How to Add Videos to Shopify Without YouTube

Video is an extremely effective medium for eCommerce. Watching a video allows customers to see your products in action and get a feel for their quality and functionality. Videos help build trust and connection with your brand. According to Hubspot, including video on product pages can increase conversion rates by 80% or more.

In this guide, we’ll explore the various options for uploading and embedding videos across your Shopify store pages and products, all without Youtube.

Let’s get started!

Embedding Videos in Product Pages

Product pages are a key area you’ll want to include relevant videos. Watching a video is one of the best ways for customers to see your products in action before purchasing.

Follow these steps to embed a Shopify hosted video on a product page:

1. From your Shopify admin, open the product you want to add video to.
2. Click the Images and Video section. Ensure the “Video” tab is selected.
3. Click the “Embedding videos” subsection. Paste your Shopify hosted video URL into the URL field.
4. Customize the video properties like autoplay, looping, thumbnail image and more.
5. Click “Save” and your video will now be embedded on your product page.
6. You can preview how it looks and ensure proper functionality.

Adding Videos to Home and Other Pages

Beyond just products, you can embed videos across your Shopify site including the home page, product category pages, about pages, and more.

The process requires editing your theme code:

1. Go to Online Store > Themes in your Shopify admin.
2. Click “Actions” > “Edit code” to open your theme’s code editor.
3. Navigate to the section where you want to add a video. This is typically .liquid file like page.home-page.liquid.
4. Add the following embed code in the appropriate place, replacing the URL with your own:

<video muted="" controls="" autoplay="" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto;">
  <source src="enter url of your shopify store video">
Your browser does not support our video.
</source></video>

5. The code above will make the video autoplay and loop which works well for homepage headers. Adjust properties as needed.
6. Save and preview your theme to confirm the video appears and functions as expected.

Embedding Videos from YouTube, TikTok and Other Platforms

If you have great videos currently hosted on YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo or other platforms, you can embed those as well.

1. Get the embed code for the existing video from the platform. Every site has options to share/embed which will generate the needed code.
2. Copy the full embed code provided.
3. Add it to your Shopify theme where desired just like adding your own videos above.
4. The external video will now appear embedded in your Shopify store.

This approach lets you reuse engaging videos without having to download and re-upload them. YouTube videos in particular can help drive more organic traffic.

But direct Shopify uploads are preferable when possible for a more seamless experience.

Choosing a Third-Party Video Hosting Platform

If you need to store a considerable amount of video beyond Shopify’s limits, use a dedicated third-party video hosting provider. Top options like Wistia, Vimeo or Loom are optimized for delivering video content.

Here’s an overview of leading third-party Shopify video hosting tools:

• Wistia – Robust features like analytics, lead generation, and integration with marketing automation software. Better performance and loading speeds. Prices start at $228/year.
• Vimeo – More customization and control over video properties. Works well for brands wanting a premium, professional look. Plans start at $192/year.
• Loom – Affordable option focused on video communication versus marketing content. Ideal for customer service videos. Free plan available.

The workflow remains largely the same no matter which platform you choose:

1. Upload your original video files to the host service.
2. Use their tools to customize branding, thumbnails, etc.
3. Get the embed code provided and add it to your Shopify site pages as covered above.

The video will then play seamlessly when customers visit those Shopify pages.

Optimizing Your Shopify Videos for Maximum Impact

Now that you know the technical steps for adding videos, let’s dive into some best practices for optimization:

Choose strategic pages:

Identify high-traffic landing pages like your homepage or product pages. Videos stand out and captivate visitors when placed appropriately.

Mobile-friendly:

Many visitors will view on mobile. Use responsive embed codes. Keep videos short and easy to load. Test on mobile to ensure a good experience.

Compress files:

Compression decreases file sizes for smoother loading and playback. Use a tool like Handbrake before uploading.

Page speed:

Keep videos higher on pages so they load quickly in users’ initial viewports.

Following these best practices will maximize the impact your Shopify videos have on engaging customers and driving sales.

With a mix of preparation and troubleshooting, you can resolve any potential issues that arise with Shopify videos.

Conclusion

Adding well-produced videos to your Shopify store can engage customers and drive higher conversions. While embedding YouTube videos has its uses, uploading your own videos directly to Shopify gives you greater ownership.