Embed images and videos in a discussion

Updated 17 Aug 2021

The Insert Media icon in the visual editor allows instructors and students to embed media directly within threaded discussions alongside text. Options include adding a URL for a photo or video, or embedding code for any type of media that can be viewed directly in the post. This eliminates the extra step of adding attachments or leaving the discussion to view media.

Instructors can embed media in the introduction, in a topic, or in a response. Students can embed media only in responses. A media icon  appears below response dates for posts that include media.

  1. Select the insert media icon  in the editor toolbar.

    The Media Properties window opens.

    • Select the Add Image tab to embed an image.

      Enter a valid URL for the image, including https://, a description of the image for accessibility, and select an image size.

      Image URLs must have a valid extension such as .jpg, .gif, .tiff, and so on, and must be publicly available on the Internet. Depending upon the browser you’re using, you many need to right-click on the image to copy its full URL.

    • Select the Add Video tab to embed a video.

      Enter a valid URL for the video, including https://, and select a video size.

    Note: For the best experience and greatest security, use https addresses when adding image or video URLs. If you select the new link and it doesn’t load, or you see an error, the website may be incompatible with the https address. Try changing the URL to an http address.

    • Select the Embed Media tab to add a valid embed code for a video or presentation. For most websites that support sharing, you can find an embed or share link where you can copy the embed code, which begins with <iframe>. For example, <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XN-XmJayyzM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>.
  2. Select Add.

Note: As long as you allow response editing in Discussion Settings, you and your students can later edit image URLs you’ve inserted, but you cannot edit video URLs or embed code.