The Complete Guide To Embedding Videos In WordPress
Content can also be king, but content is more than wording. Videos help attract more viewers than can be used to make a good impact on your web journal. There are a lot of people in all fields who are more interested in reading blog posts, finding alternatives, and watching more movies. Additionally, some issues suggest that video demos (especially tutorials and demos) are more likely.
Why Video Matters for Your WordPress Site
According to Cisco, video traffic will account for 82% of all consumer internet traffic by 2025. Websites with video content retain visitors 2.6x longer than those without, and 84% of consumers say they’ve been convinced to buy a product after watching a brand’s video. For WordPress site owners, mastering video embedding isn’t just technical housekeeping—it’s essential for engagement and conversions.
Videos can also help you separate your blog from others with similar interests. However, using movies on your blog is often a bit technical. If incorporating movies into your blog is a complex business, or if you need help deciding the best strategy to implement, then this article is for you. YouTube is the preferred video provider, so check the video embedding guidelines first. A similar approach applies to the various video sites listed below. It also describes strategies for integrating films from different sources.
How to embed YouTube movies in WordPress
First, the easy manner…
From YouTube, verify beneath the video and search for a button that claims Share, proper under the pink Subscribe button:
Click on Share, and a brand new menu opens up below:
(If you want, you possibly can verify the Start At checkbox to begin the video at a selected time stamp.) Now simply spotlight that URL (starting with https://youtu.be/), copy it, and paste it into your weblog post. Like magic, the naked URL immediately turns right into a video embed:
Alternatively, you should use the built-in WordPress embed shortcode if you wish to change the dimensions of the video.
Pro Tip: Use oEmbed for Maximum Simplicity
WordPress includes oEmbed functionality that automatically converts URLs from supported platforms into embedded content. Just paste the video URL on its own line in the editor—no need for shortcodes or HTML. This works for YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, Instagram, and dozens of other platforms. The key is ensuring the URL isn’t hyperlinked by the editor before you save.
Now for the long manner…
WordPress makes it easy to rapidly embed movies utilizing simply the naked URL, however in case you’d wish to customise the video a bit extra, there’s one other strategy to do it. After you click on on the Share button on a YouTube video, as a substitute of copying the URL, click on on the Embed tab:
If you click on on Show More, you’ll get a preview and extra choices, together with adjusting the video measurement:
When you’re completed deciding on your choices, simply choose the code within the field (that begins “<iframe”) and replica it. Back in your WordPress dashboard, open up the web page or post you’d like so as to add the video to. Make positive the Text tab is chosen (not the Visual tab, as a result of that is HTML code), and paste your code:
That’s it! Your video should now display appropriately in your post.
Warning: Iframe Embedding and Responsive Design
Standard iframe embed codes from YouTube and Vimeo are not inherently responsive. On mobile devices, they can overflow their containers, breaking your layout. If you’re using the iframe method, wrap your embed in a container with a responsive video class, or use a plugin that automatically handles responsiveness. Better yet, stick to oEmbed URLs which WordPress automatically makes responsive.
YouTube’s not your only possibility!
If Telemann’s fantasias aren’t your cup of tea and also you’re searching for extra movies to embed, YouTube isn’t the only video supplier that WordPress helps. There’s an entire list of different websites that WordPress helps auto embedding for. That means you could simply enter the naked URL, like we did above, and WordPress will routinely insert the video for you. And not simply video – WordPress additionally help embedding for media like slideshows, music, paperwork, and extra. Supported websites for auto embedding embrace:
| Platform | Content Type | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Animoto | Video slideshows | Marketing videos, presentations |
| Cloudup | Video/audio/files | Simple file sharing |
| CollegeHumor | Comedy videos | Entertainment content |
| DailyMotion | Video | YouTube alternative |
| Flickr | Photos/videos | Photography portfolios |
| FunnyOrDie | Comedy videos | Humorous content |
| Hulu | TV/movies | Entertainment clips |
| Imgur | Images/gifs | Memes, visual content |
| Photos/videos | Social media integration | |
| Issuu | Documents/magazines | Digital publications |
| PollDaddy | Polls/surveys | Audience engagement |
| Posts/comments | Community discussions | |
| Scribd | Documents/books | Written content sharing |
| SlideShare | Presentations | Business presentations |
| SmugMug | Photos | Professional photography |
| SoundCloud | Audio | Music, podcasts |
| Speaker Deck | Presentations | Slide sharing |
| Spotify | Music/podcasts | Audio streaming |
| TED | Talks | Educational content |
| Tumblr | Mixed media | Blogging integration |
| Tweets/media | Social proof, updates | |
| VideoPress | Video | WordPress.com video hosting |
| Vimeo | Video | High-quality video, creative work |
So subsequent time you’re writing a weblog post, take into consideration how it may be enhanced with multimedia from one among these websites.
