Frequently Asked Questions

• What is thoughtful entertainment?

  Thoughtful entertainment describes how we approach everything we do, from the experience viewers receive watching our films, to the addressable needs of our viewers. Our team of “Kanophiles” combines their film expertise with data-backed user feedback to curate a unique collection of films to enrich and inspire. Our team considers both filmmakers looking for a viable distribution outlet for their work, as well as libraries’ mission to bring communities together and promote lifelong learning. Thanks to our public library and educational institution partners, we deliver a thoughtful user experience that is available to anyone with a library card or university access. We do not serve advertisements, require rental waitlists, charge fees, or share user data.

• How is Kanopy free to users?

  Just as libraries purchase books for their patrons to borrow, they also offer a variety of digital resources. Kanopy is able to provide its viewers with free access because the public library or university covers the associated costs, allowing patrons to watch for free, with no advertisements.

• What is Kanopy Kids and what types of videos can we watch on it?

  Kanopy Kids features a collection of films and TV series that inspire and inform, helping children develop social-emotional skills and reinforcing valuable learning topics, such as history, science, and new languages. Kanopy Kids has a diverse selection of educational and entertaining content that ranges across Movies, TV Series, Animated Storybooks, Live Action, and Animated favorites.

  Kanopy Kids is appropriate for children ages 2 and up, with a focus on Kids age 2-8. Parents can also choose to implement parental controls to enable them to stay within the dedicated Kanopy Kids area for age-appropriate content.

  Play credits are not required to play in Kanopy Kids. Enjoy unlimited plays in our curated collection for kids.

  To enter Kanopy Kids mode, sign into your Kanopy account and select “Go to Kanopy Kids” from the menu. You can further learn how to find the menu on your device or app here.

• How does Kanopy support the filmmaking community?

  On average, over 50% of the revenue collected from public libraries and academic institutions is paid to the independent film market through royalties. As independent cinemas, sadly, continue to close across the world, Kanopy’s service is filling a void and reaching consumers, in small and large communities, by providing access to a diverse and thoughtfully-curated collection of films you cannot find anywhere else.

• On which devices is Kanopy available?

  Kanopy is available via an array of apps on the TV, phone, tablet, and computer.
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  TV APPS
  A Kanopy app is currently available for the TV devices below. Click on the links to find more information on how to access and use these.

  • Apple TV and Airplay
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Android TV
  • Samsung Smart TV
  • Roku
  • Telstra TV
  • Chromecast

  If you do not have access to any of the above devices, you can also view Kanopy on your television by connecting your computer to your television via HDMI cable.
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  MOBILE APPS
  A Kanopy app is currently available for the mobile devices below. Click on the links to find more information on how to access and use these.

  • iOS devices
  • Android devices
  • Amazon Fire tablets
• How often is new content added to the platform?

  Our content team is endlessly scouring the globe to grow our diverse collection of thoughtful films that tell stories about who we are and the world around us. We aim to bring viewers new content on a weekly basis.