While it may be technically possible to embed a video directly into an email (if HTML5 is supported) so that it plays within the email client, it is generally not recommended as it can cause a number of issues.
Firstly, different email clients have different levels of support for embedded video. Some clients may not be able to display the video at all, while others may only display a static image with a link to the video. This can result in an inconsistent user experience, which may be frustrating for recipients.
Secondly, embedding a video in an email can make the email file size very large, which can cause delivery problems. Many email clients and spam filters are set up to block emails that are over a certain size, so embedding a large video could result in the email being rejected or marked as spam.
Thirdly, embedding videos in emails can increase the risk of the email being flagged as spam or phishing. Many email providers and clients are wary of emails that contain embedded content, as it can be used to track user activity or deliver malicious content.
For these reasons, it is generally better to include a thumbnail image or a static image with a link to the video, rather than trying to embed the video directly into the email. This will ensure that the video is easily accessible for recipients, while also minimizing the risk of delivery or security issues.
What’s the best way to share videos with my audience?
When creating announcement emails with embedded videos, it is important to ensure that they play properly for all subscribers. In most cases, subscribers will see a "fallback image" instead of the video due to limited support for HTML5.
To address this issue, we recommend adding a "watch a video" button that hyperlinks to the actual video. It is also a best practice to preview your announcements before sending them to ensure that your audience sees them as intended. Our help article (see step 3) provides step-by-step instructions for previewing your announcements, which will allow you to see how they will appear to your customers on different engagement channels and on your LaunchNotes page.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your embedded videos are visible to all subscribers and that your announcements are delivered as expected.