Recording work for Guardian.
What you need to know about recording your work: equipment, pay, approved phones, and how to submit.
What is this project about?
Guardian pays workers to record their own jobs. You wear a headstrap with your phone mounted on it and do your normal work while it records.
What does the video look like?
A first-person video of your hands doing the work, seen from your own point of view.
Who provides the headstraps?
Guardian does. We supply the headstrap that holds your phone.
Who provides the phone?
It depends on the arrangement with your provider. Usually it’s you or your staff, using one of the approved models listed below. Under some arrangements, Guardian supplies the recording equipment.
How much will I be paid?
Rates are country-specific and confirmed when you sign up.
What counts as an approved hour?
One hour of work with both of your hands in the frame. Your hands need to be visible at least 70% of the time.
Idle time is cut out and doesn’t count. Footage that is blurred or shot in poor lighting is rejected.
Is there a limit to how many hours I can record?
Not at the moment. If our clients set a cap on the hours they accept, we’ll let you know.
Which videos are rejected?
- Blurred video
- Poor lighting
- Video that involves a minor
- NSFW content
What kind of work can I record?
These are our priority categories right now:
Construction
- Site cleanup or debris removal
- Drywall installation
- Wall painting
- Masonry or structure
- Plastering
- Tiling or finishing
- Roofing or waterproofing
Plumbing, HVAC or electrical
- Installing faucets or toilets
- Air conditioner installation
- Water heater or shower head installation
- Pipe cutting or fitting
- Wiring outlets or lights
- Air conditioner cleaning or servicing
- Plumbing repair
Commercial cleaning or janitorial
- Cleaning or stocking restrooms
- Hard-floor treatment
- Upholstery cleaning
- Mattress or rug deep cleaning
- Window or glass cleaning
- Industrial laundry operation
- Hall or common area cleaning
- Sweeping or floor mopping
Is there a phone requirement?
Yes. Only these models are approved:
Google Pixel
Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, 9, 9 Pro
Samsung Galaxy
S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE 5G · S22, S22+, S22 Ultra · S23, S23+, S23 Ultra · S24, S24+, S24 Ultra · A16, A54, M36
LG
LGE LM-Q630
iPhone
iPhone 11 through iPhone 15, all models (including Mini, Plus, Pro and Pro Max), and the iPhone 16 lineup
Can I use a phone that isn't on the list?
No. Other phones don’t meet the minimum video standards:
- 0.5 or 0.6 zoom
- 1080p resolution at 30 fps or higher
- Metadata recording that keeps running in the background
How do I record a video?
With our mobile app, or with equipment we provide if that’s part of the arrangement with your provider.
The app is coming soon. We’ll share the download link with contributors as soon as it’s available.
Do I need mobile data or Wi-Fi?
Yes, to start a task in the app and to submit your video.
You can turn data or Wi-Fi off while recording. Turn it back on when you finish the task, and wait for the confirmation screen before you start another task or close the app. That confirms your upload went through.
How do I submit my videos?
Through the app, or on an SD memory card.
Keep each task between 20 minutes and 1 hour. Longer tasks can cause problems when you submit. Submit your videos at the end of every day, or they may be deleted from the app.
How and when will I be paid?
Within 5 days of your invoice. Before you send it:
- Ask us for your approved hours.
- Multiply your approved hours by your rate and invoice that amount.
Can I contest a rejected video?
Yes. We can access every video uploaded through the app, and any footage our reviewers reject is reviewed again by hand.
Are there any other requirements?
The footage must show real, day-to-day work. Staged videos aren’t accepted.
Everyone who appears in the video must sign a consent form before taking part, including the person wearing the headstrap.
Ready to record? Become a contributor. Have a different question? Book a call.