Firstory Terms of Service
Key Information Summary:
You own all of your content. We only have a limited license to host and distribute your content as you select.
You control where your podcast will be distributed to. We will not perform automatic distribution to any streaming platform. You are in complete control to which platform you want your podcast to be accessible in
You are responsible for your content. Ensure you have the rights to everything you upload, including guest permission, content, and music licenses.
We’re headquartered in Taiwan. Taiwan law governs these terms (Except European Consumers may have additional protections, in compliance with GPSR and GDPR).
You must be at least 18 years old to use Firstory Services. To ensure you are capable to engage in legal and contractual capacity.
Terms of Service
These Terms of Service set out the conditions and rights and obligations between you and Firstory Ltd., also known as 吉爾科技股份有限公司 (“Firstory”), regarding your downloading, installation, registration, login, and use of Firstory Services (see Definitions). Please read them carefully to protect your rights.
We operate the website of firstory.me (including but not limited to studio.firstory.me ; open.firstory.me ). When you first register a Firstory account and visit the page displaying “Firstory Terms of Service,” if you continue registering, logging in, and using Firstory Services, you (or your legal representative) will be deemed to have had a reasonable review period, thoroughly reviewed and fully understood all service terms (including the Firstory User Guidelines, Privacy Policy, Intellectual Property Policy, and Royalty Withdrawal Terms, collectively “Policies”), and are willing to comply with these terms and Policies.
You must be at least 18 years old or meet the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction to continue to register and use Firstory Services. If you have not reached the required age, please obtain your legal representative’s consent (e.g., parents, legal guardians) before registering and using Firstory Services.
These Terms are a general set of rights and obligations between you and Firstory. If any content herein conflicts with the User Guidelines, Privacy Policy, Intellectual Property Policy, or other special terms, the special terms or the relevant policy will prevail.
The Services are not tailored to comply with industry-specific regulations (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), etc.), so if your interactions would be subjected to such laws, you may not use the Services. You may not use the Services in a way that would violate the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA).
If any clause is found invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, such finding does not affect other clauses, and the remaining clauses shall remain fully effective. If you have any questions or issues, you can contact us by email at support@firstory.me
Definitions
Firstory Services: The online services provided by Firstory through its software (Firstory App) and service website (https://studio.firstory.me/ ; https://open.firstory.me).
Firstory Group: Refers collectively to Firstory and its affiliated companies. The Firstory Group and successor companies may change the software or website at any time (including but not limited to renaming, changing domain names, and adding service content).
Firstory Services and its software/website: Refers collectively to Firstory Hosting services, Firstory Podcast Advertisement services, and the Firstory service website.
Provider and Changes to Terms
You agree that Firstory may, at its operational discretion, arrange or designate other Firstory Group companies, successor companies, or Firstory‑approved third‑party companies to continue operating all or part of Firstory Services, and that these Terms shall continue to apply.
The Firstory Group and successor companies may amend these Terms at any time and may publish new terms, policies, and guidelines related to Firstory Services and its software/website. Where objectively possible, Firstory will provide appropriate notice (e.g., website announcements or in‑app messages). It is your responsibility to periodically review these Legal Terms to stay informed of updates, and you waive any right to personally receive specific notice of each such change. If you disagree with the amended Terms or new content, do not continue using Firstory Services. If you continue to log in or use Firstory Services, you (and your legal representative, if applicable) are deemed to have reviewed and understood the updated Terms and agree to comply.
Special Agreements for Individual Services
Firstory Services and its software/website may contain information obtained by Firstory via lawful means or links to such content, and may include other standalone services lawfully operated by Firstory Group companies. These may appear as dedicated sections that Firstory may add, reduce, or modify from time to time.
These standalone services may require you to accept specific agreements or rules binding you and the provider of that service. Firstory will make these agreements/rules available prominently. Once you start using such services, you are deemed to accept the relevant user terms of that standalone service.
If you use services provided by third parties linked to Firstory Services, you must comply both with these Terms and the third party’s user terms. Disputes, losses, or damages arising from such third‑party services must be resolved between you and the third party; Firstory is not involved.
