How do I upload audio files?

Article Id: 835
December 11, 2023

Audio recordings are some of the most precious memories that you can have. A recording of a relative’s voice is invaluable. Upload it to FamilySearch so that you can share it with other relatives and so that you always have a backup.

You can upload audio to FamilySearch using the FamilySearch.org website, Family Tree mobile app, or Memories mobile app. 

FamilySearch supports these file types:

  • .m4a (Please note that Firefox cannot play m4a files on Mac, iOS, or Android devices.)
  • .mp3
  • .wav

The maximum audio file size is 15 MB.      
After you save a recording, you could see a message "Processing failed. Delete and re-upload, or contact support." In certain instances, this message is incorrect and you are able to play the audio file. If so, consider contacting support to have the message removed. You do not need to delete the memory.  

Steps (website)

You can upload audio files from either Memories or Tree. 

Memories Gallery

  1. Sign in to FamilySearch.
  2. Near the top of the page, click Memories.
  3. In the drop-down, click Gallery.
  4. Click the plus sign (+) in the green circle.
  5. Drag and drop content from your computer to the screen, or click Choose Files. 
  6. Tag the file to the person in Family Tree.

Family Tree page

  1. Sign in to FamilySearch.
  2. Near the top of the page, click Tree.
  3. In the drop-down, click Tree. 
  4. Find the person and open the person's page.
  5. Click the Memories tab.
  6. To add a file, click Upload Audio. To add an item from your Memories Gallery, click Select from Gallery. The drag-and-drop feature is not available to upload memory items on the person detail page.

If you use an unsupported browser or your file exceeds the file size limit, a message in red appears to alert you.

Steps Memories (mobile app)

  1. In the Memories mobile app, tap +.
  2. Tap Record Audio (Android) or Add Audio (iOS).
  3. (iOS only), tap Record Audio or My Files.
  4. Continue with the appropriate instruction set.

Record Audio

  1. You could see a message asking you to allow Memories to record audio. Tap one of these options:
    1. While using the app
    2. Only this time
    3. Don't allow.
  2. Tap a question. If you do not see a question that you want to answer, tap Begin Recording.
  3. Tap Start.
  4. Record the memory.
  5. Tap Done.
  6. Enter a title and tap OK.
  7. Tag the file to the person in Family Tree that the audio file is about.

My Files (available on iOS only)

Use one of these options to find the file:

  • Tap a displayed location where the file resides.
  • Use the Search box to search for the file.

Steps Family Tree (mobile app)

  1. Open the person detail page.
  2. Tap Memories.
  3. Tap the plus sign (+) in the circle.
  4. Tap Add Audio (iOS) or Record Audio (Android).
  5. iOS only: tap Record Audio or My Files
  6. Continue with the appropriate instruction set.

Record Audio

  1. You could see a message asking you to allow Memories to record audio. Tap one of these options:
    1. While using the app
    2. Only this time
    3. Don't allow.
  2. Tap a question. If you do not see a question that you want to answer, tap Begin Recording.
  3. Tap Start.
  4. Record the answer.
  5. Tap Done.
  6. Enter a title and tap OK.

My Files (available on iOS only)

Use one of these options to find the file:

  • Tap a displayed location where the file resides.
  • Use the Search box to search for the file.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

Family Tree Lite does not support the uploading of memories.

Troubleshooting mp3 files

If you upload .mp3 files and see a message "Uploading failed", use this link: http://audio.online-convert.com/convert-to-mp3. The site converts the files to a higher kbps. You can split an audio file into multiple files and not change the bit rate. In Optional Settings, click Trim Audio.

Failed files are lower than 76 kbps, so converting them to 128 kbps or higher usually solves the problem. 

Other troubleshooting

  • If you are using an unsupported browser, you see a red line through the play button. When you click the play button with a red line through it, an error appears: "Unsupported File Type." 
  • Firefox cannot play m4a files on Mac, iOS, or Android platforms.

Report Abuse for Audio

You can Report Abuse for inappropriate audio content. From the Memories and Audio Player page, click Report Abuse, choose a category for the abuse type, explain the concern, and click OK. FamilySearch flags the audio for further review. 

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