Upload a video to a lesson

In this article: How to upload a video file to a lesson, choose a poster image (thumbnail), and preview the result. All Plans

Why add video to your lessons

Video is one of the most effective ways to teach. A short, focused video showing a concept or walking through a technique can communicate more than pages of text. When you upload a video to Ruzuku, we host it for you and automatically convert it into a web- and mobile-optimized format with adaptive streaming. That means the player adjusts quality based on each student's device and connection speed.

Ruzuku supports MP4 and MOV files in any resolution, including 720p, 1080p, and 4K.

File size limits: Up to 2 GB per video on Core plans, 4 GB on Pro.

Tip: Name your video file simply — lowercase, no spaces or special characters. This helps ensure the smoothest upload and conversion.

Upload a video

Open your course and go to Manage Course (keyboard shortcut: Cmd+K on Mac, Ctrl+K on Windows).
Click Modules & Lessons in the Content column.
Click the lesson where you want to add a video (or click Add Lesson to create a new one).
In the lesson editor, click Add media.
Click Choose file. You can also drag the video onto the window.
Select the video from your computer.
Wait for the upload to finish. A progress bar shows where the video will go. Upload time depends on file size and your internet connection.
You'll know the upload is complete when you see a checkmark and "saved" in the upper right corner of the editor.

If you already uploaded this video, Ruzuku offers to reuse it. That saves you from waiting for the same large file twice.

If an upload fails, Ruzuku shows you why. Click Retry to try again, or Delete to remove it. If your internet connection dropped, the upload retries on its own when you're back online.

Record a video in your browser

In the lesson editor, click Add media.
Click Record video. On a computer, a small webcam panel opens. On a phone, your camera opens.
Click Start.
Click Stop when you're done.
Click Use video to add it to the lesson, or Retake to try again.

If your camera is blocked or in use by another app, Ruzuku tells you why. Fix the problem, then click Try again.

Set a poster image

The poster image is the thumbnail students see before they press play. By default, Ruzuku uses the first frame of your video. Here's how to pick a better frame:

Click on the uploaded video in the lesson editor.
Click the Change Poster Image icon that appears.
Drag the video cursor along the bottom to find the frame you want.
Click Set Poster Image to save your selection.

Preview your video

Click Student View in the upper right corner of the lesson editor to see exactly what your students will see, including how the video plays. Click the editor toggle at the top to return to editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What video formats does Ruzuku support?

Ruzuku accepts MP4 and MOV files. After upload, videos are automatically converted to a web-optimized format with adaptive streaming that adjusts quality based on each student's connection.

What's the maximum video file size?

2 GB per video on Core plans, 4 GB on Pro. If your file is larger, try reducing the resolution or using HandBrake to compress it.

Can I record video directly in Ruzuku?

Yes. Click Add media, then Record video. This lets you record with your webcam without needing separate software.

Can I embed a video from YouTube or Vimeo instead of uploading?

Yes. Click Add media → Embed a video or code, paste the YouTube or Vimeo link, and click Insert. The link turns into a video player. If you use Vimeo with domain restrictions, add embed.ruzukuassets.com to your allowed domains.