Downloading, Installation, Registration, Login, and Use of Firstory Services
To use Firstory Services, you should download and install the official version of the Firstory software from Firstory or its partners, then register and log in; you may also register and log in via the official Firstory service website. Losses resulting from attempts to use non‑official versions of the software/website are not Firstory’s responsibility.
Firstory may develop different software versions for different devices (e.g., mobile, desktop). You should download, install, and update the version appropriate for your device. If you no longer need Firstory Services, you may uninstall the software at any time.
To improve the user experience, Firstory will periodically provide software updates (including but not limited to modifications, upgrades, feature enhancements, new services, or replacements). To ensure security and service quality, Firstory may notify you (e.g., website announcements or in‑app messages). You may choose to accept updates; if you do not, certain features may be limited or unavailable.
You agree to use Firstory Services lawfully in accordance with these Terms and other published terms, policies, and guidelines. Unless expressly authorized by Firstory in writing, you may not store, reproduce, distribute, modify, publicly perform, publish, license, create derivative works from, sell, or use (unless explicitly permitted herein) any content or information contained in Firstory Services or obtained from its software and websites.
You understand that you must prepare the terminal devices (e.g., mobile phones, computers) related to Firstory Services yourself. Activating the software or logging into the service website on your device constitutes use of Firstory Services. To fully utilize all features, you must connect your device to the internet and bear the related costs (e.g., data fees, internet charges).
Accounts
Without consent or proper authorization from the rights holder, you may not create accounts for anyone other than yourself.
Firstory provides registration channels; you may choose a username that is lawful and compliant with the User Guidelines and set a secure password. Your username and password are your credentials for logging into Firstory Services.
You understand and promise that your account must comply with applicable laws and Firstory’s terms, policies, and guidelines. Your username, avatar, profile, and other personal information must not contain unlawful or improper content; you may not use another person’s identity (including but not limited to name, typography, avatar, or other confusingly similar elements) without permission; and you may not maliciously register Firstory accounts (including frequent or bulk registrations). Firstory may review your registration information.
The ownership and related rights of accounts registered on Firstory Services belong to Firstory. After completing registration, you only have the right to use the account and creative materials of your podcast uploaded by you that are contained in your account. Your account is for your personal use only; without Firstory’s written consent, you may not gift, lend, lease, transfer, sell, or authorize others to use the account. If Firstory reasonably believes multiple people are using the same account, Firstory may, without notice, immediately suspend the user(s) and the account.
You may not pry into another person’s login information or log into another user’s account, nor engage in any conduct that jeopardizes other users’ account security.
You may not share your password or other login details, nor engage in any conduct that jeopardizes your account’s security.
You are fully responsible for activities conducted via your account, including but not limited to data changes, comments, and payments performed on Firstory Services. If you discover unauthorized use of your account or other security vulnerabilities, you must notify Firstory immediately. Please keep your account and password safe.
You should log out securely after use. If improper custody leads to account theft or password loss, you bear the responsibility. If you lose or forget your password, you may notify Firstory to request account/password recovery. You understand and acknowledge that the recovery mechanism only needs to verify consistency between the requester’s provided information and system records; it cannot verify whether the requester is the rightful account owner.
Each user may register only one Firstory account, via: (1) mobile number registration; or (2) a third‑party platform account you lawfully own. If Firstory reasonably believes one person is using multiple accounts, Firstory may, without notice, immediately block the user(s) and the account(s).
If you learn that your account was used by someone else without permission, you should notify Firstory immediately. Upon receiving the notice, Firstory will suspend subsequent instructions from that account. All losses occurring before you complete the account/password recovery procedures shall be borne by you.
If you use Firstory Services on behalf of a legal entity, you represent and warrant that you have sufficient authority to sign contracts on its behalf, and that your authority remains valid.
You understand and agree that if you do not log in for more than one year following registration, Firstory may deactivate or delete your account at any time, unless applicable laws in your jurisdiction provide otherwise.
Subscriptions and Sponsorships
To support programs on Firstory Services or its software/website, you may express recognition of a program through “Sponsorship” (one‑time payment to the host) or “Subscription” (recurring fixed payments during the subscription period). When deciding to sponsor or subscribe, choose your preferred plan and payment method; after you complete payment, Firstory will transfer funds to the host according to your plan.
