What's New: Tout Channels on Tout.com and Tout mobile, plus mobile notifications. Turn your smartphone into a real-time information network where you can find and follow your favorite news outlets, sports teams, celebrities and more, and receive alerts as soon as they post new Touts! Download now for iPhone and Android.
Privacy Update: You can now block users from following, and replying to you on the web! To block a user simply click "block user" beneath their profile information.
General Questions:
Q: Why are Touts only 15 seconds?
- A: Tout’s 15 seconds are based on research from the Stanford Research Institute (birthplace of color TV, Tout and Siri), and represent the “sweet spot” in video for both viewers and creators. Viewers get plenty of information (but not so much that they lose interest) and even the most camera-shy video creators can comfortably fill 15 seconds.
Tout promotes conversation, and conversations have a certain tempo, or cadence. Much like Twitter created a limit of 140 characters, we created 15 seconds to keep the conversation flowing.
- A: Tout’s 15 seconds are based on research from the Stanford Research Institute (birthplace of color TV, Tout and Siri), and represent the “sweet spot” in video for both viewers and creators. Viewers get plenty of information (but not so much that they lose interest) and even the most camera-shy video creators can comfortably fill 15 seconds.
Tout promotes conversation, and conversations have a certain tempo, or cadence. Much like Twitter created a limit of 140 characters, we created 15 seconds to keep the conversation flowing.
Q: How do I sign up for Tout?
- A: Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/m/ate494 On Tout.com, click “Sign Up” (upper right corner). You may either “Login with Facebook” or click “Other” to register with your email address and password or “sign up with Twitter.” After you have created an account, click "Settings" in the top right corner, where you can add your name, profile picture, bio, and adjust your privacy/notifications settings. You can also sign up for Tout through our mobile app, available through the App Store or Android Marketplace.
Q: What will happen if I abuse hashtags, or "hashtag spam"
A: Hashtags are a great way for users to organize their content, or add it to a stream - when you abuse hashtags you ruin them for everyone else! As a general rule, only use hashtags that relate to the content or message in your Tout, and try not to use more than 3 per Tout.
If we feel you are abusing hashtags we may:
- Delete the hashtags from your title field
- Blacklist you from using a particular hashtag
- Block you from using hashtags at all
- Reject your content
Moral of the story, don't spam :)
Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/m/0s581v
Q: I came across something lewd/indecent on Tout, what do I do?
A. If you come across content on Tout that you feel is lewd or indecent please:
- Flag the offensive Tout
- Send the URL of the offensive Tout to help@tout.com or message it to @ToutHelp on Twitter
Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/m/bf2m5d
Q: Is Tout available for Blackberry?
- A: We are not developing a Blackberry-compatible app at this time. However, Blackberry users can still Tout via webcam on Tout.com --- simply sign up and click “+New Tout” to record a Tout with your webcam or upload a video from your computer.
- A: We are not developing a Blackberry-compatible app at this time. However, Blackberry users can still Tout via webcam on Tout.com --- simply sign up and click “+New Tout” to record a Tout with your webcam or upload a video from your computer.
Q: Where do I send questions and feedback?
- A: Mention “@ToutHelp” in the description of your Tout, click the “Feedback” tab (on the right side) of any page on the website, or reach us via Twitter at @ToutHelp or Facebook! If those don't work, try telepathy.
Q: Why should I use the same username on Tout and Twitter?
- A: We recommend you use the same username for Twitter and Tout, so that when someone @mentions you in a Tout and shares that Tout to Twitter, the @mention will link to your Twitter account. It also makes it easier for your friends on Twitter to find you on Tout.
Tout Tip: http://tout.com/m/32yzke
- A: We recommend you use the same username for Twitter and Tout, so that when someone @mentions you in a Tout and shares that Tout to Twitter, the @mention will link to your Twitter account. It also makes it easier for your friends on Twitter to find you on Tout.
Tout Tip: http://tout.com/m/32yzke
Q: What is a hashtag?
- A: A hashtag is a “#” symbol put in front of a word/idea/phrase to organize where it’s displayed. It’s like creating a channel or stream based on that concept. For example, if you were to add moments from a Giants game, you could tag them #SF #Giants #Baseball. Those moments would then play in all 3 of those hashtag streams/channels. For more info, read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tag_(metadata)#Hashtags
Q: How do I manage my Tout notifications?
