FACULTY: How do I record and add videos in Blackboard using Video Studio?

With the built-in Video Studio tool, you can easily create and embed videos directly inside Blackboard Ultra to enhance your teaching and communication with students.

Overview

Blackboard Ultra includes a built-in tool called Video Studio that allows faculty to record and add videos, audio, or screen recordings directly into your course. You can use this tool to:

• Add videos to your course content

• Include videos in assignments and discussion boards

• Record video or audio as feedback while grading student submissions

Recording Limit: Recordings made directly in Video Studio are limited to 20 minutes.  If you need to share longer videos, you can upload a video file instead of recording it live.

Captions: Captions are automatically generated for all videos to support accessibility.

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🎥 Record a video in Blackboard

1. Navigate to where you want the video
   Go to the Content area (or inside a folder/module) where the video should appear.

2. Insert a new item
   Hover between existing items until you see the purple line with a (+) icon. Click it.

3. Select “Record Audio/Video”
   Choose the bottom option: Record audio/video.

4. Choose your recording mode

   • Camera

   • Audio only

   • Screen

   • Audio + Screen

   • Or Upload an existing video from your computer

5. Record

   • If sharing your screen, choose which screen/tab/window to share

   • Click Start Recording

   • Narrate or present your content

   • Use Pause if you need to take a break or switch content

   • Click End Recording when finished
     ⚠️ Reminder: There is a 20-minute limit for recordings created inside Video Studio.

6. Save your video

   • Enter a name (e.g., “Course Tour” or “Module 1 Overview”)

   • Click Save Video

   • New videos are hidden from students by default until you make them visible

💡 TIP: Video Studio recordings do not include editing tools and are limited to 20 minutes. If you need to record or edit a longer lecture, use another program and upload your file instead.

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📍 Use your video in Blackboard

You can insert a video almost anywhere the text editor appears by using the same Audio/Video button.

In Course Content

• Use the steps above to add a video directly between other course materials

In Assignments

• Edit the assignment
• Click the Audio/Video icon in the text editor toolbar
• Record or upload using the same process
• Click Save to embed the video into the assignment instructions

In Discussions

• While creating or replying to a discussion post, click the Audio/Video icon
• Record or upload your video
• Click Save to embed

As Grading Feedback

• While grading a student’s submission:

  • Open their attempt
  • In the feedback panel, click the Audio/Video icon
  • Record a video comment or demonstration

• This is especially useful for giving feedback on speeches, presentations, or performances

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📝 Manage your video

• Captions: Captions are automatically generated after upload (may take a few minutes or longer to appear depending on the length of video)

• Edit captions:

1. Open your video
2. Click the gear icon (upper right) → Edit Video
3. Go to the Captions tab on the left
4. Click the pencil icon to correct any errors
5. Click the checkmark to save each edit, then Save Video

• Edit title or description: Do this in the same Edit Video panel

• Make visible to students: When ready, toggle from Hidden from students to Visible to students

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💡 Tips and best practices

• Use Chrome or Firefox for best results
• Keep recordings under 20 minutes
• Record in a quiet space with a good microphone
• Close unused apps/tabs prior to recording to reduce distractions
• Make a short test recording first
• Provide a transcript or captions for accessibility (captions are automatic, but can be edited)

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📽️ Demo Video: Adding Videos in Blackboard Ultra

Watch this ~8-minute walk through showing how to use the new Video Studio tool inside Blackboard Ultra:

• ⏱️ 0:00 Overview & setup tips for recording
• ⏱️ 0:50 Record a new video using Video Studio
• ⏱️ 1:58 20-minute recording limit & uploading longer videos
• ⏱️ 3:00 Previewing, saving, and captions
• ⏱️ 4:10 Editing titles, captions, and visibility
• ⏱️ 5:50 Add video to course content & assignments
• ⏱️ 6:45 Add video to discussions & announcements
• ⏱️ 7:30 Provide video/audio feedback to students

▶️ Watch: Creating and Adding Videos with Video Studio

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🧑‍🎓 Having students record their own videos?

If you plan to have students submit videos as part of an assessment, you can share these student instructions with them:
STUDENTS: How do I record and submit a video in Blackboard Ultra?  (This article includes a short how-to video just for students.)

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🛠️ Troubleshooting (if something doesn’t work)

• If your camera, microphone, or screen sharing isn’t working:

  • Make sure your browser has permission to use your camera and microphone
  • In Chrome: Click the lock icon next to the URL → Site settings
  • In Safari: Go to Preferences → Websites → Camera / Microphone / Screen Sharing
  • On a Mac, you may need to give Chrome or Safari access to screen recording in
  • System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording

• If upload fails, try again or use a smaller resolution

• For more help, click here to Troubleshoot Video Studio recording issues