UAF Technology News

Replacing Broken Video Embeds in Canvas

August 19, 2026

What's Happening

Recent security updates to Canvas have caused some older Kaltura/MediaSpace video embeds to stop working. If you have videos embedded in Canvas pages, assignments, discussions, or modules, you may notice a blank box (in Chrome) or an error message (in Firefox) where the video used to play.

This is a known, widespread issue affecting older embed formats — it is not something you did wrong, and it does not mean the video itself was deleted. The fix is straightforward once you know the entry ID for the affected video.

Tip: Use Firefox while troubleshooting. Chrome simply shows a blank box, but Firefox displays an error message, which makes it much easier to identify exactly where a broken video is located.

How to Fix a Broken Embed on a Page

  1. Identify the Kaltura Entry ID for the video:
    1. Click Edit on the page containing the broken embed.
    2. Click the </> icon to open the HTML editor.
    3. Locate the broken <iframe> code. The entry ID appears in the entry_id= portion of the link — copy everything after entry_id= up to (but not including) the & symbol. Save it somewhere you can reference it, like a notepad or a Google Doc.
      Example: this video's Entry ID is 0_3by1bn9w
      A screenshot of the source code for an embedded Kaltura video. The Entry ID is highlighted in yellow.
  2. Delete the broken embed entirely, either by removing the full <iframe>...</iframe> block in the HTML editor, or by placing your cursor after the broken embed outside the HTML editor and pressing Backspace.
  3. Return to the rich content editor (click </> again if needed) and click the Embed Kaltura Media button.
    A screenshot of the Page Edit interface in Canvas. A blue arrow is pointing to the "Embed Kaltura Media" button.
  4. Paste the entry ID into the search box and press Enter. The correct video should appear — click </> Embed to re-insert it.
  5. Click Save at the bottom of the page.
  6. Repeat as needed for any additional broken videos on the page.

How to Fix a Broken Embed in a Module (Direct Module Embed)

  1. Hover over the broken link in the module to find the entry ID (it will display in the bottom-left corner of your browser).
    Note: it should appear similar to this: media.uaf.edu/media/t/[Entry ID]
  2. Copy the entry ID and save it for reference.
  3. Click the ellipses (⋯) next to the broken item in the module and select Remove.
  4. Click the + button on the module header.
  5. In the Add Item window, change the dropdown from "Assignment" to External Tool, then select Kaltura Media Gallery.
  6. Paste the entry ID into the search field and press Enter.
  7. Once the correct video appears, click </> Embed.
  8. Back in the Add Item window, click Add Item. The video will be placed at the bottom of the module — reorder it as needed to restore its original position.
  9. Repeat as needed for any additional broken videos in the module.

Need Help?

If you run into a video you can't identify, or you'd rather have someone walk through it with you, please reach out to the NTS Service Desk!

NTS Service Desk
Email: helpdesk@alaska.edu
Phone: (907) 450-8300
Toll Free: 1-800-478-8226
Weekdays: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Weekends: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm