How Video Tiles and Video Quality Work in LiveClass
LiveClass limits the number of video tiles displayed at once to keep sessions smooth across different devices and network conditions. The number of participants in a session can be higher than the number of videos shown on screen.
How Many Video Tiles Can Be Displayed?
The Videos on screen setting is determined by your plan and applies to all session types. The default is 12 tiles, with supported limits ranging from 1 to 25.
| Device | Maximum tiles displayed |
|---|---|
| Laptop or desktop | Plan limit, 12 by default |
| Lower-powered computer | 9 |
| Phone with a narrow screen | 6 |
| When content is shared on stage | Up to 6 camera tiles in a strip |
[IMAGE: A grid of 12 video tiles with a green ring highlighting the active speaker]
The tile limit helps prevent excessive device load, dropped frames, and audio disruptions. Increasing the number of tiles also increases the processing required from each viewer's device.
How Video Layouts Work
LiveClass provides different ways to view participants. Your layout is a personal setting and affects only your screen.
Grid Layout
Grid is the default layout. Tiles stay in a fixed order, and a ring highlights the active speaker without rearranging the grid.
When more participants have their cameras on than can fit on screen, a new speaker can appear in the position of a quiet participant. The rest of the grid stays in place, and your own video remains visible to you.
The grid adjusts to the number of participants, using up to five columns.
Speaker Layout
Speaker layout displays one participant prominently, with other participants in a filmstrip below. The spotlight follows the active speaker and stays on the last speaker when nobody is talking.
Pinning a Participant
Pin a participant to keep them in the spotlight regardless of who is speaking. A manual pin takes priority over the automatic speaker spotlight.
To change your layout, go to 'Settings' → 'Display'.
How LiveClass Manages Video Quality
LiveClass uses an SFU (selective forwarding unit) architecture. Each participant sends their video to the server once, and the server forwards the appropriate stream to each viewer.
Three technologies work together to manage video quality and performance.
Simulcast
Simulcast publishes multiple quality layers of the same camera feed, such as high, medium, and low quality. LiveClass sends each viewer the layer that best suits their connection, helping participants on different networks share the same session without forcing everyone to use the lowest quality.
Dynacast
Dynacast stops sending video layers that nobody needs. For example, high-quality layers for participants in small filmstrip tiles may not be transmitted. This reduces bandwidth and processing demands on the sending device.
Adaptive Stream
Adaptive stream adjusts the video quality to match the size of the tile on your screen. A participant in a small tile may use a lower-resolution stream, while a participant in the spotlight can receive a higher-quality stream.
Together, these technologies help LiveClass balance video clarity, bandwidth, and device performance automatically.
What to Expect During a Session
Video quality adjusts automatically. There is no manual quality setting to configure. Quality can decrease when network conditions worsen and recover when they improve.
Audio is prioritized over video. When bandwidth is limited, video quality may decrease to help preserve clear audio.
Upload speed affects how others see you. If your upload bandwidth is limited, other participants may receive your video at lower quality. A wired connection, a stronger Wi-Fi signal, or closing other upload-heavy applications may help.
Turning off your camera reduces load. It removes your outgoing camera stream and can help when your connection or device is struggling.
Adjusting the Video Tile Limit
The Videos on screen limit is part of your plan. If you need a different limit, contact support to request a change. The supported range is 1 to 25 tiles.
Keep in mind that a higher limit increases video-decoding demands on every viewer's device. The default of 12 is intended to balance visibility and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can everyone in a 100-person class turn on their camera?
Yes, but LiveClass does not display all 100 video tiles at once. It shows up to the configured limit, with speakers brought into view as needed.
Attendees can use their cameras only when permitted. Enable Attendees can use mic and camera when creating the session, or use Attendee Camera in Host Controls.
Why can't I see a specific participant's video?
The participant may be outside the currently displayed tiles. Try pinning them to the spotlight or switching your layout.
Can I force everyone to use high-quality video?
No. LiveClass adjusts quality for each viewer based on their connection and tile size. Forcing high quality could cause performance problems for participants with limited bandwidth or processing power.
Does a higher tile limit increase plan usage?
No. The tile limit controls how many videos are displayed, not how participant minutes are billed. Participant minutes count people in the session whether or not their video is visible.
Why is my video blurry when other participants look clear?
Limited upload bandwidth is a common cause. Try using a wired connection, moving closer to your router, or closing other applications that upload data.
Does turning off my camera help?
Yes. Turning off your camera stops your outgoing camera stream and can reduce bandwidth and processing demands, especially on slower connections.
Understanding these limits and layouts helps you get the most out of LiveClass while maintaining a smooth experience for hosts and attendees.
