FAQ: Face Recording

Review this article to learn more about Face Recording tests:

What is Face Recording?
How do I know if Face Recording is required in a test?
Do I have to enable any permissions for Face Recording?
What if I accidentally deny camera access?
What will I see when completing a test with Face Recording?
How is my data from Face Recording tests used?

What is Face Recording?

Face Recording is a new test type that allows UserTesting to capture your facial expressions during a standard unmoderated test. Our customers are interested in seeing your natural reactions when you interact with their products and experiences. This gives them deeper insights into your thoughts and feelings.

You’ll proceed through the test as normal by completing the tasks, but the recording will include video of your face and any surroundings, in addition to your screen and audio.

How do I know if Face Recording is required in a test?

For all tests that require Face Recording, you will always see a screener before you accept the test which asks if you are comfortable sharing your facial expressions, device screen, and microphone audio. If you would rather not have yourself recorded during the test, you can always choose to decline these tests.

Computer only:

To quickly identify Face Recording tests, look for the Face Recording badge when browsing your Test Feed: 

Do I have to enable any permissions for Face Recording?

Computer: 

If you participate in a test that requires Face Recording on your computer, you’ll need to allow camera access for the UserTesting Recorder. You’ll be prompted to do this the first time you accept a test that requires camera access. Click Allow when prompted:

Mobile Device: 

If you participate in a test that requires Face Recording on your mobile device, you’ll need to allow camera access for the UserTesting app. You’ll be prompted to do this the first time you accept a mobile test that requires camera access. Tap Enable Camera and then Allow when prompted:

What if I accidentally deny camera access?

Computer: 

If you accidentally deny camera access for a computer test, see instructions here for how to reset permissions.

Mobile Device:

If you accidentally deny camera access for a mobile test, see instructions here for how to take mobile Face Recording tests in the future.

What will I see when completing a test with Face Recording?

Computer:

When you accept a test on a computer that requires Face Recording, you’ll notice a Select Camera step before you share your screen. In this step, you’ll see a preview of what your video will look like. You can also change the camera selection by clicking the dropdown menu.

Once you’ve positioned yourself in the middle of the video preview, click the Next Step button to proceed.

During your test, you’ll see a red camera icon in the task widget:

This icon indicates that your camera is recording, so remember to keep your camera level and positioned so that it’s facing you throughout the test.

If, for some reason, you are unable to share your camera, please quit the test or report a problem. Read here to learn how. 

Mobile device:

When you accept a test on a mobile device that requires Face Recording, you’ll notice a Camera Preview step before you start recording:

Once you’ve positioned yourself in the middle of the video preview, tap the Continue button to proceed.

During your test, you’ll see a red camera icon above the task instructions:

This icon indicates that your camera is recording, so remember to keep your camera level and positioned so that it’s facing you throughout the test.

If, for some reason, you are unable to share your camera, please quit the test or report a problem. Read here to learn how. 

How is my data from Face Recording tests used?

Your privacy is important to us. You are never required to complete a test that requests personal information. Remember, you can choose to accept or decline any test that becomes available to you.

If you do choose to participate in a test that requires Face Recording, please be aware of what your webcam displays, as this will be recorded and shared with the customer. UserTesting will keep this information confidential and will only share it with the customer that ordered the test. UserTesting does not sell your data.

We comply with GDPR, the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework and Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework, and other applicable EU privacy laws which you can read more about here. We also comply with the CCPA, which you can read more about here. Where the Privacy Shield does not apply, UserTesting will abide by the GDPR Standard Contractual Clauses.

If you have further questions about the privacy of your data, please see our full Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@usertesting.com.