-empowering mission. They create accountability and shared understanding.

Community Building​

Your videos become part of our collective story - showing the world what happens when committed developers build for developers.

Recognition​

Great videos get featured across our channels, giving you recognition for your contributions and helping build your technical reputation.

📋 Video Requirements​

Mandatory Content​

Your 1-3 minute video must cover:

  1. What you built/fixed (30-45 seconds)

    • Technical overview of your contribution
    • Code walkthrough or demo
    • Before/after comparison

  2. Problem it solves (30-45 seconds)

    • User pain point addressed
    • Specific use case improvement
    • Impact on user experience

  3. Mission alignment (30-45 seconds)

    • How it serves privacy goals
    • Developer empowerment aspect
    • Community benefit

  4. Working demo (30-45 seconds)

    • Live functionality showcase
    • Edge cases handled
    • Integration with existing features

Technical Specifications​

Video Requirements:

  • Resolution: 720p minimum (1080p recommended)
  • Frame Rate: 30fps minimum
  • Audio: Clear, understandable speech (-12dB to -6dB levels)
  • Length: 1-3 minutes (strict enforcement)
  • Format: MP4 (H.264), MOV, or WebM

Audio Guidelines:

  • Use a decent microphone (headset mic is fine)
  • Record in a quiet environment
  • Speak clearly at moderate pace
  • Test audio levels before recording

🛠️ Technical Setup​

Free Options:

  • OBS Studio - Professional recording and streaming
  • Loom - Easy browser-based recording
  • ShareX - Windows screen recording
  • QuickTime - macOS built-in screen recording

Professional Options:

  • Camtasia - Full editing suite
  • ScreenFlow - macOS professional recording
  • Snagit - Simple editing and recording

Screen Recording Setup​

Display Settings:

  • Use 1920x1080 resolution for recording
  • Increase font sizes for visibility
  • Hide sensitive information (keys, tokens)
  • Close unnecessary browser tabs/applications

Recording Area:

  • Capture specific application window (preferred)
  • Use full screen only when necessary
  • Avoid recording multiple monitors simultaneously

Audio Recording​

Microphone Options:

  1. Built-in laptop mic - Acceptable for quiet environments
  2. Headset microphone - Recommended minimum quality
  3. USB microphone - Professional quality
  4. Lavalier mic - Consistent audio levels

Audio Tips:

  • Test recording levels before starting
  • Use noise suppression if available
  • Record in a quiet space
  • Speak 6-12 inches from microphone

📝 Content Structure​

Opening (15-30 seconds)​

Introduce yourself and your contribution:

"Hi, I'm [Name], and I just contributed [brief description]
to the AnswerAI [repository name]. This addresses [problem]
and helps users [benefit]."

Technical Walkthrough (60-90 seconds)​

Show your code and explain the implementation:

  1. Code Structure

    • Navigate through files you changed
    • Highlight key functions/components
    • Explain architectural decisions

  2. Implementation Details

    • Show before/after states
    • Demonstrate the solution
    • Point out important code segments

  3. Testing

    • Run your tests if applicable
    • Show edge cases handled
    • Demonstrate error handling

Demo & Impact (45-60 seconds)​

Show the feature working and its impact:

  1. Live Demo

    • Use the feature as an end user would
    • Show multiple use cases
    • Highlight user experience improvements

  2. Impact Explanation

    • Explain who benefits
    • Quantify improvements if possible
    • Connect to broader platform goals

Mission Connection (30-45 seconds)​

Connect your work to AnswerAI's mission:

  1. Privacy Benefits

    • How it enhances user privacy
    • Data protection improvements
    • Local-first computing advantages

  2. Developer Empowerment

    • Tools for better developer experience
    • Enabling new use cases
    • Reducing friction in workflows

  3. Community Impact

    • How it helps other contributors
    • Building toward our shared vision
    • Advancing the platform's capabilities

🎬 Recording Best Practices​

Preparation Checklist​

Environment Setup:

  • Quiet recording space
  • Good lighting on your face (if showing yourself)
  • Clean desktop/screen
  • Applications ready to demo
  • Script or talking points prepared

Technical Prep:

  • Audio levels tested
  • Recording software configured
  • Demo environment ready
  • Backup recording method available

During Recording​

Speaking Tips:

  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • Use natural, conversational tone
  • Pause briefly between sections
  • Explain technical terms for accessibility

Screen Interaction:

  • Move cursor deliberately
  • Highlight important elements
  • Use zoom for small details
  • Give viewers time to read code

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Speaking too fast
  • Mumbling or unclear speech
  • Showing sensitive information
  • Rushing through complex code
  • Forgetting to demonstrate functionality

🎯 Example Video Structures​

Bug Fix Video Example​

1. Introduction (20 seconds)
   "I fixed a critical bug in the chat interface where messages
   weren't displaying properly in dark mode..."

