FAQ

Have questions?

The best way to get your questions answered and to learn about setting and breaking Kids' World Records is to read this FAQ or ask our raccoon in the lower right corner. He knows everything about Kids' World Records! 

What is a world record?

A world record is a safe, measurable, verifiable and repeatable achievement that represents the highest, fastest, longest, most, greatest, smallest—or otherwise best—result within a clearly defined category.

Who can participate in Kids World Records?

Kids World Records welcomes children ages 4 to 16 to showcase their talents. To qualify, participants must perform the attempt by themselves, be older than 4 and younger than 16, with no exceptions to this rule.

• Individual record submissions are grouped and adjudicated according to age range (4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and 13-16) and gender (boy, girl, gender X)
• Group record submissions are grouped and adjudicated according to the number of participants: Small (2-5), Medium (6-15), Large (16-30) and Gigantic (31+)

What does it cost?

Your first Kids World Record attempt is free! That means there’s no cost to submit your first attempt, and if it’s approved—congratulations, you’re officially a Kids World Record holder! 

After that, each additional attempt costs $15.

This fee helps us cover the cost of reviewing submissions and it is non-refundable. Please note that paying the fee does not guarantee approval. Make sure your attempt beats the current record and is clearly documented.

In a few select countries, a submission fee may apply to help us manage the cost of reviewing and processing entries from around the world, while continuing to provide a fun and fair experience for all participants.

If a fee applies in your country, it will be clearly noted before you submit your attempt. Good news: Your submission fee is fully credited toward your first purchase in our store.

What does it take to get a Kids World Record?

A Kids World Record must be safe, appropriately challenging, and measurable. 'Measurable' means the record can be judged using a consistent and standardized unit. For example, in a record like 'Most Items of Clothing Designed and Made in 3 Days,' using 'clothing' as the unit isn't specific enough—because clothing can be a tie and a dress which vary greatly in complexity. Record categories must use units that ensure a fair and consistent standard for all participants.

• Quantity: Most Consecutive / Most Ever
• Size: Smallest / Largest / Longest / Highest
• Time: Fastest / Endurance

While we encourage ambitious challenges, attempts should never be dangerous or harmful. An adult should supervise all participants, and appropriate attire is required for the activity. Unless the activity specifically requires certain attire (e.g., swimsuits, gymnastics uniforms, or cheer outfits), participants should wear clothing such as a t-shirt and pants.

How do I set a new Kids World Record?

Setting a new Kids World Record involves submitting an attempt for a record that doesn’t already exist. If you don’t find your idea on our website, you could be the first to set it! Use your imagination—we’d love to see what creative ideas you come up with. For inspiration, try our World Record Idea Generator.

Make sure the record is safe, measurable, and appropriately challenging. If you have doubts about safety make sure a parent is present.

How do I break an existing Kids World Record?

Visit the Kids World Records website to browse existing records in your age and gender group. If you find one you’d like to break, simply click “Break This Record” to begin the submission process.

How does the review process work?

Kids World Records carefully reviews all attempts using submitted evidence. Judges analyze video footage, including slowed-down segments for accuracy. They verify whether the attempt qualifies as a Kids World Record and ensure it is safe, standardized—meaning it is measurable, repeatable, and consistent across age and gender divisions.

Examples of records that cannot be approved:

• Longest Time Juggling Knives: Records that can cause harm or are considered dangerous records are not accepted.
  Best painting by a 7-9 year old: Subjective criteria like "best" cannot be measured.
• Youngest computer programmer in the 7-9 year old Division: This attempt is not repeatable across age and gender divisions. 

Will my record be in the book?

All individual and group record setters and breakers from ~ October to ~ August the following year will be in the book, regardless of whether their record still stands or has since been surpassed. Quiz records are not currently included in the book.

Break Rules

To ensure fairness, consistency, and safety, these official break rules must be followed for endurance-based record attempts. 

