How do I record a story about a photo or document?

Article Id: 1235
April 24, 2024
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How to add photos to a person in a few easy steps | FamilySearch

You can record yourself or someone else telling a brief story (up to 5 minutes) about a photo or document that you uploaded to FamilySearch.

Before you start

If you have not already uploaded the photo or document to FamilySearch, upload it.

Steps (website)

  1. Sign in to FamilySearch.
  2. At the top of the page, click Memories, followed by Gallery.
  3. If you archived the memory, click My Archive.
  4. (Optional) If you have uploaded many memories, click the camera icon to see your photos or the document icon to see your documents.
  5. Click the photo or document that you want.
  6. Click Record a Memory.
    • If you do not see this button, it means that you did not upload the photo or document. To submit your story, type it in as a comment instead.
  7. If prompted, give FamilySearch permission to use your microphone. If the message has no option for granting permission, it means that you must change your browser’s privacy and security settings. Each browser is different, so search the Internet for instructions.
  8. Click Start.
  9. After the countdown timer finishes, tell your story.
    • You can pause and resume the recording at any time.
    • If you get a message that the audio quality is low, try speaking louder or moving the microphone closer to your mouth.
  10. Click Done. FamilySearch processes the file. When it is done, a play button appears beneath the photo.
  11. To play the audio recording, click the play button.
  12. To delete the audio recording (but leave the photo or document on FamilySearch), click Delete. Then click Delete from FamilySearch.

Steps (mobile app)

  1. Open the FamilySearch Family Tree app or Memories app.
  2. Find and tap the photo or document.
    1. Android: In the top-right, tap the 3 dots icon and then tap Record a Memory.
    2. Apple iOS: In the lower right, tap the microphone icon and then tap Record Audio. (If you do not see the icon, tap the memory item).
  3. If prompted, tap OK and allow the app to access your microphone.
  4. Tap Start to begin recording. You can pause and resume the recording at any time.
  5. Tap Done.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

Family Tree Lite does not allow you to submit photos, documents, stories, or audio files. Please use the website or mobile app instead. 

When you are done

The photo or document and its story are preserved on FamilySearch. You, as the contributor, can delete the audio file and leave the photo on FamilySearch. You can also delete both the photo or document and the audio file.

How do I upload memories to FamilySearch?
My gallery in Memories is too full
Can I remove a photo, story, document, or audio file from Memories?

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