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Canvas - Upload and Embed a New Kaltura Mediaspace Video in a Canvas Page [UW-Madison]

This document describes how Canvas users can upload a new video and embed it using the Embed Kaltura Media function in the Canvas rich content editor

Kaltura MediaSpace is UW-Madison's media streaming service and is integrated with Canvas. Kaltura media can be embedded wherever Canvas allows you to use the rich content editor. 

Note: to embed an existing Kaltura Mediaspace item in a Canvas course, please see Canvas - Embedding an Existing Kaltura MediaSpace Video in a Canvas Page [UW-Madison]

We recommend instructors new to using media with their Canvas course start here. Uploading and embedding Kaltura media in a Canvas Page or other Canvas tool is an easy way to make your Kaltura media available to your students. Embedded media provides more context and keeps the student in Canvas rather than sending them to an external link outside of Canvas. It also allows Kaltura to collect more detailed analytics.

  1. In your Canvas course, go to the Canvas page, discussion post, or quiz discussion you want to embed Kaltura media in. Click Edit.
  2. Move your cursor to the point in your Canvas item where you want to insert Kaltura media.
  3. Click the Embed Kaltura Media button which looks like the colorful Kaltura logo. If your browser is not of sufficient width you may need to click the three dot button on the right to expand the menu to see the button:
    A screenshot of the new Canvas rich content editor. The "Embed Kaltura Media" button is outlined in orange to help highlight it.
  4. A window titled Kaltura Media will open showing the media content associated with your Kaltura account.
  5. To upload media at this point click Add New and select Media Upload to upload a new video to your account:
    A screenshot showing the "Add New" drop-down menu opened. The cursor hovers over "Media Upload" which is outlined in orange to help point it out.
  6. Read and click the "I agree to the above terms and conditions" disclaimer.
  7. Scroll down to click + Choose a file to upload or drag your MP4 file onto the window:
    A screenshot showing the "Kaltura Media" window. The user has clicked "I agree to the above terms and conditions" and has scrolled down to see the "Upload Media" portion of the window. The "+ Choose a file to upload" button is outlined in orange to help point it out.
  8. A window will open allowing you to select the video file to upload. While Kaltura can process a wide range of video formats, we find MP4 videos generally work well. We recommend 1280 x 720 video as a good balance between file size and quality. We also recommend you try to keep your video files under 2 GB - the larger the file the longer it will take to upload and process.
  9. Your file will upload. While it uploads you can edit the name, description, and tags. 

    Upload Speed

    Even when Kaltura MediaSpace is running smoothly, other internet service providers may experience slower service, which could limit your upload speed. 

    • Upload speeds and Kaltura's upload performance varies, but an upload speed of 10 Mbps should be able to upload a 250 MB file to Kaltura in about 4.5 minutes.

    Processing

    The amount of time it takes Kaltura MediaSpace to process a file depends on file size, duration, quality, and usage.

    Generally it takes about 2-3 times the video's duration for Kaltura MediaSpace to display your video in low definition (high definition versions take longer to process). For example, a 15 minute video will usually take about 30-45 minutes to process (in low-definition). When Kaltura MediaSpace is being heavily used, processing times will lengthen and could take up to 24 hours. 

    If your video takes longer than 24 hours to process, please call the DoIT Help Desk. More detailed information is available in Kaltura's document involvingtranscoding times and quality of service.

  10. If you want to customize how your video is displayed, see the Editing Media Settings section in this document. Otherwise, select the </>Embed button to add the media.
  11. After embedding, you will see an icon indicating it is still processing. Once done processing the video will show up on your Canvas page. You can continue to edit the page and add text if you'd like. Once you're done click the Save button:
    A screenshot showing a Canvas Page being edited. An embedded Kaltura MediaSpace video is visible on the page. The "Save" button in the lower right is outlined in orange to help point it out.
  12. Canvas will display your page with your embedded Kaltura video:
    A screenshot showing a Canvas Page with an embedded Kaltura MediaSpace video.


Keywords:
canvas instructor instructors teachers teacher course courses upload uploads uploading embed embedding add adding video videos Kaltura MediaSpace audio instructure add media download, rce, rich, content, editor, insert, add 
Doc ID:
62951
Owned by:
Learn@UW Madison in Learn@UW-Madison
Created:
2016-04-25
Updated:
2025-04-10
Sites:
DoIT Help Desk, Learn@UW-Madison