Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about the format, the rules behind every recording, and how to use the archive.
What is 12 Seconds of the World?
It is a visual archive of real places presented through stationary, uninterrupted videos that are exactly 12 seconds long and retain their original ambient sound.
Why are the videos 12 seconds long?
Twelve seconds is brief enough to preserve the feeling of one uninterrupted moment, yet long enough to notice movement, sound, atmosphere, and small details. Using the same duration for every recording also creates a consistent way to experience very different places.
Are the videos edited?
Only one edit is allowed: trimming the original recording to exactly 12.0 seconds. No filters, color grading, effects, transitions, speed changes, music, narration, or artificial sound are added.
Is AI used in the videos?
No. AI is not used to generate, reconstruct, or alter the archive's footage or original ambient audio.
Are the scenes staged?
No. The purpose is to document places as they naturally appeared during the recorded moment.
Why include coordinates and other metadata?
A video becomes more meaningful as an archive record when viewers know where and when it was captured. Metadata provides context and makes entries easier to organize, research, and rediscover.
Can visitors record and submit videos?
Recording happens in the app, by an enrolled witness — the website has no upload path at all. A steward reviews every submission before it is accessioned and kept.
Do I need an account to watch?
No. The public archive can be explored without an account. An account is only needed to set moments aside and follow rooms — reading is always private, and nothing set aside is ever counted or shown to anyone else.
Can I suggest a location?
Yes. You can send location suggestions through the contact form. A suggestion does not guarantee that the location will be added, but it may be considered for future travel and recording.
Can I report incorrect information?
Yes. Accuracy matters to the project. If you notice a possible error in a location name, date, weather record, or other archive detail, please contact us and include the relevant Archive ID.
May I use an archive video?
Archive videos should not be downloaded, republished, modified, or used commercially without permission. Contact us regarding licensing, education, research, press, or collaboration requests.