You understand and agree that Sponsorships and Subscriptions should be made after careful consideration; unless otherwise provided by law or these Terms, Firstory has no obligation to provide refunds for any reason. Firstory only serves as a platform for collecting and transferring sponsorship/subscription payments to the host. If any legal disputes arise between you and the recipient of sponsorship/subscription funds, Firstory has no obligation to assist or mediate.
You agree that we will only correct and adjust your account balance if errors result from maintenance or technical failures of Firstory Services or its software/website.
Taiwan Invoice Notice (for Taiwan users)
Please confirm whether you have provided an email address to receive electronic invoices; if not provided, the company will donate the invoice to social welfare organizations.
To send invoices, please provide the following on the day of payment: transaction date/transaction ID/amount/name/phone/email/payment method/company name/business ID.
Invoice delivery method: After we confirm your payment, Firstory will send the electronic invoice to the email you provided. If you do not provide the above information on the payment day, you agree to donate the invoice to a social welfare organization. Changes will not be accepted.
For handling payment matters, in addition to basic information required for issuing invoices, please provide a valid email or other contact information when you agree to sponsor or subscribe. Firstory will provide such contact information to the sponsored hosts.
Revenue Sharing Mechanism
When listeners sponsor or subscribe to your program, the amounts paid will be recorded in your user account (hereinafter “Royalties”). Please enter your bank information in your user account as the payment method for Royalties.
For sponsorship or subscription amounts you receive through Firstory Services and its software/website, Firstory will charge a platform service fee as follows:
Sponsorship payments: For programs uploaded using Firstory Hosting, Firstory will charge 20% of the sponsorship amount as the platform service fee. For programs not using Firstory Hosting, the fee is 40%.
Subscription payments: For programs uploaded using Firstory Hosting, Firstory will charge 10%-15% of the subscription amount depending on your account plan. For programs not using Firstory Hosting, the fee is 35%.
Withdrawal process: Once your accumulated Royalties exceed NTD 3,000, you may apply via the system to withdraw. Firstory will transfer your Royalties to your designated bank account monthly. If remittance fails due to incorrect bank information, Firstory will notify you to correct the information and remit in the following month once corrected.
If sponsorship, subscription, or withdrawals are not denominated in NTD, the exchange rate will be based on the Taiwan Futures Exchange daily foreign currency reference rate at the time the listener agrees to pay (as recorded by Firstory Services and its software/website).
By actually setting and using the subscription, sponsorship, and Royalties functions in your account, you agree to the relevant content in these Terms and form a binding contract regarding the above rules. If there are any changes to these rules, Firstory will notify you appropriately (e.g., via website announcements or in‑app messages). If you disagree with the changes, do not continue using these functions and cancel your previous settings. If you continue using them, you agree to the revised rules.
From July 17, 2024 onward, all creators’ subscription and one‑time sponsorship transactions must issue full‑amount invoices and comply with tax requirements:
Company account withdrawals: If you have applied or will apply to withdraw sponsorship income using a company bank account, Firstory will assist your company with invoicing services; you will not be affected by the adjustments below.
Personal account withdrawals: If you continue to use a personal bank account to receive subscription and one‑time sponsorship payments, from July 17, 2024, Firstory will issue full‑amount invoices on your behalf. Each transaction will incur an additional 5% invoice issuing fee and be reported as “Other Income (92).” This 5% amount is only for the invoice issuing fee, unrelated to Firstory’s platform service fee, and Firstory does not profit from it.
Disclaimer
You understand and agree that Firstory Services and its software/website may be affected or disrupted by various factors and do not guarantee (including but not limited to):
Merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Uninterrupted, timely, secure, reliable, or error‑free operation; that any software, services, or materials obtained by users meet their expectations.
That any software errors can or will be corrected.
Regarding suspicious online information involving loans or property, account passwords, advertisements, or promotional information, users should exercise caution and make independent judgments. Based on the foregoing, Firstory is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages due to loss of profits, business reputation, data, or other tangible or intangible losses.
