MyMedia is a University of Toronto Libraries service for hosting, managing, and streaming audio and video files. Available to U of T faculty, staff, and students, MyMedia allows users to upload or record media, manage access settings, and share recordings through permanent playback links or embed codes.
Instructors can use MyMedia to share instructional videos, demonstrations, recorded presentations, and audio materials with students. It can also support student-created media assignments and the sharing of recordings through Quercus (Canvas).
Getting Started with MyMedia
Access MyMedia and sign in using your UTORid.
MyMedia provides tools to:
- Upload and record media: Add existing audio or video files or create recordings using your screen, camera, and microphone.
- Manage recordings: Edit titles, descriptions, keywords, thumbnails, and other media information.
- Control access: Choose whether recordings are private, accessible to the U of T community, or publicly available.
- Share media: Generate permanent playback links or embed codes for use in Quercus and other locations.
- Add captions: Upload caption files or create and edit text tracks.
- View analytics: Access available playback statistics to understand how recordings are being viewed.
MyMedia processes uploaded files for web playback. Processing times may vary depending on the size and format of the recording.
Uploading Media
To upload an existing audio or video file:
- Sign in to MyMedia.
- Open Files and select Upload.
- Choose the files you want to upload or drag them into the upload area.
- Select Upload to begin transferring the files.
- Wait for the files to finish uploading and processing.
- Open the recording to review its information and playback.
Once processing is complete, check that the recording plays correctly and is published before attempting to share it.
Select the pencil icon to edit the recording’s information, including the title, description, keywords, and thumbnail.
Use descriptive titles and information that will help you and your students identify the recording.
Recording Directly in MyMedia
MyMedia also allows users to create recordings directly through the service.
To record:
- Open Files and select Upload, then Record.
- Choose whether to capture your display, camera, microphone, or a combination of these sources.
- Allow your browser to access the required recording devices.
- Preview the selected sources and audio levels, then begin recording.
- When finished, review the recording and choose whether to upload it, download a copy, or record again.
This feature may be useful for creating short demonstrations, explanations, or presentations without first recording them in another application.
For detailed instructions, consult the MyMedia Help Centre.
Adding Captions to Recordings
Captions and transcripts help make recordings accessible to students with different needs and circumstances. MyMedia supports several types of text tracks, including captions, subtitles, transcripts, chapters, and descriptions.
MyMedia does not automatically generate captions. Caption files must be created separately and uploaded to the service. If no separate transcript is provided, MyMedia can display the caption track as a transcript.
When preparing recordings, provide accurate captions and consider whether additional descriptions of important visual information are needed.
To add captions:
- Open the recording in MyMedia and select the pencil icon.
- Select the Text Tracks tab.
- Select Create New.
- Choose the text track type and language.
- Upload an existing caption file or create a blank text track.
- Save the text track and review the captions during playback.
When using automatically generated captions from another service, review and correct errors before sharing the recording, particularly for names, technical terminology, and discipline-specific language.
For additional guidance, consult CTSI’s Captioning Recorded Videos resource and the MyMedia Help Centre.
Sharing Media and Managing Access
MyMedia provides different visibility settings for controlling who can access recordings. Recordings must be published before their access settings can be configured and the recordings shared.
Depending on the selected settings, recordings may be:
- Private: Accessible only to the owner.
- U of T restricted: Accessible to members of the University of Toronto community who sign in to MyMedia.
- Public: Accessible to anyone with the appropriate link.
The default visibility setting is U of T restricted. Instructors should review these settings before sharing recordings, particularly when media contains student contributions, classroom interactions, or copyrighted materials.
To change a recording’s visibility, select its pencil icon, open the Privacy settings, and choose the appropriate access option.
MyMedia also provides options for allowing downloads and making recordings discoverable. Enabling downloads allows viewers to save copies to their devices, which may also make redistribution possible. Consider whether these settings are appropriate for the recording and its intended audience.
Sharing Links and Embed Codes
To share a recording:
- Open Files in MyMedia.
- Select the Share icon for the recording.
- Copy either the Permanent Link or Embed Code.
- Add the link or embed code to the intended location.
A permanent link directs viewers to the recording, while an embed code allows the media player to appear within supported webpages or course content.
MyMedia also allows you to specify a start time or chapter when sharing a recording, which can help direct students to a particular section.
Before sharing, confirm that the visibility settings allow the intended audience to access the recording. A link does not override MyMedia’s access restrictions.
Using MyMedia with Quercus
Instructors can share MyMedia recordings through Quercus using permanent links or embed codes.
Common approaches include:
- Pages and Modules: Provide recordings alongside readings, instructions, and learning activities.
- Announcements: Share recordings containing course updates, explanations, or reminders.
- Discussions: Include audio or video recordings as part of discussion prompts or responses.
- Assignments: Provide recordings containing instructions, demonstrations, or supporting materials.
Use the Rich Content Editor to add links or supported embed codes to Quercus content.
When embedding a recording in Quercus, also provide a descriptive link to open the recording directly in MyMedia. Embedded media may not display or play as expected in some browsers or circumstances, and a direct link provides another way to access the content.
Include the recording’s duration so students can plan their time. For longer recordings, consider providing timestamps for key topics or sections to help students navigate the content.
Before publishing, test both the embedded player and the direct link to confirm that students can access the recording using the intended sharing permissions. Being enrolled in a Quercus course does not automatically grant access to a restricted MyMedia recording.
For instructions on linking and embedding content, consult Quercus (Canvas) Rich Content Editor.
Student-Created Media Assignments
MyMedia can also support assignments in which students create and submit audio or video recordings.
For example, students may record presentations, demonstrations, reflections, or other work that documents their learning.
For media submissions exceeding Quercus’s 500 MB media-recording submission limit, instructors can configure an Assignment to accept a Website URL. Students can then upload their recordings to MyMedia and submit the permanent playback link.
When designing media assignments:
- Provide clear instructions for recording, uploading, and submitting the work.
- Explain any required access settings so instructors and teaching assistants can view submissions.
- Allow time for uploading and processing recordings before the submission deadline.
- Consider accessibility, available devices, and alternative ways for students to demonstrate their learning.
For detailed instructions, consult the UTM Library’s MyMedia guide.
Managing Recordings Over Time
When using MyMedia across multiple courses or academic terms, consider who owns the recordings and how access will be maintained.
Recordings owned by students who no longer have an active UTORid may become inaccessible and are generally deleted after approximately six months.
If students or teaching assistants create recordings that will be needed for future course offerings, arrange appropriate ownership and permissions before their University access ends.
Periodically review recordings, visibility settings, captions, and links to ensure that materials remain available and appropriate for their intended use.
For assistance with changing ownership or managing recordings, contact the Information Commons Help Desk.
Additional Information and Support
For detailed instructions on uploading, recording, editing, sharing, and captioning media, consult the MyMedia Help Centre.
For technical assistance with MyMedia, contact the University of Toronto Information Commons Help Desk at help.desk@utoronto.ca.