Embed a Video, Don't Only Link It
Videos are great tools for learning because they are both instructional and entertaining. They can provide a lot of information quickly through demonstration, action, and sound. Many students now expect to see instructional videos in online courses, and many courses already include videos.
Videos can be easily linked in the Course Content area, but this provides no context to students, and the video opens in a new window outside of D2L.
Use a Content Page instead to embed the video within D2L and to provide information about it.
Within a module, click “New” then “Create a File.”
In the Content Page (or File), enter a title for the page (the title should be related to the topic of the video), then click on the video icon on the left for “Insert Stuff.”
On the pop-up window, either select “My Computer” (for a video saved on your computer), or select “Enter Embed Code.”
A box for the embed code will appear in the new pop-up window. You’ll need to paste the video’s embed code here.
The embed code is not the same as the URL.
To find the embed code, click the video’s “Share” link and select the Embed Code option.
Don't copy the URL.
Copy the text that begins with “iframe.” You may also be able to specify where the video should start playing.
Paste the embed code into the “Insert Stuff” pop-up window on D2L, and click “Next.”
You’ll see a preview of the video. Click “Insert.”
Add some information on the page, such as an explanation of the concept the video is illustrating, an introduction to the video, a short description, or instructions on what students should do after watching the video.
Click “Save and Close” when finished.
Optional: Click the HTML button on the bottom right to change the size of the video.
In the HTML code, find “Width” and “Height” and change the size as desired.
Make sure to change the size proportionately (multiply the original size by the same amount). 800 x 600 is usually a good size.
Click “Save” when done.
Here’s what the finished page looks like.
The page contains a short introduction and an embedded video that will play on the D2L content page.
The Dept. of Online Learning provides support, collaboration, and faculty development in instructional design and online pedagogy.
We also provide technical support and troubleshooting for faculty and students.