You understand and agree that Firstory Services and its software/website are provided according to the current state of technology and conditions. Firstory will make best efforts to provide services, ensuring continuity and security. You understand Firstory cannot foresee or prevent all risks of information systems being attacked by external forces or third parties, including but not limited to force majeure, viruses, trojans, hacker attacks, system instability, third‑party service defects, and other security issues that may lead to service interruption, data loss, or other risks. When such risks occur, Firstory will strive to repair promptly; however, you agree Firstory is not liable for losses caused to users by such risks.
Users should each comply with the law and these Terms (including the User Guidelines) regarding their conduct on Firstory Services. Firstory is not obligated to proactively investigate or handle users’ illegal or infringing acts. To the extent permitted by law, you agree not to claim any consequential, special, indirect, or incidental damages from Firstory (this clause does not limit Firstory’s legal liability for gross negligence or intentional unlawful acts).
Firstory is not liable for theft or unauthorized use of credit cards for sponsorships and subscriptions. Users must strictly follow and refer to each credit card company’s correct management and usage methods and records. If Firstory determines there is a risk of unauthorized credit card use, Firstory may restrict providing Firstory Services to the involved card.
Breach Handling
If you are suspected of infringement, crimes, violations of these Terms or other legal regulations, or if it is verified that you intentionally provided false identity information, Firstory may independently determine and, as appropriate, terminate all or part of the services (including but not limited to prior warnings, stopping publication/transmission of content, deleting published/transmitted content, limiting account functions in part or entirely, and permanently closing the account), and take appropriate legal remedies. Firstory may announce the handling results and, based on actual circumstances, decide whether to restore all or part of the services. Records related to suspected infringement, crimes, or other violations of laws and regulations will be retained and provided to competent authorities and their designated online content protection agencies, cooperating with investigations. Deleted content will not be restored. If we deactivate or delete your account, you understand and agree you can no longer access your data through your account.
If your violation of laws or these Terms leads to a third‑party complaint or lawsuit, you shall bear all legal responsibility. If your illegal or breach conduct causes Firstory Group or successor companies to compensate any third party or be penalized by authorities, you must fully compensate Firstory Group and successor companies for all losses (including but not limited to reputational loss and economic losses such as government fines, litigation fees, attorneys’ fees, third‑party damage claims, etc.).
Service Changes, Interruptions, and Termination
You understand and agree that, for overall operational needs, Firstory may, after notice, modify, interrupt, or terminate Firstory Services and its software/website without bearing liability or compensation to users.
Firstory Services may be disrupted due to scheduled maintenance or updates, emergency repairs, communication links and/or equipment failures, or other reasons. In such cases, we will not be liable for any damages due to modifications, suspension, malfunction, deactivation, or discontinuation of Firstory Services, loss of content you posted, or any other forms of damage.
If Firstory deactivates your account, you may not create another account without Firstory’s written consent.
Territorial Restrictions
We do not intend to provide information via Firstory Services in jurisdictions or countries where the dissemination or use of such information is unlawful. We reserve the right to restrict all or part of Firstory Services and its software/website to any person, region, or jurisdiction at any time. If under the laws applicable to you, your use of Firstory Services is not permitted, you must deactivate your Firstory account and stop using Firstory Services.
Assignment and Delegation
Without our prior written consent, you may not assign or delegate these Terms or any portion of your rights or obligations to any third party. Any assignment or delegation without our prior written consent is invalid. We may assign or delegate these Terms or any portion of our rights or obligations to third parties without your consent.
Severability
If any provision herein conflicts with applicable law or is unenforceable, removing that provision without affecting the purpose of these Terms will not affect the remaining provisions and validity of these Terms.
Confidentiality
Unless you obtain Firstory’s prior written consent, during and after your use of Firstory Services, you may not disclose to any third party or use independently any Firstory technical, business, or other information provided or disclosed by Firstory or its designated personnel.
Repeated Notices (Registration, Age, Enforcement)
When you first register a Firstory account and visit the “Firstory Terms of Service” page, continued registration and use constitute acknowledgment that you (or your legal representative) have had reasonable time to review, fully understand all service terms (including the User Guidelines, Privacy Policy, Intellectual Property Policy, and Royalty Withdrawal Terms), and agree to comply. You must be at least 20 years old or meet the age of majority in your jurisdiction. If underage, obtain legal representative consent before registering and using Firstory Services.
