New Changes for YouTube files Embedded in Canvas

As of 22 September 2025, YouTube videos embedded directly in Canvas may begin showing advertisements. The videos themselves will continue to work normally, this change only affects whether ads are displayed. This update is part of YouTube’s evolving model, which allows content creators, including educators, to monetise their videos.

To provide a distraction-free learning environment for students, Canvas has introduced the YouTube Player for Education through Canvas Studio. Videos embedded via Studio will remain ad-free, overlay-free, and accessible, with captions automatically carried over from YouTube.

Why This Change is Happening

Over recent years, video content has become a central part of teaching and learning. YouTube has updated its policies to allow creators to monetise educational content, which means ads may now appear outside the Player for Education. By embedding the YouTube Player for Education within Canvas Studio, students enjoy a distraction-free experience without ads or overlays. Videos remain accessible, with captions automatically carried over from YouTube, and institutions can incorporate YouTube content while maintaining privacy and control over the learning environment.

Canvas Studio and the Migration Tool

To support teaching teams, Canvas provides a YouTube Migration Tool which is available in all course’s navigation menu. This tool allows instructors to migrate existing YouTube videos into Canvas Studio, unlocking the benefits of the YouTube Player for Education, including removing ads.

Watch the Migration Tool Video: Step-by-Step Migration Tool Guide

Migration Tool FAQs

The Migration Tool is designed to make moving your YouTube content into Canvas Studio straightforward:

• It works course-by-course, enabling instructors to migrate embedded YouTube videos.
• Only embedded videos and videos added via the YouTube LTI are migrated, direct links to YouTube are not converted.
• Captions will carry over from YouTube for most videos.
• If a video fails to migrate, it may be private, deleted, or part of a playlist, which is currently unsupported.

For more details, refer to the official YouTube Player for Education FAQs.

Important Notes

• Migration is optional. Videos not migrated will continue to play but may display ads.
• If your content is already in Canvas Studio, no action is needed.
• The Migration tool is already available in every course in Canvas.
• For any questions or support, contact the IT Service Centre, who can escalate to Learning & Teaching Solutions if needed.