Task Type: Multimedia (Text, Photos, Videos, Screen Recordings, Audio Recordings, Files)

• Text Response Type
• Media Response Types
  • Photo Response
  • Video Response
  • Audio Response
  • Screen Recording Response
• File Response
• Enforcing Overall Limits

Multimedia is a Task Type that allows for the collection of text, photos, videos, screen recordings, audio, and files from the participant in a single task response. Any combination of requirements can be configured.

If set as Required, a minimum of one word or one media file must be provided by the participant in order to proceed. However, these minimum requirements can be customized as needed.

During a Multimedia Task setup, simply switch on the desired Response Types (i.e. Text, Photos, Videos, Audio, Screen Recording and Files) based on what your question calls for. You can then customize each selected type based on the presented options and even enforce a total attachment limit.

Text Response Type

Enabling a Text response as part of your Multimedia Task (or selecting Text from the Task Type menu) provides participants with an open ended text box on the Task's page during completion. 

You can add verbiage that will appear directly above the text box (but still separate from your Questions or Instructions) using the Customize prompt option. You can also have the text box Display below attachments if desired - this setting is useful if your question stresses the media upload portion before responding to additional questions. 

You can also choose to Allow text formatting (useful if you want people to be able to use emojis in their response) as well as enforce a minimum and / or maximum word count.  

Media Response Types

When you enable Photos, Videos, or Audio as response types in your Multimedia Task (or select one of these from the Task Type menu), participants will see large Add Photo, Add Video, and/or Record Audio buttons on their task page. Participants can upload a photo / video / audio file from their device, capture media directly within the task, or search and choose from our photo library.

When the Video, Audio, or Screen Recording response type options are enabled, the video/audio capture is embedded directly in the page so instructions stay visible while recording.  

Here’s how each response type works and the options available to customize the experience.

Photo Responses

Participants can respond with photos by using the Add Photo button. There are multiple configurations you can set for photo responses:

• Limit Photo Quantity: Use the Limit quantity option to set the minimum and maximum photo submissions required for the task. These limits will be shown to participants.
• Customize Stock Photo Access:
  • Disable Stock Photos: If you want participants to upload their own photos, disable the Allow stock photo search option.
  • Stock Photos Only: To restrict participants to only use stock photos, enable Limit to stock photo search only. This will remove the option to upload personal photos.
• Allow Descriptions: You can allow or require participants to provide descriptions for each photo. Customize the prompt for these descriptions using the Customize prompt option.

Photo response uploads should be .jpg, .png, .gif etc.

Video Responses

Participants can submit videos using the Add Video button. There are several configurations for video submissions:

• Limit Video Quantity: Use the Limit quantity option to specify the minimum and maximum number of videos required to complete the task.
• Set Duration Limits: Use the Limit duration option to specify the minimum and maximum length of video uploads.
• Allow Descriptions: You can enable descriptions for each video response and make them required if necessary. The Customize prompt option lets you modify the description prompt.

Video response uploads should be filetypes such as .mp4, .mov, .avi etc. 

Audio Responses

Participants can provide audio responses by selecting the Record Audio button. Here’s how each configuration works:

• Limit Audio Quantity: Use the Limit quantity option to set a minimum and maximum number of audio submissions required. 
• Set Duration Limits: You can set minimum and maximum duration limits for each audio recording.
• Allow Descriptions: Enable descriptions for audio responses if needed, with an option to make them required. Use Customize prompt to personalize the description prompt text.

By setting limits, customizing prompts, and controlling media options, you can create a smooth, tailored multimedia experience for your participants.

Screen Recording Responses

The Screen Recording response type is similar to the other media response types in that you can use the custom limits, descriptions and customized prompt options. A warning always appears to highlight the fact that participant must use a supported web browser to create a screen recording. Learn more about screen recordings.

Enforcing Overall Limits

If your Multimedia Task provides participants with multiple ways to respond to the question, the Limits section on the setup page offers the ability to enforce a minimum and / or maximum total attachment limit. Imagine a question whereby participants can either respond in a video OR photos (possibly with an additional text component). 

In a case like this, you don't want to have a minimum value set for both photo and video Response Types as participants will then be forced to add both. Instead, you want to use the Enforce total attachment limit to set a response requirement and still offer the choice of attachment type.

For more information on how you can leverage the Multimedia Task type within your research, make sure to check out our Spotlight: Multimedia Task blog article!