- A: To adjust your notifications:
- Log into the website at www.tout.com.
- Click "Settings" from the drop down menu in the top right corner.
- From settings, select the "Notifications" tab and check the boxes next to the notifications you would like to receive.
- Click "Save" when finished.
Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/m/p8rb66
- Log into the website at www.tout.com.
- A: To adjust your notifications:
Q: Can I make Touts private?
- A: Yes. When recording a Tout from the Website or App, click the “lock” icon below the text entry field to make a Tout private. A private Tout will only be visible to you and any user @mentioned in the Tout entry field. To set Touts to private by default: Log into the website and click “Settings” from the drop down menu. From settings, click “Privacy” tab and change "By Default, New Touts Are:" to private. Click save. Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/m/p8rb66 Note: Once you publish a Tout as private you cannot change it to become public, and vice versa. Also, a private Tout becomes visible to anyone on Facebook and Twitter when shared to those networks.
Q: How do I delete my account?
- A: We are working on this functionality, but until then, please email help@tout.com with your username and associated email address. If you signed up through Twitter, send a direct message to @ToutHelp, and specify your Tout username. Make sure to delete all content from the account you'd like deleted before sending your delete account request (scroll down to find how to delete Touts if you are having difficulty).
Q: I accidentally created a second account. How do I get rid of it?
- A: Please email help@tout.com (if you signed up through Twitter, send a direct message to @ToutHelp) with your username, and the associated email address that you would like to delete. Be sure to include BOTH Tout usernames, and specify which you would like to remove. Tout Tip: http://tout.com/m/fi2c08
Q: Is my phone compatible with the Tout app?
- A: Tout is compatible with the iPhone 4, 4S, and iPhone5. For Android, Tout is compatible with the following devices:
- Dell Venue
- DROID 3 by MOTOROLA
- DROID 4 by Motorola
- DROID RAZR by MOTOROLA
- DROID™ 2 Global by Motorola
- Galaxy Nexus
- Galaxy Nexus 4G (LTE)
- HTC Amaze™ 4G
- HTC Desire (CDMA)
- HTC Droid Incredible 2
- HTC EVO Design 4G™
- HTC EVO Shift™ 4G
- HTC EVO™ 3D
- HTC Inspire™ 4G
- HTC Merge
- HTC One S
- HTC One V
- HTC Rezound™
- HTC Rhyme
- HTC Sensation
- HTC Status™
- HTC ThunderBolt™
- HTC Vivid™
- HTC Wildfire S™
- Kyocera Echo
- Kyocera Hydro
- Kyocera Milano
- Kyocera Rise
- LG Ally
- LG Connect 4G
- LG Esteem
- LG Ignite™
- LG Lucid (VS840)
- LG Optimus 2X
- LG Optimus 3D
- LG Optimus Black
- LG Optimus S
- LG Optimus™ 2
- MOTOROLA ATRIX™ 4G
- MOTOROLA BRAVO™ with MOTOBLUR™
- MOTOROLA FLIPSIDE™ with MOTOBLUR™
- Motorola Milestone X
- MOTOROLA MILESTONE™ PLUS
- MOTOROLA PHOTON™ 4G
- Nexus S
- Nexus S 4G from Google
- Samsung Galaxy Admire
- Samsung Galaxy Admire Red
- Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G
- Samsung Galaxy Note
- Samsung Galaxy S II
- Samsung Galaxy S(R) II
- Samsung Galaxy S™ 4G
- Samsung Galaxy S III
- Samsung Gem™
- Samsung Moment™
- Samsung Transform
- SANYO ZIO
- Sharp FX PLUS ADS1
- Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY
- Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY 4G
- Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10
- T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide™
- Xperia™ ion LTE/HSPA
- ZTE Score M
- You may also check out further compatibility information at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tout&hl=en
- A: Tout is compatible with the iPhone 4, 4S, and iPhone5. For Android, Tout is compatible with the following devices:
Q: Why are Touts not playing on my phone?
- A: Make sure you are in a good network connectivity zone. If the problem persists, please message us directly on Twitter, or notify us through our Customer Support Page.
Q: Why are my Touts sideways or upside-down?
