Overview


Beta Videos are one of the most powerful engagement drivers on the platform. Beta videos can be uploaded by routesetters, staff, and members of your community. They:

  • Strengthen the connection between your setting team and members. 
  • Help climbers progress faster and learn new techniques or movement
  • Reinforce the identity and creativity of your setting team


Climbers want to know the setter’s beta. When your setters upload beta videos, they provide a window into the creative process without requiring setters to be in the physical space all the time. Climbers that are struggling and don’t have in-person support can turn to KAYA to help them send. Gyms with higher beta video coverage consistently show stronger engagement and user growth. 



How it works

When setters are finishing up forerunning and cleaning up, as they are going through and finalizing the set in KAYA Gym, they also can upload beta videos to each climb.  Each climb has a data field called Media which allows a setter to quickly upload a photo or beta video:



Who can upload beta videos

  • KAYA Gym: Any staff member with the Admin or Setter role

  • The KAYA App: Any climber, staff or otherwise, can upload personal beta videos to a climb


How to create a post


Follow the steps below or watch the short tutorial video. From your mobile device, open KAYA Gym (Plastick) in your browser, navigate to the climb information card you want to upload a beta video for and:

  1. Tap or click into the climb
  2. Select "Media"
  3. Select "Video"
    1. If you are going to upload a video you've already taken, then choose "Photo Library". You may need to get the system access to your library. 
      1. Select the video from your photo library and confirm your selection.
      2. Wait for the video to finish uploading and compressing.
    2. If you are going to take a video now, choose "Take Video" to open your camera.
      1. Record the video and upload it.
      2. Wait for the video to finish uploading and compressing.
  4. Verify the video is uploaded correctly by the media icon changing to blue on the information card or open up the media tab in the climb information card to see your video.


Watch a short video tutorial:




After uploading the video and publishing the climb :

  • The video will appear in the climb information screen in the KAYA App


Best practices


V3 - V7 are the ideal grades that need videos

Climbers who are struggling to progress generally are in a developmental phase of their climbing. Studies and our research show the climbers who most benefit from beta video help are those in the V3 - V7 range.  You can upload videos for any grade and any climb, but focusing on this range will ensure that your efforts are targeted at the climbers who need extra video support the most.


Make it educational

Beta videos can be much more than just recording --> climbing --> stop recording.  You can use beta video to teach climbers new skills or highlight a signature move.  For example; if the climb requires a heel hook - provide a short voice over explaining what a heel hook is and how it helps for the given sequence.


Film videos as professionally as possible and be mindful of background audio

A little effort goes a long way when filming. Be sure to remove as many distractions as possible before filming. It's best to film a video or two after your team has cleaned the mats, but before opening the new set to the public.  If you are recording audio, be mindful of what commentary might be recorded for the public to hear.


General FAQ


Does it matter if I upload a video in KAYA Gym or via my own personal profile in the KAYA App?

Nope. If you would like to track your own climbing and videos, you can upload your beta video directly to the climb in your personal KAYA account.


My beta video is taking too long to upload and/or compress

Most smartphones default to the highest quality setting when recording - on some devices that might be 4K, 60 FPS video.  To improve upload settings, decress your video recording quality to 1080p before you record.  


Can I edit a video after I have uploaded it?

No. You must delete the video and reupload a new version.


Need help?


Contact our support team for questions or issues with uploading beta videos.