What is Kanopy?

September 17th, 2024
What is Kanopy?

Content in this article

Kanopy is a special video streaming service. It works with public libraries and educational institutions. It gives free access to a large collection of films, documentaries, and educational content. Unlike regular streaming services, Kanopy focuses on meaningful entertainment and learning for life.

Key Features of Kanopy

  • A large collection of award-winning films and documentaries.
  • Educational videos covering many subjects.
  • Links with libraries and universities for free access.
  • Accessible on many devices and platforms.
  • A special Kanopy Kids section for family-friendly content.

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How Do You Access Kanopy in the UK?

Accessing Kanopy in the UK is easy. You just need to have a local library or school that works with the service.

Signing Up for Kanopy

  • Go to kanopy.com or download the Kanapy app
  • Click "Add Library Card"
  • Look for your library or university
  • Fill in your library card number or your university email address
  • Set up a Kanopy account

Device Compatibility

Kanopy is available on a wide range of devices:

  • Web browsers
  • iOS and Android mobile devices
  • Smart TVs like Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung, and LG
  • Streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast

Enhancing Your Streaming Experience

  • Use a good internet connection for smooth viewing.
  • Check out Kanopy's special collections to find new content.
  • Make a watchlist to easily access the films you want to see.

What Types of Content are Available on Kanopy?

Kanopy has a wide variety of good content to choose from:

Films and Documentaries

  • Foreign films and independent films
  • Classic movies and older films
  • Recent award-winning films
  • Documentaries about many topics

Educational Content

  • Academic classes and lectures
  • Teaching videos
  • Resources for learning languages

Exclusive Collections

  • The Great Courses
  • The Criterion Channel
  • A24 films

Kanopy Kids Section

  • Fun and educational content for kids
  • Movies and TV shows that are safe for families

Content are Available on Kanopy

Is Kanopy Free to Use?

Kanopy is free for people if their libraries or schools have signed up for it.

How Kanopy Works

  • Libraries and institutions pay for every play.
  • Users usually have a monthly limit for viewing (like 10 films a month).
  • There is no direct cost for individual users.

Comparison with Other Services

Kanopy is different from Netflix or Hulu. You do not need a personal subscription to use it. It focuses on educational content and classic cinema. This makes it stand out from other free streaming services.

What are the Best Films and Shows on Kanopy?

Kanopy has a great collection of highly praised films and shows:

Top-Rated Films

  • "Moonlight"
  • "Lady Bird"
  • "The Farewell"
  • "Loving Vincent"
  • "Hunt for the Wilderpeople"
  • "I Am Not Your Negro"
  • "RBG"
  • "For Sama"
  • "The Act of Killing"
  • "March of the Penguins"

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How to Download and Install the Kanopy App?

Getting started with Kanopy is easy:

For iOS Devices:

For Android Devices:

  • Open the Google Play Store.
  • Search for "Kanopy."
  • Tap "Install."

For Smart TVs:

  • Go to your TV's app store.
  • Search for "Kanopy."
  • Select "Download" or "Install."

What is the Streaming Quality on Kanopy?

Kanopy offers high-quality streaming:

  • You can get HD streaming for most content.
  • Adaptive bitrate streaming changes the quality depending on your internet speed.
  • The minimum recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps.

How Does Kanopy Compare to Other Streaming Services?

Kanopy vs. Netflix

  • Kanopy: You can use it for free if you have a library card. It has a focus on educational and independent films.
  • Netflix: This is a paid subscription. It offers a larger variety of popular movies and shows.

Kanopy vs. Educational Platforms

  • Kanopy offers a mix of entertainment and education. It works with different institutions.
  • Dedicated educational platforms focus on more organised content that is course-based.

How Can Kanopy be Used for Educational Purposes?

Kanopy is a great tool for students and teachers.

  • Add documentaries that relate to the course materials.
  • Use primary sources and old historical videos.
  • Look at different views by watching international films.

What Do Users Think About Kanopy?

User feedback for Kanopy is generally positive:

Common Praises

  • Great content that makes you think.
  • A simple and easy-to-use interface.
  • No ads or interruptions.

Areas for Improvement

  • Monthly viewing limits may feel too strict for some users.
  • There are not many new releases available.

Users Think About Kanopy

How to Contact Kanopy Support?

For assistance with Kanopy:

  • Go to the Kanopy Help Centre.
  • Look at the detailed FAQ section.
  • Use the contact form for any specific problems.

Can You Watch Kanopy on Smart TVs?

Many smart TVs support Kanopy:

  • Make sure your TV brand works with Kanopy (like Samsung, LG, or Sony).
  • Get the Kanopy app from your TV's app store.
  • Sign in with your Kanopy account.

How to Use the Kanopy Mobile App?

The Kanopy mobile app provides a smooth viewing experience.

  • Watch content anywhere you are.
  • Make watchlists for quick access.
  • Keep track of your viewing progress on all your devices.

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Does Kanopy Offer Any Special Features for Institutions?

Kanopy has special solutions for libraries and universities:

  • You can customise landing pages.
  • There are usage statistics and analytics.
  • There are curated collections for certain courses or programs.

Are There Any Costs Associated with Kanopy for Institutions?

Institutions pay for Kanopy based on usage:

  • A pay-per-play model
  • A choice for fixed-fee arrangements
  • Costs depend on the size of the institution and expected use

How Does Kanopy Support Community Engagement?

Kanopy teams up with libraries to support learning.

  • Gives marketing materials for libraries.
  • Offers online screening events.
  • Supports library outreach programs.

How Can You Use Kanopy for Personal Development?

Kanopy is a great tool for learning throughout your life.

  • Get courses on different subjects.
  • Watch documentaries about current events and social issues.
  • Check out films from various cultures to expand your views.

What Special Events are Available on Kanopy?

Kanopy often shows special collections and events based on themes.

  • A showcase for Black History Month
  • Collections celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride
  • Highlights from the film festival

Special Events Available on Kanopy

What is the Future of Kanopy in the UK?

Kanopy continues to expand its presence in the UK:

  • Work together with more UK libraries and universities.
  • Put more effort into UK-produced content.
  • Look at possible connections with other educational platforms.

FAQs About Kanopy

How do I find out if my library supports Kanopy?

Visit the Kanopy website. Look for your library in the "Find Your Library" section. If your library is not listed, you can ask them to think about working with Kanopy.

Can I download Kanopy videos for offline viewing?

Currently, you cannot watch Kanopy content offline. You need an internet connection to stream. However, they might think about adding this feature in future updates.

Are there any limits on the number of videos I can watch on Kanopy?

Yes, many libraries have a limit on viewing. This is usually about 10 films each month. The limit starts fresh at the beginning of each month. You should check with your local library for more details.

How do I report issues or problems with Kanopy content?

If you have problems with playing content or its quality, you can report them at the Kanopy Help Centre. You can use the "Report a Problem" option in the video player. You can also reach out to Kanopy support directly.

Can I create playlists or save videos to watch later on Kanopy?

Yes, Kanopy lets you make a watchlist. Just click the "+" sign next to any movie or video. This will add it to your watchlist so you can find it easily later.

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