1. Break Time Allocation

• Breaks are only allowed for Endurance attempts. Speed-based attempts do not permit breaks.
• Attempts must be 60 minutes or longer to permit breaks.
• Participants are allowed a 5-minute break for every 60 minutes of continuous attempt activity.
• Breaks are optional but must follow the rules outlined below.

2. Impact of Taking a Break

• Each break taken will deduct 5 minutes from the total record time, whether the full 5 minutes are used or not.
• If a participant returns before the full break time is up, the full 5-minute deduction still applies.

3. No Accrued Break Time

• Participants are allowed a 5-minute break for every 60 minutes of continuous record attempt activity.
• Breaks are optional but must follow the rules outlined below.
• Break time does not accumulate across multiple hours.
• For example, completing 2 hours of activity does NOT result in a 10-minute break — only one 5-minute break is allowed per 60 minutes.

4. Continuous Recording Requirement

• The camera and timer must remain on at all times throughout the attempt, including during breaks.
• If the recording is stopped at any point during the attempt (including breaks), the attempt will only be counted up until the first recorded break.
• Any loss of video footage will result in the record attempt being disqualified or only partially counted based on verified footage.

Record videos on our site

All videos on our site are edited by us for clarity and presentation. They may be shortened for duration, sped up, or slowed down to highlight specific aspects of the attempt. While we thoroughly review the full unedited videos during our adjudication process, the edited versions displayed on our site are rarely the complete attempt.

Please note, that we do not accept videos that have been edited before submission.

How do I submit an individual Kids World Record attempt?

Make sure the Kids World Record attempt is properly documented with photos and video! Next, create a parent account here and then add the child(ren) to the account. From there, submit the Kids World Record attempt from the child’s profile.

How do I submit a group Kids World Record attempt?

For record attempts that include more than 2 kids submit the attempt as a group record from your parent account. Make sure the hippo icon is visible in the top right corner and then click submit to go through the submission proess. For larger groups or special group events, go to Kids World Records Events.

What happens after I submit a Kids World Record attempt?

Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email. The Kids World Record attempt will then go into a queue for review, which can take 2-4 weeks. If your attempt is approved you’ll be eligible to purchase certificates and merchandise in the online shop.

How do I order printed certificates, medals and the book?

Anyone can order the Kids World Record book, but only Kids World Record holders are eligible to purchase exclusive products like medals, certificates, and pins. To order, log in to the parental account and go to our shop.

If you ordered next year’s Kids World Records book, or the edition that features your child, please note that it will be shipped once the book is officially published—this typically happens in November.

If you included other items in your order, such as medals, certificates, or merchandise, those items will be shipped separately and will arrive shortly after your order is placed.

You will receive tracking information by email for each shipment.

Shipping, where's my package?

The tracking you receive is provided by the final carrier in the delivery chain and tracking will only begin to update once the package arrives at a USPS facility.

To keep shipping cost low shipping happens in a few stages. Your order is processed first, this is when you receive the tracking number. Then it is created, prepared and packaged, and picked up by an initial local carrier. From there, it may move between carriers before being handed off to the final carrier, for example your local mail carrier, for final delivery. Because tracking is provided by your local mail carrier, updates won’t appear until the package reaches the  local mail carrier facility. This may take some times as our orders are often international. This is a common approach for lower-cost items and is why tracking doesn’t show activity right away, even though the shipment is moving through the system.

A single carrier with full door-to-door tracking can only be done using UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Those services typically cost $60–$90, which isn’t something we want to charge our customers.

Youngest Records

We want to celebrate kids at every age and stage so we do not adjudicate Kids World Records attempts based on them being the youngest. Instead, we use a divisional model that groups participants based on age range and gender. Therefore, each record attempt must be measurable and repeatable across the various age and gender divisions. For example, a record attempt for the youngest computer programmer will not be accepted. If you would like to submit a Kids World Record attempt, consider how the attempt could be quantified and measured. For instance, does the record participant do a specific task in a measured time frame?

Why can’t general knowledge be a Kids World Record?

General knowledge is not standardized enough to judge fairly. There is no single fixed list of questions, facts, or answers, so one child could be asked easier questions while another could be asked harder ones. 

