We all know the benefits of video when it comes to elearning and we see many uses:
- Video can frame up key concepts in an enjoyable and digestible format for our learners. For example, welcome videos are a simple means to providing learners with some context around the subject-matter being explored.
- Videos are a neat way to narrate a story. It puts a face to that name we don’t get with Voice Overs.
- Videos are transferable. Whilst video can be embedded in an elearning module, it may also have other uses depending on the content.
- Animated video is a really interactive way of demonstrating sticky content in a fun and engaging format.
In a perfect scenario, organisations would be supported in delivering each of these benefits, hassle-free. They aren’t.
What are the considerations in the quest to achieve optimal video performance?
Bandwidth Constraints
Streaming video requires reliable internet access, and while emerging technologies like 5G promise high-speed connectivity, they’re not a complete solution. 5G networks deliver faster speeds and broader coverage than 4G, helping to bridge connectivity gaps for learners in remote or underserved regions. However, many still lack access to these networks — as of the mid-2020s, more than 30% of rural households globally rely on 3G or slower connections, making it difficult to stream high-quality video content.
In practice, this means it’s unwise to assume every learner can play a 1080p video on demand. The solution is to optimise elearning videos for lower bandwidth by compressing file sizes, using adaptive streaming that automatically adjusts video quality, and offering alternatives such as offline downloads, transcripts, or text-based summaries. Even with 5G on the rise, “last mile” connectivity issues will persist for some time, so it’s important to plan fallback options. As a rule, test video playback under different network conditions—such as throttled mobile data or home broadband—to ensure every learner has an acceptable experience.
LMS File Limits and Hosting Issues
Another challenge in video-based learning is deciding where and how to host your videos. Many Learning Management Systems (LMS) have strict upload size limits or restricted storage capacity. More importantly, most LMS platforms aren’t designed to handle the heavy streaming demands of large video files. Uploading a 200 MB video directly into a course can quickly consume server space and degrade performance for learners.
A better approach is to host videos on a dedicated streaming service and embed them into the elearning module. Platforms such as Vimeo, YouTube, or enterprise-grade video hosts manage bandwidth, encoding, and device compatibility far more efficiently, keeping your LMS lightweight and fast. Many LMS platforms now offer integrations or plugins that make this process seamless.
When using external hosts, privacy and IT policy considerations are key. Some organisations block public video sites for bandwidth or security reasons, so you may need to use private hosting or seek internal approval. Our company’s video solutions are designed to integrate with existing LMS environments while maintaining full control over access, eliminating concerns around file size, storage, and playback performance.
Video player size and screen resolution
The visual presentation of your video within an eLearning course has a major impact on learner experience. If the video player is too small, such as in a sidebar or fixed 800×600 frame, text, demonstrations, or interface elements can appear blurry or unreadable. Learners today access training on a variety of devices, from large monitors to smartphones, so content must remain clear and legible across all screen sizes.
To ensure clarity, design and export videos with large, readable fonts and strong colour contrast, avoiding overly detailed visuals that won’t scale well. Your video player should support fullscreen mode and responsive resizing to allow learners to adjust the viewing experience. It’s also essential to test your videos on multiple devices and resolutions to identify potential issues, such as cropped captions or illegible elements. This proactive approach ensures consistent quality and usability for every learner, regardless of their device.
Accessibility for all learners
Video-rich content offers powerful engagement but can exclude learners if accessibility isn’t properly addressed. Learners who are deaf or hard of hearing need captions or transcripts to access spoken content, while those who are blind or have low vision may require audio descriptions of on-screen actions.
Each video should include closed captions or subtitles for dialogue and key sound cues. When captions aren’t feasible, provide a transcript that also describes visual context, not just the narration. Consider offering optional audio descriptions for visually impaired users, which can be delivered as a separate track or built into the narration.
Equally important is ensuring the video player itself is accessible. Learners should be able to control playback, volume, and navigation using a keyboard or screen reader. If your LMS player doesn’t support these features, consider using an accessible third-party player or a platform that complies with WCAG and Section 508 standards. By making video content accessible, you not only meet compliance requirements but also create a more inclusive and flexible learning experience for all users.
What can you do about it?
Even the most well-designed eLearning module can stumble if video delivery isn’t handled carefully. Below are some practical, field-tested tips to help overcome common technical and accessibility hurdles.
Bandwidth
Before you upload or stream a single video, take time to understand your organisation’s bandwidth landscape. In large or complex environments, eLearning content usually sits low on the bandwidth priority list. eg behind video conferencing, data transfers, and system operations. Lobbying for special treatment may not get far, so your best strategy is awareness and adjustment.