- A: iPhone/Android: When rotating your phone sideways to record in landscape mode (recommended) make sure the record button rotate as well. When the record button reads "Tout" horizontally you are ready to record. Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/m/8vvr08
Website:
Settings:
Q: How do I edit my username?
- A: To edit your Tout username:
- Log into the website at www.tout.com.
- Click "Settings" from the drop down menu in the top right corner of the screen.
- From settings, select the "Account" tab where you can edit your username, full name, and email address.
- Click "Save" when finished.
- A: To edit your Tout username:
Q: How do I edit my Profile Picture?
- A. To edit your Tout profile image:
- Log into the website at www.tout.com.
- Click "Settings" from the drop down menu in the top right corner of the screen.
- From settings, select the "Profile" tab.
- Click "Choose File" to upload a profile image from your computer.
- Click "Save" when finished.
- NOTE: Maximum size of image should not exceed 1MB. Images must be JPG, PNG, or GIF files.
- A. To edit your Tout profile image:
Q: How do I save Touts to my computer?
- A: You cannot currently download Touts from the web to your computer. To save Touts to your computer from your smartphone, click "Settings," and toggle "Save to Camera Roll" ON. From your camera roll you can share any Tout to your computer, and download.
Q: How do I delete a Tout?
- A: Tap "Me" then "Edit Touts" in the right hand corner of the screen below your queue. From here, tap a thumbnail to edit or delete that Tout. If you'd like to delete multiple Touts hold a thumbnail for a couple of seconds. The thumbnail will start to shake, and you can tap the x to delete Touts quickly.
Q: How do I change my Notifications?
- A: From "Settings," select the “Notifications” tab. Select the specific notifications you would like to receive via email and click “Save.” Leave boxes blank if you don't want notifications.
Creating & Sharing:
Q: How do I find my friends on Tout?
- A: Search for friends on the web by username or full name in the “Search Touts” box at the top of the screen.
On the mobile app, tap the “Explore” icon and then the “Find Friends” icon at the top of the screen. This will give you a suggest list of friends, celebrities and brands to follow.
- A: Search for friends on the web by username or full name in the “Search Touts” box at the top of the screen.
Q: How do I invite my friends?
- A: This feature is coming soon, so stay tuned. For now, encourage your friends to Tout by word of mouth and sharing your Touts on Twitter and Facebook!
Q: How do I block people from following me?
- A: To block a user from following you simply click "block user" beneath their profile information.
Q: How do I email a Tout?
- A: When viewing a Tout on the web click the "share" icon (the arrow in stream view, the 3 dots in grid view), and copy the Tout URL to your clipboard. You can then post the Tout URL into any email.
Q: How do I delete a Tout?
- A: From the web, click "My Touts" and "Edit Touts" right above your most recent Tout. From here, you can edit or delete any Tout.
Q: How do I share Touts to my Twitter account?
- A: Click the "Share" icon (arrow in stream view, 3 dots in grid view), and select the Twitter icon. The description you give your Touts on Tout.com will show up as your tweet on Twitter.
Q: How do I share Touts to my Facebook account?
- A: Click the “Share” icon and select the Facebook icon. You will be automatically redirected to your Facebook account. Add any desired text into the “Write Something...” text box, and click “Share Link.” You can also copy/paste the Tout link from the “Share” icon into any Facebook text box.
- A: Click the “Share” icon and select the Facebook icon. You will be automatically redirected to your Facebook account. Add any desired text into the “Write Something...” text box, and click “Share Link.” You can also copy/paste the Tout link from the “Share” icon into any Facebook text box.
Q: How do I share Touts to my Facebook Fan Page?
- A: When viewing a Tout on Tout.com, click the “Share” icon beneath the Tout (arrow) and the link icon to copy the Tout ID to your clipboard. Paste the link onto your Facebook page in the "Write Something…" text box and it will appear on your timeline.
Q: How do I embed a Tout Widget on my blog or web-page?
- A: Watch the Tout tip above to learn how to create and embed a Tout Widget onto your blog or web-page. It's easy, free and anyone can do it! If you still need help after watching our video send an email to help@tout.com and title your request "I want to build a Widget!" We will help you out. Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/widget_tutorial
Mobile App:
Settings:
Q: How do I edit my username?
A: Tap "Me," then the "Settings" gear icon in the upper left hand corner of your screen. Select "Edit Profile Info" and change your username to whatever you would like it to be. Tap "Submit" to save.
Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/m/lv348f
Q: How do I add/change my Profile Picture?
- A: Tap "Me," then the "Settings" gear icon in the upper left-hand corner of your screen. Select "Edit Profile Info." Tap your existing profile photo and choose “Camera” to take a new photo, or “Photo Library” to choose an existing photo on your phone. Tap "Submit" to save.
Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/m/lv348f
Q: How do I save Touts to my device?
- A: Tap "Me." Tap the "Settings" gear icon in the upper left-hand corner of your screen and toggle “Save to Camera Roll” to ON.
- A: Tap "Me." Tap the "Settings" gear icon in the upper left-hand corner of your screen and toggle “Save to Camera Roll” to ON.
Q: How do I save Touts to my computer?
- A: Make sure “Save to Camera Roll” is turned ON in Settings, so all Touts will be saved to your camera roll. Connect your device to your computer, open iTunes,click on Apps, and drag the video files to your desktop.
Tout Tip: http://www.tout.com/m/6fs42x
- A: Make sure “Save to Camera Roll” is turned ON in Settings, so all Touts will be saved to your camera roll. Connect your device to your computer, open iTunes,click on Apps, and drag the video files to your desktop.
Q: How do I delete a Tout?
- A: First make sure you have the most recent version of the app from the App Store or Android Marketplace. Tap "Me" then “Edit Touts” under your queue. From here you can delete your Touts by tapping the thumbnail, and the red "Delete." Click "Done" to save.
Q: How do I email a Tout?
- A: To email a Tout from the mobile app tap "Me," select a Tout by pressing play, and tap the share icon (arrow) below the Tout. You can then send the Tout directly to any email address in your contacts list.
Creating & Sharing:
Q: Where do I include @mentions and hashtags?
- A: Tag other users in Touts by using the @ symbol before their username in the description box. Add hashtags (#'s) to the end of your title in the description box to create streams, and categorize your Touts
After recording, you may add both hashtags and @mentions into the text screen of your Tout where it says, “What’s Happening?”
- A: Tag other users in Touts by using the @ symbol before their username in the description box. Add hashtags (#'s) to the end of your title in the description box to create streams, and categorize your Touts
After recording, you may add both hashtags and @mentions into the text screen of your Tout where it says, “What’s Happening?”
Q: How do I delete a Tout from my Queue?
- A: In your queue (accessible from the “Me” tab) simply swipe your finger across the title of the Tout and tap “Delete.”
Q: How do I find my friends on Tout?
- A: From the "Explore" screen in the app, tap the "Find Friends"icon at the top right of the screen to see suggest users to follow, or press back and search for a Tout account by name in the "Search Tout" box.
Q: How do I invite my friends?
- A: This feature is coming soon, so stay tuned. For now, encourage your friends to Tout by word of mouth and sharing your Touts on Twitter and Facebook!
Q: How do I block people from following me?
- A: We are currently working on this feature and it will released soon.
Q: How do I email a Tout?
- A. Tap the Tout you want to email to play, then "Share" icon (arrow) underneath it. Select "Email," choose a contact(s) and press "Share" to send.
Q: How do I share posts to my Twitter account?
- A: After recording a Tout tap the Twitter icon below the description box to share it to Twitter. The text you enter in the “What’s Happening?” box, including @ mentions and hashtags, will show up as the text of your tweet.
- A: After recording a Tout tap the Twitter icon below the description box to share it to Twitter. The text you enter in the “What’s Happening?” box, including @ mentions and hashtags, will show up as the text of your tweet.
Q: How do I post a Tout to my Facebook account?
- A: After recording a Tout tap the Facebook icon below the description box to automatically share it to your Facebook page. The text you enter in the “What’s Happening?” box, including @ mentions will show up as the title of your Facebook post.
Q: How do I post a Tout to my Facebook fan page?
- A: To embed a Tout on your Facebook fan page timeline copy the Tout ID underneath a Tout and paste it into the "What's on your mind" text box. The Tout will appear on the timeline in a video player, and will play directly on your page.
Q: How do I send a Tout via SMS?
- A: After recording a Tout tap the SMS icon below the description box to share it via SMS. Select the contact(s) you want to send it to, and then "Submit" to send.