2. Problem Demonstration (45 seconds)
   [Show the bug occurring, explain impact on users]

3. Solution Walkthrough (60 seconds)
   [Show code changes, explain the fix]

4. Testing & Verification (30 seconds)
   [Demonstrate the fix working]

5. Mission Connection (25 seconds)
   "This improves accessibility and ensures our privacy-focused
   chat works for all users..."

New Feature Video Example​

1. Introduction (25 seconds)
   "I built a new document summarization feature for the
   browser extension..."

2. Feature Demo (75 seconds)
   [Show the feature working end-to-end]

3. Technical Implementation (45 seconds)
   [Explain key code components]

4. Impact & Mission (35 seconds)
   "This helps users quickly understand content while keeping
   their data local and private..."

📤 Submission Process​

Upload Options​

YouTube (Recommended):

  • Upload as "Unlisted" video
  • Use descriptive title: "AnswerAI Contribution: [Brief Description]"
  • Include link in PR description

Direct File Upload:

  • Use GitHub release attachments
  • Discord file upload (if under 25MB)
  • Google Drive/Dropbox with public link

Cloud Storage:

  • Ensure public access enabled
  • Use stable, permanent links
  • Test download access before submitting

PR Integration​

In Your Pull Request: Add a "Video Explanation" section:

## Video Explanation

[YouTube Link] or [Download Link]

### Video Summary:

-   Demonstrates [functionality]
-   Explains [technical approach]
-   Shows [user impact]
-   Connects to [mission goals]

🏆 Video Quality Tiers​

Bronze Quality (Credit Eligible)​

  • Meets all technical requirements
  • Covers required content areas
  • Clear audio and visual
  • Demonstrates functionality

Silver Quality (Bonus Credits)​

  • Excellent explanation clarity
  • Professional presentation
  • Engaging storytelling
  • Strong mission connection

Gold Quality (Feature Worthy)​

  • Outstanding production value
  • Compelling narrative
  • Educational for community
  • Potential for promotional use

🔄 Review & Feedback​

What We Look For​

Technical Accuracy:

  • Correct explanation of implementation
  • Accurate description of problem/solution
  • Valid demonstration of functionality

Mission Alignment:

  • Clear privacy/empowerment connection
  • Understanding of community goals
  • Authentic commitment to values

Communication Quality:

  • Clear, understandable explanation
  • Logical flow of information
  • Engaging presentation style

Feedback Process​

Approval Timeline:

  • Initial review within 24 hours
  • Feedback provided within 48 hours
  • Credits awarded within 72 hours

Common Feedback:

  • "Great technical explanation, could strengthen mission connection"
  • "Excellent demo, audio quality needs improvement"
  • "Strong content, consider showing more edge cases"

Resubmission​

If your video needs improvement:

  1. Review feedback carefully
  2. Record updated version addressing concerns
  3. Resubmit with original PR link
  4. No credit penalty for resubmissions

🌟 Featured Video Examples​

Hall of Fame Contributors​

Videos will be linked here as exemplary contributions are submitted

Coming Soon:

  • Outstanding bug fix explanations
  • Innovative feature demonstrations
  • Compelling mission alignment examples
  • Technical deep-dives worth showcasing

Learning Resources​

Tutorial Series: We're creating a series based on the best contributor videos:

  • "How to Explain Technical Changes"
  • "Connecting Code to Mission"
  • "Effective Demo Techniques"
  • "Building Community Through Video"

🚀 Ready to Record?​

Your video is more than just a requirement—it's your chance to tell the story of how you're helping build the future of AI. Make it count!

Quick Start Checklist:

  • Review your contribution and plan key points
  • Set up recording environment
  • Practice your explanation once
  • Record your video (1-3 minutes)
  • Review and re-record if needed
  • Submit with your PR

Questions? Join our Discord #video-help channel for real-time support from the community.

Ready to start building? Browse repositories and find your first contribution to showcase!