Answers can also vary based on wording, pronunciation, interpretation, or whether a response is considered “close enough.” Because of this, attempts cannot be measured and compared consistently across participants. At Kids World Records, we only accept records that can be judged using a clear, repeatable, and consistent standard for every child.

Guidelines for Memorization, Recognizing, Identifying, and Recounting Records

Attempts that depend on hearing a child speak are generally not accepted, including reading aloud, fast reading, verbal recitation, pronunciation-based attempts, remembering numbers out loud, and doing math verbally.

We only accept memorization, recognizing, identifying, and recounting records in very limited circumstances. These attempts must be standardized and objectively verifiable.

This means the items being memorized, identified, or recounted must come from a measurable, repeatable, and publicly available list that is consistent across all age and gender divisions.

In addition, attempts must be clearly judgeable from the video alone. If adjudicators cannot confidently verify the responses, the attempt cannot be accepted.

Important Limitation (Audio & Clarity)

Attempts that rely on spoken responses are generally not accepted. This includes:

• reading aloud
• reading as quickly as possible
• verbal recitation
• pronunciation-based attempts
• remembering and saying numbers
• doing math verbally or answering math questions out loud

Because participants submit from around the world, differences in accents, pronunciation, audio quality, speaking speed, and recording environments make these attempts too difficult to judge fairly and consistently.

If adjudicators cannot clearly and confidently hear, understand, and verify every response, the attempt cannot be approved.

Examples of accepted records:

• Acceptable records generally must be attempted using our quizzes. For example recognizing the most country flags must be attempted using our official quiz. Each flag is globally recognized and available to anyone, anywhere, ensuring a fair and standardized attempt. Others examples include, cartoon characters, dinosaurs, US Presidents, etc.

Examples of not accepted records:

• Reading words, numbers, or facts out loud
• Reading as fast as possible
• Reciting memorized information verbally
• Pronunciation or speaking-based attempts
• Spelling or sounding out words
• Saying numbers from memory
• Solving or answering math questions verbally
• Reading long, complex, repetitive, or random word lists
• Identifying items that are not from a standardized, publicly available list
• “Fastest” memorization, recitation, or reading attempts (for example, reciting a list in a certain number of seconds)Reading a long list of complex, repetitive or random words. If the exact word list isn't standardized and available for others to attempt, the record cannot be accepted.
• Recognizing Cartoon characters, cars, shapes, etc. that are not part of a standardized list.

Additional guidelines:

• We do not accept math-based records at this time.
• Spelling, sounding out words
• “Fastest” memorization or reading attempts are not accepted, as adjudicators must be able to clearly hear and verify every word. For example, “50 U.S. states recited in 30 seconds” would not qualify.

Submission requirements:

• A full video of the attempt showing both the child and the screen.
• The video must show that the child is reading from a list.
• A visible timer (e.g., smartphone) must be present throughout the video.
• A written list of all items (images, words, or names) identified in the video, in English, and in the same order as presented.

All record attempts require video and images for verification! For complete rules, please visit: How to break a record.

Collections

Your video must clearly show all collection items being counted one by one, moving from one pile to another pile.

Both piles — the starting pile and the finished pile — must remain clearly visible on camera at all times during the count. The camera angle should not cut away, zoom in too tightly, or block the view of either pile.

This ensures we can accurately verify the total and helps prevent delays in reviewing your attempt.

Please watch our instructional video for full guidance on documenting collections:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7oY3c8s0Qo

Smallest Craft Records

We love seeing kids get creative with crafts, but for measurement and fairness reasons, we do not accept craft records involving items smaller than 0.4 Inches (1 cm). Measuring at such a small scale becomes highly complex and increases the risk of error. Additionally, it becomes very difficult to verify whether the craft was made correctly at that size. 

Records with multiple measurements

Records must have one (1) clear measurement that is not dependent on another measurement. For example; if someone holds a record for typing 276 Words Per Minute with 98% accuracy, then submissions with 277 Words Per Minute with 98% accuracy, or a record 275 Words Per Minute with 99% accuracy, would both technically break the first record, but not in a meaningful way. To be approved in this example, a record attempt must be 276 Words Per Minute with 100% accuracy. To break this record an attempt would be 277 Words Per Minute or more with 100% accuracy.

