FACULTY: How do I troubleshoot Video Studio recording issues in Blackboard Ultra?

Overview

If you are having trouble recording or uploading videos using Video Studio in Blackboard Ultra, this article will help you fix common issues with your camera, microphone, screen sharing, and uploads.

đź“Ś Need help recording a video?
If you are trying to learn how to record and add videos, see:
FACULTY: How do I record and add videos in Blackboard Ultra using Video Studio?

🎥 Common issues and how to fix them

đź“· Camera or microphone not working

If you try to record audio/video and receive an error saying "permissions required", your browser is blocking access to your camera or microphone.

Chrome

  • Click the lock icon to the left of the web address bar

  • Select the arrow next to Microphone or Camera

  • Choose the device you want to use and set to Allow (box next to microphone should be blue)

  • Or: Go to Chrome Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → bridgew.blackboard.com → Allow Camera and Microphone

Safari (Mac)

  • Click the button to the left of the address bar

  • Choose Website Settings

  • Set Camera and Microphone to Allow

Other tips

  • If your camera/mic is already in use by another app (Zoom, Teams, etc.), quit that app and try again

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

For Chrome:

  1. Select the button on the left of the web address bar (when you hover over this button, it will say "View site information").Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)You can see what permissions you've given to the site after clicking this icon
  2. Select the arrow to the right of the microphone/videoUploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  3. Select the microphone/camera that you wish to use and allow use on the website (box next to microphone should be blue) 

You can also change your setting for the website by going to your Google Chrome Settings and selecting Privacy and security > Site settings > bridgew.blackboard.com > Allow Camera and Microphone

For Safari (Mac):

  1. Select the button on the left of the website address barUploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  2. Select "Website Settings"
  3. Ensure Camera and Microphone are allowed

🖥️ Screen recording not working (Mac users)

macOS requires you to give your browser permission to record your screen.

macOS steps

  1. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording

  2. Enable screen recording access for Chrome or Safari

  3. Quit and restart your browser

If you get a “permissions” error

  • In Chrome, click Open System Settings from the pop-up, check the box next to Google Chrome, then close and reopen Chrome

  • In Safari, click Allow when prompted to let bridgew.blackboard.com share your screen

  • You can change these permissions later in Safari Website Settings

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

For Chrome:

  1. Select "Open System Settings"
  2. Make sure the box next to "Google Chrome" is blue:Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  3. Close and reopen Google Chrome

For Safari (Mac), you will receive a pop up that asks you to allow "bridgew.blackboard.com" to share your screen. Select Allow. You can change these settings in your "site settings" later on if needed.

Recording won’t start or keeps failing

  • Try using Chrome or Firefox, which are best supported by Video Studio

  • Check your internet connection — Video Studio needs a stable network to record

  • Clear your browser cache and reload the page

  • Restart your computer if it hasn’t been rebooted recently

Recording stops early or won’t save

  • There is a 20-minute time limit for recordings created directly in Video Studio

  • If your video is longer than 20 minutes, record it with another tool and upload it instead

  • Make sure you click “Save Video” after finishing your recording

Upload fails or gets stuck

  • Large video files can take time to upload — wait a few minutes

  • Try a smaller resolution or shorter clip if it continues to fail

  • Check that your browser is up to date

  • Try uploading from a different browser or network

đź’ˇ Tips to avoid future problems

  • Always use Chrome or Firefox when recording in Blackboard Ultra

  • Restart your browser before recording to ensure no other apps are using the camera/mic

  • Make a short test recording first to confirm everything is working

  • Close extra tabs or programs to reduce system load while recording

âś… Summary

If Video Studio isn’t working properly in Blackboard Ultra, check your browser permissions, screen recording settings (on Mac), internet connection, and the 20-minute time limit.
Use the tips above to fix common issues and ensure your recordings upload successfully.

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