Why Can't I Upload Files?

[CallieAlreza]

Hello Canvas Community,

Whenever I try to upload a video file, it displays this error:

When I click Retry, it just displays it again. Can this error be resolved? It's a total hassle. Again, it only appears for video files.

This course is the only one with the error.

 

Sincerely,
Callie

[JeffCampbell]

A few things:

1. What is the file size for the video?
2. Are you uploading it to the files section of your course?
3. How much space do you have remaining in your course (go to Files and it will be along the bottom under the files)?
4. Does the video work when opened on your computer (if not, then you might have a bad file)?

Typically, this error is due to an issue on the user's end. A couple possible reasons, but one can be file size related, hence the question. Another can be issues with your browser or network.

For file size issues, if the file size is larger than the amount of available space, that can be an issue. One way around this is to use Canvas Studio. Files stored in Canvas Studio do not impact your course storage and can easily be embedded into the course through the RCE menu on any given page/assignment/etc.

If not due to file size, then try a different browser or clear your browser's temporary cache (through browser settings). If neither resolve the issue, you might work with your institution's tech support for ideas. Another teacher could try uploading the file to see if they experience the same issue too.

Try some of this and report back what happens.

[CallieAlreza]

1. 340.8 MB

2. I tried doing it for another file and the same error happened.

3. I think I had 11% space left.

4. Yes, it does.

Unfortunely, since I'm using Free for Teachers, I can't access Canvas Studio. Do you have any alternatives?

[JeffCampbell · Accepted solution]

Then the file size is the likely issue. There are some other options to consider:

1. If you can set it up, you can always make a YouTube Channel. Then upload the video. Make sure you set the privacy settings so that the video is not public, but can be viewed with a link. Through the RCE Apps option, you can put a link to a YouTube video and have it play on Canvas. This eliminates the storage issue altogether.

2. Similar to the YouTube option, put the video on GoogleDrive or OneDrive (if you have either). Set the video sharing settings to anyone with the link can view. Then put the link where desired. You could even look at using something like an iframe generator to create an iframe that allows the video to be viewed within Canvas (may require playing around a bit).

3. If you have access to tools like VLC or some video editing program, look if they have the ability to convert the video. I just did this yesterday with a video. I had a 58mb video I needed to send in an email. I chose the option for a SD quality YouTube video from the predefined options. It output the video at just under 3mb. You might loose a bit of quality, but it will reduce your files sizes to be a more manageable amount. If you have multiple videos already in use on your course, you could feasibly do this with all of them and reduce that overall course size even smaller.

[CallieAlreza]

You know what? I can use Google Drive! Thanks for your assistance!

[dbrace]

Hi @CallieAlreza,

If you decide to use Google Drive, give this a try:

1. find the video in Google Drive and open it in a separate window/tab (in the upper-right corner in-between the "Download" icon and the "Share" option, click on the "three dots" icon and then "Open in new window"
2. with the video opened in a new window/tab, click on the "three dots" icon again
3. use the "Embed item.." option
4. go into your Canvas course and add the HTML embed code into the appropriate piece of content.

Make sure that the video's share settings are set to "Anyone with the link".

I hope you find this helpful.

-Doug

[CallieAlreza]

I tried to find a Google Drive app, but there's no such thing. Videos embedded on Google Slides it is 😢

[JeffCampbell]

Look here in the Canvas RCE:

@dbrace mentioned steps for using embedding that would also work well. Google Slides is a workable solution too.

[dbrace]

@JeffCampbell, @CallieAlreza is using Canvas Free for Teachers, so I do not believe that will appear in the RCE.

-Doug