What about unsupported suppliers?
If you wish to share a video from one other web site that’s not on the list, akin to a neighborhood information web site, you should still be capable of embed it utilizing WordPress’s auto embed function. First, strive copying the URL of the video out of your browser, and pasting it into your weblog post. This nonetheless works for some suppliers who aren’t listed above. If that doesn’t work, verify the supplier’s web site for an choice to share or embed the video. There should be code offered so that you can use in your weblog. If not, there are some choices for WordPress plugins below that will assist.
Why not host your personal video as a substitute of embedding?
If you’re making your own movies, why not host your own movies instead of uploading them to a video hosting site like YouTube? Aside from the fact that WordPress makes multimedia integration easy, home movie hosting is not a surprising concept for almost any website. Sharing your videos on your website makes it easy and reliable for viewers to watch. However, most web servers do not have enough space and bandwidth to host movies. This can result in viewers not seeing the video at all, stuttering, or even stopping completely. We recommend using a service that makes it easy to deliver your videos to your viewers. Also, importing videos to services like YouTube and Vimeo will help you attract new people and market your blog.
Self-Hosting vs. Embedded Hosting: By the Numbers
A standard shared hosting plan might offer 50-100GB of monthly bandwidth. A single 10-minute HD video can consume 500MB-1GB per stream. Just 100 views could max out your monthly allocation. YouTube and Vimeo handle massive scale with content delivery networks (CDNs) that ensure fast playback worldwide. For most sites, embedded hosting isn’t just easier—it’s essential for performance and cost management.
How to Embed a Video within the WordPress Block Editor
The best strategy to embed a video within the WordPress block editor is so as to add a Video block.
You can then select to Upload a video file, pick one out of your media library, or add one with a URL. If you want to embed an present video from the WordPress media library select Media Library, choose the video and click on Insert.
How to Autoplay a Video within the WordPress Block Editor
Once the video is embedded within the WordPress block editor, you possibly can merely choose the block and allow Autoplay under Video settings.
How to Loop a Video within the WordPress Block Editor
Once the video is embedded within the WordPress block editor, you possibly can merely choose the block and allow Loop under Video settings.
How to Mute a Video within the WordPress Block Editor
Once the video is embedded within the WordPress block editor, you possibly can merely choose the block and allow Muted under Video settings.
How to Hide Video Player Controls within the WordPress Block Editor
Video participant controls are proven by default in WordPress. You can select to cover these controls by deciding on the video block and disabling Playback controls under Video settings.
How to Play a Video Inline within the WordPress Block Editor
playsinline is an attribute that tells cell browsers to play the video proper the place it’s as a substitute of opening it up fullscreen. You can select to use playsinline to a video in WordPress by deciding on the block and enabling Play inline under Video settings.
How to Add Preload to a Video within the WordPress Block Editor
Once the video is embedded within the WordPress block editor, you possibly can customise the Preload attribute by deciding on the block and selecting Metadata, Auto or None under Video settings.
How to Add a Poster Image to a Video within the WordPress Block Editor
Once the video is embedded within the WordPress block editor, you possibly can merely choose the block and click on Select under Poster picture to both add a brand new poster picture or use an present one from the media library.
Pro Tip: Poster Images Improve User Experience
A custom poster image (the thumbnail shown before play) can increase video engagement by up to 30%. Choose an image that accurately represents the video content and includes a subtle play button overlay. For self-hosted videos, always set a poster image—without one, visitors see a blank screen or the first frame, which may not be compelling.
How to Embed a Video within the WordPress Classic Editor
The best strategy to embed a video within the WordPress traditional editor is to repeat and paste its URL into your post/web page editor. http://instance.com/wp-content/uploads/myvideo.mp4Please notice that this feature will only work on a self-hosted WordPress web site the place you possibly can set up plugins/themes. So in case your web site is hosted elsewhere (e.g. wordpress.com), ensure to maneuver to a managed WordPress hosting setting.
