Experts Answer to Oral History Questions

100 Questions/47

Which is preferable: audio or video interviews?

Machine Translation Edited by Mandana Karimi

2026-9-14

We asked several researchers and activists in the field of oral history to express their views on oral history questions. The names of each participant are listed at the beginning of their answers, and the text of all answers will be published on this portal by the end of the week. The goal of this project is to open new doors to an issue and promote scientific discussions in the field of oral history.

In this project, a question is asked every Saturday, and we ask experts to present their views in the form of a short text (about 100 words) by the end of the week. All answers will be published together so that the audience can compare and analyze the views. The content is the opinions of the senders and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Oral History website. Although the answers are supposed to be about 100 words, in order to be polite and not to leave the discussion incomplete, in some cases, more than this number of answers are also accepted.

This time, we asked the experts to send their answers by Sunday night so that all the answers can be published on Tuesday.

From the intertwining of these answers, using artificial intelligence, we have arrived at theories about oral history that will be published in the near future.

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Question 47

Which is preferable: audio or video interviews?

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Answers to Question 47:

Gholamreza Azari Khakestar

Oral history was initially based on audio recording. As technology advanced, interview recording equipment and methods developed. Today, oral history standards emphasize the use of high-quality audio and video equipment. It is also recommended that professional digital audio recorders be used simultaneously with imaging equipment to increase the reliability of recording information. The choice of audio or video interview depends on the policies, goals, and facilities of oral history centers. However, video interviews, in addition to verbal content, provide the opportunity to record the narrator’s facial expressions, movements, reactions, and manner of expression. Therefore, if appropriate facilities are available, high-quality video interviews are prioritized.

Hassan Beheshtipour

If we have to choose between good image with poor sound quality and high-quality sound without image, high-quality sound is usually the better choice, because image alone cannot compensate for a serious deficiency in recording a spoken narrative. However, image cannot be considered unimportant. When body movements, faces, objects, photographs, documents, maps or places are part of the narrative, image becomes valuable and sometimes necessary. Therefore, in important interviews, the best method is to record audio and video simultaneously, but technically, the quality of the sound should be the first priority and the image should complement it. Because the narrator also feels better and more comfortable in audio recording.

 Seyyed Mohammed Sadegh Feyz

The principle is to start and continue the interview, but it is preferable to use images, if they do not disrupt the flow of the interview. Because narrators, just as they have difficulty accepting interviews at the beginning, many of them react to the recording device, let alone the camera. Therefore, to eliminate this condition and convince the narrator to continue the interview, you must act cautiously and turn on the camera afterwards!

Mohammad Mehdi Abdullahzade

The type of oral history interview depends on variables such as the availability of audio or video recording devices, the objectives of the interview, the interviewee’s mood and personality, the employer’s opinion, and the conditions of the interview environment; accordingly, all equipment can be used. Of course, some interviewees are more motivated to answer questions in front of a video camera and even their language improves. On the contrary, some are shunned by cameras and microphones and are satisfied with using only a voice recorder. In rare cases, neither!

Abolfat’h Mo’men

In oral history, body language is very important. What cannot be expressed in words is expressed through body language; whether it is happiness, sadness, pleasure or discomfort. Some events and even the names of characters can be understood from it. Body language complements the narrator’s speech. When sound and image are combined, the narrator’s narrative becomes more documented and can be an appendix to the compiled book. It is also used as archival data in the creation of historical works, especially if it is considered in terms of the type of expression, movements, clothing and typology. On the other hand, it conveys a sense of nostalgia. Therefore, for the aforementioned reasons, video interviews are preferred.

Abolfazl Hassanabadi

In oral history, the core of data is the narrator’s narrative, memory, experience, and speech. In each project, depending on the goals, type of subject, expected functions, and budget, audio, video, or both methods can be used simultaneously. There is generally no preference when choosing the type of audio or video interview, and video interviews do not necessarily produce a better oral history; the camera may even cause the narrator to control their behavior and reduce the intimacy and depth of the narrative. It is the interviewer’s discretion to choose one or both, if possible, depending on the situation, type of narrative, and the interviewee’s circumstances.

Hamid Ghazvini

In oral history interviews, priority is given to receiving and accurately recording the narrative. Which tool is used depends on the project’s capabilities and the narrator’s agreement during the interview. Sometimes, due to some considerations, the narrator prevents recording their voice and image and specifies that their explanations be written down; in this case, the interviewer is forced to write down their narrative and attach it to the interview report; that is, the method of recording the narrative depends on the narrator’s situation and opinion. Of course, recording the interview visually is always preferable and allows recording the narrator’s feelings, outward emotions, body language, and some gestures; but if the camera makes them anxious, then recording the audio is inevitable.

Artificial Intelligence

Video interviews are preferred, provided the infrastructure is stable. Video builds trust, conveys body language, and is more engaging and memorable for the audience. However, if the internet is unstable, or the goal is to quickly capture an opinion or maintain privacy, audio is preferable. Simple formula: for deep and communicative content; video. For speed, ease of access, or inconvenient conditions; audio. In practice, a combination of both (quality audio recording with video) is the best solution. (DeepSeek)

In general, audio interviews are preferred because they are simpler, faster, and less expensive, and the interviewee is more focused on the answers. They are also less affected by issues such as camera quality, lighting, or appearance. However, if body language, facial expressions, and nonverbal communication are important for assessing a person, video interviews are a better option. Therefore, the final choice should be based on the purpose of the interview: audio is recommended to gauge the content of the responses, and video is recommended for a more comprehensive assessment of personality, behavior, and communication skills. If possible, the interview can be tailored to the circumstances and preferences of the interviewee. (ChatGPT)