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Canvas Media Comparison

Canvas Media Comparison

This document compares how media content can be uploaded and recorded in Canvas, Canvas Studio, and the Canvas mobile apps.

Canvas supports tools for media creation in course content. This document is intended to show the pros and cons for media content in Canvas, Studio, and mobile products. Some media types are not saved for reuse, so you may need to consider a different method depending on the media type.

 

Canvas (Web Browser)

Canvas is a cloud-native learning platform and learning management system that provides several options for creating new media and uploading existing media. The following tables show each location that accepts media in Canvas while using a web browser and details about the media features.

 

Assignments

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Record/Upload Media Button from Media Tab 

nathanatkinson_0-1652733135033.png

Upload - 500MB


Record -

Internet connection*

Nowhere

Submits as an assignment

Record/Upload Media

nathanatkinson_1-1652733135050.png

Upload - 500MB


Record -

Internet connection*

Nowhere

Displays in content editor; submits as an assignment

 

Conferences

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Conference Recordings

(in Add Conference page)

Unlimited

Saved for 14 days then removed automatically**

Displays in the Conferences page

*Media recordings are dependent on internet connections (approx. 90 minutes max). Recording failures display an error.

**Hosted Conference accounts through BigBlueButton retain all recordings, which can also be downloaded. Contact BigBlueButton for hosting details.

Conversations

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Record/Upload Media

nathanatkinson_2-1652733135033.png

Upload - 500MB


Record -

Internet connection*

Nowhere

Displays as an attachment

 

Rich Content Editor

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Record/Upload Media

nathanatkinson_3-1652733135112.png

Upload - 500MB


Record -

Internet connection*

When users upload content to a course or group, the media file is stored in the Uploaded Media folder for the course or group.


When students record or upload media for an assignment submission, the media file is stored in their User Files.

Embedded in the content editor

Document Uploader


nathanatkinson_4-1652733135099.png

Course Folder: Adds media already in Course FIles


Upload: Uploads new files; cannot be larger than the space remaining in user/course files

Course/User Files

Embedded in the content editor

External Apps

nathanatkinson_5-1652733135144.png

Per the length of the video on the external site

Nowhere

Embedded in the content editor in one of three sizes

Hyperlink

nathanatkinson_6-1652733135121.png

Per the length of the video on the linked site

Nowhere

Displays a link in the content editor

*Media recordings are dependent on internet connections (approx. 90 minutes max). Recording failures display an error.

 

SpeedGrader

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Record/Upload Media

nathanatkinson_7-1652733135069.png

Upload - 500MB


Record -

Internet connection*

Nowhere

Displays as a standalone comment in SpeedGrader

*Media recordings are dependent on internet connections (approx. 90 minutes max). Recording failures display an error.

 

Studio (Web Browser)

Studio is an online video platform that makes learning more impactful through active collaboration. Studio is a separate product offering from Instructure available at a low cost.

Studio provides several options for uploading new media and existing media in Canvas. The following tables show each location that accepts media in Studio and details about the media features.

 

Assignments

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Studio External Tool 

(Add Submission Type)

10 GB

In Studio

Displays as an assignment and in SpeedGrader

 

Modules

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Studio External Tool 

(Add Module Item)

10 GB

In Studio

Displays as a module item

 

Rich Content Editor

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Studio Media Icon

nathanatkinson_8-1652733135068.png

10 GB

In Studio

Displays inline in content editor

 

SpeedGrader

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Record/Upload Media

nathanatkinson_9-1652733135069.png

Upload - 500MB


Record -

Internet connection*

Nowhere

Displays as a standalone comment in SpeedGrader

*Media recordings are dependent on internet connections (approx. 90 minutes max). Recording failures display an error.

Canvas (Mobile)

Mobile devices provide several options for creating new media and uploading existing media in Canvas Student and Canvas Teacher mobile apps. However, depending on the app and device, users may experience limitations with media creation.

File Uploads and Media Size

Canvas mobile apps support media files up to 500 MB. The file limit can be reached in a number of ways, depending on recording length, frames per second, resolution, and compression/file type. Before uploading a mobile media file to the app, check your device’s settings and size information to ensure the file will upload successfully. For example, depending on the file format (i.e. MPEG4, MOV, etc.), one minute of video could be approximately 60 MB with 720p HD, or 350 MB with 4K.

Mobile media recording lengths are dependent on internet connections, cellular network speeds, and the number of apps in use on a device. The maximum recording time is approximately 10 minutes, but may vary. Upload failures display an error. To ensure video recordings upload to the app, you may want to record in a separate application and upload the file to the app.

  • The Android apps upload files according to original file size, while the iOS apps compress videos for faster uploads.

  • If the media file was imported to your device, rather than recorded on your device, device settings will not be relevant. 

Android Devices

Media file size information is based on your media app and manufacturer. To view specific file details and size information, view the file in your device folder.

  • If a file fails to upload, the notification drawer will display an error message. Additionally, if the user has remained on the media upload screen, the Canvas apps will display a toast notification upon failure.

iOS Devices

To view media file size information on your iOS device, open Settings, then select the Photos or Camera option.

  • If you navigate away from the upload screen while an upload is in progress, the upload will be cancelled. While on the upload screen, if a file fails to upload, an error will display.

Mobile Best Practices

  • To prevent the loss of any media files, record your video using your device’s default camera or media app, and save to your device. Then upload the recording to the app.

  • Keep any video files intended for upload below 500 MB.

  • Make sure you have a strong internet and/or cellular network connection established. Data rates may apply.

  • During upload, avoid multitasking on your device (i.e. opening other apps on your phone after beginning an upload).

Mobile devices provide several options for creating new media and uploading existing media in Canvas mobile apps. The following tables show each location that accepts media in the Canvas Student app and Canvas Teacher app and details about the media features.

Note: The Canvas Parent app does not include options for uploading media.

 

Canvas Student App (Android)

Android: Assignments

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

File Upload

media_comp_file_upload.png

500MB

Saved in My Files

Displays as video in Submission page

Media Recording

media_comp_media_rec.png

Upload - 500MB


Record - WiFi/network speeds*

Saved in My Files

Displays as a video in Submission page

* - Mobile media recording lengths are dependent on internet connections, cellular network speeds, and the number of apps in use on a device. (Approximately 10 minute maximum length)

 

Android: Conversations

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Device

nathanatkinson_44-1652733822997.png

500MB

Saved in conversations attachments folder of My Files

Displays as a message attachment

 

Canvas Student App (iOS)

iOS: Assignments

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

File Upload

media_comp_file_up_2.png

Upload - 500MB


Record - WiFi/network speeds*

Nowhere

Displays as a video in the Submission page

Media Recording

media_comp_media_rec_ios.png

Upload - 500MB


Record - WiFi/network speeds*

Nowhere

Displays as a video in the Submission page

 

iOS: Announcements

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Choose from Library…

nathanatkinson_47-1652733856791.pngnathanatkinson_49-1652733885273.png

500MB

Nowhere

Displays in announcement or reply

Use Camera

nathanatkinson_50-1652733892282.pngnathanatkinson_51-1652733899461.png

WiFi/network speeds*

Nowhere

Displays in announcement or reply

* - Mobile media recording lengths are dependent on internet connections, cellular network speeds, and the number of apps in use on a device. (Approximately 10 minute maximum length)

 

iOS: Conversations

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Choose from Library

 

nathanatkinson_52-1652733924220.png

500MB

Saved in conversations attachments folder of My Files

Displays as a message attachment

Record Audio

nathanatkinson_52-1652733924220.png

WiFi/network speeds*

Saved in conversations attachments folder of My Files

Displays as a message attachment

Upload File

nathanatkinson_52-1652733924220.png

500MB

Saved in conversations attachments folder of My Files

Displays as an attachment

Use Camera

nathanatkinson_52-1652733924220.png

WiFi/network speeds*

Saved in conversations attachments folder of My Files

Displays as an attachment

 

Canvas Teacher App (Android)

Android: Assignments

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Add video/audio comment

nathanatkinson_53-1652733968589.pngnathanatkinson_54-1652733975693.png

WiFi/network speeds*

Nowhere

Displays in Assignment Comments section of SpeedGrader below “This is a media comment.”