Insert from Media Library (Classic Editor)
While you’re writing content material within the traditional visible editor, you possibly can click on on the Add Media button to add and insert a video into the post/web page.
Once the video is embedded, it is possible for you to to see a preview of the thumbnail even earlier than publishing it.
How to Embed a Video Using the WordPress Video Shortcode
WordPress core comes with a video shortcode that can be utilized to manually embed a video. In order to embed a video utilizing this technique within the WordPress block editor, you could add a Shortcode block.
Once the shortcode block is added, you possibly can embed a video by inserting this shortcode.
In the WordPress traditional editor you possibly can straight insert the shortcode.
WordPress Video Shortcode Options
Embedding a video by utilizing the video block or straight pasting the URL is less complicated. But in the event you use the video shortcode you’ll have extra customization choices. Currently, the video shortcode helps the next choices.
src This is the supply of your video file. It is really useful to make use of mp4 file format since it’s suitable with most browsers (together with browsers operating on cell gadgets).
You can specify different file codecs to permit for swish fallbacks:
- mp4
- m4v
- webm
- ogv
- wmv
- flv
poster “poster” attribute defines a picture to indicate as a placeholder earlier than the video performs.
loop “loop” attribute permits for the looping of a video. If set to “on” the video will begin over once more each time it’s completed.
autoplay “autoplay” attribute causes the video to routinely play as quickly as it’s prepared.
preload “preload” attribute defines if and the way the video should be load when the web page masses. Default is “metadata”.
- metadata – only metadata should load when the web page masses.
- none – the video should not load when the web page masses.
- auto – the video should load fully when the web page masses.
width “width” attribute defines the width of the video.
top “height” attribute defines the peak of the video.
It’s higher to not specify a width and top within the shortcode. WordPress will match the video within the content material space with the best possible width and top (preserving the side ratio). This will even make the video responsive.
Video Shortcode Parameters Quick Reference
- – Basic embed with default settings
- – Add custom thumbnail
- – Autoplay and loop
- – Don’t load until play clicked
- – Custom dimensions
Why You Need a Video Player Plugin?
Video-based content is becoming increasingly popular, offering a more engaging and immersive viewing experience compared to traditional text-based content. Many businesses are now focusing on creating new video content and showcasing it on their websites. While people often prefer watching videos on platforms like YouTube, there’s a growing need to have a website that allows viewers to watch videos directly. To achieve this, you can use a WordPress video player plugin, which simplifies the process of managing videos on your website.
While you can embed YouTube videos using WordPress’s built-in player, there’s a need for more advanced features. To do this, you can either upload a video to the media player and then insert it into your post, or you can embed a YouTube link within your post. This approach offers some control over aspects like initial image size, autoplay, and size adjustment. However, for websites aiming to present their content in the best possible way, including the video player, these WordPress video player plugins offer more advanced features compared to the default native players.
Pro Tip: When to Use Plugins vs. Native Embeds
For simple YouTube or Vimeo embeds, stick with WordPress’s native oEmbed functionality—it’s lightweight, responsive, and requires no additional code. Consider plugins when you need: video playlists, custom branding on players, advanced analytics, DRM protection, or monetization features like ads. Also use plugins for self-hosted video galleries or when integrating with specialized platforms like Wistia or Brightcove.
Best WordPress Video Player Plugins
#1. Video Gallery WordPress Plugin
One of our most popular plugins for incorporating videos into your WordPress website is Video Gallery WP. While it’s not a free plugin, it offers responsive, highly customizable, and fast performance for a small fee, catering to the needs of a wide range of users.
This versatile plugin can not only handle self-hosted videos but also seamlessly integrate feeds from YouTube playlists, Vimeo, and Facebook pages. It offers a choice of 10 different skins, allowing you to select the one that best suits your requirements. Furthermore, you can easily customize all skin colors through the Designer Center.
One notable feature is the ability to add advertisements to monetize your videos, with built-in integration options for AdSense. In summary, Video Gallery WP is a high-quality plugin that’s well worth considering if you’re in search of a WordPress video player plugin to enhance your website’s video capabilities.
#2. WP Video Lightbox
The WP Video Lightbox WordPress plugin offers a straightforward way to embed videos directly on any page by using a lightbox overlay display. This plugin proves handy when you want to showcase images, Flash content, YouTube, or Vimeo videos on your website.
