LibAnswers: Instructional Design

Captioning Media with Kaltura

Captions are a text version of the speech and non-speech audio information in a media file. While captions are necessary for people with hearing impairments, they also benefit other users, such as those learning a new language or those in areas where audio is not accessible. Videos require captions when linked in digital materials, such as Canvas, PowerPoint, or other access points.

As of October 2025, videos uploaded to Kaltura will auto-caption, meaning you do not have to request captioning services manually. You only need to request captioning if you require professional captions, which apply only to students with documented accommodations from the Accessibility Resource Center.

Adding Captions with Kaltura

1. Navigate to My Media in the Canvas Global Navigation menu.
2. Click “Add New” and select “Media Upload.”
3. Click “Choose a file to upload” and select the necessary video.
4. Fill in the desired details, including:
   • Name (required)
   • Description
   • Tags
   • Publishing status (must save before changing from Private to Published)
5. Click "Save."

For media published before October 2025:

Complete steps 1 through 5 above, then:

1. Click “Go to Media” and wait for the video to finish processing.
2. Select “Actions,” then click “Caption & Enrich.”
   • Unless you have a request from the Accessibility Resource Center to accommodate a student, leave Service set to Machine (change to professional only if you are directed to by ARC)
   • Status will start with “Processing” and change to “Ready” upon completion.

After Kaltura Processes Machine Captions

1. Under “Actions,” select “Caption & Enrich.”
2. Click the pencil icon next to “Ready.”
3. Edit the captions with appropriate capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
4. Click “Save” after editing your captions.