How to record sounds with iNaturalist Next

It's possible to record a sound in iNaturalist Next and either make an observation with it or add it to an existing observation. This is especially helpful if you can't get a photograph of animal, or you want to supplement any images of the animal with sounds that it made, which can help with identification.

1. If you haven't done so already, go to Settings (in the side menu) and select "All observation options" for the Observation Button.
   
   
2. Tap the Observation Button (which now appears as a large + sign) and choose the microphone icon. Allow iNaturalist Next to access your microphone if asked.
   
   
3. You will see the Record New Sound screen. Point your microphone toward the subject (and out of the wind, if possible) and tap on the red microphone button to start recording. Tap the red stop button to stop recording.
   
   
   
4. Tap the green checkmark button to save the recording and create an observation with it. Tap the play button to play back the sound. Tap the return arrow to delete the sound and try recording again.
   
   
   
5. Once you have saved the sound by tapping the green checkmark, you will see the Observation Edit screen. Your current time and location should be saved as part of the observation. iNaturalist does not provide identification suggestions for sounds, but we recommend you add an identification to the observation, even if it's something like "Birds" or "Amphibians". You can do that by tapping the appropriate icon here (scroll to the right to see all options). 
   
   
   Or tap on "Add an ID" to search for a more specific taxon to add as an identification. Adding an identification will help your observation be found by someone who can identify it.
   
   
    
   
6. Tap either the "Save" or "Upload Now" button. Tapping Save will save the observation so you can manually upload it to iNaturalist when you want to, and tapping Upload Now will attempt to upload the observation immediately, if your internet connection is stable. Once sucessfully uploaded, your observation will be public for anyone to see, and for anyone on iNaturalist to identify or comment on.
   
   
7. Check the Activity section later to see if anyone has identified or commented on your observation!