* - Mobile media recording lengths are dependent on internet connections, cellular network speeds, and the number of apps in use on a device. (Approximately 10 minute maximum length)

 

Android: Announcements

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Choose File From Device

nathanatkinson_55-1652733984685.png

500MB

Nowhere

Displays as an attachment

 

Android: Conversations

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Choose File From Device

nathanatkinson_55-1652733984685.png

500MB

Saved in conversations attachments folder of My Files

Displays as a message attachment

 

Android: Discussions

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Choose File From Device

nathanatkinson_55-1652733984685.png

500MB

Nowhere

Displays as a post/reply attachment

 

Android: Files

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Add File - Upload Video

nathanatkinson_56-1652734014306.png

500MB

Course Files

Course Files

* - Mobile media recording lengths are dependent on internet connections, cellular network speeds, and the number of apps in use on a device. (Approximately 10 minute maximum length)

 

Canvas Teacher App (iOS)

iOS: Assignments

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Add comment - Record Audio

WiFi/network speeds*

Nowhere

Displays in Assignment Comments section of SpeedGrader below “This is a media comment.”

Add comment - Record Video

WiFi/network speeds*

Nowhere

Displays in Assignment Comments section of SpeedGrader below “This is a media comment.”

 

iOS: Announcements

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Choose from Library

nathanatkinson_57-1652734022654.png

500MB

Saved in My Files

Displays as an announcement attachment

Record Audio

nathanatkinson_57-1652734022654.png

WiFi/network speeds*

Nowhere

Displays as an announcement attachment

Upload File

nathanatkinson_57-1652734022654.png

500MB

Nowhere

Displays as an announcement attachment

* - Mobile media recording lengths are dependent on internet connections, cellular network speeds, and the number of apps in use on a device. (Approximately 10 minute maximum length)

 

iOS: Conversations

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Choose from Library

nathanatkinson_58-1652734051997.png

500MB

Saved in conversations attachments folder of My Files

Displays as a message attachment

Record Audio

nathanatkinson_58-1652734051997.png

WiFi/network speeds*

Saved in conversations attachments folder of My Files

Displays as a message attachment

Upload File

nathanatkinson_58-1652734051997.png

500MB

Saved in conversations attachments folder of My Files

Displays as a message attachment

 

iOS: Discussions

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Choose from Library

nathanatkinson_58-1652734051997.png

500MB

Saved in My Files

Displays as an discussion attachment

Record Audio

nathanatkinson_58-1652734051997.png

WiFi/network speeds*

Nowhere

Displays as an discussion attachment

Upload File

nathanatkinson_58-1652734051997.png

500MB

Nowhere

Displays as an discussion attachment

* - Mobile media recording lengths are dependent on internet connections, cellular network speeds, and the number of apps in use on a device. (Approximately 10 minute maximum length)

 

iOS: Files (Course)

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Add File - Upload Video

nathanatkinson_57-1652734022654.png

500MB

Course Files

Course Files

Add File - Record Audio

nathanatkinson_57-1652734022654.png

WiFi/network speeds*

Course Files

Course Files

 

iOS: Files (User)

Name

Length/File Size

File Saved

Video Visibility

Add File - Upload Video

nathanatkinson_57-1652734022654.png

500MB

User Files

User Files

Add File - Record Audio

nathanatkinson_57-1652734022654.png

WiFi/network speeds*

User Files

User Files

* - Mobile media recording lengths are dependent on internet connections, cellular network speeds, and the number of apps in use on a device. (Approximately 10 minute maximum length)


Last update: 2021-01-16

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