Streaming FAQ

We own the DVD, can I just screen it over Zoom or Webcourses? 

We do not recommend streaming the film over Zoom. It is highly likely that this will cause bandwidth issues and will result in very poor streaming quality. Additionally, UCF may not have the rights to stream that film. If you would like to screen the film in your online course or have students view the film asynchronously, contact the library to see if we can acquire a streaming version. 

Can I upload a video file to Canvas? 

In most cases, it is not recommended that you upload the film to Canvas due to copyright, licensing, and technical considerations. If you, personally, own the rights to the video (for example, if it's something you filmed yourself), then you should be able to add the video to Canvas. Both Instructional Designers in the Center for Distributed Learning and the library can assist with questions regarding uploading videos. 

I heard about a great new film, can the library buy a streaming copy? 

Maybe! Contact the library, and we'll see what we can find. However, if the film is very new, it may not yet be available for the library to purchase. Typically, films are not available to libraries for acquisition until they are finished screening at film festivals. 

Can I link to websites like YouTube, Vimeo, and Tubi? 

Yes, but use caution! Tubi is a legitimate website, though ad-supported, but YouTube and Vimeo allow anyone to upload materials. This means that you need to consider *who* uploaded the film you want to show. If it looks like the director/producer/distributor uploaded it, it should be fine to use. If it looks like a random user uploaded it, this is likely someone who does not have rights to this film and is in violation of copyright. Films can disappear from these sites quickly, and oftentimes if not uploaded by a legitimate rights holder it may not have subtitles or the correct aspect ratio.

Am I allowed to stream video from my personal subscription to a streaming video service? 

In most cases, no. Commercial providers of content such as Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Showtime, etc. license their content to individuals, but not to organizations or academic institutions, often making that content unavailable to license and make available to a broader community.

When you subscribe to any of these services, you accept their end user license agreement (sometimes called a "terms of service"). These services tend to use the same and/or similar terms of agreement, which do not allow classroom or educational use. As such, streaming video from your personal subscription would be in violation of the agreement that you signed with a specific service.

Note: Some providers may specify educational exemptions, so be sure to explore these options if relevant to your streaming video needs too.

What if I have issues?

If you are having issues with expired links, videos not playing, or trouble adding a video to your course, please reach out to our virtual Ask A Librarian reference service. The staff there will make sure you are routed to the person who can best help with your specific problem.

What if a student needs audio descriptions for videos or there are problems with captions?

Please contact Sara Duff at sara.duff@ucf.edu