Video Requirements for Running Form Analysis

Follow these tips to get the most accurate results from your Movaia analysis

Step by Step

Camera Setup

Use a tripod for best results. The camera should be positioned in landscape mode and be level and stationary at about hip level. Do not pan or move the camera.

Normal-Speed Video

Required
Record at least one normal-speed video. You can run left to right or right to left. We use this video to accurately calculate your step rate (cadence). This is the minimum video needed for an analysis.

Slow-Motion Videos

Recommended
For the best analysis, take two slow-motion videos: one running right to left, and another running left to right. Slow motion lets our AI measure joint angles with far greater precision. If your phone doesn’t have slow motion, you can still upload normal-speed side-view videos, ideally at 60 frames per second. Your analysis will still be valid, but slo-mo at 120 frames per second gives noticeably better results.

Pace

Run at a comfortably hard pace that you could hold for 20–30 minutes. This should be representative of your typical training or racing effort.

No Other People

Make sure no other people (runners, spectators, etc.) are visible in the video. Our AI tracks human poses, so additional people in the frame can confuse the analysis.

Camera Distance

Set up your smartphone or camera far enough back so about 3–4 steps on each leg can be seen. The video will only be a few seconds long.

Camera positioned to capture 3-4 strides

Run-Up Distance

Start running at least 30 feet / 10 meters before entering the camera’s frame and do not slow down for at least 30 feet / 10 meters after exiting the frame. This ensures you’re at a steady, natural pace when recorded.

Rear View

Optional · Pro Plan
With the Pro Plan, you can add an optional rear-view video recorded on a treadmill. This unlocks additional metrics including Contralateral Pelvic Drop and Step Width / Crossover Gait. Place the camera dead center behind you at hip height. Record 3–4 strides on each leg at normal speed. Choose a treadmill model whose construction does not obstruct the view of the runner.

Optional rear treadmill view for the Pro Plan

Review & Trim

Play back the videos, trim as needed, and ensure they meet the requirements above. A quick review now saves time later.

Upload

Sign in to your Movaia account and upload your videos. Normal-speed videos must be under 10 seconds. Slow-motion videos (if included) must be under 25 seconds. All files must be smaller than 100 MB each. Remember: only the normal-speed side view is required. Slow-motion and rear view are optional extras that enhance your analysis.

Pre-Recording Checklist

Screenshot this before you head out.

10-minute warm-up completed
Flat, hard, even surface (outdoors recommended)
Form-fitting clothing that contrasts with background
Good, even lighting, not shooting into the sun
Uncluttered background
Tripod at hip height, landscape mode, perpendicular to running path
Camera far enough back to capture 3–4 strides per leg
No other people in the frame
10 m (30 ft) run-up before and after the frame
Required One normal-speed side-view video (either direction, 60 fps if available)
Recommended Slo-mo left → right & right → left
Optional · Pro Plan Rear treadmill view
Limits: normal speed under 10 s · slo-mo under 25 s · each file under 100 MB

Common Questions

My Analysis Failed or Looks Inaccurate

Check your original video for multiple people in the frame, your body partially hidden by objects, poor lighting, or a camera angle that wasn’t perpendicular to your running path. Fix the issue and upload a new video. Free plans include two uploads per month; the Pro Plan includes unlimited uploads.

Do I Have to Record in Slow Motion?

Slow motion is recommended because it lets our AI measure joint angles with far greater precision. However, you can absolutely receive a valid analysis with normal-speed side-view videos alone. If better analysis quality matters to you, slow motion is well worth the extra 30 seconds of effort.

Can I Record on a Treadmill?

Yes. Treadmill recording is possible and offers great environmental control (stable surface, consistent speed, no wind). However, research shows treadmill running can change cadence and joint movement slightly compared to overground running. For the most natural representation of your gait, we recommend recording outdoors on a flat, hard surface whenever possible. If you do use a treadmill, choose a model whose construction doesn’t obstruct the camera’s view of the runner, and record all future sessions under the same conditions so your results stay comparable over time.

I Can’t Find Slow-Motion Mode on My Phone

iPhone: Open Camera → swipe to “Slo-Mo.”
Android: Open Camera → “More” or “Modes” → “Slow Motion.”
If your phone doesn’t support slow motion at all, don’t worry. You can still upload normal-speed videos and get a valid analysis. If possible, set your camera to 60 fps (iPhone: Settings → Camera → Record Video; Android: in your camera app’s settings).

My Video File Is Too Large

Trim the video to only the running portion (a few seconds is enough). If it’s still too large, most phones let you choose a lower resolution. 1080p is perfect; you don’t need 4K. Each file must be under 100 MB.

What Is the Rear Treadmill View For?

The rear view is an optional addition available with the Pro Plan. It enables frontal-plane metrics like Contralateral Pelvic Drop and Step Width / Crossover Gait, which can’t be measured from a side view alone. Record it on a treadmill with the camera placed dead center behind you at hip height.

Do I Need to Record the Rear View?

No. The rear treadmill view is completely optional and only available with the Pro Plan. Your side-view videos (normal speed + optional slow motion) are all you need for a comprehensive running form analysis. The rear view simply adds a few extra frontal-plane metrics if you want even deeper insight.

Don’t Overthink It

Most runners nail the video on their first try. If something isn’t quite right, just record again. Free plans include two uploads per month, and the Pro Plan gives you unlimited uploads.

A 5-minute video today gives you professional-grade insights into your running form.

Upload Your Videos Now → No account yet? Start with a free analysis at run.movaia.com/register — run faster, longer, pain-free.