Integrating videos into Mailchimp might seem daunting initially, especially for those unfamiliar with the platform’s features. However, with the right guidance, this task can become simple and greatly enhance your email marketing efforts.
In this discussion, we'll explore the various methods for incorporating videos into your Mailchimp campaigns, offering practical insights and tips for each approach. Whether you're looking to engage your subscribers with product demos, tutorials, or promotional content, embedding videos in Mailchimp can significantly elevate your email marketing strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Embedding videos in Mailchimp can enhance email marketing efforts by engaging subscribers with product demos, tutorials, or promotional content.
- The 'Insert Video' option in Mailchimp allows the addition of video content blocks to emails, generating clickable thumbnail images linked to video URLs.
- Video merge tags seamlessly integrate YouTube, Vimeo, and Wistia videos into Mailchimp emails, allowing for customization of thumbnail appearance and video centering.
- Manually linking videos in Mailchimp provides flexibility in incorporating videos from various hosting services, allowing for greater control over video content in emails.
Insert Video Content Block
Let's add a video content block to the email by selecting the 'Insert Video' option and providing the video's URL. This allows us to embed video content directly into our Mailchimp campaigns.
The video content block generates a thumbnail image linked to a YouTube or Vimeo video URL. This thumbnail serves as a clickable access point for subscribers to watch the video in a new browser window. For other video services, an uploaded image is required for the thumbnail.
When using merge tags with Vimeo, YouTube, and Wistia, Mailchimp can generate thumbnail images linked to the video online. However, it's important to note that the video merge tag format follows a specific pattern and demands unique identifiers for the video from different services.
Video Merge Tags
To enhance the video content block we inserted earlier, we can now explore the functionality and application of video merge tags within Mailchimp campaigns. Video merge tags enable the seamless integration of YouTube, Vimeo, and Wistia videos into Mailchimp emails, providing subscribers with a visually engaging experience. These merge tags utilize specific formats and unique identifiers, such as *|SERVICE:[$vid=XXXX]|*, to generate thumbnail images that link to the video online. The generated thumbnails include a play button and progress bar, allowing recipients to watch the video in a new browser window.
To better understand the application of video merge tags, consider the following table:
| Service | Merge Tag Format | Unique Identifier | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | * | YOUTUBE:[$vid=XXXX] | * | Video ID |
| Vimeo | * | VIMEO:[$vid=XXXX] | * | Video ID |
| Wistia | * | WISTIA:[$vid=XXXX] | * | Media ID |
In addition to the basic functionality, video merge tags offer further options, such as customizing the thumbnail appearance, centering the video, manually linking the thumbnail, and auto-converting embedded videos to linked screenshots. By utilizing video merge tags in Mailchimp emails, marketers can create a visually compelling and interactive experience for their subscribers.
Manually Link to Video
Using a screenshot and a hyperlink, we can manually link videos to the email content, providing flexibility in incorporating videos from a variety of hosting services.
When manually linking to a video in Mailchimp, we've the freedom to include MP4 videos from various hosting platforms, not just YouTube and Vimeo. To do this, we need to upload a video thumbnail or an image and then link it to the video hosted on the desired platform. This allows us to create a play button on the thumbnail, which, when clicked, takes the subscriber to the video.
It's important to note that Mailchimp's Auto-Convert feature won't recognize the video, so it's necessary to manually link the screenshots. This method provides an alternative way to include video content imported from different hosting services, granting us greater flexibility and control over the video content in our emails.
Auto-Convert Embedded Videos
When manually linking to a video in Mailchimp, we have the freedom to include MP4 videos from various hosting platforms, not just YouTube and Vimeo, but transitioning to 'Auto-Convert Embedded Videos' simplifies the process by automatically pulling thumbnail images and linking them to the video URLs. This feature enhances the visual appeal of your emails and makes it more convenient for your subscribers to access and watch your video content. To turn on Auto-Convert Embedded Videos, simply log in to your Mailchimp account, access the Email Builder, and check the box to enable this feature. With Auto-Convert Embedded Videos, Mailchimp doesn't work exclusively with YouTube and Vimeo; it also supports other hosting platforms, allowing for greater flexibility in your video content choices.
| Key Features of Auto-Convert Embedded Videos | |
|---|---|
| Pulls thumbnail images from YouTube or Vimeo videos | Supports additional parameters for thumbnail image appearance |
| Links thumbnail to the video URL for easy access | Requires an uploaded image for services other than YouTube and Vimeo |
| Play button icon for easy identification | Enables subscribers to click and watch the video in a new browser window |
Is there a difference in the process of embedding a video in Mailchimp based on the source of the instructions?
Yes, there may be a difference in the process of embedding a video in Mailchimp based on the source of the instructions you use. Some embedding videos in Mailchimp tutorials may provide specific steps or tips that others may not cover, so it’s important to choose a reliable source for guidance.
Related Resources
In addition to the video content block in Mailchimp, we can also utilize various merge tags to embed videos from services such as BlipTV, Vimeo, Wistia, and YouTube. Utilizing video merge tags allows us to create engaging content by providing a thumbnail image linked to the video online. By using specific information about the video and a particular format, we can effectively incorporate videos from these services into our email campaigns.
To do this, we need to access the Email Builder and check the box next to 'Send Video Emails.' Additionally, we can turn on Auto-convert video in the Email Builder and check the box next to 'upload an image.' When navigating to the Email Builder and creating a new email, we've the option to import content from HTML, allowing us to seamlessly integrate videos from various services using merge tags.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Embed a Video Directly Into Mailchimp?
We embed videos directly into Mailchimp by using video content blocks or video merge tags. These options allow us to pull thumbnail images from YouTube or Vimeo and link them to the video URL for subscribers to watch.
We also ensure that all video merge tags are correctly formatted with specific information about the video.
Can You Embed in Mailchimp?
Sure, we can embed videos in Mailchimp. It's a great way to engage subscribers and enhance our email marketing campaigns.
By using video content blocks or video merge tags with specific video information, we can easily embed videos from platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Wistia.
Additionally, we've the option to center the video, use the Classic Builder, and manage media files in the Content Studio for added customization and control.
Can a Video Automatically Play in Mailchimp?
Yes, a video can automatically play in Mailchimp. However, it's important to note that autoplaying videos in email can be a controversial practice.
Some email clients don't support autoplay, and it can also be disruptive to recipients.
It's generally recommended to avoid autoplaying videos in email marketing to ensure a positive user experience and avoid potential deliverability issues.
How Do I Embed a Video Directly Into an Email?
We embed videos directly into emails to enhance engagement and deliver content effectively. It's essential to optimize the video content to improve audience interaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embedding videos in Mailchimp is a great way to engage subscribers and add visual interest to your campaigns. Whether you use Video Content Blocks, Video Merge Tags, or manually link to a video, there are options to fit your needs.
So go ahead and add some video content to your next email campaign – it's like adding a cherry on top of your communication sundae!
Natali – Editor in Chief (Strategy and Mastery, AI Expert) Natali, our Editor in Chief, is the driving force behind our content’s strategic direction. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of market trends, Natali ensures that our content is top-notch and strategically aligned with our client’s goals. Her expertise in AI helps to seamlessly integrate advanced technology into our marketing strategies, pushing the boundaries of conventional marketing.
