THE VIDEO WEB PART

Guide to Using the Video Web Part in SharePoint Online

Here’s a clear, structured guide you can use to help SharePoint Online users and site owners understand and work with the Video web part. These details are distilled into concise, actionable sections so it’s easy to follow.

What It Is

  • The Video web part lets you embed videos directly on modern SharePoint pages.
  • It replaces the older “Media and Content > Video and Audio” web parts.
  • Supported sources:
    • Microsoft Stream (on SharePoint) – recommended, full features (captions, chapters, analytics).
    • Microsoft Stream (classic) – legacy, being retired.
    • YouTube & Vimeo – basic playback only.
    • Direct .mp4 links stored in SharePoint or OneDrive – simple playback.

Adding the Video Web Part

  • Edit the page → click Edit (top-right).
  • Click the + button where you want the video.
  • Search for Video under Media → select Video web part.
  • Choose your source:
    • Stream (on SharePoint) – best option.
    • Stream (classic).
    • From a link (YouTube, Vimeo, direct .mp4).
    • Embed (custom code).

Adding a Video (Recommended: Stream on SharePoint)

Upload video to SharePoint or OneDrive → it automatically goes to Stream.

  • Stream processes video (transcoding + captions).
  • Open video → click Share → Copy link or Add to SharePoint page.
  • On your page → choose Video web part → Stream (on SharePoint).
  • Paste link or browse recent videos → video appears with preview.

Web Part Settings

  • Source – switch between Stream, YouTube, or direct link.
  • Video address – paste/change URL.
  • Preview image – upload custom thumbnail (16:9 recommended).
  • Show title/description – toggle on/off.
  • Auto-play – yes/no (limited on mobile).
  • Loop – yes/no.
  • Start at – set start time (e.g., 0:30).
  • Size – small, medium, large, full width.
  • Alignment – left, center, right.

Permissions

  • Stream (on SharePoint): inherits file permissions from SharePoint/OneDrive.
  • YouTube/Vimeo: depends on external platform privacy settings.
  • Best practice: keep videos in SharePoint/OneDrive for consistent permissions.

Advanced Tips

  • Background video: use Section settings → Background → Video.
  • Full-width video section: add full-width section → paste Stream/direct link.
  • Captions & transcripts: auto-generated in Stream (on SharePoint).
  • Chapters & people timeline: available in Stream player.
  • Analytics: view counts, heatmaps, viewer list (Stream only).
  • Replace video without breaking pages: upload new version to same location → same URL updates everywhere.

Common Issues & Fixes

  • “Sorry, this video can’t be played” → check permissions or link.
  • Black screen/spinner → video still processing, wait 5–30 min.
  • No captions → video not in Stream, re-upload.
  • Autoplay blocked → browser policy, especially mobile.
  • Ugly thumbnail → upload custom preview image.

Quick Checklist Before Publishing

  • Video stored in SharePoint/OneDrive or Stream.
  • Custom preview image uploaded.
  • Permissions set correctly.
  • Tested on desktop + mobile.
  • Title/description toggled as desired.
  • Page published and shared.

This guide gives site owners and editors a complete, concise reference for embedding and managing videos in SharePoint Online.

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