Part 1: What to Include in Your Video 

 
 
1.Introduction 
 
Your introduction will be the first time potential students get to see you, so try to be friendly and 
approachable! When creating your video, feel free to create your introduction video in the language 
of your choice. You must appear in the video. Students want to know who their teacher is and hear 
the language they are about to learn. It's important to represent yourself truthfully to students. Your 
video should be between 1 to 4 minutes. 
 
 
Your video should start with a standardized greeting, for example: 
 
“Hi, I am Michael and I teach English on italki.” Or “Hi, I’m Sakumi and I teach Japanese on italki.” 
 
After the standardized greeting, you must also include: 
 
● Your country/region of origin. 
● Your current location. 
● Your personal hobbies and interests. 
 
Telling students about your hobbies and interests can help students relate to you and give you a 
better chance of standing out. 
 
Here are some more ideas that you can include: 
 
● Do you have any interesting past experiences? 
● Why did you decide to become a teacher?  
● Have you had any interesting or inspiring moments with a student? 
● How many languages do you speak? 
 
Please do not include any personal contact information (such as your email address or phone 
number) or advertise or promote any other language learning services in your video.   
 
2. Language information  
 
If you speak multiple languages and dialects, show them off! Showing off your language skills is a 
great way to attract students who enjoy language learning or are looking for a teacher who also 
speaks their mother tongue. If you’ve listed a language in your profile as "Native" or "C2" then in your 
video you’ll be required to speak in each of these languages to demonstrate your fluency.  
 
 
When speaking about your languages, you must include: 
 
 
● Your accent. 
● What languages and dialects you speak. 
● Any interesting information about how or where you learned your languages. 
 
3. Teaching Information 
 
This is the time to let your students know what to expect from your lessons, teaching style, as well 
as your specific experience teaching your language(s). If you have a different approach for teaching 
beginners or advanced students, mention them here.  
 
When talking about your lessons, you must include: 
 
● What languages you teach. 
● What your lessons are like. 
● Your teaching style.  
● Your teaching tools (textbook, articles, video, presentations etc.). 
● Your specializations (IELTS preparation, HSK, pronunciation, business, medical etc.). 
● The difference between your teaching courses and how a student can choose between 
them.  
 
4. Outro 
 
Before you say goodbye to your potential students, make sure to:  
 
1. Give them a reason to book a lesson with you. 
2. Let them know how to book their first lesson (click on the “Schedule lesson” button).  
3. And finally, thank viewers for watching. You can standardize your intro with “Thank you for 
watching, I look forward to teaching you!” 
 
 
Part 2: Technical Guidelines 
 
1. Background 
 
Please make sure you have a clear background with no clutter behind you when shooting your 
video, and make sure your clothing is not the same color as the background. Do not show moving 
or distracting things in the background (other people, etc). Also please do not show any 
commercial logo in the background. 
 
Optional advanced setting tips: How To Make Your Videos Look More Professional 
 
2. Script 
 
Do not read from a script. You should sound as natural as possible. You can write down some notes 
on a post-it note and use it to help you when you film, but don’t rely on it.  
 
3. Image Quality 
 
Do not shoot your video on a webcam. Please use the HD setting on your smartphone, digital 
camera, or SLR if you have one. When shooting your video, make sure your image is clear (at least 
480p), and place the camera/mobile phone on a stable surface or use a tripod to keep the video 
still. Make sure the camera/mobile phone is at eye level and look directly into it.  
 
Advanced shooting tips: Make a DIY Phone Tripod 
 
4. Alignment 
 

 
Video footage needs to be shot horizontally and not vertically or in a square frame. If you are 
shooting on a smartphone, make sure you place it horizontally before pushing the record button. 
 

 
 
Advanced shooting tips: Vertical Video Syndrome; Make a DIY Phone Tripod 
  
5. Lighting 
 
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of creating a video because it allows you to set the 
mood. If your video is dark or badly lit, this could give a bad impression to potential students. Use 
natural daylight or powerful lamp lighting from the FRONT. If you feel that your room is not bright 
enough, try to open the curtains or turn on multiple light sources. Even better: Complimentary light 
from behind + 45 degrees. Please do not record at night with poor lighting or record with strong 
lights or lamps behind you. 
  

6. Editing (optional) 

If you edit your videos adding subtitles would be helpful. However please do not post your personal 
contact information in the video, use logos/advertisements from other companies or services, or 
add loud music that makes it difficult to hear your voice.  

 
7. Headphones 
 
Please do not wear headphones in your video as they can be distracting. 
 
8. Sound quality 
 
Please pay attention to background sound! If you don’t have a microphone you should shoot your 
video inside, as outside noise will impair video quality. If your video has poor sound, students may 
not watch it to the end. Close the windows, shut the doors, and turn off the air conditioning or 
ceiling fan, if it is a contributing factor to the noise. The best option would be to use a field 
recorder or speak into a microphone. Please DO NOT place microphone very close to mouth 
(causes "beatboxy" noises and distortion) or place microphone too far away from mouth (too 
quiet). 
 
9. Music 

Please DO NOT: Use copyrighted music or any media for which you do not have the rights in your 
video. 

 
10. Final Tips 
 
Take your time, relax and enjoy the process of creating your video! The more relaxed you are, the 
better you’ll be in front of the camera. And remember, a smile makes a huge difference.