CNCF Video Spotlight: Member Video Storytelling Programme

The CNCF Video Spotlight programme asks members to create short, compelling videos that showcase how CNCF has provided real-world value, technical impact and career growth, either to their organisation or to them personally. CNCF states that no production crew is required, and participants record themselves using tools they already have. Those taking part are advised to check with their marketing or PR teams first to confirm they are permitted to give a public-facing story or quote, and CNCF offers to supply the final video for approval before publishing.

• Self-recorded videos, no production crew needed
• Topics chosen by the participant
• Final video can be supplied for approval before publication

Participation is limited to CNCF members at Silver level and above, at a rate of one video per quarter. Videos must be no more than two minutes long. CNCF suggests writing a succinct story or short quote about a cloud native use case beforehand, and setting aside time to record in case multiple takes are needed.

• Open to CNCF members at Silver and above
• One video per quarter per member
• Maximum video length of 2 minutes

Three formats are described, each with its own suggested length and structure. Quotes are ten seconds or less and cover how cloud native technologies have positively affected a company, role or career. Stories aim for 30 seconds or less and begin with the speaker's name, company and role before explaining how CNCF projects or resources have helped. Case studies run one to two minutes and cover the challenge faced, the solution, how CNCF helped and the results achieved.

• Quote — 10 seconds or less
• Story — 30 seconds or less
• Case study — 1 to 2 minutes

CNCF suggests areas of interest including AI and observability. Other suggested subjects are platform engineering, Zero Trust philosophy and principles, and WASM, covering performance, portability, security and sandboxing needs. The foundation notes that the final choice of topic rests with the participant.

• AI
• Observability
• Platform engineering
• Zero Trust philosophy and principles
• WASM

Participants are asked to use whichever local recording option is available on their machine, with OBS Studio noted for Linux-based operating systems and QuickTime for macOS; those using Zoom should enable HD settings. The aspect ratio should be set to 16:9 on a laptop, and mobile devices should be held horizontally when filming. CNCF recommends an external microphone or one built into wired headphones, noting that wireless headphones are not best for sound quality. For setup, the camera should sit at eyebrow level with minimal background space, and the background should be plain, neat and clean.

• 16:9 aspect ratio; mobile devices filmed horizontally
• OBS Studio for Linux, QuickTime for macOS
• HD settings enabled if using Zoom
• External or wired-headphone microphone preferred
• Camera at eyebrow level, plain tidy background

Completed videos may be used in several ways by CNCF. They can appear in a video carousel hosted on cncf.io and be promoted across social media on LinkedIn or X. Social promotion may take the form of a mini e-book, an audiogram or visual quotes.

• Video carousel on cncf.io
• Social media promotion on LinkedIn or X
• Repurposed as a mini e-book, audiogram or visual quotes