Upload a Video or Audio File to Panopto

Questions

  • How do I upload a video to Panopto?
  • How do I upload an audio file to my Panopto library?
  • How do I add a video file from my computer to Panopto?
  • Can I upload videos to Panopto through Canvas?
  • Where do my uploaded Panopto videos go?
  • How do I choose which Panopto folder to upload a video to?
  • What file types can I upload to Panopto?
  • How long does it take for a Panopto upload to finish processing?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin College students, faculty, and staff who want to upload a video or audio file to their Panopto media library. Uploads can be made from any web browser on a Mac or Windows computer. A Bowdoin Panopto account is required (automatically provisioned with your Bowdoin account).

  • Recommended browsers: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge
  • Supported file types: Most common video formats (MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV) and audio formats (MP3, M4A, WAV)

Resolution

Method 1: Upload directly through the Panopto website

  1. Open a browser and go to panopto.bowdoin.edu. Sign in with your Bowdoin username and password if prompted.
  2. Click the Create button at the top of the page.
  3. Select Upload Media from the menu.
  4. In the upload window, use the Add files to drop-down to select the Panopto folder where you want the file stored. (If you are unsure, your personal My Folder is a safe default.)
  5. Click Choose video or audio files, locate the file on your computer, and select it.
  6. Wait for the upload to complete. A green check mark and Upload complete message will appear when the file has finished uploading. Do not close the window before this appears.
Processing time: After uploading, Panopto processes the file before it is viewable (captions are also generated during this step). Processing usually takes a few minutes but can be longer for large files. You will receive an email notification when the video is ready.

Method 2: Upload through a Canvas course

If you want the video to be associated with a specific Canvas course, you can upload directly through Canvas.

  1. In your Canvas course, click the Panopto link in the left-hand course navigation 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 steps as Method 1.
Tip: Videos uploaded through Canvas are automatically saved to the Panopto folder for that course, making them easy to embed in Pages, Assignments, or Modules later.

To embed your uploaded video in Canvas after uploading, see Upload and Embed Panopto Videos in Canvas in the Related Articles section.

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

Print Article

Related Articles (8)

Add and Edit Captions on a Panopto Video
Explains how Panopto automatically generates captions when a video is uploaded, how to view and enable captions in the player, how to change the captioning language for a folder, and how to edit captions for accuracy.
Creating Video Quizzes in Panopto Video
Step-by-step instructions for faculty to create an interactive quiz embedded within a Panopto video and add it to a Canvas assignment, including quiz settings and grading options.
Download a Panopto Video
Instructions for downloading a Panopto video as an MP4 file from the Panopto media library, including who can download videos and notes on bulk downloading limitations.
Embed a Panopto Video in a Bowdoin WordPress Site
Instructions for embedding a Panopto video or audio file in a Bowdoin WordPress website using the iFrame embed code from Panopto's sharing settings. Covers both the Classic editor and the Block editor.
Record a Class or Meeting Using Panopto Express
Step-by-step instructions for recording a class or meeting in a Bowdoin classroom using Panopto Express in a web browser, including PTZ camera setup and saving the recording to Panopto with a Bowdoin account.
Record Your Screen with Panopto Capture
Step-by-step instructions for recording a screencast, webcam, or audio using Panopto Capture, a browser-based recording tool that requires no software installation. Covers setup, recording, and saving to the Panopto media library.
Trim and Edit a Video in Panopto
Step-by-step instructions for trimming the beginning or end of a Panopto video and removing a section from the middle, using the Panopto web-based editor. No software installation required.
Upload and Embed Panopto Videos in Canvas
Instructions for faculty on uploading video and audio content to Panopto and embedding it in a Canvas course, including embedding via the Rich Content Editor, adding content as a Canvas Module item, and uploading directly through the Canvas-Panopto integration.