Kanopy lets you stream classic cinema, indie films and top documentaries to your computer, phone or tablet.
What you need
- A valid Adult Toronto Public Library card
- A computer with an internet connection (List of supported browsers)
- An account at Kanopy
- The Kanopy app for iOS or Android (for watching movies on your phone or tablet)
Create a Kanopy account
On a computer:
- Go to Kanopy and select Add Library Card. Type in your library card number then click Continue.
- Enter your name, email address and a password of your choice. There is also an option to use your Facebook or Google account. Click on Sign up.
- If you used the email account method, check for an email from Kanopy (it may be in your Junk Mail folder) and click on the Verify My Email. This will return you to Kanopy's website.
On a phone or tablet:
- Open the Kanopy app, scroll through the introductory screens, and select Sign up.
- Enter an email address and password of your choice. There is also the option to sign up using your Facebook or Google account. Click on Sign Up.
- If you used the email account method, check for an email from Kanopy and select Verify my Email.
- Go back to the Kanopy app (if it didn't open automatically) and select Find Your library.
- Search for Toronto and select Toronto Public Library from the list of suggested libraries.
- Enter your library card number and select Verify.
- Select Start watching to begin using Kanopy.
By signing up for an account, you are confirming that you are 18 years of age or older.
Watch movies on a computer
- Access Kanopy from a computer by entering the email address and password you used to create your account.
- Browse by category or subject or search for movies you want to watch.
Watch movies on a phone or tablet using the Kanopy app
- Once the app is downloaded, click on Log in.
- Enter the email address and password you used to create your account.
- Select Go beside Toronto Public Library, then Continue.
- Browse by category or subject or search for movies you want to watch.
A wireless connection is required to stream movies. Under Settings in the app, make sure that Cellular Data is turned off; using cellular data is not recommended as it can use up your data very quickly. If you are streaming with cellular data, make sure the Video Quality is set to Basic which will use less data. Wireless internet access is available at all Toronto Public Library branches.
What kind of content does Kanopy have?
Kanopy provides access to more than 30,000 films from top producers such as The Great Courses, PBS, Media Education Foundation, Cohen Films, and more. Kanopy also includes Canadian independent films, documentaries and foreign language titles. All films have closed captioning and transcripts and are compatible with screen reader technologies such as JAWS.
Children's movies, television series and shorts are available through Kanopy Kids. Select Go to Kanopy Kids on the top right in your browser, or tap the menu button on a phone or tablet.
Kanopy and your privacy
In order to access Kanopy, you will be required to create a Kanopy account. Kanopy is a third-party service that is governed by its own privacy policy and practices, not the Library's. We advise that you consult Kanopy's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy before agreeing to use this service.
Frequently asked questions
- How many movies can I watch from Kanopy per month?
- When does that limit reset?
- If I don't watch all my movies in a month, do they carry over to the next month?
- How long do I have to watch a movie?
- Do I have to return a movie once I'm finished?
- Are there age restrictions on using Kanopy?
- Can I create my own video lists?
- Does Kanopy work on my TV?
- What if I am unable to sign in to Kanopy?
- How many movies can I watch from Kanopy per month?
You can watch 8 movies per month. The number of movies you have left each month will display as Play Credits on the Dashboard when you are signed in.
- When does that limit reset?
Borrowing limits reset on the first of each calendar month.
- I don't use all my items in a month, do they carry over to the next month?
No.
- How long do I have to watch a movie?
3 days, but you can watch a movie as many times as you want during that time.
- Do I have to return a movie once I'm finished?
No, titles will expire automatically at the end of the 3 days.
- Are there age restrictions on using Kanopy?
Kanopy content is intended for library users aged 18 years and above. Please see Kanopy's Terms of Service.
- Can I create my own video lists?
Yes. You can save titles to watch later by clicking on + My List. You can access the + My List feature by hovering over the title or clicking on the title. Titles will be added to your Watchlist. Click on your username at the top right of the page to see your saved titles.
- Does Kanopy work on my TV?
Yes, with a Roku device, Apple TV, Chromecast, or by connecting your computer to your television via HDMI.
- What if I am unable to create an account or sign in to Kanopy?
Your library card may be blocked or expired, or you may have entered a child or teen's card number. If you have replaced your card since you first registered with Kanopy, you may need to update your card number in Kanopy. You can update this information yourself in your profile.
Help with Kanopy
- Read our user guide Getting Started with Kanopy (PDF)
- Visit Kanopy's Help Page
- Email Kanopy support
- Contact us with your questions