Speaker Applications Increase by 150% with Video Auditions: How TEDxKobe Achieved Heat-Driven Selection DX with 'Movikatsu Collect'

TEDxKobe Achieves Heat-Driven Video Selection DX with 'Movikatsu Collect'

Inform System Co., Ltd. (Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; CEO: Hidehiko Maeda), developer and provider of the video-sharing application 'DOUPA! Portal', has launched a web service called 'Movikatsu Collect' on April 1, 2026. This platform enables organizations to create custom forms for collecting video entries online—ideal for user-participation contests, open calls, auditions, and recruitment screenings. Users can easily create forms, securely manage and review submissions, and download data—all within a browser.

This article presents a trial report from TEDxKobe, which adopted 'Movikatsu Collect' to visualize applicant sincerity—a quality difficult to assess through document-based screening alone.

TEDxKobe is an idea-sharing event based in Kobe, operating under the license of the global conference 'TED'. The organizing team previously faced a challenge in speaker selection: 'With only 400-character text entries, it was difficult to accurately gauge candidates’ sincerity and expressive ability.' — Official TEDxKobe Website

In 2026, TEDxKobe conducted a two-month trial of the video collection and review platform 'Movikatsu Collect'. By introducing video evaluations in the first-round speaker auditions, the number of applications reached 150% of the previous round held in 2024.

Movikatsu Collect Product Site

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TEDxKobe × Movikatsu Collect Trial Summary

TEDxKobe × Movikatsu Collect Trial Summary

Background and Challenge: The Limitations of Text-Only Screening

Previously, TEDxKobe collected applicants’ ideas via Google Forms (400-character text fields) and conducted reviews using spreadsheets.

However, repeated evaluations led the team to a critical realization:

'Information that often feels impersonal in text format becomes vivid through video—applicants’ atmosphere and personality come through directly. We can now realistically visualize how they would perform on stage, significantly improving evaluation accuracy.' — TEDxKobe Operations Staff

For TEDx speakers, 'delivery skills' (the ability to speak effectively) are a core requirement. With paper-based screening, there was no way to assess this, making improved evaluation accuracy a key challenge.

Adoption Rationale: 'Frictionless Application Experience' as the Deciding Factor

When considering video-based screening, TEDxKobe prioritized 'ease of use for applicants'.

Movikatsu Collect allows video uploads directly from smartphones without requiring account registration. This 'frictionless experience design'—enabling applicants to submit videos without extra steps—was the key factor in its adoption.

'Video applications are often assumed to be high-barrier, leading to fewer submissions. But conversely, those who overcome this barrier are precisely the ones with strong motivation to share their message. Video thus serves as a natural screening tool for measuring sincerity.' — TEDxKobe Operations Staff

Results of Implementation: Three Key Changes

① Improved Evaluation 'Quality'

By combining video submissions with supplementary text fields, TEDxKobe gained a multidimensional view of applicants. Reviewers first read text responses (e.g., 'favorite TED Talk', 'passion behind the idea'), then assessed personality and delivery via video. This workflow simultaneously improved evaluation accuracy and reduced review time.

② Application Volume Increased to 150% of Previous Round

The account-free, instant smartphone upload design drastically lowered the psychological barrier to video applications. As a result, highly motivated applicants applied in greater numbers, achieving a 150% increase compared to the prior round.

③ Higher 'Preparation Quality' Among Applicants

Applicants who recorded videos for the first round reported being better prepared for the second round (in-person interviews). The act of filming itself served as a 'preparation experience', helping them simulate actual stage delivery.

Before / After: Changes in the Selection Process

Before / After: Changes in the Selection Process

From the Movikatsu Collect Development Team:

'TEDxKobe’s process of securely collecting and reviewing passionate ideas was a perfect match for our product. Feedback from real-world operations has become invaluable for our product development. This success has given us strong confidence to refine our platform into a sophisticated SaaS solution for selection processes across contests, auditions, and event screenings.'

'Going forward, we will continue improving our product based on user feedback—enhancing review features and strengthening personal data protection—to create a more user-friendly and secure platform.' — Movikatsu Collect Development Team

Audition Application Form, Details, and Submission List

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Movikatsu Collect

A web service that allows creation of custom forms for collecting video entries in online user-participation contests, open calls, auditions, and recruitment screenings. Easily manage, review, and download submissions—all within a browser.

Movikatsu Collect Product Site: collect.movikatsu.com

Corporate Site: inform.co.jp

Inform System Co., Ltd.

Company Name: Inform System Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 2F Marumiya Building, 4-7-18 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Founded: September 1995 (Heisei 7)

Capital: 14.5 million JPY

Employees: 30

Business: 'Using IT to deliver the right information to the right people.' Development and provision of the video-sharing app 'DOUPA! Portal'; planning and development of systems and related services in video and digital fields.

Contact for company or product inquiries here