30 Second Testimonial Video

Your story can help people understand what mobile voting could mean for real voters.

A short, personal video is one of the easiest ways to share your perspective on mobile voting with your friends, family, community, and followers. You don't need professional equipment, a perfect script, or any video experience. All you need is your phone, about 30 seconds, and your own story.

The most compelling testimonial is one that sounds like you. Rather than trying to cover everything about mobile voting, focus on one reason the issue matters personally to you.

Why Share Your Story?

People connect with people.

Statistics, research, and policy details can help explain an issue, but personal experiences help others understand why it matters in everyday life. Your perspective can show how the way we vote affects students, parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, military and overseas voters, rural communities, busy workers, older Americans, and voters from every walk of life.

Your story doesn't have to be dramatic. Maybe getting to the polls has been difficult for you. Maybe you've watched a family member struggle to vote independently. Maybe you've had to squeeze voting between work, school, childcare, or other responsibilities. Or maybe you simply believe voters should have more options for securely participating in elections.

Whatever your reason, tell your story.

The 30-Second Formula

Keep your testimonial simple. A strong video can have just three parts:

1. WHO YOU ARE — About 5 seconds

Introduce yourself and, if you want, your community or connection to the issue.

"Hi, I'm [NAME], and I'm a college student in [COMMUNITY]."

2. WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU — About 15–20 seconds

Share one personal reason you're interested in mobile voting.

Think about questions like:

  • Have you or someone you know faced challenges casting a ballot?

  • Would another voting option make participating easier for people in your community?

  • Is there a particular group of voters you think about when discussing voting access?

  • What first made you interested in mobile voting?

  • What would having the ability to vote securely from a smartphone mean to you?

Don't try to answer every question. Pick one idea and make it personal.

3. YOUR CLOSING — About 5–10 seconds

End with the thought you most want people to remember.

For example:

"That's why this issue matters to me."

"I want every eligible voter to have an accessible way to participate."

"I hope more people learn about mobile voting and decide for themselves what they think."

Step-by-Step: Record Your Video

STEP 1: Decide what you want to say

Before recording, choose the one reason mobile voting matters to you personally.

You can write down a few bullet points, but don't feel like you need to memorize a script. Speaking naturally will usually make your video stronger.

STEP 2: Find a good location

Choose somewhere relatively quiet with minimal background noise.

Natural light works great. If possible, stand facing a window or another light source rather than having a bright light behind you.

Keep the background simple and avoid anything distracting.

STEP 3: Position your phone vertically

Record your video in vertical/portrait format so it works well on Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and other social platforms.

Place your phone around eye level and look directly into the camera.

STEP 4: Hit record and tell your story

Aim for approximately 30 seconds.

Don't worry about getting everything perfect. Talk the way you would if you were explaining the issue to a friend.

If you stumble over a word, you can simply start again. Most people need a few takes.

STEP 5: Watch it back

Before posting, check:

  • Can you hear yourself clearly?

  • Is your face well lit?

  • Is the video roughly 30 seconds?

  • Does it sound natural?

  • Did you focus on one clear personal message?

  • Are you comfortable sharing everything you mentioned publicly?

If the answer is yes, you're ready.

STEP 6: Add a caption

Your caption can be short. Consider briefly explaining why you recorded the video and inviting others to learn more about the issue.

You can also direct people to mobilevoting.org for additional information about mobile voting, its technology, previous pilots, and frequently asked questions.

STEP 7: Post and tag The Mobile Voting Project

Share your video on whatever platforms you use — Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, BlueSky, YouTube Shorts, or anywhere else you connect with your community.

Please tag The Mobile Voting Project so our team can see your testimonial and, where appropriate, help amplify your story.

Instagram: @mobilevotingproj
TikTok: @mobilevotingproject
Facebook: @mobilevoting
LinkedIn: @mobilevoting
BlueSky: @mobilevoting
Reddit: @mobilevoting
Snapchat: @mobilevoting
X: @mobilevoting

A Few Tips for a Great Testimonial

Be personal.
Your experience and perspective are what make the video unique.

Keep it focused.
Thirty seconds goes quickly. One memorable point is better than five rushed ones.

Use your own words.
You don't need to sound like an expert. Explain what you think the same way you would explain it to someone you know.

Be specific.
Instead of simply saying voting access is important, explain why it matters to you or someone in your community.

Don't worry about production quality.
A straightforward video recorded on your phone can be more authentic than something highly produced.

Be yourself.
There is no "right" way to tell your story. Your voice is the point.

Need Help?

The Mobile Voting Project team is happy to help you think through your testimonial, answer questions about mobile voting, or provide additional information before you record.

Reach out to bryce@mobilevoting.org with any questions.

Then grab your phone, hit record, and share your story.