Service Overview

As part of the Microsoft 365 offering, this service provides McGill with a secure platform for posting, sharing and discovering video content. Microsoft Stream is a powerful communication medium that can be used for purposes as diverse as distributing messages from university executives, promoting departmental programs, recording video training, and so on.

Microsoft Stream provides adaptive smooth streaming technology, optimized video playback, and secure data storage. 

It is easy to use, and seamlessly integrates with applications across Microsoft 365:

• Upload video using the Microsoft 365 web interface, or directly from a mobile device
• Post videos directly into Yammer to reach a wide audience or targeted group
• Share your videos to a Teams channel
• Search for video content using features of Microsoft 365 Delve
• Include video content in Microsoft 365 Sway and PowerPoint

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Who can use it

This service is for use by active McGill students, faculty and staff members.

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How to request & access the service

Access Microsoft Stream

Web Interface:

1. Log into the Microsoft 365 site using your McGill Username and Password here: https://www.office.com/. 
2. Once logged in, you will be brought to the Office 365 apps menu.
3. Select Stream.

   By default, you will land on the new Stream (on SharePoint).

   

   You can change back to the Stream (Classic) by clicking on the click here link.

Mobile Devices:

1. Go to the App store (for iOS devices) / Google Play store (for Android devices) and search for Microsoft Stream
2. Install the app on your device.
3. After the installation is complete, open the app.
4. When prompted, enter your McGill Username. Next, select Organization account and enter your McGill Password.

Learn more about Stream (on SharePoint)

With Stream (on SharePoint), users can:

• Upload video or audio files to SharePoint, Teams, or OneDrive just like any other file.
• Find and get back to recent videos, ones shared with you from the Stream start page in Office.
• Generate a transcript and closed captions for the language spoken in a video in SharePoint, Teams, or OneDrive.
• Manually add chapters, letting a viewer jump right to the part of the audio/video file they want.
• Collaborate with comments, just like with any other Microsoft 365 document.
• Add custom thumbnails, titles, and descriptions.
• Share videos with others, including external partners or guests, just like you share any other file.
• Feature videos in pages, sites, portals, and Microsoft Teams.
• Get analytics to know how your viewers are watching.

 

Quick steps to upload a video

Simply drag and drop your video files into the web user interface (or upload from your mobile device), enter a title and description, and let the service take care of the rest.

You can upload a wide variety of video file types. The service then generates a standardized set of playback files for fast, easy viewing.

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Cost

There is no cost to use this service.

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Availability

This service is available 24 X 7. Check the Microsoft 365 website for announcements of any maintenance or unexpected downtime.

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Frequently asked questions

• Are Teams meeting recordings stored in Stream? 
  Starting August 16th 2021, Teams meeting recordings will be saved in OneDrive or SharePoint.
  
  
• I don’t see all my videos on the new Stream (SharePoint)?
  If your videos were created on the Stream Classic then you would be able to locate them by switching back to Stream (Classic) by clicking on the click here link.

  

• Is there a limit to the number or size of videos I can upload?
  Videos in Stream (on SharePoint) consume the existing file storage quota from OneDrive and SharePoint.
  
  
• How does video playback work?
  OneDrive and SharePoint video playback uses different playback technology depending on the video bitrate. Our Microsoft Stream player engine detects the optimal way to play the video for the best playback experience and performance. Find more information on the Stream (on SharePoint) FAQ web page.
  
  
• What video formats are supported?
  See: Microsoft Stream formats and codecs.
  
  
• How can I share my videos with a specific group of people, such as students in myCourses?
  It's simple to share a video or audio file across Microsoft 365. It's just like sharing any other file. The easiest way to share Stream videos with a large group, such as students in a course, is to use the Share by using “Copy link” to an email our myCourses content. See how to Share a video or audio files across MS 365 or more sharing options from this link: Sharing files, folders, and list items.
  
  
• When will MS Stream (Classic) retire?
  When Microsoft announces the retirement date of MS Stream (Classic), IT Services will communicate this information to the McGill community. Note that we will also handle the migration therefore end users do not have to do anything. However, we suggest that you not upload any new content to the old Stream Classic and start using new Stream on SharePoint now.

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Best practices & policies

Your usage of Microsoft Stream is governed by:

• Policy on the Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources
  
  
• Cloud Data Directive
  
  
• Special Memo on File or Internet Systems & the Exchange of Copyrighted Materials
  
  
• Canadian and Quebec law requires photographers (and videographers) to obtain permission from all subjects that will be identifiable within your video before publishing the content.
  See Wikimedia Commons: Country-specific consent requirements - Canada

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Training & documentation

Find the user guides on Stream (on SharePoint) on the Microsoft Support site.

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Support

For access/authentication issues, contact the IT Service Desk