Most Records

When attempting a record for the “Most” of an activity, the attempt must follow one of these formats:

1. Most Total – Completing the highest number possible without a set time limit.
   • Example: 200 sit-ups in one continuous attempt.
2. Most in 30 Seconds – Completing the highest number possible within exactly 30 seconds.
   • Example: 45 jumping jacks in 30 seconds.
3. Most in 60 Seconds – Completing the highest number possible within exactly 60 seconds.
   • Example: 80 basketball dribbles in 60 seconds.

Any attempt made for a different time period (e.g., 10 seconds, 90 seconds, 2 minutes, etc.) will not be accepted. Instead, it will automatically be judged under the “Most Total” category.

Timely records

At Kids World Records, our mission is to inspire and celebrate the achievements of children aged 4-16. To maintain the relevance and excitement of each record, we have a specific policy regarding the timeliness of submissions:

• Relevance to Age Group: Our focus is on fostering a vibrant and current environment where young record-holders can see themselves reflected in the achievements featured. Records set more than a year ago may not accurately represent the current capabilities and interests of our dynamic young audience.
• Freshness of Records: We strive to keep our records fresh and exciting. By setting a one-year limit on record submissions, we ensure that our content is always up-to-date, encouraging new challenges and sparking ongoing interest among participants and viewers.
• Encouragement of New Attempts: Limiting the acceptance window to one year motivates kids and groups to plan and execute their record attempts within a timely manner, which helps maintain a steady flow of new and innovative content.
• Avoiding Historical Archive: Our platform aims to be an active and engaging space for current challenges and achievements, rather than a repository for historical records. This helps us stay focused on encouraging active participation and ensuring that our records reflect contemporary skills and technologies.
• Ensuring Verifiability: Records submitted within a year are easier to verify for accuracy and authenticity. As time passes, the ability to confirm details or witness statements can diminish, which could compromise the integrity of the record.

Food records

We do not accept records for holding food, candy, etc. in the mouth due to the choking danger.

Craft records 

Why are some craft records closed for submissions? For some craft-based records, like the Smallest Chatterbox or the Smallest Paper Airplane, once the creations become smaller than  0.4 Inches (1 cm), it becomes extremely difficult to accurately measure and verify them. To ensure our records are measurable and fair, we close these records for new submissions when they reach this size limit.

What evidence do I need of my Kids World Record attempt?

To verify and potentially feature your attempt in the Kids World Records book, we require high-resolution photos and video as evidence.

Photos must:

• Show the participant posing with any equipment or props used.
• Depict the participant performing the activity, or, if not possible, include a photo against a plain background (e.g., a wall).
• All visuals must be high-resolution, well-lit, and free of filters or alterations. 
• Ensure the attire is activity-appropriate and does not overexpose the minor. Submissions may be rejected if these guidelines are not followed.

Videos must:

• Show the entire record attempt without edits or speed adjustments. Altered videos will be rejected.
• For length records, you only need photos and a video showing the final attempt being measured. Ensure the measurement is clearly visible for our judges. Search for examples of “Longest” records on our site for reference.
• Capture the participant’s full body at all times—no going off-screen.
• Be filmed with a steady camera or tripod in good lighting, avoiding cluttered backgrounds.

We accept video files up to 5 TB. If you are planning an attempt that will take hours using a mobile device then we recommend maximizing the mobile device video settings. Actual size will vary depending on codec (H.264 vs H.265/HEVC), frame rate, and compression settings. These are approximate H.264 (AVC) estimates at ~30fps; H.265 (HEVC) would typically be ~30–50% smaller.