Collaborate with your IT department to identify bandwidth limits, peak and off-peak usage times, and typical learner environments (office, home, or mobile). From there, make informed compromises: reduce video resolution, shorten clips, or use adaptive streaming that adjusts quality automatically. Keep in mind that even small optimisations like compressing files or offering a downloadable alternative can dramatically improve the learner experience.
LMS Data Limits
Many Learning Management Systems enforce strict upload restrictions, sometimes as low as 50 MB per file. That can make it nearly impossible to embed high-quality videos directly into your course package. When that’s the case, don’t fight the system…work with it!
The solution is to host your video externally through a secure streaming platform and embed it into your elearning module. This allows you to maintain quality while reducing LMS load times. If your organisation doesn’t have an internal video hosting environment, your eLearning or video provider can assist with a compliant, branded solution that integrates smoothly with your LMS.
Video Player and Window Size
If your design involves showing a full-screen software simulation in a small, fixed-size window then stop right there. Learners will spend more time squinting than learning. Video and simulation content must be displayed at a resolution that allows every button, menu, or text label to be clearly visible.
Any elearning authoring tool (Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, or Camtasia etc) will allow you to record simulations and adjust screen resolution for optimal clarity. Always test your course at various screen sizes and aspect ratios, especially if it will be accessed on mobile devices. If possible, enable full-screen playback or a responsive video window to ensure that learners can view the content comfortably and as intended.
Accessibility
Accessibility isn’t optional, it’s an essential design consideration. Following the WCAG 2.2 guidelines will ensure your videos are usable for all learners. Start with closed captions; they should accompany every spoken word and relevant sound cue. Captions not only support learners with hearing impairments but also help those in noisy environments or who prefer reading along.
Provide a full video transcript where possible, including descriptions of key visuals. For learners with visual impairments, consider adding audio descriptions that narrate on-screen actions or graphics. Finally, ensure your video player is compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation.
Accessibility can sometimes highlight broader limitations in an organisation’s digital infrastructure. In these cases, consider alternative learning formats like text-based scenarios or guided discussions to ensure every learner can participate meaningfully.
The content on this page was last updated on 21 Oct 2025.
Additional Considerations When Using xAPI and Web-Embedded Video
When a video is embedded directly into a website or SharePoint page, rather than inside a packaged eLearning module, the way learning data is captured and managed changes significantly. The following points outline the key considerations when using xAPI for tracking in web environments.
1. Launch and Tracking Mechanisms
Websites and SharePoint pages do not automatically communicate with an LMS, so any learning data such as video starts, pauses, or completions must be captured using xAPI scripts.
Implement lightweight JavaScript functions that send xAPI statements whenever a learner interacts with the video.
Ensure your Learning Record Store (LRS) is configured to accept data from that domain. This often requires setting correct CORS headers and secure authentication tokens.
Decide whether to record learner data anonymously, which suits public learning sites, or through authenticated sign-ins such as Microsoft or Google credentials for internal use.
2. Player Compatibility
Not all embedded video players allow xAPI event tracking, so compatibility is essential.
Vimeo and YouTube both provide APIs that can trigger xAPI events such as “play,” “pause,” and “complete.”
Microsoft Stream on SharePoint has more limited functionality and may require custom event listeners or integration with Power Automate to send data to your LRS.
Always test that your chosen player supports the JavaScript events you need, otherwise key learning data may not be captured correctly.
3. Content Security and Access Control
Since browser-based xAPI tracking depends on client-side scripts, securing your data flow is important.
Always use HTTPS, along with API keys or tokens, to prevent unauthorised submissions to your LRS.
Align SharePoint or intranet permissions with your organisation’s identity management system so that only authorised users can generate data.
If your videos are available to the public, consider routing your tracking requests through middleware so your LRS endpoints remain hidden.
4. Reporting and Analytics
xAPI gives much greater flexibility than SCORM, but it also requires more deliberate planning.
Establish clear verbs and activity definitions such as “watched,” “paused,” or “completed” before implementation.
Identify the reporting goal, whether compliance tracking or engagement analysis.
Integrate your LRS data into analytics tools such as Power BI or Tableau, or your LMS reporting dashboard, to provide insight into learner behaviour and performance.
5. Maintenance and Future-Proofing
Although updating content on websites or SharePoint is easier than republishing course packages, xAPI tracking still needs careful maintenance.
Version both your videos and tracking scripts so that older links do not send outdated data.
Keep a record of your xAPI statement templates for continuity when new developers or vendors become involved.
If you are using SharePoint Online, periodically verify that Microsoft Stream’s API or embedding features have not changed, as updates can sometimes disrupt tracking.
Chat to our team of experts
These are straightforward solutions to complex, everyday challenges. Partnering with an experienced elearning provider can help you navigate them quickly and effectively. Nothing surprises seasoned developers when it comes to managing video in learning environments and a small adjustment early on can prevent major usability headaches later.
The content on this page was last updated on 24 March 2026.
