Panopto has the ability to categorize videos into two levels – stored and archived.
Stored videos: Videos that are actively being used/played and are available right away. Think of this as a "refrigerator".
Archived videos: Videos that are not actively available but can be restored from the archive and played within 24-48 hours. Think of this as a "freezer".
To learn more please watch the Workshop video (15 mins):
The following retention policy will be in place effective September 1, 2022:
Videos that have not been viewed within a 18-month window will be moved into the archive (i.e., freezer) at the end of each semester.
Please find below the approximate dates for when the content retention action will occur.
At the end of the Fall 2022 semester on Wednesday, December 14, 2022
At the end of the Spring 2023 semester on Thursday, May 18, 2023
At the end of the Summer 2023 semester on Wednesday, August 16, 2023
At the end of the Fall 2023 semester on Wednesday, December 13, 2023
At the end of the Spring 2024 semester on Thursday, May 16, 2024
At the end of the Summer 2024 semester on Wednesday, August 14, 2024
After they are moved to the archive, they will be available to view if needed after a 24-48 hour "thaw".
After archiving, these videos can be reactivated, downloaded to an external storage device of choice, or deleted. After 18 months (for this initial round – March 1, 2025), if they remain in archive and have not been viewed in 18 months, they will be deleted.
Please keep in mind that because instructional materials are the intellectual property of the instructor, video backups are also the responsibility of the instructor.
Here are a couple of steps that can be taken before the end of semester archive process:
- Play the video: If you have videos you wish to remain active that haven’t been viewed for 18 months, you can keep them from going into the archive "freezer" by playing them. Then they will not be subject to the retention policy.
- Make a copy of the video: If you would like to keep a copy of your videos on a device of your choice - Panopto Video Backup Instructions
- Download the video: If you would like to download a copy of your videos on a device of your choice - How to Download a Panopto Video
- Delete the video: If you would like to clean up your video repository you can delete videos - Panopto Video Delete instructions
To recall a video once archived:
If you click on an archived video (see screenshot), the process will begin to "defrost" the video which may require 48 hours to retrieve for viewing. When this process is complete, the video will be playable. If you have videos embedded in your class, to assure students can view them as needed and are not in the archive, please make sure to play them ahead of time. Students can also request videos to be taken out of archive however, they need to be authenticated into Panopto (clicking on Panopto, then launch) before clicking on the video.
More information about restoring archive videos: How to Restore Archived Content
For further assistance, please email id@rwu.edu