Kaltura to Replace Vimeo for Video Hosting

This pilot has ended and Kaltura is no longer available to the SMU campus. Panopto is now the preferred video platform. More information is available at smu.edu/Panopto.


Embedded Vimeo videoFor the past several years, OIT has been using Vimeo as a host for SMU academic-related videos that would not be suitable for SMU’s YouTube channel. Recently, Vimeo has made a change to its service that will limit the number of email addresses that can access an account. This policy has already been implemented in the Basic and Plus accounts and will be implemented soon in the PRO, which we are currently subscribed, and Business accounts. Starting July 5, 2017, we will limit access to the SMU Vimeo account and move the service into an archive-only mode.

Where do I put my videos now?

KalturaAs you may have read, SMU began using Kaltura this Spring to host academic-related video content. Kaltura offers several benefits over Vimeo for hosting content.

  • Automatically Closed Captioned using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR).
  • Searchable, including the Closed Captioning.
  • Easily be embedded and shared within Canvas.
  • Screen recording and video quiz features built in.

What happens to my Vimeo videos?

Don’t worry, your videos are safe. Our account with Video will remain active for the next few years. You can still link to and embed that video content, but we encourage you to begin using Kaltura for hosting all new videos and even migrating some of your Vimeo content over to Kaltura.

I have more questions and what about training?

That’s understandable. We have a Kaltura service page at smu.edu/Katura to help you get started and any questions about using the Kaltura service can be directed to your local Academic Technology Services Directors (ATSD) or the IT Help Desk.

While many users find using Katura straightforward, we understand some prefer a class setting for learning. The IT Training Team will be offering workshops in August on using Kaltura. More details about training will be coming in the following weeks.

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Ian Aberle

Ian Aberle is an Adobe Creative Educator and the Senior IT Communications Specialist & Trainer for the Office of Information Technology (OIT). For over 25 years, he has helped the SMU community use technology and implement digital and web media through multiple roles with the Digital Commons, SMU STAR Program, and now OIT. Ian enjoys photography and road trips with his family in his free time.