Updated April 3, 2025
The YouTube LTI is a great way to add a YouTube video directly into your Canvas course. YouTube videos can be added anywhere in Canvas that utilizes the Rich Content Editor (RCE), as well as adding to a Module using the External Tool option. The guide below will walk you through how to utilize both of these features.
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Add a YouTube video using the Rich Content Editor (RCE)
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Open your Canvas course and navigate to the section where you want to add the YouTube video. This may be an Announcement, Assignment, Page, Quiz, or Discussion Board.
In the Rich Content Editor, locate and select the “Apps” button, which looks like a plug. In the drop-down menu that appears, click “View All.”
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Scroll to the bottom of the list that appears and select “YouTube.”
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You should now see a screen with the YouTube logo and a search bar. Search the title of the video you wish to use. If you’re not sure of the exact title, type in keywords that may help you identify the video. Then, hit “enter” on your keyboard.
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Look for the video you wish to add. Once you have identified it, click the Embed button on the right-hand side of the appropriate video.
For more advanced embed settings, click the drop-down arrow next to “Embed.”
You should now see the video embedded in the text box of your Canvas Discussion Board / Page / Assignment / etc. Add any other necessary elements, then when ready, scroll to the bottom and click Save.
Add a YouTube video to a Module
Open your Canvas course and go to Modules.
Click the “+” icon on the module where you wish to add the YouTube video.
In the drop-down menu, select “External Tool.” Then scroll to the bottom of the list of External Tools and click “YouTube.”
You should now see a screen with the YouTube logo and a search bar. Search the title of the video you wish to use. If you’re not sure of the exact title, type in keywords that may help you identify the video. Then, hit “enter” on your keyboard.
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Look for the video you wish to add. Once you have identified it, click the Embed button on the right-hand side of the appropriate video.
For more advanced embed settings, click the drop-down arrow next to “Embed.”
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Scroll to the bottom of the “Add Item” window. Adjust settings as needed, then click “Add Item.”
URL: While this is technically an editable field, do not edit the URL that appears here.
Page Name: The page name is what the title of the item will be in your Modules. By default, the page name will be the name of the YouTube video. Feel free to adjust the page name as needed.
Load in a new tab: This check box indicates whether your students will stay inside Canvas to watch the video, or if the video will be loaded in a new tab. To keep your students inside Canvas, make sure to un-check “Load in a new tab.”
Indentation: Indentation is a way to further organize your content in your modules. For some tips and tricks on how to better utilize module organization in your Canvas course, please see Canvas' Blog article: How to Use Modules to Build Courses in Canvas (linked).
The YouTube video is now in your Modules. When ready, publish the link and the module by clicking the Publish button, which appears as a gray circle with a slash through it.
How do I get support for this LTI if I need help?
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For assistance using the YouTube LTI in Canvas, please contact Canvas Support directly. You can find help from Canvas by using the Help button in your Global Navigation menu in Canvas. Alternatively, you can call their toll-free helpline at 866-902-8834, or enter a live chat session with a Canvas technician using the link below that is appropriate to you:
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