What is Kanopy?
Kanopy is a streaming video service that licenses access via libraries. Different library systems will have varying agreements with Kanopy, so the catalog of available titles may also differ depending on the individual license at a given institution. UCLA Library offers access to an academic version of Kanopy (Kanopy BASE/KBASE) for current students, staff, and faculty, including selected titles from the Criterion collection, A24, New Day, Kino Lorber, PBS, and other content providers.
Titles available in Kanopy can change over time depending on agreements with rights holders, including the addition of new titles and the removal of existing titles. Many titles are listed in the UCLA Library Catalog, but patrons are encouraged to search/browse Kanopy directly for the full range of offerings. Films on Kanopy must be viewed online, and cannot be downloaded.
- Kanopy This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
On-demand streaming video service for educational institutions with thousands of documentaries, training films and theatrical releases across diverse subjects and disciplines. More information on Kanopy access and use is available on this guide.
- Kanopy SupportGeneral help on the mechanics of Kanopy. For logging in at UCLA, see access information in the box below.
- Off-Campus (VPN or Proxy Server) Access to Library eResourcesHow to access licensed online content from off-campus.
Accessing Kanopy
- Access from Off-CampusAll currently enrolled UCLA students, staff, and faculty accessing Kanopy must use the campus proxy server or VPN to access the database from off-campus, using their BruinID and password. If using a mobile device, only the VPN is compatible. UCLA Extension students and visitors do not have access to the VPN from off-campus, but can access Kanopy while on campus using the free UCLA_WEB wifi network.
- The LOG IN button on the Kanopy home page is optional for use on desktops and laptops, but required to log into mobile devices. It is a login that individual patrons sign up for with login information of their choice, but it is not tied directly to off-campus access. The login allows you to create playlists, clips, and ratings. HOWEVER, you still need to use the UCLA proxy server or VPN to access videos from off campus. If accessing from a mobile device, the VPN is compatible with iOS and Android enabled devices. The proxy server is not currently compatible with mobile devices.
- Tip: if using the proxy server and having trouble getting initial video access, it can be helpful to first log into another subscription database like JSTOR, then go to Kanopy. Refreshing your browser can also sometimes help.
- Make sure you are accessing via the specific UCLA link at https://www.kanopy.com/en/ucla/, and NOT just kanopy.com
- To check if you are logged in, look for the language, "University of California Los Angeles" at the top of the Kanopy home page.
- If you get a message that your individual password has expired, you may need to reset it. You will still need to use the campus VPN or proxy to access videos from off-campus, since individual passwords are not tied to UCLA authentication.
- Kanopy Mobile Appsfor iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire.
- Kanopy TV AppsSupports multiple apps, including ROKU and Apple TV, as well as connecting via HDMI cable.
- The LOG IN button on the Kanopy home page is optional for use on desktops and laptops, but required to log into mobile devices. The login allows you to create playlists, clips, and ratings. HOWEVER, you still need to use the UCLA proxy server or VPN to access videos from off campus.
- Sharing Films and PlaylistsTo create playlists and clips, you will need to create your own account in Kanopy. This is separate from your UCLA logon ID and password that is used for logging in from off-campus.
- Synchronous virtual screeningVirtual broadcasts (such as screen sharing through videoconferencing tools like Zoom) to groups that are not accessing Kanopy individually is not allowed for any titles with restrictions on Public Performance Rights (PPR). Many films on Kanopy are encrypted with Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection to prevent unauthorized viewing, such as the screen going to black when films are screen-shared through tools like Zoom. For a virtual group screening, it's recommended that each user log in and view on their own device, then reconvene for a virtual discussion or Q&A afterwards. Instructors are encouraged to test any streaming video on Zoom first to see if synchronous viewing works.
- Kanopy labels videos that have public performance rights for films that can be shown at free public events with a "PPR" icon in the description. PPR tagged titles can be screened for group programming that doesn't charge admission. However, for virtual/online screenings, individual viewers must be logged into the UCLA VPN in order to view the video from off-campus. Because of this, virtual screenings in most cases will require an active UCLA affiliation.
- UC Library Search This link opens in a new windowIndividual Kanopy titles are both added and removed from the UCLA Library Catalog on a periodic basis, so you can often discover a film title there. However, for the most up to date information about title availability, check the Kanopy database directly.
- Creating Clips and Playlists in KanopyTo create playlists and clips, you will need to create your own account in Kanopy. This is separate from your UCLA logon ID and password that is used for logging in from off-campus.
- Embedding FilmsYou can share or embed any Kanopy film (or clip or playlist you create) through the site's sharing tools below each film. Embedding a film allows you to place the whole video player into another website (your library website, your course management system, your blog, etc) so that the film appears and can be watched there as opposed to having to click on a separate link to the film.
- Kanopy for LAPL PatronsPatrons of Los Angeles Public Library have access to a public library version of Kanopy. This service allows for a maximum of 10 films per month.
Connecting from Off-Campus: VPN and Proxy Tutorials
The Library's online subscription resources can always be accessed from computers and wireless networks on campus. However, off-campus access is restricted to current UCLA, students, faculty, and staff who have set up their computer using one of the methods below. Click on the other tabs to see how four Bruins got their computers set up and ready to go for remote access!
If you still need help, you can contact the UCLA IT Support Center at (310) 267-4357 or help@it.ucla.edu. They provide 24/7 phone support.
- Virtual Private Networking (VPN)A program you can download and install, or use the built-in version on many computers or mobile devices. VPN software must be logged on manually before you access a restricted site, but works for all programs on your computer. It stays connected until you log off.
- UCLA Online Proxy ServerA simple browser setting which will automatically divert you to a UCLA logon page when you first access a restricted site.
VPN on Mac with Natalie
"I chose VPN for my mac because I need to be able to access the full text of articles on different browsers." - Natalie, Environmental Science
VPN on Windows with Michael
"I chose VPN because I like the security it provides and the control it gives me as a user to manually enable or disable it when I'm browsing online." - Michael, Public Affairs
VPN on Chromebook with Nadia
"I chose VPN because it is really simple to use!" - Nadia, Public Affairs
Proxy on Mac with Kate
"I chose Proxy because I prefer logging in through a web browser without having to download any software on my computer." - Kate, Ethnic Studies