I built a camera that you talk with instead of seeing your own face

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I used to hate recording myself, but at the same time I also wanted to post more video i.e. on X. My usual experience was: Get an idea -> reluctantly hit record -> become self-aware, stumble, do 8 takes -> give up. So I tried changing the camera instead. MakiRoll doesn't show you your face while you're recording. You give it a rough topic and it asks you questions, or lets you ramble. Those questions adapt to what you've just said via STT and a language model, so recording feels more like having a conversation than performing at a lens. Once you're done, it looks through the transcript, finds the interesting takes, suggests a structure and makes a captioned cut. The interesting part for me hasn't really been the editing part, which is nice, but by removing the mirror and replacing it with another participant seems to change how people behave while recording. One of my early testers described himself as super shy, and now he's making videos and getting more comfortable doing it. It's built for web + iOS. I'd love some feedback on whether the conversational recording model makes sense to people who normally avoid going on camera (but would like to do that more).

Visit product View on Hacker NewsSep 21, 2026

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Product HuntOn track for Day 1 leaderboard · Strong signals: model · Missing: mac, agents, macos

90%90% predicted probability of success on Product Hunt, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

best fitHighest predicted score across all platforms for this description.

Indie HackersFits the IH revenue-focused audience · Strong signals: ios · Missing: supports, reddit linkedin, podcasting

87%87% predicted probability of success on Indie Hackers, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Hacker NewsStrong engagement from HN community · Strong signals: ide, io · Missing: https docs, excited, just released

68%68% predicted probability of success on Hacker News, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

nativeThis product was originally launched on this platform.

TrustMRRFits verified-revenue profile · Strong signals: ios, video · Missing: mobile apps, personal, entrepreneurs

54%54% predicted probability of success on TrustMRR, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

AppSumoMay struggle as an AppSumo deal · Missing: plus, platform, intuitive

40%40% predicted probability of success on AppSumo, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Acquire.comPre-revenue stage for this audience · Missing: arr, mrr, revenue

17%17% predicted probability of success on Acquire.com, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

BetaListMay not resonate with beta-testers · Missing: web3, chat, crypto

0%0% predicted probability of success on BetaList, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

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