Accessible Video and Audio Media in Canvas

Accessible media supports students who are deaf or hard of hearing, those who rely on text-based alternatives, and learners accessing content in varied environments or with assistive technology.

When using video or audio in Canvas, provide captions for all videos, transcripts for audio-only files, and descriptions for visual-only content. Avoid autoplay, and ensure students can pause, stop, or mute all media so they can engage with content in a way that works best for them.

This guide will walk you through tips, best practices, and how-to steps for adding accessible media to Canvas. 

 

1. Use Content That Is Already Captioned When Possible

When using videos or audios you did not create (such as publisher content, library media, or public videos), choose materials that already include captions or transcripts. 

Before adding external media to your course:

  • Verify that captions are available and accurate
  • Confirm captions can be turned on by the student
  • Avoid using media that does not provide captions or a transcript unless an accessible alternative is available 
 

2. Provide Captions for All Instructor-Created Videos

All videos used in your course should include accurate captions, even if the video is short or optional. 

At Kent State, instructors can use Kaltura Reach to generate captions. Captions are auto-generated and should be reviewed and edited for accuracy before publishing. 

For a how-to on captioning through Kaltura Reach, view the separate guide specific to that topic. 

If you are recording your own videos, consider writing a brief script or outline in advance. Scripting helps:

  • Improve caption accuracy
  • Reduce editing time
  • Support clearer, more concise delivery
 

3. Embed Kaltura Media in the Canvas Rich Content Editor

After captions are added and reviewed in Kaltura, embed the media directly in Canvas so students can access captions and playback controls. 

To embed Kaltura media in Canvas:

  1. Open the Page, Assignment, or Announcement in Edit mode
  2. Place your cursor where you want the media to appear
  3. Select the Kaltura icon in the Rich Content Editor
    1. A screenshot of a the Rich Content Editor in Canvas with the Kaltura Media option available as the 3rd option from the right.
  4. Choose the media you want to embed
  5. Select Embed
    1. A screenshot of the Embed Kaltura Media option in Canvas. Videos are listed with a blue Embed button on the right.

Embedding media (rather than linking externally) helps ensure captions and player controls are available to students.

If you prefer to hyperlink your media:

  1. In Kaltura, be sure you navigate to the ellipsis menu beneath video and have set permissions to Unlisted otherwise students will not be able to view the video.
    1. A screenshot of a video in Kaltura with the options menu expanded and Publish status highlighted in gray, further expanded to include the publishing options. The unlisted option is highlighted in gray and includes a check mark on the right.
  2. Click Share beneath the video, and copy the Link to media page
    1. A screenshot of the Share menu from a Kaltura video with a box that includes the link to media page, its URL, and the button for Copy is on the right. There is an additional checkbox to Start the video at a specific time with a box to enter that time.
  3. Return to Canvas and open the Page, Assignment, or Announcement in Edit mode
  4. Type a descriptive label for the video that will be used to create the hyperlink
  5. Highlight the label, click the link button, and choose External Link
    1. A screenshot of the rich content editor open on a Canvas page with text that reads “Demonstration of Kaltura My Media” highlighted in gray. The link option from the menu bar is selected and highlighted in gray, expanding its options. The External link option is highlighted in blue.
  6. Paste the link into the Link field and click Done. Be sure to choose Save or Save & Publish at the bottom of the page to save your changes.
 

4. Include Transcripts for Audio-Only Files

For podcasts, narrated slides, or other audio-only content, provide a written transcript of the spoken content. 

PDF vs. Word Document

  • Word documents are preferred because they are easier to update and generally more flexible for assistive technology
  • PDFs may be used if they are properly tagged and accessible

Attaching a Transcript File in Canvas

  1. Uploading the transcript as a separate file and link it near the audio. For example, navigate to the Page, Assignment, or Announcement in Edit mode.
  2. Create a descriptive label the link (e.g., Transcript for Descriptive Writing Lecture)
  3. Highlight the label, click the file button, and upload your file.
    1. A screenshot of the rich content editor open for a Canvas page. There is a partial image of an embedded Kaltura video. Beneath that are the words “Transcript for Demonstration Video of Kaltura My Media” highlighted in gray. The documents menu option is highlighted in gray and expanded to show options, including the upload document option first in the list and highlighted in blue.
  4. Be sure to choose Save or Save & Publish at the bottom of the page to save the hyperlink.
 

5. Describe Video-Only Content

If a video includes important visual information without spoken narration. This ensures students who cannot see the video still understand the content.

  • Add a text description near the video, or
  • Include narration that describes the key visuals during playback

For Example:

  • You have a video showing a step-by-step lab experiment, but there is no narration explaining the steps. Near the video, you could add a text description like:
    • This video demonstrates how to safely light a Bunsen burner and measure liquid volumes using a graduated cylinder. First, the instructor adjusts the gas flow and ignites the burner. Next, they pour water into a cylinder, read the meniscus at eye level, and record the measurement. Key safety tips, such as keeping hair tied back and wearing goggles, are also shown on screen.
 

6. Ensure Students Control Media Playback

Students should always be able to control their media experience.

Best practices include:

  • Allowing videos and audio to be paused, stopped, or muted
  • Avoiding autoplay whenever possible

Unexpected media playback can be distracting or inaccessible for some students. 

 

Quick Checklist: Accessible Media in Canvas

Before publishing, confirm:

  • Videos include captions (either pre-captioned or instructor-added)
  • Audio-only files have transcripts
  • Visual-only content is described in text or narration
  • Media can be paused, stopped, or muted
  • Autoplay is avoided
© 2026 Kent State University All rights reserved.