For suspected infringement, crimes, violations of these Guidelines or other laws, or verified false identity information, Firstory may independently judge and terminate all or part of services (including warnings, stopping content transmission, deleting published content, restricting account functions up to permanent closure), and take appropriate legal measures. Firstory may announce handling results and decide whether to restore services. Records of suspected infringement, crimes, or legal violations will be retained and provided to competent authorities and designated online protection agencies; deleted content will not be restored. If we deactivate or delete your account, you understand and agree you can no longer access your data via your account.
If your violation of these Guidelines leads to third‑party complaints or lawsuits, you bear full legal responsibility. If your illegal or breach conduct causes Firstory Group or successor companies to compensate any third party or be penalized by authorities, you must fully compensate them for all losses (including reputational and economic losses such as fines, litigation fees, attorneys’ fees, third‑party claims, etc.).
User Conduct Guidelines
You may not use or target Firstory Services and its software/website for any acts that endanger network security or infringe the law, including but not limited to:
Illegal intrusion into others’ networks, interference with normal network functions, or theft of network data.
Providing programs/tools specifically used for network intrusion, interference with normal functions and security measures, or theft of data.
Attempting to modify, intrude, or interfere with Firstory platform functions, data, integrity, and/or service interfaces in any way.
Attempting to use auxiliary/plug‑in/acceleration/modification programs, intruding into Firstory, copying/changing packet values, affecting platform operation or interfering with activities and outcomes.
Exploiting unnatural or erroneous bugs/vulnerabilities in the app to overload or crash servers, or to obtain virtual gifts or other benefits.
Attempting to steal or modify Firstory platform data, steal or modify user data, or misuse others’ Firstory accounts.
Attempting to create derivative works or other intellectual property in any way.
Providing technical support, advertising, payment settlement, or other assistance to others known to be engaging in activities that endanger network security.
Using unauthorized data or accessing unauthorized servers/accounts.
Entering public networks or others’ computer systems without permission to delete, modify, or add stored information.
Attempting to probe, scan, or test vulnerabilities of Firstory Services and its software/website or otherwise undermine network security without authorization.
Attempting to interfere with or disrupt normal operation of Firstory Services and its software/website; deliberately spreading malware or viruses or other behaviors that disrupt normal online information services.
Forging TCP/IP packet names or parts of names.
Reverse engineering, disassembling, compiling, or otherwise attempting to discover source code of Firstory software.
Malicious account registration, including frequent or bulk registrations.
Money laundering.
Other acts violating laws/regulations, Firstory Terms, policies, guidelines, or infringing others’ lawful rights.
If Firstory has reason to believe your conduct violates or may violate the above, Firstory may independently judge and handle, and terminate services at any time without prior notice, and pursue related responsibilities.
Prohibited Requests and Conduct Toward Firstory Personnel
You may not help/encourage/coordinate/represent other users (including listeners and creators) to request Firstory to violate the Terms (including these Guidelines) or demand special treatment for podcasters, regardless of whether you contact Firstory personnel via Firstory Services.
You may not defame, bully, abuse, harass, threaten, coerce, or impersonate other users or Firstory Group personnel through any expression (text, speech, physical), whether or not via Firstory Services.
You may not help/encourage/coordinate/represent other users to interfere with or manipulate activities on Firstory Services and its software/website. If such actions involve gambling or other illegal/infringing acts, you bear legal responsibility.
Content Standards
Content you post via Firstory Services includes but is not limited to text, photos, videos, audio (e.g., posts, photo uploads, live streams, short videos). You must comply with law and social norms; otherwise, Firstory will take appropriate measures immediately.
Content you post via Firstory Services may not include:
Endangering national security; leaking state secrets.
Inciting regional discrimination or hatred.
Fabricating/spreading rumors, fraud, false information, disrupting social order.
Spreading obscene/pornographic/gambling/violence/murder/terror or inciting crime.
Endangering network security; using the internet to endanger national security.
Insulting or threatening others via any expression.
Spreading obscenities; harming public order and good morals.
Infringing others’ lawful rights (including but not limited to privacy, name, portrait, reputation, agency, trademark, copyright, and other IP).
