Startup Guide - Pre-record and Automate Webinars with Flowapp

Note that the pre-recorded blocks play adjacent pre-recorded blocks automatically until it fines a manual block. If there is a manual block, it will stop at there (if the automation is off).

Important! 
Note that once you automate an event, the event,

• Starts the event automatically

• Plays the pre-recorded blocks (Autoflow)

• Skip the non-automated blocks 

• End the event automatically.

If you have manual (live) segments, DO NOT ENABLE AUTOMATION OPTION! Keep it off instead.

It is important to plan how your content is used. Ask these questions before.

1. Would you create all segments as Pre-recorded/Autoflows - some segments are not Autoflow compatible
2. Would you use a hybrid (live + pre-recorded segments) approach: Autoflows (pre-recordings) and in-person segments, a mix. For instance, you can use BIOs (intro), and Slides pre-recorded and Q&A as a live segment
3. Fully Automate (No host required): If all segments are Pre-recorded (Autoflows) you can automate the event. It starts automatically and end automatically. You can even use surveys or polls automated (while them displaying results).

Once you decide, plan the number of items, who you are assigning them to, timeline, and schedule a time to pre-record the segments. If there are multiple presenters, you can use different times to record these segments in Prep-mode.

• Learn how to create an event here if this is your first time...
• Learn how to use the Storyboard if you are new to Flow...

• BIOs
• Slides
• Screen Sharing
• Video Player
• Webcam (Roundtable)
• Survey
• Q&A

1. Join the webinar room by clicking the Enter link on the event card
2. Add a content block and assign the presenter(s). In this guide, let's use a Slides storyboard item
3. Have the assigned presenter(s) turn their microphone and webcam on (this is a must)
4. Now, click the Automate button as in the following screenshot above

Step 1: If the audio/webcam devices are not ready (webcam is optional), the host sees the following

Step 2: Presenters get the following message upon starting the pre-recording

Step3: Once everything is ready, it is time to start the capture

Step 4: Once the recording reaches its end, time to stop the recording

Step 5: Last step is about saving the file or creating another (this removes the current capture).

Step 6: Verify the Capture by looking at the circle-like icon on the lower right section (see below).  To play this recorded item, simply click the play button. Testing this after recording is important, do not miss the step and worry during the live session.

• DO NOT REMOVE THE HOSTS/PRESENTERS FROM THE EVENT IF THEY ARE ARE ASSIGNED TO AN AUTOFLOW. THIS WILL BREAK THE CAPTURE!

1. Go to Flow admin dashboard 
2. Edit the event by clicking the meatball (...) menu button at the upper right hand corner of the event card and clicking Edit
3. Go to the Settings option (3rd tab of the event configuration table)
4. Scroll down and find Advanced Options
5. Enable Auto-start Event option (toggle right)
   
6. Click Next and then click Push Changes.

Important: Do not keep live (in-person) segments if you automate the event. It starts/ends automatically skipping the live segments. 

Features

• You can reuse the Autoflows in duplicate events or even migrate segments to a new event (migration requires help from the technical support team)
• Maximum Duration: 2 hours per block

• During the recording, you must stay online all the time. Your microphone/webcam/screen sharing is locked on, and you cannot turn them on or off. If you lose the connection, you have to start from scratch

• DO NOT CREATE MORE THAN 10 AUTOFLOWS. Keep  them shorter if you add many (keep it less than 10)
• DO NOT REMOVE presenters who are assigned to pre-recorded content - it will stop working
• Editing an Autoflow is not possible
• Once you automate the event, it ends the event after playing the Autoflows. You cannot have manual segments.