How to embed a video in an email

Best practices for embedding videos in emails

You’ve decided to add the video to your email, great! However, don’t add videos just for the sake of adding them. Make sure your video content meets the needs of your subscribers. And make sure your viewers can even play your videos in their emails. For successful video embedding, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Optimize your emails for multiple email clients and platforms

What makes embedding videos so tricky is the lack of email client support:

*Supported but with limitations

As you can see, many places don’t support embedding videos natively in emails. The best support for videos in email is Apple Mail and Thunderbird. (That’s why we recommend using animated GIFs to embed videos in emails!)

If you choose to use code to embed a video in your email, remember that your video needs to look good and perform well on email clients and devices, so use Responsive email design Scale to fit. Also keep device size in mind when choosing videos. For example, a “headshot” video of him raising his shoulders is easier to see on a small screen than a zoomed-out group interview.

2. Consider video file size and hosting

Another thing to consider is the film itself. The size of the file and where it is hosted are the main factors that determine whether the video will play in your email.

When embedding videos locally, we recommend that the video file size does not exceed 10MB, as long loading times will impact the subscriber experience. Larger video files take longer to load and require more data plans from the subscriber. Keep your subscribers engaged by keeping file sizes small.

You also need to remember where your video is hosted. Your video archives have to live somewhere, and the hosting platform you choose can make it easier to embed them in emails. You have to host the video yourself somehow – YouTube, Vimeo or other video hosting platforms won’t work.

3. Choose an engaging thumbnail

Your thumbnail needs to make people want to press play as their call to action, so choose a shot:

• Clear (unless intentionally blurry action shots are chosen)
• Have a focal point, such as a person or product, rather than a busy scene
• Features high contrast for easy access

Packaging Alley Use a solid video background and a clear still shot for your video thumbnail. Picture from very good email.

A large or colored play button on the thumbnail lets subscribers know this is a video and not still footage. You can also state in your copy and title that this is a playable video or even mention it in your email subject line Promote open rate.

4. Consider background images and videos

While not strictly a video embed, use a background image or HTML5 video background Can add visual interest to your emails.

Background images in emails Get a wide range of support to create a cohesive look for your event. HTML5 video backgrounds, although less supported, can add subtle dynamics to your email designs.

In both cases, make sure you have appropriate fallbacks for email clients that don’t support these features, and always prioritize readability of the main content.