Getting started with Kanopy

Select one of the following to get started:

• I am a member of a public library
• I am a student or professor of a university/college

Steps for public library users

To get started with Kanopy, you'll need to set up a Kanopy account. We recommend doing this in a web browser, but you can also create your account in the Kanopy app for iOS or Android.

To create your Kanopy account:

1. Open your web browser. See Kanopy's supported desktop browsers.
2. Go to www.kanopy.com.
3. You'll be taken to Kanopy's landing page (note that the background images featured on the page will vary). To begin the sign-up process, click or tap the Get Started button.
   
4. On the next screen, you'll see options to access Kanopy through a public library or a university. Select the Find Your Library button on the left.
   
5. On the next screen, you'll see a map and a list of suggested libraries.
   
   • If the map already shows your library, click or tap the library's name in the search results list or the marker on the map. Then, click or tap Select this library.
     
   • If the map doesn't show your library, type the name of your library or library system in the search box on the left. You can also search by city or zip code.
     Once you find your library, select it, then click or tap Select this library.
     
6. On the next page, enter your library card number and PIN or password (if required by your library). Then, select Continue.
   Note: If you get an error message, see this article for troubleshooting help.
   
   
7. On the next page, you'll create your Kanopy account. You'll use this account to log in to Kanopy.
   To create your account, you can:
   • Enter your first and last name, email address, and a password you'd like to use. These do not need to match the information associated with your library card or library account.
   • Sign up with an existing Apple or Google account by selecting Sign Up with Apple or Sign Up with Google and following the instructions.
8. On the next page, you'll see information about your library's Kanopy platform, like the number of films you can watch each month. When you're ready to get started, select the Watch Now button.
   
9. You'll be taken to your library's Kanopy platform, where you can start watching films. For help browsing the platform, see "Browsing for a video."

If you can't find your library

If you can't find your library on the map or in the search results, they may not offer Kanopy. You can request that your library add Kanopy by selecting Can't find your library? at the bottom of the search results.

You'll be taken to a form where you can enter your name, email address, the name of your library, and an optional message. Once you've filled out the form, select Submit.

If you don't see the field to enter your library card number and/or PIN

Some libraries might require you to log in through another website. In this case, select the Log In to [Your Library] button to open a window where you can log in to your library.

If you have questions about the information you're asked to provide, please contact your library.

Steps for university/college students and professors

To access your school’s Kanopy platform:

1. 1.  Go to kanopy.com/signup and select Find Your University.
      
   2. Type your university or college name and select it from the drop-down.
      
   3. You'll be redirected to your school's login screen. Follow the prompts to log in.
      Note: If your school authenticates using VPN, ensure that you've logged in through the VPN.
   4. (Optional) Create your Kanopy account. This account will allow you to save videos to view later, create clips and playlists, and use Kanopy's mobile and TV apps.
   5. To create your account, you can:
      • Sign up with an existing Apple or Google account.
      • Enter your first and last name, email address, and a password.