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Streaming Video

Provides information on streaming video resources available through Widener University.

Paid Content & Copyright

As educators we are allowed to show copyrighted materials in class.  In theory, this does not change when classes are online.  You may show copyrighted material during synchronous online classes.  You may not provide access to copyright-protected content outside of a synchronous class session or to anyone who is not enrolled in the course.  If you have any questions, please contact your liaison librarian.

Pay-Per-View Streaming Services

There are many streaming video providers that offer rental or purchase options for movies and television shows.  Most of these involve creating an account with the provider.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video has three ways to watch streaming video: through a subscription to Amazon Prime, rent, or buy.  Not all options are available for all titles. 

Amazon’s Prime Video service provides access to more than 45,000 titles.  Most of the titles offered are feature films or TV shows, but documentaries and other forms are also available.

Rental prices differ per title, but are generally under $5.

Once payment is completed streaming can begin immediately.  Streaming can also be delayed for later viewing.  License terms for each video gives a viewing window of 48 hours, within an overall span of 30 days.

More information about Amazon Prime Video can be found here.

YouTube Movies & Shows

YouTube now offers a variety of movies and TV shows that can be rented or purchased.  They also have over 300 movies available for free with ad breaks. 

The movie library has new releases, award-winning films, and even movies that are still in theaters.  They can be streamed through any device with an internet connection.  Rented movies are available for 30 days, once you start playing one you have 48 hours to finish before the rental period ends. 

TV shows can be purchased by season or episode and most are available the day after a show airs.  Purchasing a season pass automatically updates your library when a new episode is available.

More information about YouTube Movies & TV Shows can be found here.

Apple TV App

The Apple TV app can be used with an Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac computers, and some Smart TVs.  It is home to thousands of movies and TV shows that are available to buy or rent in standard and high definition.  Original content is available through an Apple TV+ subscription. 

The Apple TV app can also be connected to other subscription streaming services, like Netflix and Hulu, that can be viewed within the app.

More information about the Apple TV app can be found here.

Google Play

With Google Play, you can discover the latest movies and TV shows and watch them instantly on your computer, Android, and iOS. Download to your phone or tablet and watch even when you're offline.

Choose from new releases, award-winning films, and even movies that are still playing in theaters. With thousands of popular movies, timeless classics and HD titles available on Google Play, you can enjoy one of your favorite movies or discover a new one.

Catch up on your favorite TV shows with Google Play. Watch last night's episodes or past seasons of can't miss reality TV, laugh out loud comedies, nail biting dramas, notable documentaries and more, when it's most convenient for you. You can even get a season pass to have the latest episodes added automatically to your library the day after it airs.

More information about Google Play can be found here.