One of Bovella's most powerful features is the ability to schedule video messages for delivery at any point in the future - from tomorrow to decades from now. This guide explains how scheduling works and best practices for far-future deliveries.
How to Schedule a Message
Record or Upload Your Video
Start by recording a new video or uploading an existing one from your device.
Add Message Details
Give your message a title and optionally add a description that will appear in the delivery email.
Select a Recipient
Choose an existing recipient or add a new one. You'll need their email address.
Set the Delivery Date
Click on the calendar to select the exact date. You can also specify a delivery time.
Review and Confirm
Double-check all details, then click "Schedule Message" to confirm.
Choosing the Right Delivery Date
Common Scheduling Ideas
Milestone Birthdays
18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th birthdays - any significant age
Anniversaries
Wedding anniversaries, relationship milestones, memorial dates
Graduations
High school, college, graduate school completion dates
Specific Dates
New Year's Day, Christmas, first day of a new job, moving day
Time-Based Delivery
1 year from now, 5 years, 10 years - for messages to your future self
Setting Delivery Time
In addition to the date, you can set a specific delivery time. By default, messages are delivered at 9:00 AM in the recipient's timezone (if known) or your timezone.
For birthday messages, schedule delivery for early morning so they receive it first thing. For messages meant to be read at the end of a day (like a retirement message), consider an evening delivery time.
Scheduling Far in the Future
Bovella supports scheduling messages up to 50 years in the future. Here's what to consider for long-term deliveries:
Email Address Changes
Email addresses may change over time, especially over many years. You can update recipient email addresses at any time before delivery. We recommend:
- Checking recipient info annually for very long-term messages
- Using stable, personal email addresses rather than work emails
- Setting calendar reminders to verify contact info
Account Maintenance
Your messages are stored securely even if you don't log in regularly. However, we recommend logging in at least once per year to ensure your account remains active.
Keep your own email address up to date on your account. We'll use it to send you delivery confirmations and important notifications about your scheduled messages.
What Happens on Delivery Day
- The morning of: Our system prepares your message for delivery
- At delivery time: An email is sent to your recipient with a link to view the video
- When they click: They're taken to a private page to watch your message
- After viewing: They can rewatch the message anytime
- You're notified: You receive a confirmation that the message was delivered
You'll receive an email notification when your message is delivered. If delivery fails (e.g., invalid email), you'll be notified and can update the recipient's information.
Managing Scheduled Messages
You can view, edit, or cancel any scheduled message from your dashboard:
- View: See all your scheduled messages and their delivery dates
- Edit: Change the delivery date, recipient, or message details
- Cancel: Delete a scheduled message (video is permanently removed)
- Duplicate: Create a copy to send to someone else or at a different time