Overview of the UserTesting Recorders

When taking tests through the UserTesting platform, you may see different recorders depending on the device and/or web browser you’re using. Please review the information below to see how and when you will use the different recorders.

Computer Tests 

For computer tests, the recorder you use during your test will depend on your web browser. Continue reading to learn more about our recorders and how to set them up before testing. 

For tests completed on Google Chrome:

If you use Google Chrome to complete your test, you’ll use the UserTesting Browser Recorder. This recorder is an extension that you’ll need to add to your browser from the Chrome Store, and it lives directly in your browser. 

During your test, your task instructions will appear in a small box that you can collapse, expand, and move around your screen as needed. 

📌 Please do not click Stop Sharing on the Google Chrome notification at the bottom of your browser window. This will automatically end your test, and we will not be able to pay you for your time.

For more information, read our article, “How do I use the UserTesting Browser Recorder?”

For tests completed on all other web browsers (Firefox, Edge, Safari):

If you use any web browser other than Google Chrome to complete your test, you’ll use our

Seamless Desktop Recorder. Before you can get started with this recorder, you’ll need to complete a series of steps to allow access to your microphone and computer screen (and, in some cases, your camera), but no installation is required.

The main feature of the Seamless Desktop Recorder is its two-tab design. With the task instructions open in one tab, you’ll review the test content the customer has provided on a separate web page. To complete your test, you'll need to keep the task instructions open during the entire session. 

For more information, read our article, "How do I use the Seamless Desktop Recorder?"

Mobile Tests 

The recorder you’ll use when taking mobile tests depends on the kind of device you have. If you’re using an iOS device, you’ll use our UserTesting App for iOS. If you’re using an Android device, you’ll use our UserTesting App for Android.

Both of these recorders require using the Task Button in order to navigate between the customer’s website/app and the task instructions. During your test, tap the minus (-) button to minimize the task instructions in order to view the customer’s website/app. When you need to view the task instructions again, tap the plus (+) button.

Live Conversation Tests

Live Conversation Tests are one-on-one interviews with our customers using a third-party video conferencing tool called Zoom. You’ll need to download the Zoom software before attending your Live Conversation. If you accept a Desktop Live Conversation Test, you’ll join the interview directly from your dashboard.

If you accept a Mobile Live Conversation Test, you’ll join the interview from a reminder email on your mobile device.

Once you join your Live Conversation Test, you’ll speak directly with the customer for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

Thanks for taking the time to learn about our different recorders. If you have any questions or comments about the UserTesting recorders, please feel free to reach out to our support team.