This article explains how to add a video link to a drag-and-drop template message in Messages XR Enterprise using the Video content block, including supported platforms, aspect ratios, and timestamp linking.
💡Quick answers
- Why can't videos play directly inside the email? Most email clients do not support embedded or autoplay video due to security and compatibility limitations - clicking the video preview opens it in a separate browser window.
- Inserting a video into your drag-and-drop template? Add a Video content block to a row, paste your YouTube or Vimeo URL into the URL field in Video Properties, and press Enter to load the thumbnail automatically.
- Which video platforms are supported? Only YouTube and Vimeo are supported, and videos must be set to Public or Unlisted privacy settings.
- Can I link a YouTube video to start at a specific timestamp? Yes, generate a timestamped YouTube link and paste it into the URL field in Video Properties.
- What aspect ratios are supported for video blocks? Supported ratios include 4:3, 16:9, 9:16 (YouTube Shorts), 21:9, and 9:21.
Why can't I embed videos?Â
- Embedded video works in only a handful of email clients, leaving the majority of recipients unable to view the video.
- Even for those email clients that can play video, each one will only play videos saved in a certain format - and the format that works for one client will not work for others.
- Many spam filters automatically filter emails with embedded objects, because they could be used to deliver viruses or other malware.
Supported video formats
This feature does not work with videos from Resources or any of our internal software. Supported formats are:Â
- Youtube: Apply Public and Unlisted privacy settings
- Vimeo: Apply Public and Unlisted privacy settings
Supported aspect ratios for videos
- 4:3 and 16:9 (standard video formats)
- 9:16 (YouTube shorts format)
- 21:9 and 9:21 (CinemaScope formats)
Link video at a specific timestamp
If you're using a YouTube video, you can also link the video starting at a specific timestamp. If you need information on how to generate this type of link, please see this Lifewire article.Â
How to link to a videoÂ
The best way to deliver video via email is to link to your video with the Video content block.Â
- Add a Video content block into your message.
- Once inserted, click on the Video block to open up the Content tab in the side panel where you can configure your Video Properties in the right side panel. For a deeper dive, learn more in the section, "Configure your Video Properties."
- Paste the URL of the video into the URL field in Video Properties and click Enter on your keyboard so that the editor can search for your URL. Â
- You'll see your video's thumbnail (that was set in YouTube or Vimeo) automatically pulled in to the message area with a Play icon displaying on top of the video thumbnail.
- Change the Title of the video that will appear upon hover.
- Customize the Play icon options available to display on top of your video thumbnail and preview your selection in real-time:
- Play icon type: Round Solid, Round Outline, Rectangle Solid, Rectangle Outline, Square Solid, Square Outline, or Arrow Only.
- Play icon color: Light or Dark, depending on the background of the video thumbnail.
- Play icon size: Choose the size that you prefer.Â
Now your finalized message will include a way for your recipients to know that a video is available to be watched by clicking on the play button in the video box.