Roles Overview
BigBlueButton uses a role-based system to manage what each participant can do in a meeting. There are four roles: Moderator, Presenter, Participant (Guest), and Guest. This chapter provides a complete reference of all roles, their permissions, and how to recognize them.
The Four Roles
| Role | Icon | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Moderator | Square icon | Full control over the meeting, participants, and recordings. Can manage all aspects of the conference. |
| Presenter | Square/round icon + screen symbol | Controls presentation content. Only one presenter at a time. Can upload slides, share screen, and create polls. |
| Participant | Round icon | Regular participation with audio, video, and chat. Cannot manage the meeting or present content. |
| Guest | Round icon | Same as participant but without an institutional account. Joins via a guest link. |
Icons in the Participant List
You can identify each participant's role and status by the icons displayed next to their name in the participant list:
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Square icon | Moderator |
| Round icon | Participant / Guest |
| Blue screen symbol (top left) | Current presenter |
| Green microphone (bottom right) | Microphone active |
| Red crossed-out microphone | Muted |
| Green headphone icon | Listen-only mode |
| Blue pencil icon | Whiteboard rights granted |
Permission Comparison
The following table shows which features are available to each role:
| Feature | Moderator | Presenter | Guest |
|---|---|---|---|
| End meeting | ✓ | — | — |
| Start recording | ✓ | — | — |
| Upload presentation | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Share screen | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Use whiteboard | ✓ | ✓ | If granted |
| Create polls | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Manage participants | ✓ | — | — |
| Create breakout rooms | ✓ | — | — |
| Set layout | ✓ | — | — |
| Chat | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shared notes | ✓ | ✓ | If not locked |
Dynamic Role Changes
Roles in BigBlueButton are not fixed. Moderators can change roles dynamically during a meeting:
- Moderators can promote any participant to moderator or presenter at any time.
- Multiple moderators can exist simultaneously in a meeting.
- Only one presenter can be active at a time. When a new presenter is assigned, the previous presenter loses the presenter role.
- In breakout rooms, all participants automatically receive moderator rights.
The presenter role is a special role that can be held by both moderators and regular participants. It controls who can manage the presentation area, share their screen, and create polls.
Frequently Asked Questions
A moderator has full administrative control over the meeting — they can manage participants, start recordings, create breakout rooms, and end the meeting. A presenter controls the presentation area — they can upload slides, share their screen, and create polls. A moderator can also be the presenter at the same time.
Yes. Multiple participants can have the moderator role simultaneously. However, only one participant can be the active presenter at any given time.
Click on the participant's name in the participant list and select "Promote to moderator". This option is only available to existing moderators.
In breakout rooms, all participants automatically receive moderator rights. This allows everyone in the breakout room to manage the session independently.