Learn how to include videos in your emails, why it is not recommended, and what alternative options you can consider.
How to insert a video
Generally speaking, directly embedding videos in emails is not advisable. This is because only some email clients and webmail services can display them correctly, while in other cases, the video code might be interpreted as spam.
Fortunately, there are alternatives you can consider.
- Clickable image: you can create a static image with a button in the center that simulates a video player. When someone clicks the image, they are redirected to the streaming channel (like YouTube or Vimeo) where the video is hosted. Make sure the image is in one of these supported formats: .jpg, .png, or .gif.
- Animated GIF: another option is to create an animated GIF representing a portion of the video. You can also add a link to the GIF that redirects to the streaming channel.
With these alternatives, you'll ensure recipients see something interesting without risking display issues.
Remember that some email clients, like Outlook, may not support GIF animations.
Another solution is to insert HTML code with a fallback image. This image will only display if the recipient's email client does not support video playback. In any case, the video must be hosted on a streaming channel.
Below are some useful guides on how to insert videos into emails and compatibility specifications with various email clients and webmail:
- How to Embed HTML5 Video in Emails | And Your Other Options: this guide will show you how to embed HTML5 videos in your emails, as well as explore other viable options.
- Faux Video: A Fallback for Video in Email: discover how to create a "faux video" to serve as a substitute when the video cannot be viewed directly in the email.
By following these guidelines, you can enrich your emails with multimedia content safely and effectively.