How to Use WordsUnite

WordsUnite helps you organize and synchronize crowd chanting at protests, rallies, sports events, and community gatherings. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully run your event.

Getting Started

Quick Start:

  1. Sign up for a free account at app.wordsunite.us
  2. Create your first event (free Spark tier includes 1 event per month)
  3. Add your chants and customize timing
  4. Share the QR code (Amplify and above) or link with participants
  5. Start the event and lead synchronized chanting!

💡 Pro Tips:

  • Only the organizer requires an account (if guests allowed)
  • Not every person in the crowd needs the app. Only one for every 10-20 people to keep groups in sync
  • QR Codes can be shared from any device to propagate fast

Creating Events

Step-by-Step Event Creation

  1. Click "Create Event" from your dashboard
  2. Choose Your Event Tier
    • Spark (Free): 10 participants, 1 hour, 1 event/month
    • Amplify ($10): 50 participants, 2 hours, unlimited events
    • Resonate ($25): 250 participants, 4 hours
    • Crescendo ($100): 1000 participants, 6 hours
  3. Enter Event Details
    • Event Name: Clear, descriptive title
    • Description: What the event is about
    • Location (optional): For public event discovery
  4. Choose Visibility
    • Public directory: Appears in search results and event listings (visible within 25 miles while live)
    • Unlisted link: Only accessible via direct link
  5. Choose Who Can Join
    • Everyone (guests allowed): Guests can join without an account
    • Only people with an account: Participants must sign in to join
  6. Set Chat Settings
    • Standard Public Chat: You and other logged-in users can read and send messages to all logged-in users (Guests can only see organizer messages)
    • Broadcast Only: Only you can send messages (Perfect for announcements without distractions)
    • Private Feedback (Default): Logged-in users can interact privately with you (Great for Q&A or collecting feedback privately)
    Important: Chat settings cannot be changed after creating the event

💡 Pro Tip:

Start with a free Spark event to test your chants and get familiar with the platform before upgrading to a paid tier for larger events.

Spark (Free) vs Paid Tier Features

⚠️ Spark Tier Limitations:

  • No downloadable QR codes - Users must have an account and use links
  • Basic chant features - Only one chant
  • 1 event per month - Can only create one new event monthly
  • 10 participants max - Perfect for testing but not for real events
  • 1 hour duration - Event automatically ends after 1 hour

Understanding Event Settings

Privacy Options Explained

Public Directory

  • Appears in search results and event listings
  • Can only be seen within 25 miles of the event while it's live
  • Or within 2 hours of event start if scheduled
  • Great for rallies, protests, and community events
  • Requires event location (city)

Unlisted Link

  • Only accessible via direct link
  • Not shown in public directory
  • Perfect for private gatherings or sports teams
  • No location required
  • Note: Anyone with the link can forward it

Event Status Management

Events progress through different statuses:

  1. Draft: Event created but not yet scheduled
  2. Scheduled: Event has a start time set
  3. Live: Event is currently active
  4. Ended: Event has finished
  5. Archived: Event stored for reference

Creating Chants

Chants are the heart of your event. WordsUnite synchronizes them across all participants' devices, ensuring everyone chants in unison regardless of their position in the crowd.

Two Ways to Create Chants

Auto Mode (Recommended)

  1. Paste or type your chant text
  2. System automatically detects syllables
  3. Segments are created with standard timing
  4. Adjust BPM (beats per minute) to control speed
  5. Fine-tune individual segments if needed

Best for: Quick setup, simple chants, first-time users

Manual Mode (Advanced)

  1. Create segments one by one
  2. Set precise timing for each segment
  3. Control beat assignments (0.25 to 4+ beats)
  4. Group segments for complex patterns
  5. Add stomps and claps

Best for: Complex chants, precise timing, experienced organizers

Using Chant Templates

Chant Templates:

Save time by using pre-made chants or saving your own favorites as templates:

  • Browse Templates: Click "Add from Template" to see available chants
  • Global Templates: Pre-made chants for common situations (protests, sports, rallies)
  • Your Templates: Save any chant as a template for reuse across events
  • Save as Template: Click the save icon on any chant to add it to your library
  • Quick Setup: Templates include all segments, timing, and BPM settings

Understanding BPM and Timing

What is BPM?

BPM (Beats Per Minute) controls how fast your chant plays. Think of it like a metronome:

  • 60 BPM: Very slow, dramatic (1 beat per second)
  • 90 BPM: Moderate, clear articulation
  • 120 BPM: Energetic, rally pace (recommended)
  • 150+ BPM: Fast, high energy

Chant Segment Options

Option Description Use Case
Beat Count How many beats this segment takes Short words: 0.5-1 beat
Long words: 2-4 beats
Syllable Detection Join segments without spaces Combine syllables into single visual words but separate beats. Use hyphens to manually create syllables
Group with Previous Keep segments on same screen Ensure phrases stay together visually

Managing Chants During Events

Activating and Deactivating Chants

As an event organizer, you have full control over when chants play:

  1. Start the Event: Click "Start Event" when you're ready to begin
  2. Activate a Chant: Click the play button next to any chant to start it
    • The chant immediately syncs to all connected participants
    • Everyone sees the same words at the same time
    • Visual indicators show the current segment
  3. Stop a Chant: Click the stop button to end it
    • Chant stops for all participants simultaneously
    • Screen returns to waiting state
  4. Switch Between Chants: Activate different chants as needed

Live Editing

You can modify chants even while the event is running:

  • Edit chant text or timing between activations
  • Add new chants during the event
  • Delete chants that aren't working
  • Adjust BPM based on crowd energy

⚠️ Automatic Chant Stopping:

If 75% or more of participants show negative sentiment (thumbs down) for an active chant, it will automatically stop. This ensures the crowd stays engaged and prevents unpopular chants from continuing.

