Youtube Blocked on Network/ Can my students watch in Canvas?

[ShannonSilvers]

Our school recently blocked youtube due to state legislation. We were told that if we embedded in Canvas studio, then they still should be able to watch video in Canvas. It doesn't seem to be working for me.  Should it be?

[dbrace · Accepted solution]

Hi @ShannonSilvers,

I do not work for Instructure/Canvas but there are a few aspects to this; first, I will refer you and others to  Canvas Studio Will Soon Offer a Secure, Distraction Free YouTube Experience for Educators and Stude... from early August.

The next parts are mostly uncertain (at least publicly) because there are different ways to block YouTube. Some of those ways, Canvas Studio might be able to work around and others they might not be able to.

My recommendation, if you subscribe to Canvas Studio would be to wait until after the new YouTube experience in Canvas Studio has been released. If there are problems, have someone from your Canvas team and your IT Department enter a support ticket with Instructure. After that, depending on their response, work with your Instructure CSM to gather more information (what that information is, I do not know). After that information has been gather, there might need to be a conversation between Canvas Studio personnel and your Canvas team and IT Department to discuss what has to be blocked, how it has to be blocked, and if it is possible for Canvas Studio to still playback the desired YouTube videos while still blocking "normal" YouTube traffic/videos.

If you do not subscribe to Canvas Studio (or you do not want to wait) would be to have conversations with your Instructure CSM. They will probably do most of what I listed above.

I know this is not a specific answer but these options are what I would do.

-Doug

[ShannonSilvers]

Thank you for this information. Do you know if the YouTube player will be integrated automatically or if our school has to reach out?

[dbrace]

You are welcome, @ShannonSilvers.

Between https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/The-Product-Blog/Canvas-Studio-Will-Soon-Offer-a-Secure-Distracti... and https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Resource-Documents/YouTube-Player-for-Education-FAQs/ta-p/... it is my understanding that...

• "For any YouTube videos added to Canvas Studio, you will not see ads because as of September 1, 2025, Canvas Studio will have implemented the YouTube Player for Education."
• "Any existing or new YouTube videos added to Canvas may display ads, starting September 22, 2025."
• "When will the migration tool be available? The migration tool will be available September 1, 2025, the same time as when the YouTube Player for Education will be implemented within Canvas Studio."

... and I do not believe a school will need to reach out.

-Doug

[adamwarecx]

I assume you mean the Youtube LTi and in which case you can find supporting information here: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/How-do-I-link-to-or-embed-a-YouTube-video-in-... 

Please note this is not related to playing Youtube content through Canvas Studio

[adamwarecx]

Further @dbrace above, worth ensuring that your school allows the following Canvas Domain, Email, and Server Management

This will contribute to an all round better User Experience (UX) for all users of the Instructure Learning Ecosystem.

[dbrace]

@adamwarecx,

To the best of your knowledge, are there any additional considerations for Canvas Studio?

I ask because the items documented at that resource seem to be core functionality of Canvas and there could be additional considerations for Canvas Studio.

-Doug

[adamwarecx]

The only additional things to be aware of are:

• What are the computer specifications for Canvas Studio?
• How do I install the Screencast-o-Matic screen capture application?

If there was anything else, I'd suggest lodging and escalating a Support case if unsure.