TL;DR
- Upload your video to a video platform, like YouTube, then embed it on your page, instead of uploading the video file to your website.
- To embed it: copy the video’s link, add an embed block to your page, paste the link, and save.
- Phone videos: send the full-size MP4 version, not a copy shrunk down by a text message.
- Rather not do it yourself? Send us the video’s link or the MP4 file.
How Do I Add a Video to My Website?
Put the video on a video platform, then embed it on your page. Embedding shows the video on your page while the platform does the heavy lifting:
- Upload the video to your video channel, if it isn’t there already.
- Copy the video’s link from your browser’s address bar.
- Edit the page in your WordPress dashboard.
- Add a YouTube Embed block (or an Embed block for other platforms) where you want the video.
- Paste the link and click Embed.
- Save, then preview the page.
See WordPress’s guide to YouTube embeds. If your site uses a page builder (a drag-and-drop design tool), or a website builder other than WordPress, look for its video or embed element and paste the link there.
Embed the video instead of only linking to it. As Beth told her team, “Videos should be embedded into the site, not linked to the video platform.” That keeps visitors on your page instead of sending them away to watch.
Should I Upload the Video File Directly to My Website?
We don’t recommend it. Video files are huge, and serving them can slow your whole site. Some hosts handle video poorly. When one client’s site-builder video loaded slowly, Beth said, “My guess is that the site builder’s server isn’t optimized for video.” We find it is better for both marketing and server load to upload to YouTube and embed into the site. Vimeo also works if you don’t want to use YouTube.
An embed is easier on your site.
Why Is My Phone Video Too Small to Use?
Videos sent by text message often get shrunk to a tiny size. Send the full-size file as an MP4, a video format that plays almost everywhere. When one client’s texted video came through too small, Beth’s advice was, “Change your phone’s settings to send the larger version as an MP4.”
Where Should a Video Go on My Website?
With related content. A video can sit in a related blog post, or get its own post in a video category so they’re all in one place. For videos at the top of a page, see Should I Use a Video, Slider, or Image in My Website Header?
Rather Have Us Add It?
Send us the video’s link, or the MP4 file. See How to Send Large Photos, Videos, and Files to Your Webmaster. If the video isn’t on your channel yet, we can upload it for you with your login and then embed it on your Webmaster Retainer.
What Webmaster For Hire Recommends
- Embed, don’t upload. Keep big video files off your website.
- Send full-size MP4 files, not copies shrunk by a text message.
- Put videos next to related content, where they help explain something.
:: Common Questions ::
Can I Sell Videos on My Website?
Yes, through a paid video platform built for selling. As Beth described them, “They’re mostly set up and go, but they do come with additional fees.”
Have a Video to Add?
See our Webmaster Retainer, or request a consultation.
