Starting October 31, 2025, advertisements may start displaying on any YouTube video embedded in bCourses. This is due to a change in how the bCourses vendor (Instructure) works with YouTube. Before playing the video, viewers will see a message letting viewers know that ads may be displayed before, during, or after the video. These ads are controlled by YouTube and cannot be disabled in bCourses by instructors, students, or admins.
Recommended Solution: Use Kaltura to Embed YouTube Videos
We recognize the impact this change might have on your students’ learning experience, so we are providing a recommended workaround for you to use. Kaltura, our web-based video management platform, does not show ads at this time. No announcements have been made about a similar change for Kaltura. Although we can't guarantee that nothing will change, using Kaltura is currently the best solution available at this time.
Kaltura (My Media) currently allows embedding public YouTube videos without ads. You can do so following the instructions in How to Embed YouTube videos in bCourses using Kaltura.
Alternative Solution: Use a Disclaimer
If you choose to continue to embed YouTube videos directly in your bCourses site (without using Kaltura), consider adding a disclaimer to the course pages that contain videos or adding one to your syllabus. We have provided some sample language below:
Sample Course Page Statement:
YouTube videos may display advertisements. These ads are not affiliated with or endorsed by the instructor or by the University of California, Berkeley.
Sample Syllabus Statement:
Important Note Regarding Videos in this Course
Beginning October 31, 2025, you may encounter advertisements when viewing YouTube videos embedded in this bCourses course site. This is due to a new integration model between Canvas (bCourses vendor) and YouTube. Please be aware that these ads are not under the control of the instructor and may appear before, during, or after the video content. Ads are not affiliated with or endorsed by the instructor or by the University of California, Berkeley.
Why is this change happening?
This change is happening because Instructure (Canvas / bCourses vendor) has changed how Canvas interacts with YouTube content. Previously, embedding a YouTube video in Canvas would prevent ads from appearing. However, Canvas no longer utilizes the YouTube Player for Education, which removes ads from YouTube videos in educational platforms, by default. In order to access the ads-free video experience, Instructure now requires educational institutions to purchase an add-on subscription to their Canvas Studio media platform. Instructure has stated that the reason for this change is to "ensure [YouTube video] creators can monetize their education content."
Please contact bCoursesHelp@berkeley.edu with any questions.