Guidelines for Using YouTube for Teaching and Learning

YouTube is available through Google Workspace for Education. As an Additional Service, YouTube is governed by Google's consumer licensing structure which has privacy implications. This document provides information about the terms and conditions of use, along with guidance on privacy settings and more. The Computing Services Help Center does not provide support for Google Additional Services.

Intended Use at CMU

YouTube is Google's video content authoring and publishing platform. The intended use case for YouTube at CMU is for the purpose of creating and delivering instructional videos for teaching and learning. YouTube videos can be embedded into an authenticated system like Canvas for students to access.

Privacy Concerns

It is important that instructors and students be aware of Google’s terms and conditions for using YouTube at CMU, as it is an Additional Service and is NOT covered by the university's Google Workspace for Education licensing agreement. Additional Services are subject to Google’s consumer app terms and conditions. Therefore, YouTube may NOT be used to share or store any sensitive university information or files considered Private or Restricted. Videos uploaded should be considered as Public, which means the information is intended for public access. For more information see the ISO's Guidelines for Data Classification.

Guidance for Privacy and Accessibility

YouTube is not protected by CMU's core Google Workspace for Education agreement. For that reason, we recommend you take the steps below to ensure additional privacy measures are in place.

• Create your own channel. 
• Adjust the video settings to Private and share with only relevant Andrew emails addresses.
• If sharing privately is not an option, set the video to Unlisted to ensure only those who have the direct link can view it.
• Disable comments.
• Make sure ads do not display.
• For instructional videos that are created or curated for student use, instructors can embed YouTube videos into Canvas, or play the video using screen sharing on Zoom.

Note: Uploaded videos should be considered Public information.

Digital Accessibility

• Make sure your videos are digitally accessible. Leverage YouTube’s automatic captioning functionality, then manually correct any captions that are rendered incorrectly. Captions should accurately reflect the video content.
• For more information on creating accessible content, visit our Digital Accessibility Guidance.
• When selecting YouTube for assignments, there are a number of considerations, including accessibility. Contact Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation to discuss using YouTube for teaching and learning.