How to Close Caption a Video Using Canvas Studio

Video captioning is a key element in creating accessible content. Canvas Studio provides tools that allow educators and content creators to caption their videos. This guide explains how to upload, caption, edit, and share videos using Canvas Studio.

Video Guide

Upload Videos to Canvas Studio

To begin, log into your Canvas account and access Studio from your library. You can upload a media file, such as an MP4, or add a YouTube video. Click the Create button, choose Add Media, and either browse for a local file or paste a video link.

After selecting a file, Canvas Studio will start processing it automatically. It supports videos of various lengths and begins analyzing the content to generate captions.

Auto-Captioning and Manual Review

Canvas Studio generates an English caption track automatically for each uploaded video. After processing finishes, open the video from your library and click the Captions button. The auto-generated track will appear in the list and you can begin editing it.

Review the transcript manually to correct spelling errors, improve grammar, and refine phrasing. Use the editing panel to insert new caption lines that improve readability and ensure accurate timing alignment.

Advanced Captioning Tools

Canvas Studio offers several advanced tools for captioning:

• The search and replace feature helps correct recurring errors quickly.
• The line insertion tool allows you to customize how text appears on screen.
• The settings menu lets you enable auto captioning and auto publish, simplifying the process for future uploads.

These tools improve the consistency and efficiency of your captioning workflow.

Upload External Caption Files

If you prefer using tools like YouTube or OtterAI for captioning, you can download captions from those platforms and upload them to Canvas Studio. This gives you flexibility and allows you to integrate captions created with other workflows.

Editing Video Metadata

You can modify a video’s metadata by opening the Details tab. From there, update the title, provide a description, and ensure your content is properly labeled. This helps organize your media and makes it easier for students to find.

Sharing and Embedding Videos

You can share captioned videos in multiple ways:

• Embed them in Canvas course pages or modules.
• Generate public links for sharing outside the Canvas platform.
• Share content with students or colleagues within Canvas courses.

Canvas Studio also allows you to change video thumbnails to match your content or branding.

Improving Accessibility in Education

By using Canvas Studio to caption videos, educators support students with disabilities and enhance learning for all. Captioned videos improve comprehension, assist non-native speakers, and support different learning styles. These tools help create a more inclusive and effective educational environment.

Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!