Embed Video

What does embedding a video mean?

Embedding a video is the process of using HTML code to insert content into a webpage, blog post, or other online platform. Viewers can then play and watch the video directly on the page or platform without having to open another website or application.

Different ways to embed videos

There are three common ways to embed a video on a page:

• iframe embed — the simplest method: paste a snippet provided by the hosting platform (YouTube, Vimeo, Livestorm) directly into the page’s HTML. It works everywhere but gives the least control over styling.
• JavaScript player embed — a script tag that renders a fully custom player (controls, branding, autoplay behavior). It’s more flexible but adds a small amount of page-load weight, and works well for embedding content in emails.
• Native HTML5 video tag — used when self-hosting the video file directly rather than through a third-party platform. It gives full control, but means handling encoding, bandwidth, and CDN delivery yourself.

Pros and cons of embedding videos

Embedded videos can make emails, blog posts, and webpages more visually appealing. When you incorporate video marketing into written content, you can increase viewer engagement and retention. Embedding relevant videos can also optimize the content for search engines.

When you embed videos, you can share content on multiple platforms simultaneously. For example, the webpage you’re reading features an embedded video (see below) that’s also published on YouTube.

However, embedded videos can lead to potential problems. Embeds can create compatibility issues for older browsers.

Webpages with embedded videos can also load more slowly. This can negatively affect user experience. To optimize website content with embedded videos, check page speed.

How to generate an embed code for a video

Follow these steps to create an embed code:

1. Upload your video to a hosting platform like YouTube or Vimeo. Want to embed a Livestorm video? Download the livestream recording from your dashboard first. Then upload the video file to your hosting platform of choice.
2. Click to generate an embed code from the hosting platform. Then copy and paste the iframe tag into your webpage. To embed in an email or other platform, you may need a JavaScript code or an embedding tool.

Editorial & methodology — Written and reviewed by the Livestorm content team, based on first-party product experience and platform documentation. Last updated: July 2026.