A short video introduction gives intended parents a chance to hear your voice and get to know the person behind your profile. You do not need professional equipment, a polished script or a perfect performance. A clear, friendly introduction recorded on your phone is enough.
This guide is for surrogate mothers and egg donors uploading a video to SurrogateFinder. Videos are optional. You can upload one video, up to 60 seconds long, with a maximum file size of 100 MB, in MP4, MOV or WebM format.
What makes a good video introduction?
Your video should show you speaking directly to the camera in your own voice. Introduce yourself, share a little about your personality and explain why you would like to help intended parents.
A clip of yourself with only music in the background does not meet the introduction guidelines. Neither does a slideshow, a collection of photographs or a video unrelated to your profile. Intended parents should be able to hear a personal introduction from you.
What should you say?
Choose two or three things you feel comfortable sharing. There is no need to fit your whole story into a minute.
- Introduce yourself using your first name.
- Share a little about your everyday life, interests or personality.
- Explain why you are interested in helping intended parents as a surrogate mother or egg donor.
- Describe the communication or relationship you would hope to build.
Be honest and use your own words. You do not need to disclose your medical history, make promises about treatment or share sensitive family information.
A simple example for a surrogate mother
Hi, I am Sarah. I enjoy spending time with my family and getting outdoors. I would like to help intended parents because becoming a parent has meant a lot to me. I would love to get to know a family who values open communication and a supportive relationship. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile.
A simple example for an egg donor
Hi, I am Maya. I enjoy reading, travelling and spending time with friends. I am interested in egg donation because I would like to help someone on their journey to becoming a parent. I would be happy to learn more about your plans and share more about myself through SurrogateFinder.
These are starting points, not scripts you must copy. Only include statements that are true for you.
Record clearly and keep it natural
- Find a quiet place. Turn off television, music and other background noise. Your voice should be easy to hear.
- Use good lighting. Face a window or a light source so your face is clearly visible. Avoid a bright window directly behind you.
- Keep the camera steady. Rest your phone securely and position it around eye level. Leave a little space above your head.
- Speak at a comfortable pace. Look towards the camera and use your normal voice. A few pauses are fine.
- Keep it short. Aim for around 30 to 60 seconds, without exceeding the 60-second limit.
- Watch it back with sound. Check that your face is visible, your voice is clear and the video contains no private contact details.
Portrait or landscape is fine. You do not need filters, captions, background music or editing. Recording without music is the simplest way to keep the focus on your introduction. Avoid heavy filters that obscure your appearance.
Keep contact details and personal information out
Please do not say or display phone numbers, email addresses, social media usernames, messaging handles, website links or QR codes. This includes details written in captions, shown on clothing or visible in the background. Use SurrogateFinder to communicate with other members.
Check the recording for your home address, workplace details, documents, computer screens or anything else you would not want to share. Record yourself alone and avoid including children or other people. Upload your own introduction rather than a clip of someone else.
Who can watch your video?
After approval, your video introduction is available to paid intended parents and agencies through SurrogateFinder. Guests and unpaid members cannot watch the full video. You can preview your own video, and authorised administrators can watch it to review your submission.
Private access does not prevent someone who is allowed to watch from recording or sharing what they see. Only include information you feel comfortable showing to eligible viewers.
Upload from your computer or phone
Open the video upload page, choose your file and confirm that you have permission to share it and that it contains no contact details. Then select Upload video.
If you are using a computer and the video is on your phone, choose Upload from phone. Scan the QR code with your phone camera, open the website link and follow the instructions. Keep this private link to yourself.
The upload bar tracks your file being sent. After it is saved, the processing bar shows the server preparing a playable version. Your preview appears automatically when processing is complete. Processing does not mean approval: an administrator still needs to review the video.
What happens during review?
We check that the video contains a clear spoken introduction, is relevant to your profile and has no contact details or inappropriate content. Videos with unclear speech, music that drowns out your voice, an obscured face or unrelated content may need to be replaced.
Approval is a content review. It is not medical screening or a guarantee of identity, suitability or a successful match.
If your video needs a change
If we cannot approve your video, you will receive an email explaining the reason and how to upload a replacement. Your profile and photos are unaffected by the video rejection.
Read the reason, record a new version that addresses it and return to the video upload page. Your replacement will be processed and reviewed again. You can also delete your video from that page.
Before you upload: a quick checklist
- I am visible and speaking in my own voice.
- My introduction is no longer than 60 seconds.
- My voice is clear and easy to hear.
- The video contains no contact details, social handles or private documents.
- The content is respectful and relevant to my profile.
- I have watched the recording with sound and feel comfortable sharing it.
You do not have to get every word perfect. A warm, honest introduction is a good way to help intended parents get to know you.