Plain recording guide . October 7, 2026 . 3 min
The Non-Tech Savvy Relative's Guide to Leaving Voice Keepsakes
If someone sent you a link
If you are reading this because a niece, coworker, or adult child sent you a link and said "just record something," take a breath. You do not need a new app account or a perfect performance. You need a quiet minute and your normal voice.
This guide is written for the person recording, in plain language. Organizers can forward it as-is.
What you are doing
Someone is gathering spoken birthday or farewell messages into one gift. Your part is to open a link and talk, the way you would leave a thoughtful voicemail.
What you need
A phone or computer with a microphone (almost all have one). A decent internet connection. About five minutes. Optional: a glass of water and a note with the story you want to tell.
You do not need to be on camera.
Step-by-step
1. Sit somewhere quiet. Turn down the TV.
2. Open the link you were sent. Use the browser that already works for you (Safari, Chrome, etc.).
3. Allow microphone access if the page asks. That permission stays for the page; it is not a trick.
4. Say your name first so the recipient knows who is speaking.
5. Tell one real story or one clear wish. Stop when you feel done. Under three minutes is plenty on Starcard-style gifts.
6. Listen to the playback if the page offers it. Re-record if you want. One take is fine.
7. Save or submit when you are happy. Then you are finished.
If the page asks for something confusing
Allow microphone: tap Allow. Otherwise it cannot hear you.
Login wall: message the organizer. Many voice gifts (including Starcard's usual path) do not need an account.
Nothing happens when you tap record: try another browser, or ask a household helper to sit with you once.
What to say (pick one)
A memory only the two of you share.
Something you admire about them.
A hope for their next year.
A short toast you would give in person.
Reading a few lines from paper is completely fine.
Helpers welcome
If a partner, kid, or neighbor is more comfortable with phones, they can hold the device while you talk. You are still the gift.
Organizer note (short)
Send this page plus the link. Add one sentence with the deadline and the prompt. Offer a ten-minute helper call for anyone nervous. Starcard is one option at under 10 dollars with a shareable link and messages up to three minutes.
Contributors join through that shareable link, with an optional riddle if you want one: up to 25 contributors, and messages up to three minutes each. No app is required for the usual path. Organizer previews play the first 4 seconds of every saved voice. The finished gift plays every message in full. The one-time price is $9.99.
A soft note if voice fits
When a group voice keepsake fits, start at starcard.gift, share one link, and set a clear contribution deadline. Ryan built Starcard so voice recordings from the people you love feel special when someone opens them. Keep the invite human: one prompt, one date, no guilt trip.
Do I need to download an app?
Usually no. Prefer gifts that open in a normal browser link.
What if I hate how I sound on recordings?
Almost everyone does at first. The recipient wants you, not a radio host.
Can I write instead?
Ask the organizer. Some gifts allow notes; many families still prefer hearing you if you can manage a short recording.
When a group voice keepsake fits, start at starcard.gift, share one link, and set a clear contribution deadline.
A Starcard costs less than a Starbucks coffee. Up to 25 contributors can record, and each message can run up to 3 minutes.
Create a Starcard