Captioning YouTube Videos

This page covers how to caption YouTube videos using Kaltura. This method does not violate copyright law because the video is still hosted on the YouTube website, while the captions are added to the Kaltura player. This way you can provide captioned videos to all students. 

First, Assess the Current Captions

First check to see if the video is already accurately captioned (please note that auto-generated captions are not adequate). If so, you can embed the video using YouTube’s embed code. Otherwise follow the instructions below. 

Using Kaltura to Caption YouTube Videos

  1. In the Kaltura Mediaspace Links to an external site. select Add New and then choose YouTube 
  2. Copy the YouTube link into the provided field
  3. Add tags with information such as the course name, semester, key topics if desired
  4. For Usage, select Course Material
  5. Leave the other fields blank
  6. Save
  7. Publish the video or set it as unlisted (a private video can't be viewed by others). Follow the recommendations for your unit.
  8. Add captions by ordering professional captions from your vendor of choice Links to an external site. and then uploading the caption file Links to an external site. Kaltura. Note: Ordering machine-generated captions in Kaltura for YouTube videos is no longer an option.
  9. If embedding the captioned video in Canvas, use the Kaltura LTI Links to an external site. with transcript to ensure your videos will be in the latest version of the player. (It is best if the video does not autoplay.) If embedding into a different content management system, follow your unit's instructions for video embeds.