Topics Map > Canvas

Canvas - Embedding an Existing Kaltura MediaSpace Video in a Canvas Page [UW-Madison]

This document describes how Canvas users can embed existing Kaltura MediaSpace media into Canvas pages, discussion posts, and quiz descriptions using the Canvas rich content editor (RCE).

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. We recommend instructors start here if they already have media in Kaltura MediaSpace

Note: to upload and embed an new Kaltura Mediaspace item in a Canvas course, please see Canvas - Upload and Embed a New Kaltura Mediaspace Video in a Canvas Page [UW-Madison]

Note: You can also embed other media sources, such as Youtube videos. Please see Instructure's Canvas Community site for instructions on adding other video sources, including Youtube media.

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 on the three dot button on the right to expand the menu to see the button:
     A screenshot showing 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. By default it is on the My Mediatab. These directions assume you are embedding a video you already uploaded. You can also:
  5. If you are embedding a piece of media you already uploaded, scroll to or search for the media you want to embed. Click the </> Embed button next the media you want to embed:
    A screenshot showing the "Kaltura Media" window. A video named "Test - Very basic Kaltura video" is displayed. The cursor hovers over the "</> Embed" button.
    Optional: If you would like to customize how your media is embedded in Canvas, instead of clicking the </> Embed button, click the gear button:
    A screenshot showing the gear button in isolation.
  6. An Embed Settings window will display:
    A screenshot showing the Kaltura "Embed Settings" screen. There are options to (1) choose the player, (2) choose the max embed size, (3) turn thumbnail embed on or off, (4) turn autoplay on or off, (5) set these settings as the default settings for this media type, (6) set the start time, (7) set the end time, and (8) the </> Embed button.
    1. Choose Player: Choose your player based on the type of media you are embedding. For video users can choose between the "Default player", "Download player", and "Transcript player" which are described  above. 
    2. Max Embed Size: Users can choose how large the media is displayed within the Canvas rich content editor.
    3. Thumbnail Embed: Turning thumbnail embed on renders an image that will display instead of the video player. The student needs to click on the image to load the player. Generally we recommend keeping this option turned off.
    4. Auto Play: Turning auto play on plays the media immediately when the student loads the page with the embedded media. We recommend you keep auto play off and let the student choose to play the media by clicking the "Play" button.
    5. Set as my default settings for media type: Video (or Audio, or Image): If you like the settings you have selected you can check this box to make future embeds use them without having to set them every time.
    6. Start at: Set the start time for the media item.
    7. End at: Set the end time for the media item.
    8. </> Embed: When you have set the options you want, click the </> Embed button to embed the media.
      If after embedding your Kaltura media you decide you'd like to change the options you selected it is easiest to delete your embedded media from the page and re-embed.
  7. 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.
  8. Canvas will display your page with your embedded Kaltura video:
    A screenshot showing a Canvas Page with an embedded Kaltura MediaSpace video.