Screencasts and Videos are Black when Previewing

Hi! I have the same problem as you when I preview screencast or video in Storyline3. The project works fine when it's published so the problem is only in preview-stage. I hope you get a reply to your question, that helps me with my problem aswell. 

Looks like there was another discussion on this (see just to the right), but when I click on the discussion, it says I don't have access to see the page.  I'm wanting to share/preview with my exec stakeholders, but need them to see more than a black screen.  Please help.  Thx!

Hi Sylvia - Looks like that discussion must have been deleted by the user. I cannot see it either, so we aren't hiding anything from you :)

When inserting a video or a Flash (SWF) file into Articulate Storyline, you may find that the placeholder image for the video or Flash file appears as a white, black, or transparent rectangle. Although the content will work as expected when you publish, this can make it difficult to see the placeholder while you're developing your course in Storyline.

To make it easier to see, right-click the placeholder and select Set Poster Frame, then browse to an image file to use as your placeholder image.

Tip: If you configure the video or Flash file to start when clicked or triggered, learners will see the poster frame image in your published course.

Are you not hosting the content somewhere to share with your stakeholders? Not all items work as expected when previewing.

Hi Leslie - Thanks for your reply!  I have done the things you suggested, but I do still need to be able to preview an unpublished version with my stakeholders.  In this case, the Storyline is still be developed (not published) and I'm trying to get buy-in on the video placement/concept.  Does that make sense? 

Is that something that is being worked on?  I don't recall the issue in Storyline 1 or 2.  Thx!

Hi Sylvia,

Can you confirm what video file type you're using? For example, MP4, SWF, FLV, or something else?

Hi Alyssa,   Happy New Year!

The files are MP4s.  And I've found is that the behavior is intermittent. 

This weekend, I was working from home and not docked to my larger monitors in the office.  Surprisingly, the videos played.  In the office (this morning) while docked again, the videos were black, but the audio played.   I tried undocked in the office again, but the videos were still black. 

Any thoughts?  Other experiences like this?  I will be reaching out to my IT Team as well!

Hmm, that's really strange! You definitely shouldn't have a problem previewing MP4 files. 

I'm curious, does this happen with any Storyline file that contains MP4 videos, or just this file in particular?

I just started this role at this new company, so this is the only .story I have right now with imported video.  I will test out and let you know.  Have you seen this before?

Hi there Sylvia,

No, I haven't seen this happen before with MP4 video files. And since it previewed correctly when you were not docked to your external monitors, it sounds like it could have something to do with your set-up. 

If you're still running into this problem, could you share your file with our team by clicking here? We can test it in a variety of environments and let you know what we find. Thanks!

Hi, My problem with black screen is when previewing screenrecordings made in Storyline2. I view it in Storyline3. I haven't come across the problem yet with recordings made in Storyline3!

Hi Carola,

So sorry that's happening! Would you mind sharing the original Storyline 2 file with me? I'd like to upgrade it to Storyline 3 and test previewing the file. 

You can attach it here to a new thread comment, or send it to our team privately here. Thanks!

Hi Alyssa,

I have the same problem as Carola with screenrecordings made in Storyline3.

I have any black screens when I preview my project in Storyline and when I publish it.

Thank you for you answer.

Hi Blandine,

Can you share your .story file with us too? I don't see an update on Carola's case yet so we'd be happy to take a look at your projects too. You can share it here using the Add Attachment button or send it along to our Support team here. 

Hi, Henry.  I wasn't sure what I was seeing in the link that you included: https://imgur.com/3sJPjBC .  Was there a different video or file that you wanted to send us?

When you replace the video in your duplicated slide, does the new video file have the same dimensions as the original video?

Hi Henry,

Could you include a copy of your .story file for us to look at as well? Even one of your MP4 videos that we can look at importing into Storyline would help us track this down and look at replicating it. Lastly, what version of Storyline are you using? 

I am experiencing a similar problem.  I am using Storyline 360 to create an elearning module I have audio embedded but no videos.  I am only getting a black screen when I try to preview.  I've uninstalled adobe flash player (based on advice from other threads) but the problem persits.  Can anyone help?

Welcome, Johanne ..and yikes!

I'm so sorry you're seeing that when trying to preview all your hard work. We're here to help!

First, let's see if a simple Storyline 360 repair helps. If those steps don't help fix the issue, let's give the How to Fix Unexpected or Erratic Behavior ones a go.

Keep me posted, as I'm happy to keep digging!

[Doosan Babcock Classification - DOOSAN-GREEN]

Hi Katie,

Thank you for your message.

I've followed the instructions and I'm getting the same problem.

I've rebooted and uninstalled. I'm can see it is freezing on one specific slide.

I think I will delete the slide and rebuild it, it has 6 layers and audio so it might be a corrupt slide.

I'll keep you updated.

Kind regards
Johanne.

That's a good plan, Johanne. And we're here for you if you need any help with that. 

By the way, you can edit out your contact information from your post if you'd like!  Replying via email will include your signature.

Thanks Alyssa.

I've now deleted the slide and recreated it I've followed the troubleshooting instructions.

I'm still having the same problem.

I can view the scene and play it but I can't preview the whole project including the quiz.  I've tried publishing in multiple ways and again it's the same result.  

I would really appreciate any advice.  I've contacted my IT team and they have investigated.  They believe the problem is in the application.  I've deleted the slide, uninstalled the program and reinstalled.  

Thanks

Johanne.

Appreciate you letting us know what you've tried so far, Johanne! So sorry this problem is still lurking in the shadows.

Hm, I wonder if importing the slides into a new file might do the trick. Here's how!

If that still doesn't help, could you send us your .story file? Feel free to either add the project as a comment by using the Add Attachment button in your reply or send it privately via this link. We'll dive into the slides with our flashlights and let you know what we find!