Notably, the plugin is fully responsive, ensuring that mobile users can enjoy its features with ease. Embedding Vimeo and YouTube videos is a breeze and can be effortlessly managed with the use of Shortcodes. The plugin simplifies the process by automatically fetching video thumbnails, although you have the option to use your own custom thumbnails if desired.
Additionally, the plugin provides the valuable feature of disabling suggested videos at the end of a YouTube video, ensuring that your audience remains focused without distractions.
#3. YouTube Plugin
The appropriately named YouTube Plugin for WordPress is a powerful tool for displaying YouTube videos on your website. If your primary goal is to showcase YouTube content, this plugin is likely the best option available. It’s packed with advanced features that not only allow you to showcase YouTube videos but also offer extensive control over how they are presented.
In terms of customization, this video player plugin for WordPress comes with over 100 adjustable parameters, various color schemes, three distinct header layouts for the player, and much more. You have the flexibility to organize your playlist using the versatile video order option, implement pagination for browsing videos, and provide a convenient search feature for users to explore your video library.
On top of these features, the plugin also offers AdSense integration, enabling you to display advertising blocks within the video gallery below the videos or as popups. This comprehensive WordPress plugin ensures you have all the tools you need to effectively showcase and manage your YouTube video content on your website.
#4. YouTube Plugin from 10Web
The WordPress YouTube plugin simplifies the process of embedding YouTube videos, channels, and playlists into your WordPress website. Setting up the plugin is straightforward, with an easy activation process for your API key to get started.
This plugin offers video galleries that allow you to organize and present videos in an appealing manner. You can choose from five stylish gallery views, including Thumbnails, List, Carousel, Table, and Blog. Moreover, it provides different loading effects like Fade In, Scale Up, Flip, and more to enhance the viewing experience.
Customization is a key feature, allowing you to match the plugin’s theme with your website’s branding. Visitors can effortlessly share videos on their social media channels using the provided social buttons. The plugin also enables users to adjust video player dimensions, alignment, progress bar color, and more.
One remarkable feature is the ability to retrieve user feedback, including video reviews, impressions, playlists, and channels. This data helps you add content that is more likely to increase your website’s traffic and engagement. With the WordPress YouTube plugin, you have a powerful tool to seamlessly integrate YouTube content into your WordPress site and enhance the user experience.
#5. ARVE Advanced Responsive Video Embedder
ARVE Advanced Responsive Video Embedder stands out as one of the most popular and robust video embedding plugins available for WordPress, and the best part is that it’s free. This plugin is loaded with a variety of valuable features to address any challenges you might encounter when displaying videos on your website.
As the name suggests, the plugin’s primary focus is to ensure that all the videos you embed are responsive, making them easily viewable on mobile devices without any issues. Additionally, the plugin offers several other options, including WYSIWYG support, the ability to set videos to auto-start, the flexibility to adjust URL parameters, and the option to change video alignment, among other features.
In summary, ARVE Advanced Responsive Video Embedder is a versatile and powerful WordPress video plugin designed to make video embedding and display on your website a smooth and responsive experience for your audience.
#6. Easy Video Player
If you’re in search of a straightforward and user-friendly option, then Easy WordPress Video Player is the right choice for you. This plugin provides a hassle-free way to manage videos on your website. It’s designed for self-hosted WordPress websites, ensuring a straightforward integration process.
In terms of features, this plugin supports various video formats, including MP4 and other popular options. The responsive design ensures that you don’t have to worry about handling different video sizes, as they will adapt to various screen sizes. The plugin also provides shortcodes for easy integration within any WordPress theme.
Like other video players, Easy WordPress Video Player comes with autoplay functionality, different skins, and additional features to enhance your video presentation. It offers a simple and effective solution for incorporating videos seamlessly into your website.
#7. FV Flowplayer Video Player
FV Flowplayer is an HTML5 video player for your WordPress website. It even includes a fallback for older browsers that don’t support HTML5. With over 30,000 active installations, FV Flowplayer is a popular plugin that comes packed with a wide range of features.
This plugin offers the ability to specify which users can access certain videos, allowing you to restrict content to guests or members as needed. It also supports playlists, making it a versatile choice for showcasing video collections. FV Flowplayer is fully responsive, ensuring it functions seamlessly on any device, making it a suitable option for modern websites.
The player supports major video formats, including MP4, and offers additional features like native fullscreen support, integration with Google Analytics, slow-motion playback, and more. It provides you with control and the opportunity to create a unique brand for your content. Additionally, there is a PRO version available with even more features and customization options for you to explore.
