Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about capturing life stories with ToldFirst.
Getting Started
What do I need to get started?
Just a computer or phone with a microphone, and a person whose story you want to capture. Our AI handles the interview planning, and you can record directly in your browser. No special equipment required.
Do I need to be tech-savvy?
Not at all. If you can use email and video chat, you can use ToldFirst. Our interface is designed to be simple and intuitive. It was built for capturing stories from elderly relatives who aren't comfortable with technology—all they need to do is talk.
Can I interview someone who lives far away?
Absolutely. You can record phone calls or video chats using the voice memo app on your phone, then upload the recording to ToldFirst. Sessions can be done entirely remotely and it works beautifully.
What if the person I'm interviewing doesn't want to participate?
Start small. Instead of saying "I want to record your whole life story," try "Can I ask you about how you met Mom?" One good conversation often leads to another. Let it happen naturally.
Recording & Sessions
How long should each session be?
We recommend 30-60 minutes per session. Long enough to get into meaningful territory, but not so long that anyone gets tired. It's better to have more shorter sessions than fewer marathon ones.
How many sessions do I need?
It depends on how comprehensive you want to be. Most life stories take 8-12 sessions to cover thoroughly. But even one session captures something precious. Start with one and see where it leads.
What questions should I ask?
That's where ToldFirst helps. Our AI designs a personalized interview plan based on who you're interviewing and what you want to capture. We suggest questions for each session, and you can edit them to fit your needs.
Can I add photos to the recordings?
Yes! You can upload photos for each session with dates, locations, and captions. Old photos are especially powerful for triggering memories. Even photos without EXIF data can have manually added metadata.
What audio formats do you support?
We support all common audio formats: MP3, WAV, M4A, WebM, AAC, and more. If you can play it, we can transcribe it.
AI & Technology
How accurate is the transcription?
Our AI transcription is highly accurate, even with accents and background noise. We use state-of-the-art speech recognition optimized for conversational audio. You can always review and edit transcripts if needed.
How does speaker recognition work?
After your first session, you label who's speaking. ToldFirst then creates a voice profile for each person. In future recordings, it automatically recognizes and labels speakers correctly—even when multiple people are talking.
What does the AI actually do?
Our AI: (1) transcribes your recordings with speaker labels, (2) identifies key quotes, themes, and emotions, (3) extracts people, places, and dates mentioned, (4) suggests follow-up questions for future sessions, and (5) helps organize everything into a coherent life story.
Is my data used to train AI models?
No. Your family's stories are private and will never be used to train AI models. We use AI to process your recordings, but your data stays yours.
Privacy & Security
Who can access my recordings?
Only you. Your recordings and transcripts are encrypted and accessible only to your account. We don't share data with third parties and never will.
Can I share my project with family members?
Yes. You can invite family members into a project with roles (viewer, contributor, editor), share a private Album page with the film and story, and open a guest book where family adds notes, photos, and voice messages.
Can I delete my data?
Yes. You can delete individual recordings, photos, and projects yourself — deleted projects sit in a 30-day trash first so a mis-click never destroys a story. To delete your entire account and everything in it, email hello@toldfirst.com and we complete it within 30 days (self-serve account deletion is being built).
Where is my data stored?
Your data is stored in the United States on infrastructure we operate ourselves — most AI processing never leaves our own servers, which is rarer than you would think. Backups are encrypted. See our Privacy Policy for the full picture.
Pricing & Plans
How much does ToldFirst cost?
The free plan lets you start a project and record your first conversations. Founding offers: the Book keepsake at $79, and the Film — a real documentary in your family member's own voice — at $349 for the first 25 families. One-time prices, not subscriptions.
Is there a limit on how much I can record?
During early access, there are no strict limits. We ask that you use ToldFirst for its intended purpose—capturing meaningful life stories.
Will my data be safe if you go out of business?
Your family's stories belong to you, not us. Your book downloads as a PDF today, and if you ever want everything — recordings, transcripts, photos — email hello@toldfirst.com and we will send you an archive. A self-serve export button is on the roadmap.
Keepsakes & Output
What formats can I export?
Currently, you can export transcripts and view all your recordings online. We're building features to create printed books, audio compilations, and comprehensive digital archives. Coming soon.
Can I edit the transcripts?
Yes, you can review and edit any transcript. Raw and authentic is often best, but you have full control.
What if I want multiple copies of a printed book?
Once book printing is available, you'll be able to order as many copies as you like. Great for distributing to family members.