How to Embed External Content in Bridge

Bridge allows course authors to embed content from external websites directly into course slides using its Embedly integration. This makes it easy to include rich media, such as videos, documents, maps, and select interactive content, directly inside your training materials.

This article explains what can be embedded, how to use the integration, and when embedding may not be the right solution, including guidance on Embedly vs. LTI integrations.

What Content Can I Embed Using Embedly?

Bridge supports embedding content from a wide range of secure, third-party websites using the Embedly integration. Embedly works by recognizing supported URL formats and rendering the content inside an iframe within a course slide.

While Embedly supports hundreds of providers, Bridge does not support every Embedly-compatible source, and some content providers restrict how content can be embedded.

Commonly Supported Embedly Content

Examples of content that often embeds successfully include:

  • Videos (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo)
  • Documents and presentations (e.g. Google Slides)
  • Maps and visual web content
  • Social media posts
  • Publicly accessible interactive content

Tip: Embedded content must be publicly accessible and iframe-friendly. If a provider requires authentication or blocks iframe usage, the content may not display in Bridge.

Important Limitations

  • Not all interactive content is supported
  • Some providers restrict embedding using security settings (for example, iframe or authentication restrictions)
  • Even if a platform is supported by Embedly, individual URLs may still fail to load in Bridge

Because of this, it’s important to test specific links before relying on them in published courses.

How to Embed External Content in a Bridge Course

Follow these steps to embed supported external content into a Bridge course slide:

  1. Open the Author Menu

In Bridge’s Global Navigation, click the Author icon and select Courses.

  1. Choose a Course

On the Courses page, click the name of the course you want to add embedded content to.

  1. Edit the Course

Click the Edit icon to open the course editor.

  1. Select a Slide

Navigate to an existing slide or create a new slide where the embedded content should appear.

  1. Paste the URL

In the Content Editor, paste the full URL for the external content. The link must:

  • Begin with https://
  • Be from a supported or iframe-allowed provider
  1. Load the Embedded Media 

Press Enter (PC) or Return (Mac) to load the embedded content into the slide.

  1. Add Alt Text (Optional)

Select the embedded item and click Alt Text to add descriptive text for accessibility.

  1. Preview Your Content

Use the Course Preview tool to confirm that the content displays and functions as expected for learners.

Embedly vs. LTI: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to understand the difference between embedding content using Embedly and integrating tools using LTI.

Embedly (Used for Embedded Content)

  • Best for displaying public, web-hosted content inside a course slide
  • Works with supported URL formats and iframe-allowed content
  • Ideal for videos, documents, and lightweight interactive media

Examples:

  • YouTube or Vimeo videos
  • Google Slides
  • Public Canva designs (static or basic embeds)

LTI Integrations

  • Used for full third-party learning tools or applications
  • Used when content:
    • Requires authentication
    • Tracks learner activity externally
    • It can’t be displayed inside an iframe

Examples:

  • Advanced interactive tools
  • External learning platforms
  • Applications requiring user-level permissions

Important: LTI integrations are not an extension of Embedly. If content can’t be embedded using a URL, an LTI integration may be required instead.

Embedding Canva and Other Interactive Content: What to Expect

Some platforms, such as Canva, offer both simple embeds and advanced interactive experiences.

  • Static or basic Canva embeds: Often work when shared publicly and embedded via a supported URL.
  • Highly interactive Canva content: May fail to load due to iframe or security restrictions.
  • Canva delivered as a learning tool: Requires LTI and cannot be embedded using Embedly.

If interactive content doesn’t load, this is typically due to restrictions set by the content provider rather than a limitation within Bridge.

Tips for Successful Content Embeds

  • Use HTTPS URLs: Only secure (https://) links are supported.
  • Verify URL formats: Some providers require specific URL structures to embed correctly.
  • Test before publishing: Always preview embedded content in the course editor.
  • Add Alt Text: Improves accessibility for screen reader users.

Troubleshooting: When Embedded Content Doesn’t Work

If your content doesn’t display as expected, follow the steps below:

  1. Confirm the link is publicly accessible and doesn’t require logging in
  2. Check that the provider allows iframe embedding
  3. Verify the URL format matches the provider’s supported embed structure
  4. Test the link in Course Preview

If the content still does not load, it may not be compatible with Embedly. In these cases, consider:

  • Linking to the content externally
  • Using a supported alternative format
  • Exploring an LTI integration if the content is part of a full learning tool

Embedding external content can make your Bridge courses more engaging and dynamic when used thoughtfully. Because not all web content can be embedded, testing links early and understanding when to use Embedly versus LTI will help ensure a smooth learner experience.

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