Configuring Videos in Templates
The Video Content element allows you to add a visual preview that directs recipients to video content hosted online. Instead of embedding a playable video directly in the recipient’s inbox, the element displays a linked preview image that recipients can select to open the hosted video.
This approach provides more consistent behavior across email applications, since not all email clients consistently support directly embedded video.
The Video element currently supports videos hosted on YouTube and Vimeo. When a supported video URL is added, the Template Editor automatically retrieves a thumbnail from the hosted video and uses it as the preview image.
Add a Video to a Template
Open the Content tab in the Template Editor.
Click and drag the Video element onto the desired location on your template.
Select the Video element on the template canvas.
Enter the full YouTube or Vimeo URL in the settings panel on the right.
The Template Editor will automatically generate a preview image using the thumbnail associated with the hosted video.
Configure the available Action and General settings as needed.
Save and test the template to confirm the preview and destination work correctly.
The preview image itself does not play the video inside the email. When selected, it directs the recipient to the configured destination.
Add an Action to a Video
The Action settings determine what happens when a recipient selects the Video preview.
Open Website
For most Video elements, Open Website is the recommended Action because it allows the preview image to direct recipients to the hosted video.
Enter the video destination in the URL field and select how the link should open using the Target setting.
Setting | What It Does |
|---|---|
URL | Sets the webpage or video destination that opens when the preview is selected. |
Target | Determines whether the destination opens in the Same Tab or a New Tab. |
Opening the video in a New Tab can be useful because it lets recipients view the hosted video without leaving the original message.
Send Email
Use Send Email if selecting the Video preview should instead open a new email message.
You can configure:
Mail To | Sets the email address that will populate as the recipient. |
Subject | Sets the subject line that will populate in the new message. |
Body | Adds predefined wording to the body of the new email. |
Call Phone Number
Use Call Phone Number if selecting the Video preview should prompt recipients to call a specified telephone number on a compatible device.
Go to Page Section
Use Go to Page Section if selecting the Video preview should move recipients to another named section within the same email.
Choose the appropriate Page Section from the available dropdown.
Use an Image for Other Video Hosts or a Custom Preview
The Video element is designed to automatically create previews for YouTube and Vimeo URLs. If your video is hosted somewhere else, or you do not want to use the thumbnail automatically supplied by YouTube or Vimeo, you can create a similar experience using the Image Content element.
This option gives you more control over the image recipients see while still directing them to the hosted video.
To create a custom video preview:
Create or select the image you want recipients to see.
Open the Content tab in the Template Editor.
Click and drag an Image element onto the desired location.
Upload or select your custom preview image.
Select the Image and configure its Action as Open Website.
Enter the URL where the video is hosted.
Choose whether the destination should open in the Same Tab or a New Tab.
Save and test the template to confirm the Image opens the correct video.
This approach can be useful when:
The video is hosted somewhere other than YouTube or Vimeo.
You want to use a branded graphic instead of the automatically generated thumbnail.
The default video thumbnail does not clearly communicate what the video contains.
You want to add text, branding, or a play-button graphic to the preview before adding it to the template.
Provide Context for the Video
A video preview is most effective when recipients understand what they are being invited to watch. Consider placing a Heading or Paragraph near the Video element that briefly explains the content or why the recipient may want to view it.
For example: Hear directly from the families your support helped this year.
Providing context can be especially helpful when the automatically generated thumbnail does not include a descriptive title.
General Settings
The General settings control the Video element’s spacing, internal navigation, and responsive behavior.
Container Padding
Container Padding controls the amount of space surrounding the Video within its Block.
Container Padding | Adds space between the Video and nearby Content elements. |
More Options | Allows the Top, Right, Bottom, and Left padding values to be adjusted independently. |
Additional padding can help visually separate the Video from nearby Headings, Paragraphs, Buttons, or other Content.
Section Name
The Section Name field allows the Video element to serve as a destination for internal navigation within a longer email.
Enter a short, recognizable Section Name if a Menu item, Button, linked Heading, or another supported element should direct recipients to this location using Go to Page Section.
Responsive Design
Responsive Design controls whether the Video appears based on how the recipient is viewing the email. When editing in Desktop view, enable Hide on Desktop if the Video should not appear in the desktop version.
When editing in Mobile view, enable Hide on Mobile if the Video should not appear on mobile devices. Hiding the Video in one view does not delete it from the template.
Video Tips
Use a clear preview image and surrounding text so recipients understand what they are opening. When using the Video element, confirm that the YouTube or Vimeo URL is correct and that the automatically generated thumbnail is appropriate for the communication.
If the video is hosted elsewhere or you want more control over the preview, use an Image element with an Open Website Action instead.
Before sending the communication, generate a test and select the Video preview to confirm that it opens the intended destination. Review the template in both Desktop and Mobile views to make sure the preview image fits comfortably within the surrounding layout.