💡 Pro Tip:

Have 3-5 chants prepared before your event starts. You can always add more, but having a core set ready ensures smooth flow.

Sharing Your Event

WordsUnite provides multiple ways to share your event with participants. Choose the method that works best for your situation.

Sharing Methods

📱 QR Code (Recommended)

  • Instant access - participants scan and join
  • Download high-quality PNG for printing
  • Print on signs, flyers, or project on screens
  • Every user can share from their screen to virally spread
  • No typing required - perfect for crowds

🔗 Direct Link

  • Share via text, email, or social media
  • Different links for different access levels
  • Copy to clipboard with one click

📍 Location Discovery

  • Public events appear in local search
  • Participants find events within 25 miles
  • Requires user to have an account

Pre-Event Sharing Strategy

Timeline for Sharing:

  • 1 Week Before: Send links to core organizers and volunteers
  • 3 Days Before: Share on social media and email lists
  • 1 Day Before: Final reminder with access instructions
  • Day Of: Have QR codes printed and ready to display

Live Event Tips

Make your event successful with these proven strategies for using WordsUnite in live settings.

The Propagation Strategy

🎯 Key Insight: Not Everyone Needs the App!

In a crowd of 1000 people, you might only need 50-100 people using WordsUnite. Here's why:

  • Users hold phones/tablets up in fullscreen mode to display chants
  • People nearby read from their screens
  • Each app user can serve 10-20 people around them
  • The person sharing can also show the QR code so others can join and share
  • Creates a "ripple effect" throughout the crowd

Device Display Tips

For Chant Display

  • Tap the fullscreen button for maximum visibility
  • Increase screen brightness to maximum
  • Hold device above head when safe
  • Tablets work better than phones for visibility
  • Consider external battery packs for long events

For QR Code Sharing

  • Switch to QR code view during breaks
  • Hold steady for others to scan
  • Works even without internet (for scanning)
  • Each person who joins can share with others
  • Creates viral spread through the crowd

Crowd Management Best Practices

  1. Position Key Users Strategically
    • Place volunteers with devices throughout the crowd
    • Focus on front, middle, and back sections
    • Ensure even distribution for best coverage
  2. Start Simple
    • Begin with easy, well-known chants
    • Build energy gradually
    • Save complex chants for peak moments
  3. Use Natural Breaks
    • Share QR codes between speakers
    • Allow time for new people to join
    • Check participant count regularly

💡 Power User Tip:

Create a "chant captain" role - volunteers who commit to keeping their devices up and visible throughout the event. Give them external batteries and position them strategically.

For Participants

Joining a WordsUnite event is simple and doesn't always require an account. Here's everything participants need to know.

How to Join an Event

Method 1: QR Code (Easiest)

  1. Open your phone's camera app
  2. Point at the QR code (on signs, screens, or other phones)
  3. Tap the notification that appears
  4. You'll join the event instantly

Method 2: Direct Link

  1. Click the link shared by organizers
  2. Sign in or continue as guest (if allowed)
  3. You're automatically connected to the event

During the Event

What You'll See

  • Large, clear text synchronized with everyone
  • Visual indicators for timing
  • Current segment highlighted
  • Participant count
  • Chat messages (if enabled)

What You Can Do

  • Go fullscreen for better visibility
  • Show your screen to others nearby
  • Switch to QR view to help others join
  • Send messages in event chat (if allowed)
  • Provide sentiment feedback (thumbs up/down)

Tips for Participants

  • Save battery: Lower screen brightness when not actively showing to others
  • Stay connected: The app automatically reconnects if you lose signal
  • Help others: Show your QR code during breaks to help others join
  • Follow along: Even if you can't chant loudly, your presence adds to the energy
  • Share feedback: Use the sentiment buttons to let organizers know how you're feeling

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Connection Issues

Problem: "Can't connect to event" or frequent disconnections

  • Check your internet connection (WiFi or cellular data)
  • Try refreshing the page

Chants Not Syncing

Problem: Chants appear delayed or out of sync

  • Refresh your browser to resync
  • Check that you're in the correct event
  • Ensure your device time is set to automatic
  • Move closer to WiFi if using cellular data

Can't Join Event

Problem: QR code or link not working

  • Verify the event hasn't ended
  • Check if account is required (can't join as guest)
  • Ensure you're not at the participant limit
  • Try the alternate joining method (QR vs link)

Event Creation Failed

Problem: Can't create new event

  • Check your tier limits (Spark: 1 event/month)
  • Ensure previous events are archived if at limit
  • Verify payment for paid tiers
  • Try logging out and back in

Performance Tips

  • Use a modern browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge (latest versions)
  • Strong signal: WiFi is preferred over cellular for stability
  • Update your app: Refresh the page to get the latest version
  • Clear cache: If experiencing persistent issues, clear browser cache

Getting Help

Need more help?

  • Email support: support@wordsunite.us
  • Response time: Within 24 hours (faster for paid tiers)
  • Include your event ID and description of the issue
  • Screenshots help us resolve issues faster

Ready to Unite Voices?

Start with a free event and experience the power of synchronized crowd chanting.

Create Your First Event