Panopto supports uploading and captioning video files (e.g., MP4, AVI, MOV) and audio files (e.g., MP3, WAV) in Canvas. Once the captioned video or audio is available in Panopto, it can be linked or embedded to a Canvas Page, Announcement, Assignment, Discussion, or Quiz.
Panopto supports uploading video files (e.g., MP4, AVI, MOV) and audio files (e.g., MP3, WAV) in Canvas. If you have questions regarding the format of your video or audio file, please contact Terisa O'Dowd (todowd1@twu.edu) for assistance.
Steps to Upload Using the Create Button in Panopto
Log in to Canvas and open your Canvas course. From the Course Navigation menu click on Panopto.
Click the Create button (usually in the top toolbar, looks like a + icon).
Select Upload Media.
Click Choose Files (or drag and drop) to select your video or audio file(s) from your device. You can select multiple files at once.
(Optional) Add metadata like title, description, and tags while uploading.
Click Upload. The file will process (this may take time based on size; monitor progress in the upload queue).
Once complete, the video/audio appears in your folder. Edit or share as needed.
Tips:
For batch uploads (multiple files), use the same process—Panopto handles queuing.
For troubleshooting (e.g., failed uploads), clear your browser cache or try a different browser.
Captions are required for all video and audio files included in academic courses that students access. Panopto offers automatic speech recognition (ASR) for quick captions, manual editing in the Editor, or uploading pre-made caption files (SRT format). Captions improve accessibility (WCAG compliance) and searchability.
Option 1: Enable ASR (Automatic) Captions
Open the video in Panopto and click Edit.
In the Editor sidebar, select Captions.
Click Import Captions > Import Automatic Captions. Processing starts automatically (may take 5–30 minutes).
Once ready, preview captions by playing the video and clicking the CC button.
Option 2: Manually Edit or Add Captions in the Editor
Open the video in Panopto and click Edit.
In the Editor sidebar, select Captions.
If ASR captions exist, click Edit Captions to modify text, timing, or speakers. Use the timeline to sync.
To add new captions - Click Add Caption, type text, and adjust timestamps.
Click Save to apply changes.
Preview and publish the updated video.
Option 3: Submit a Rev Captioning Services Request
Follow the steps to Submit a Rev Captioning Services Request
Panopto integrates seamlessly with Canvas, allowing embeds that maintain access controls (students only see videos they are enrolled for). Use the rich content editor (RCE) available in Pages, Assignments, Discussions, etc. for embeds.
Option 1: Embed in RCE (Recommended for Inline Playback)
In Canvas, go to the course > Pages (or any RCE-enabled item) > Create/Edit a page.
Click into the RCE text area where you want the video.
In the RCE toolbar, click the Panopto button.
In the pop-up:
Select the folder (e.g., your course folder).
Choose the video.
Click Insert. The video embeds as a player (responsive, with captions).
Click Save (or Save & Publish).
Option 2: Link to a Panopto Video (Hyperlink)
In Panopto, open the video > Click Share > Copy the Public Link or Embed Code.
In Canvas RCE, highlight text (e.g., "Watch Lecture 1") > Click the Link icon (chain) in the toolbar.
Paste the Panopto URL > Click Done.
Save the page. Students click to open in Panopto.
Tips:
Embeds auto-provision access for enrolled students.
For mobile - Ensure Canvas app settings allow external videos (Settings > "Load videos in external apps").
Test playback - Preview as a student (Student View in Canvas).
Contact an Instructional Designer to design learning activities for students or talk about effective ways to interact with students in your Canvas courses.
Canvas support will be available 24/7 by phone, live chat, or email through the Help menu within Canvas after you have logged in. For more information see How to Contact Canvas Support.
If you are unable to log in, please contact the Technology Service Desk at 940-898-3971 or servicedesk@twu.edu for assistance.