Understand Time Doctor’s Screencasts and Video Continuous Features

 

What is the difference between Screencasts and Video Continuous?

Time Doctor includes static screen capture through Screencasts and video capture through Video Continuous. Using the correct feature names helps avoid confusion when reviewing tracked activity.

Screencasts

Screencasts capture static images during tracked time at randomized intervals.

• • Capture static images of on-screen activity during tracked time.
  • Appear at random intervals rather than every minute.
  • Are available on all Time Doctor plans.
  • Can be reviewed from the Screencasts page in the web app.

Video Continuous

Video Continuous captures ongoing screen recording during tracked time when enabled.

• • Captures video rather than static images.
  • Requires supported plan or add-on availability.
  • Is not supported on the ChromeOS Browser App.
  • Can be reviewed from the Screencasts page in the web app.

 

What should be visible and when?

Once the Time Doctor desktop app starts tracking time and the required permissions are granted, Screencasts begin to appear automatically. If Video Continuous is enabled, video recordings are also captured during tracked work.

Allow a few minutes after tracking begins for the first captures to appear in the web app.

 

Why Screencasts or Video Continuous may appear blank or missing

Blank, black, or missing captures are the most common visibility concerns. Review the sections below before escalating the issue.

Blank or black Screencasts

The following conditions can cause Screencasts or video recordings to appear blank or incomplete:

• • Full-screen or protected apps: Certain applications, such as DRM-protected video players, may block screen capture and produce a blank or black image.
  • Desktop-only capture: If no active application window is open, the desktop wallpaper may appear in the capture.
  • Outdated desktop app version: Older versions of the Time Doctor desktop app may not capture correctly on newer operating systems.
  • Missing macOS permission: If screen recording permission is not granted on macOS, Screencasts and video recordings may appear blank.

Screencasts or Video Continuous not visible to managers or admins

Missing captures may also be caused by visibility or plan limitations:

• • User filter is not set correctly: Open the Screencasts page and confirm that All Users or the required user is selected in the User Filter.
  • Access role limitations: Visibility depends on the account role and screencast permissions configured in the account.
  • Feature availability: Confirm that the account includes Video Continuous through the subscription plan or add-on.
  • App version issues: Ensure the affected user is on the latest version of the Time Doctor desktop app.

 

How macOS permissions affect capture

On macOS, Time Doctor requires screen recording permission before Screencasts or Video Continuous can capture screen content correctly.

Without this permission, captured images or videos may appear blank.

To review the permission:

1. • Open System Settings.
   • Go to Privacy & Security.
   • Open Screen & System Audio Recording.
   • Locate Time Doctor and enable the toggle.
   • Restart the Time Doctor desktop app.

 

How operating system and app setup affect capture

Other platform and app conditions can also affect visibility and quality.

Windows

• • Ensure the Time Doctor app is installed correctly.
  • If installation or capture restrictions apply, administrator rights may be required.

Linux

• • Display server compatibility may affect capture behavior.
  • If issues occur, verify whether the environment uses X11 or Wayland and test the supported setup.

Desktop app version

• • Keep the Time Doctor desktop app updated to the latest version.
  • Outdated versions may prevent Screencasts or video recordings from being captured or displayed correctly.

 

How to fix Screencast and Video Continuous visibility issues

Follow the steps below to resolve the most common visibility issues.

Step 1: Check the User Filter

1. • Open the Screencasts page in the web app.
   • Open the User Filter dropdown.
   • Select All Users or select the specific user.

Step 2: Confirm feature availability

1. • Confirm that the account includes Screencasts or Video Continuous as needed.
   • If video capture is required, confirm that the feature is included in the current plan or add-on setup.
   • Review Settings > Users > Screencasts column if user-level screencast access needs to be checked.

Step 3: Confirm access role and permissions

1. • Verify access using an Owner, Admin, or Manager account with the required visibility permissions.
   • If recordings are missing for managed users, review the account’s screencast visibility settings.
   • If access is still limited, ask the account owner to review permission settings.

Step 4: Review macOS screen recording permission

1. • Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording.
   • Enable Time Doctor.
   • Restart the desktop app.

Step 5: Update the desktop app

1. • Ask the affected user to install the latest version of the Time Doctor desktop app.
   • Restart the app.
   • Start tracking time again and wait a few minutes for new captures to appear.

 

---

 

Frequently asked questions

Why does a Screencast show only the desktop wallpaper?

This usually happens when no active application window is open at the moment of capture.

For macOs, proper permissions are to be granted for Time Doctor on Screen Recording Option under System Settings / Privacy & Security.

 

Can Screencasts or Video Continuous include multiple monitors?

Yes, the app captures all connected monitors.

 

Can users delete or blur their own Screencasts?

Screenshot Blur can be enabled by account administrators to obscure sensitive screen content while preserving the capture record. Visibility and management actions depend on the account’s permissions setup.

 

Is Video Continuous available on mobile?

No. These capture features are designed for the Time Doctor desktop app. Mobile app tracking does not provide the same screen recording behavior.

 

How long are Screencasts or video recordings stored?

Retention depends on the account’s data retention policy. For retention details, refer to How Long Does Time Doctor Keep My Account Data For?

 

Can Regular Users access their own Video Continuous recordings?

Yes. Regular Users can access their own video recordings, while broader visibility depends on role and permissions.

 

 

---

 

 

Should there be any inconsistencies or concerns regarding the article, contact support@timedoctor.com for prompt assistance.