#8. Easy Video Player
Easy Video Player is a free WordPress plugin that you should use to embed both hosted or self-hosted movies in your weblog. The movies are responsively sized, and you’ll select choices like autoplay, loop, auto mute, and even select completely different skins to match your weblog theme.
Plugin Selection Guide
For simple YouTube embeds: Use WordPress core or ARVE
For video galleries: Video Gallery WP or YouTube Plugin
For lightbox popups: WP Video Lightbox
For self-hosted videos: Easy Video Player or FV Flowplayer
For monetization: YouTube Plugin (AdSense integration)
Troubleshooting Common Video Embedding Issues
Video Not Displaying Responsively
If your embedded videos overflow on mobile devices, add this CSS to your theme:
iframe, embed, object { max-width: 100%; height: auto; }
Or use a plugin like ARVE that handles responsiveness automatically.
This often occurs with age-restricted videos or those blocked in certain countries. Check the video on YouTube directly to verify availability. For your own videos, ensure privacy settings are set to “Public” or “Unlisted” (not “Private”).
Self-Hosted Videos Buffering Slowly
If self-hosted videos buffer, consider:
- Compressing videos before upload (tools like HandBrake can reduce file size 50-70%)
- Using a CDN like Cloudflare to distribute video content globally
- Switching to embedded hosting (YouTube/Vimeo) for bandwidth-heavy content
Videos Not Appearing in Visual Editor
If videos show as code instead of previews, check that your WordPress installation has the necessary oEmbed support and that no security plugins are blocking external content.
Warning: Copyright and Fair Use
Embedding videos from YouTube or other platforms using their official embed code is generally permissible. However, downloading and re-uploading others’ content to your server violates copyright law. Always respect intellectual property—embed rather than repost, and when using music or stock footage, ensure you have proper licenses.
Optimizing Video for SEO and Performance
Video SEO Best Practices
- Transcripts: Include text transcripts of video content for search engines to index
- Descriptive titles: Use keyword-rich titles that accurately describe content
- Video schema: Implement VideoObject schema markup for rich snippets in search results
- Thumbnail optimization: Use compelling thumbnails with descriptive filenames
- Hosting platform benefits: YouTube videos often rank in search results themselves, driving additional traffic
Performance Optimization Tips
- Lazy loading: Load videos only when users scroll to them (many plugins offer this)
- Choose modern formats: MP4 with H.264 compression offers broad compatibility with good quality
- Limit autoplay: Autoplay videos can slow page loading and annoy users
- Consider CDN: For self-hosted videos, use a CDN to reduce server load
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I embed Instagram videos in WordPress?
Yes, WordPress supports oEmbed for Instagram. Simply paste the Instagram post URL on its own line, and WordPress will automatically embed the video or image. Note that Instagram has restrictions on embedding private accounts.
Why won’t my video autoplay on mobile?
Mobile browsers often block autoplay with sound to preserve data and user experience. To enable autoplay on mobile, set the video to muted. Most mobile browsers allow muted autoplay. Use the “muted” and “playsinline” attributes together for best results.
How do I protect my self-hosted videos from being downloaded?
Complete protection is difficult, but you can:
- Use plugins that obscure direct video URLs
- Implement .htaccess rules to block hotlinking
- Use streaming services like Vimeo Pro with built-in privacy controls
- Consider DRM plugins for premium content
What’s the best video format for WordPress?
MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec offers the best compatibility across all browsers and devices. Always include a backup format like WebM for browsers that prefer open codecs, but MP4 should be your primary format.
Conclusion
Embedding videos in WordPress has never been easier. From simple URL pasting with oEmbed to advanced customization with shortcodes and plugins, WordPress offers multiple pathways to enrich your content with video. The method you choose depends on your specific needs:
- For quick, no-fuss embedding of YouTube or Vimeo content, use oEmbed URLs
- For self-hosted videos with custom controls, use the native Video block or shortcode
- For advanced galleries, playlists, or monetization, invest in a specialized plugin
Remember that video isn’t just about embedding—it’s about creating an engaging experience for your visitors. Optimize for performance, respect copyright, and always consider mobile users. With the techniques covered in this guide, you’re equipped to make video a powerful part of your WordPress content strategy.
For official documentation, consult the WordPress.org Embeds Guide. For video performance best practices, Google’s web.dev offers excellent resources. And for video marketing strategy, the ReelSEO blog provides industry insights and trends.
