After careful review, Lesley University has decided not to renew our VoiceThread license beyond the current contract period, which ends on June 30, 2026. At that time, all institutional accounts will convert to free VoiceThread accounts. Below is a detailed overview of what this change means and how to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the VoiceThread discontinuation mean for me?
• What will happen to my VoiceThread account?
• How do I access my free VoiceThread account?
• What happens to my VoiceThreads after my account is downgraded?
• Will I be able to create new VoiceThreads?
• Can I continue sharing my VoiceThreads?
• Will I still see VoiceThreads that were shared with me?
• Will I still have access to groups or courses in VoiceThread?
• What happens to my VoiceThread assignments in Blackboard/myLesley?
• Can I save my VoiceThreads?
• How do I download a video copy of my VoiceThread?
• Can I download individual slides or comments instead of the whole VoiceThread?
• Will my downloaded VoiceThreads function like the originals?
• Can I bulk export my VoiceThreads?
• What are some alternatives to VoiceThread?
• What kind of support is available during this transition?

What does the VoiceThread discontinuation mean for me?

After June 30, 2026, you will no longer have access to VoiceThread through Lesley’s institutional license. Your account will automatically downgrade to a free VoiceThread account, which allows up to 10 VoiceThreads, commenting, and sharing only through a share link.

What will happen to my VoiceThread account?

After June 30, 2026, your account will be downgraded but all your existing VoiceThreads will remain accessible. Free accounts include:

• Up to 10 total VoiceThreads.
• No deletion of your existing VoiceThreads, even if you are over the 10-thread limit.
• Creation of new VoiceThreads only if you stay under the 10‑thread limit.
• New VoiceThreads limited to 10 slides.
• New comments limited to 3 minutes.
• New media and audio/video comments will not be auto‑captioned.
• Loss of access to VoiceThread courses, groups, and Blackboard integration.
• Exports available but will require purchase of credits.
• Your account becomes subject to the VoiceThread Free User retention policy.

How do I access my free VoiceThread account?

Once your account has been downgraded:

• Reset your password: Go to VoiceThread’s Password Reset page and enter your Lesley University email. Follow the instructions to reset your password.
• Login to your free account: Go to https://voicethread.com and use the Sign in with email option. Enter your Lesley email and your new VoiceThread password.

What happens to my VoiceThreads after my account is downgraded?

Your existing VoiceThreads will NOT be deleted.

After the downgrade:

• All VoiceThreads you own remain in your account.
• You can continue to edit, add media, and add comments.
  • New comments will be limited to 3 minutes.
  • New media and audio/video comments will not be auto‑captioned.

Will I be able to create new VoiceThreads?

Yes, but only if you have fewer than 10 total VoiceThreads in your account. Free accounts are limited to a maximum of 10 VoiceThreads.

Can I continue sharing my VoiceThreads?

Yes. You can still share your VoiceThreads but only using a share link.

Will I still see VoiceThreads that were shared with me?

This depends on how the VoiceThreads were shared:

• VoiceThreads shared with you directly will remain accessible.
• If the owner deletes or disables sharing you will lose access.
• VoiceThreads shared through courses or groups will no longer be accessible after the downgrade.

Will I still have access to groups or courses in VoiceThread?

No. You will lose access to any VoiceThread courses or groups created under the university license. VoiceThreads shared within those areas will no longer be visible to you.

What happens to my VoiceThread assignments in Blackboard/myLesley?

You will lose access to any VoiceThread assignments you created or completed within Blackboard courses. These cannot be accessed anywhere else once the downgrade occurs.

However, you may still upload your exported VoiceThreads (.mov files) into Blackboard via Kaltura Media.

Can I save my VoiceThreads?

Yes! You may save a copy of your VoiceThread as a video file (.mov). Or, if you only want to save your slides or your media, you may opt to download individual slides, media, and comments.

How do I download a video copy of my VoiceThread?

Through June 30, 2026, you may export and download your VoiceThreads for free to keep for archival purposes or to share with others.

• Exported copies are saved as .mov files (852×480).
• The export includes all media, comments, and annotations.
• Exporting and downloading are separate steps—you must download your export file within90 days.
• You may export your VoiceThreads for free through June 30. Once you are downgraded to a free account you will need to purchase export credits.
• Free accounts can download original media and comments at no cost.

For instructions, refer to the Export and Download VoiceThreads support article.

Can I download individual slides or comments instead of the whole VoiceThread?

Yes. If you own a VoiceThread, or the creator of the VoiceThread has allowed it, you may download:

• Original media uploaded to each slide (no added comments/drawings included).
• Individual voice/video comments (downloads as .mp3 or .mp4 files).
• This is allowed in free accounts at no cost.

For instructions, refer to the Download Original Media and Comments support article.

Will my downloaded VoiceThreads function like the originals?

No. Downloaded VoiceThreads are video files. The video will contain all media, comments, and annotations, but you cannot:

• Navigate slides interactively
• Edit content
• Add new comments

Can I bulk export my VoiceThreads?

No. VoiceThread does not offer bulk exporting for users or administrators.

What are some alternatives to VoiceThread?

Our VoiceThread Alternatives support article outlines some practical alternatives to VoiceThread for creating recorded lectures, narrated presentations, and individual student or group presentations.   

What kind of support is available during this transition?

We want to ensure faculty feel fully supported throughout this transition and have reliable alternatives that fit their teaching needs while maintaining a strong student experience. eLearning & Instructional Support (eLIS) is available to assist you at every step.

As you prepare for the transition:

• Review the VoiceThread Alternatives support article, which outlines common use cases and practical replacement tools.
• Drop in to Virtual Office Hours on Zoom (held every Monday and Thursday from 2–4 PM ET) to ask questions or get hands‑on help.
• Email elis@lesley.edu with questions or to request 1:1 or group consultations.

We encourage you to reach out early so we can help you review your course activities and identify the most effective alternatives before the transition deadline.