Video File Sizes Under 10 GB (H.264 vs H.265)

Max Recording Time Under 10 GB

Here’s how you can check whether your phone is recording video in H.265 (HEVC) or the older H.264 (AVC):

📱 iPhone (iOS 11 and newer)

1. Go to Settings → Camera → Formats.
2. You’ll see two options:
   • High Efficiency → saves videos as HEVC/H.265.
   • Most Compatible → saves videos as H.264.
3. Whatever is selected is the format your iPhone is currently using.

📱 Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)

Steps vary by brand, but generally:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
3. Look for Video Format / Advanced Recording / HEVC.
   • On Samsung: Settings → Advanced Recording Options → HEVC format.
   • On Google Pixel: Some models use HEVC by default; no toggle, but you can check via file properties.

Here’s how you can change your phone video settings:

🍏 iPhone (iOS 13 and later)

You can change resolution and frame rate directly in the Camera app or in Settings.

Method 1: In the Camera app

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Switch to Video mode.
3. In the top-right corner, you’ll see the resolution and fps toggle (e.g., HD • 30).
4. Tap it to cycle through options:
   • 720p HD at 30fps
   • 1080p HD at 30fps or 60fps
   • 4K at 24, 30, or 60fps (on most newer models)

Method 2: In Settings

1. Go to Settings → Camera → Record Video.
2. Select your preferred resolution and frame rate.
3. Options vary by device, but usually include:
   • 720p HD (30 fps)
   • 1080p HD (30 or 60 fps)
   • 4K (24, 30, or 60 fps)

👉 Tip: Lower resolution + frame rate = smaller file sizes.

🤖 Android

Samsung Galaxy

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Switch to Video mode.
3. Tap the resolution/fps icon (often looks like FHD 30 or a settings wheel).
4. Choose from:
   • HD (720p) at 30fps
   • FHD (1080p) at 30/60fps
   • UHD (4K) at 30/60fps (on newer models)

Google Pixel

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Switch to Video mode.
3. Tap the settings gear in the corner.
4. Under Video, select:
   • Resolution: Full HD (1080p) or 4K
   • Frame rate: 30fps or 60fps

👉 Tip: Some Android phones let you set default resolution and fps separately for front and rear cameras.

📹 How Can I Record a Long Videos?

Recording a very long video — like for a record attempt — can be challenging on mobile phones due to storage limits, battery drain, or overheating. Here are some reliable options and tips to help:

✅ Always Do a Test Run First

Before your actual attempt, record a 15–30 minute test to make sure your setup:

• Records continuously without stopping,
• Captures clear video and audio, and
• Doesn’t overheat or run out of space.

💻 Option 1: Use a Computer with a Webcam

Record using your computer's built-in or external webcam with free software like:

• OBS Studio (Windows/Mac/Linux — free & open source)
• Windows Camera App
• QuickTime Player (Mac)

This setup allows longer recordings without worrying about phone storage or battery.

🧩 Option 2: Use an External Webcam + Recording Software

If your computer doesn’t have a webcam, you can plug in a USB webcam and use the same recording apps as above (OBS Studio, etc.). This gives you more flexibility and often better quality.

📱 Option 3: Free Up Space on Your Phone

If you must use your phone, try these tips:

• Move photos and videos to your computer temporarily to free up storage.
• Lower your video resolution (e.g. 480p or 720p).
• Keep the phone plugged into power and use a tripod for stability.

📷 Option 4: Use a Camcorder or Digital Camera

These are built for long recordings and support high-capacity SD cards (e.g., 128GB or 256GB).

• ✅ Important: Make sure the camera is powered externally so it doesn’t shut off mid-recording.

☁️ Option 5: Use a Cloud-Connected Security Camera

Cameras like Nest Cam, Wyze Cam, or Reolink can record continuously to an SD card or cloud storage.

• Ideal for indoor/stationary events.
• Make sure you can download and access the footage afterward.

Athletics records

Athletics records must be certified by one of the following:

• A sports club or school
• Press coverage, such as newspaper articles or TV station reports
• A government official or a similar credible authority
• A link to the official score page for the event

If none of these sources are available, the attempt must be documented with unedited video that clearly shows both the distance and time. Please note that edited videos will not be accepted under any circumstances.