Posting, distributing, transmitting, broadcasting, publicly performing, or otherwise displaying private, privileged, proprietary, aggressive, intimidating, violent, inciting violence, nude, discriminatory, unlawful, hateful, harassing, obscene pornographic, or sexually suggestive materials or content.
Distributing commercial ads or similar solicitations, excessive marketing, and spam.
Recording/photographing others without permission, infringing their lawful rights.
Content involving terror, bloody violence, high risk, harming the performer’s or others’ physical/mental health, including:
Any violent and/or self‑harm content.
Any content threatening life/health, using dangerous weapons that endanger personal or property rights.
Content encouraging/inducing others to participate in dangerous or illegal activities that may cause injury or death.
Death‑related scenes: corpses, specimens, crime scenes.
Using unclear or altered photos/videos that cannot identify you.
Editing others’ photos/text by adding/removing/covering words/symbols/info to damage image or cause negative comments.
You may not use Firstory Services to provide sexual services, buy/sell illegal goods or drugs (even if certain drugs are legal in your region).
You may not encourage Firstory users to use other brands’ services via Firstory Services.
You may not create/upload unauthorized commercial or harassing messages (e.g., spam) to any Firstory Services users.
You may not transmit worms, viruses, spyware, malware, or other malicious code, nor otherwise interfere with/interrupt/overload/damage the normal operation, security, confidentiality, or interface of Firstory Services and its software/website.
You may not change/modify/alter features, integrity, and/or service interface of Firstory Services, nor create derivatives, crack, or attempt to obtain our source code or other IP. You may not use plug‑ins, reverse code, or any improper method to use Firstory Services.
You may not limit or attempt to limit others’ use of Firstory Services and its software/website, or interfere with or attempt to interfere with others’ usage experience.
You may not help or encourage anyone to violate any clause of Firstory Terms (including these Guidelines) or other terms published by Firstory Group.
Moderation, Investigation, and Removal
Firstory has no obligation to pre‑review or monitor content you post or interactions with other users. However, if Firstory discovers (including via third‑party reports) that your content violates Firstory Terms (including these Guidelines) or other legal norms, Firstory may investigate and review the violation, and based on results, remove/delete/cancel/edit/change/modify and/or block your account and/or all or part of your content.
You are fully responsible for the content you post and your interactions with other users, whether online or offline. You agree Firstory Group is not responsible for any user’s behavior; however, Firstory may participate in disputes between you and other users if deemed appropriate.
Content Use Without Permission
Without Firstory’s written consent, you may not independently or by authorization/permission/assistance of any third party engage in the following with information/content on Firstory Services and its software/website:
Store, reproduce, distribute information/content for promotional or commercial purposes such as increasing reads/views.
Edit/organize/arrange information/content and display it outside the source pages of Firstory Services and its software/website.
Use special identifiers/codes or any method to independently or assist third parties to generate traffic/read guidance, diversion, or hijacking causing adverse effects on information/content.
Other illegal acquisition of information/content.
Sharing After Written Permission
After Firstory’s written consent, your sharing/forwarding of information/content must comply with:
Without Firstory’s prior written consent, do not publicly disclose/provide/leak to any third party the obtained statistics such as popular search terms, hit rates, categories, search volumes, click rates, read volumes.
Do not alter source webpages in any form, including the homepage link entry; do not obstruct/overlay/insert/pop up on source page displays.
Adopt safe, effective, stringent measures to prevent information/content from being illegally acquired by third parties via “spider” programs or any means.
Do not use related data/content beyond the scope permitted by Firstory’s written authorization; do not sell or use commercially or disclose/provide/allow third‑party use in any form.
Comply with any other regulations Firstory formulates for such sharing/forwarding/copying.
Advertising Authorization and Revenue Sharing Plans
Free Plan:
By using our free plan, you automatically become our dynamic ad insertion partner. This authorizes us to insert ads into your podcast to
Paid Plan
By using our paid plan, you are authorized to designate on a episode by episode basis, whether dynamic ad insertion is enabled. You may enable or disable ad insertion for any episode at your discretion.
Provided however, that if an episode with ad insertion enabled is subject to an active dynamic ad campaign, you may not remove or disable the ad until the campaign has concluded.