A video embed code is a snippet of HTML or JavaScript that allows you to add a video hosted on another platform onto a different website. This makes it possible to showcase videos without having to upload or store them on your server. Video embed codes take the source code from the hosting platform, showing the video on the webpage without losing quality or responsiveness.
For live-streaming or on-demand content, embedding helps sharing professional-quality videos efficiently.
How video embed code works
When copying a video embed code from a hosting platform (such as YouTube or Vimeo), it is essentially borrowing a direct link to the video’s player along with some formatting instructions. This code usually contains information such as:
- The URL of the video source.
- Display parameters, like the video’s width, height, and responsiveness.
- Optional controls for playback, such as autoplay or muted playback settings.
For example, a simple embed code might look like this:
<iframe src=”https://example.com/video” width=”560″ height=”315″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
When adding the embed code to a website, visitors can stream the video from its original platform. This method is particularly beneficial for reducing strain on your server’s bandwidth while ensuring smooth playback for viewers.
How to use embed code to add video to your website
Using a video embed code to add a video to your website is simple and requires minimal technical knowledge:
Locate the embed code:
On most video platforms there will be an option to “Share” or “Embed” a video. Selecting this will generate the embed code.
Copy the code:
Copy the snippet of code provided. Ensure it matches the display settings you need (e.g., video size and playback options).
Paste into your website’s HTML:
Open your website’s content management system (CMS) or HTML editor. Paste the embed code into the desired location on your page. Most website platforms, such as WordPress or Wix, have a designated “HTML” or “Code” block for this purpose.
Preview and adjust:
Save your changes and preview the page to ensure the video displays correctly. Adjust dimensions or settings in the embed code if needed.
Embedding videos is a fast and efficient way to integrate dynamic content into your site. For live-streaming or high-quality content, you can leverage Resi’s on-demand solutions for seamless embedding and playback.
The advantage of embedding vs. hosting
When deciding how to add video to a website, embedding is often the better option compared to hosting directly. This is because it reduces server load, allowing smoother playback, and simplifies maintenance by automatically reflecting updates made on the hosting platform. This allows you to focus on video production quality while leaving the technical aspects of streaming to the experts.
For businesses and creators that use live-streaming, video embeds are needed for reaching audiences. They let users watch live events or on-demand videos while not leaving the page. This keeps your audience engaged and ensures a smooth viewing experience.
The Resi Livestream Platform offers an ease of use with guaranteed quality for video sharing. Paired with embed codes, the platform delivers high-quality video resolution across all devices and browsers. For a deeper dive into how video quality impacts audience engagement, check out this glossary page on video resolutions.