*HTML Video*



The HTML <video> element allows embedding video content into a webpage. It provides built-in controls, supports multiple formats, and allows features like autoplay, looping, and subtitles.


  • ✔️ No need for external plugins (e.g., Flash)
  • ✔️ Supports multiple video formats
  • ✔️ Customizable with JavaScript & CSS



  • Explanation

  • ✔️ <video> creates the video player.
  • ✔️ <source> provides multiple formats for browser compatibility.
  • ✔️ <controls> adds play, pause, volume, and fullscreen options.
  • ✔️ Fallback text appears if the browser doesn't support <video>.
  • Attributes of the <video> Element
    Attribute Description
    `controls` Displays play, pause, and volume controls.
    `autoplay` Starts playing the video automatically.
    `loop` Repeats the video when it ends.
    `muted` Starts the video muted.
    `poster` Displays an image before the video plays.
    `preload` Defines how the browser loads the video (`auto`, `metadata`, `none`).
    `width` & `height` Specifies the size of the video player.

    Example using autoplay, loop, and poster


  • ✔️ This automatically plays the video, loops it, and starts muted.
  • ✔️ The `poster` attribute shows a thumbnail before playing.

  • Supported Video Formats and Browser Compatibility
    format File Extension Supported Browsers
    MP4 `.mp4` Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera
    WebM `.webm` Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
    Ogg `.ogg` Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera

    Best Practice: Provide multiple formats (`MP4`, `WebM`, `Ogg`) for better browser support.


    Adding Captions & Subtitles

    Captions improve accessibility and SEO. Use the <track> element for subtitles.




  • ✔️ <track> loads subtitles from a `.vtt` file.
  • ✔️ `kind="subtitles"` specifies subtitle text.

  • Example `.vtt` file (e.g, subtitles.vtt)

    WEBVTT
    00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.000
    Welcome to the HTML video tutorial.
    00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:10.000
    Here, you will learn how to use the video element.


    Remember: My Video already has it's subtitle


    Using JavaScript with <video>

    JavaScript provides custom controls for videos.

    Example: Custom Play/Pause Button


    Applications of the <video> Element

  • ✔️ Online Streaming – Used for video platforms like YouTube.
  • ✔️ Tutorials & Courses – Embed educational videos.
  • ✔️ Product Demonstrations – Show product features interactively.
  • ✔️ Background Videos – Create dynamic website backgrounds.

  • Best Practices for Using <video>

  • ✔️ Use the <source> tag for multiple video formats.
  • ✔️ Optimize file size using compression tools like HandBrake.
  • ✔️ Always provide a <pastor> image for better user experience.
  • ✔️ Use captions (<track>) to improve accessibility.
  • ✔️ Use JavaScript for enhanced playback control.

  • The HTML <video> element is a powerful and efficient way to add videos to websites. It provides native playback controls, supports multiple formats, and integrates well with JavaScript & CSS. However, to ensure smooth performance, it is essential to optimize file sizes, provide multiple formats, and implement best practices.