We all have stories -of childhood Naughtiness, first jobs, festivals, struggles, and love.
But what if these memories stay only in our minds… and disappear with time?
That’s why digital storytelling is so special. It helps seniors and families save real-life stories forever -with video, voice, photos, and heart.
And don’t worry -it’s not difficult or technical.
With platforms like Story Might, it’s easy, emotional, and even fun!
Let’s walk you through it step by step.
Who Is This For?
- For seniors who want to share their journey with children and grandchildren
- For families who don’t want to lose their parents’ or grandparents’ memories
- For anyone who believes their life has meaning, stories, and moments worth saving
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Digital Story
Step 1: Choose Your Platform
Use a platform like StoryMight – specially designed for seniors and families.
It allows you to video record stories, upload documents and photos and record voice over photos all in one place.
No confusing settings. Just simple steps, clear buttons, and guided support.
Step 2: Download and set up the StoryMight app
Click “get the app” on the StoryMight website and capture the QR code or go directly to the App or Play Store.
- Download the StoryMight app
- Tap "Sign-up." Enter your email address and a password. Follow the instructions to verify your email.
- Watch the welcome video.
- You will be given the opportunity to view some robust StoryBooks. Take a look at them. Get some ideas for your own StoryBook.
- When you are ready, Tap the "Start building a StoryBook" button and follow the onboarding process.
.Remember all the information you enter or record is private. Only people you invite can view your StoryBook.
Step 3: Record an Intro Video
You may be a bit nervous – that’s ok. Just remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Nothing is perfect anyway! And, it’s super easy to delete and do it again if you wish. So bite the bullet and give it a try.
The App will present you with a short statement based on the information you have entered in the onboarding process – “Hello, my name is Rachel Smith. I was born on May 5th, 1946 in Los Angeles, California.” you can use this, add to it, or come up with one on your own.
Tap the green “open camera” button, give the app permission to use the camera and to record. The camera will open up.
Look directly into the screen – you will see you. Press the red record button, wait for the countdown 3,2, and a beep, and start speaking. When you have finished, tap the red square to stop recording. Before saving you can watch you video by tapping the white triangle on the screen. if you like it, tap “use video.” If you can’t stand it, tap “re-record” and try again. Remember, you can always change it later.
Step 4: Recording a Story
This is what StoryMight is all about – recording stories. If you are a bit apprehensive? it’s ok – you’ll get past it after recording a few stories.
Select a chapter, “Life Stages.” Then select a sub-chapter, “Early Years.” Next, tap the green “Add Story” button.
You will be presented with a list of questions about your early childhood, select one or tap the white “add custom story,” button at the top. Let’s choose “Tell us about your earliest childhood memory.” You will be presented with 3 options – 1. open camera, 2. choose from my gallery, and 3. add from the cloud. Tap “open camera” and prepare to record.
When you are ready, just tap the red record button, wait for the countdown and start telling your story. Short 2 -4 minuet stories are best practice – people now days have limited attention spans. Once your story is recorded you can watch it, use it, or re-record it.
Tapping “use story” will save your story in the sub-chapter
“Early Years.”
Your now ready to add another Story.
Step 5: Adding Photos
The first Photo you add to a chapter or a sub-chapter is called the “Cover Photo.” It can be a photo that is representative of the entire chapter. Don’t loose to much sleep over it, you can always change it later.
- Tap the encircled "Plus" symbol "add cover photo"
- Choose to add the photo from your gallery, take a photo, or add it from the cloud.
- Select the Photo and tap "use photo
- Align your photo within the guides and tap "use photo." Tap re-choose if you want to select another photo.
- Your photo will apear as the header for your chapter.
- You can now add additional photos to your chapter by tapping the cover photo and then the "add photo" icon.
Now your story is safe, secure, and ready to be passed on for generations.
Step 6: Sharing your StoryBook
Now it’s time to share your journey. Sharing your StoryBook in progress is a great way to get friends and family to engage in your Story telling process.
- Tap the "Tool Box" icon to open up the Tool Box menu.
- Tap the "Invite someeone to view" button.
- The app will ask for permission to access your contacts - either tap "Don't allow" to deny or "continue" to give access.
- Enter the full name, email address and relationship to you of the person you would like to invite and tap "invite."
- The app will confirm whenyour invitation is sent.
Bonus Tips:
- Record one story every week - create a “story time Sunday”
- Involve the whole family - invite children and grandchildren to view your StoryBook and to ask questions
- Celebrate milestones -“Dadi’s 10th Story” can be a family event!
- You don’t need to be tech-savvy - just someone in the family can help
Why This Matters
Seniors often feel: “I’ve lived so much, but no one knows my journey.”
Families often say: “I wish I had recorded Nana’s stories before she passed.”
Don’t wait.
Start now.
Preserve your family history – story by story.
Because someday, your grandchildren won’t just want your photo –
They’ll want your voice, your words, and your heart.
Final Thought: Your Life Is a Story - Let’s Save It Beautifully
At StoryMight, we believe every senior is a living book.
And every story deserves to be told, remembered, and celebrated.
So sit down today.
Ask one question. Record one memory.
And begin the journey of digital storytelling – one chapter at a time.
