Unable to load Panopto Video in Canvas

Issue

Students experienced issues accessing Panopto videos in Canvas modules. Videos failed to load properly when accessed through module links.

Uploaded Image

Environment

  • Canvas
  • Panopto

 

Information

The issue occurs when Panopto videos are added to Canvas modules using the “External URL” option without enabling “Load in a new tab.” Panopto restricts its content from being loaded within an iframe, which Canvas uses by default unless "Load in a new tab" is selected. As a result, the video fails to load when students click the module link.

 

Resolution

  1. Enable “Load in a new tab”:

    1. When adding an External URL to a module, check the box labeled “Load in a new tab.”
    2. This prevents the iframe issue and allows the video to load correctly in a new browser tab.

  2. Use the Panopto LTI Embed Tool:

    1. Instead of linking videos via External URL, embed them using the Panopto LTI integration in the Rich Content Editor (available in Pages, Assignments, Discussions, etc.).
    2. This provides a more seamless experience and reduces the need for additional logins or loading issues.
  3. How to Update Existing Links:
    1. Navigate to Modules in your Canvas course
    2. Locate the item linking to a Panopto video
    3. Click the three-dot menu next to the item and select Edit
    4. Check the box labeled “Load in a new tab”
    5. Click Update

Temporary Workaround for Students:

  1. Students can right-click the video link and choose “Open link in new tab” to bypass the iframe issue manually.

 

Cause

Panopto blocks video content from being loaded within an iframe for security and compatibility reasons. Canvas loads External URLs in an iframe by default unless explicitly set to load in a new tab. This mismatch results in video loading failures.

Print Article