Upload and Embed Panopto Videos in Canvas

Questions

  • How do I upload Panopto videos to my Canvas course?
  • How do I embed a Panopto video in Canvas?
  • How do I add a video to a Canvas Page or Assignment?
  • How do I add a Panopto video as an item in a Canvas Module?
  • Can I upload a video directly through Canvas instead of going to Panopto first?
  • How do I embed Panopto audio content in Canvas?
  • Where do I find the Panopto button in the Canvas editor?
  • How do I make a Panopto video visible to students in Canvas?

Environment

This article applies to faculty and staff who have a Canvas course and want to upload video or audio content to Panopto and make it available to students through Canvas.

  • Platform: Any supported browser on a Mac, Windows PC, or iPad
  • Audience: Faculty and staff (course instructors)
  • Requires: A Panopto account (automatically provisioned with your Bowdoin account) and an active Canvas course

Resolution

Bowdoin uses Panopto as its media hosting platform. Panopto is integrated with Canvas, making it straightforward to upload and embed multimedia content directly into your course site. There are two main workflows: uploading content to Panopto first and then embedding it in Canvas, or uploading directly through Canvas.

Method 1: Upload to Panopto, Then Embed in Canvas

Step 1 — Upload your file to Panopto

  1. Navigate to panopto.bowdoin.edu. If prompted, sign in with your Bowdoin username and password.
  2. Click the Create button at the top of the page.
  3. Select Upload Media from the menu.
  4. Use the Add files to drop-down menu to choose the Panopto folder where you want the video stored.
  5. Click Choose video or audio files, locate your file, and click Upload.
  6. Wait for the page to display a green check mark and an Upload complete message. You can close the window once the upload finishes.

Step 2 — Embed the video in a Canvas Page

  1. In your Canvas course, create or open a Page (or any content area with the Rich Content Editor, such as a Discussion, Assignment, Quiz, Announcement, or Syllabus).
  2. Give the Page a title, then click the Panopto icon in the Rich Content Editor toolbar.
  3. In the Panopto window, use the drop-down menu at the top to navigate to your desired video.
  4. Check the button next to the video, then click Insert at the bottom right.
  5. The embedded video will appear in the editor and will be viewable to students once the Page is published.

Method 2: Add Panopto Content as a Canvas Module Item

Panopto content can be added directly to a Canvas Module as a standalone item, allowing students to view the video full-screen within Canvas.

  1. Navigate to your chosen Module in Canvas.
  2. Click the + icon at the top right of the Module header.
  3. From the drop-down menu, select External Tool.
  4. Scroll down and select Panopto LTI 1.3.
  5. Find your desired video in the Panopto video chooser window and click Insert.
  6. Click Add Item in the final window. Optionally, check Load in new tab if you prefer the video to open in a separate tab.
  7. Publish the item using the publish button on the right-hand side of the new Module item.

Method 3: Upload Directly Through Canvas

You can also add videos to your Panopto library without leaving Canvas, using the Panopto link in your course navigation menu.

  1. In your Canvas course, click the Panopto link in the left-hand course menu. (If you don't see it, enable it under Settings > Navigation.)
  2. Click the Create button at the top of the Panopto window.
  3. Select Upload Media and follow the same upload steps as Method 1 above.
Tip: Videos uploaded through Canvas are automatically stored in the Panopto folder associated with that course, making them easy to find and embed later.

Strategies for Using Videos in Canvas

Consider these approaches when incorporating video into your course:

  • Use short video presentations or lecture clips to introduce concepts in engaging ways before class.
  • Videos are effective for modeling complex processes or working through difficult problems step by step.
  • Panopto lets you create short clips from existing longer recordings — useful for highlighting specific segments.
  • Always ensure videos are accessible by enabling captioning and providing transcripts where possible. Panopto supports automatic captions that can be reviewed and corrected.

Video Walkthrough: Embedding Panopto Videos in Canvas

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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