In email marketing, capturing your audience's attention is crucial. Visual content, especially videos, can be a game-changer. However, embedding videos in emails can be tricky. Different email platforms have their own rules, and your videos might only sometimes play nicely in all of them.

Imagine this: You've poured your creativity and hard work into creating a fantastic video that perfectly captures your brand's personality and showcases your excellent product. You're excited to share it with your email subscribers, but when you try to include it, some email platforms won't cooperate. It's a common frustration for email marketers who aim to incorporate videos into their email campaigns seamlessly.

Fear not, however. This blog post is your friendly guide on effectively embedding videos in emails. So, let's dive in and make your emails shine with videos that genuinely resonate with your audience.

Why should you use videos in your email campaigns?

First, let's discuss why adding videos to emails improves both your email marketing as well as video marketing strategy thanks to many benefits:

• 📈 Increase open and click-through rates.
• 🚀 Boost engagement and shareability.
• 💬 Improve communication of complex ideas.
• 🎙️ Enhance storytelling and brand messaging.

Increase open and click-through rates.

Videos can grab the recipient's attention more effectively than plain text or static images. Interestingly, mentioning 'video' in your email subject line can pique subscribers' curiosity, leading to a 19% increase in email open rates. Furthermore, once your audience begins watching the video, it often motivates them to take that extra step and click through to your website or landing page, resulting in a substantial surge in click-through rates. Campaign Monitor's research indicates that incorporating video into emails can, on average, amplify click-through rates by a striking 300%.

Boost engagement and shareability.

Videos are particularly effective at getting people excited and eager to share. When your subscribers come across video content they find valuable or entertaining; it naturally prompts them to share it with their friends and social circles. This ripple effect can significantly expand your reach and introduce new faces to your content, helping you build a larger, more engaged audience.

The text below YNAB, the budgeting platform, includes video tips in their emails to keep current users engaged with the app and provide them with helpful information they can apply for immediately.

Improve communication of complex ideas.

Explaining tricky concepts or showcasing intricate products in plain text can sometimes be challenging. Videos, however, step in as excellent problem-solvers. They provide an engaging way to break down complex ideas, highlight product features, or guide viewers through step-by-step tutorials. The visual approach makes things easier to understand and remember for your audience. It is a core part of inbound marketing.

Enhance storytelling and brand messaging.

Consider videos as your storytelling canvas. You can craft captivating narratives about your brand, products, or services with them. It's an opportunity to show user-generated content and create emotional content, adding social proof and forming deep connections with your audience. The power of storytelling strengthens your brand's identity and forges lasting bonds with subscribers.

How To Embed Your Video in an Email

When you're thinking about adding a video to your email, you have three options to consider:

1. Add a GIF and a call-to-action.
2. Include a static image with a 'Play' button.
3. Embed videos in emails with Flockler

Add a GIF and a call-to-action.

To get started, let's look at the GIF option. This approach can be an engaging way to share video content with your audience while providing a direct link to the full video. Here's how to do it:

1. Find the Video URL or Download It.

Locate the video you wish to use and get its URL. Alternatively, download and save the video to your computer for easier access. For example, I use a Flockler's YouTube video titled 'Flockler | How to show social media feeds on websites and other digital services.'

2. Create and download your GIF.

Now, let's choose a handy tool for making GIFs from videos. We're going with imgflip.com as our tool of choice for this guide.

Once you're on Imgflip.com:

• Copy and paste your video's URL or upload a video saved on your computer.
• Pick the starting and ending points for your GIF. Those little green and red triangles come in handy for this. Remember that your GIF should be at most 20 seconds if you use a non-Pro account.
• When you've pinpointed the perfect clip, go ahead and hit that 'Generate GIF' button.

After you generate the GIF, you'll see options to copy the image link or embed HTML, but for now, let's go ahead and click 'Download .gif.'

3. Embed the GIF in your emails.

Create your email and insert the GIF by dragging and dropping it from your desktop into the email content.

Below the GIF, craft a compelling video Call-to-Action (CTA) such as 'Click to view the full video here.' Provide a URL that leads to the complete video, typically on your website, YouTube, Facebook, or another social platform.

Consider adding 'Video included' to your subject line to make your email even more enticing. A hint in the subject line can be a great way to encourage higher click-through rates.

Remember, following the best email marketing practices is essential when embedding a GIF in your email. Ensure your chosen video is genuinely captivating and exciting for your email subscribers. Adding a video is a unique opportunity to deepen your connection with prospects and customers, so use it thoughtfully. Avoid simply sending a video advertisement for your products or services.

Use a static image with a 'Play' button.

Now, let's explore how to include a still image of your video with a "Play" button. The simplest way to link to video content, whether it's on your website, YouTube, or Vimeo, is by using a play button overlaid on a static image.

The great thing about this approach is that it enjoys universal support across email clients. Everyone will have a consistent and seamless experience if images are allowed.

Here are the steps to embed a video in your email using a screenshot with a "Play" button overlay:

1. Capture a screenshot of your video:

Take a screenshot of your video. In this example, we'll use the same video as before. Instead of copying the URL, capture a screenshot of a paused video section.

2. Add a 'Play' Button:

You can add one to a still image if your paused video doesn't automatically display a 'Play' button. Visit the website Add Play Button to Image, upload your image, select a play button design, and click 'Create Play Button Image.' Afterward, click 'Download Image.

3. Embed the image and insert the link:

Click 'Insert Photo' in your email editor to include the image with the 'Play' button overlay.

Then, highlight the image and select 'Insert Link.' Paste the link to the full video (e.g., the YouTube URL or any URL leading to your video).

That's it. When subscribers click on your image, the click directs them to the full video. Ensure you set the video to auto-play so the subscriber doesn't need to click 'Play' again.

How to embed videos in emails with Flockler.

Embedding videos as GIFs or static images in emails can be limiting, with constraints on the number of videos, reduced interactivity, and quality concerns. For a more engaging and user-friendly experience, choosing Flockler to embed videos in emails is the savvy option.

Flockler offers a robust solution, allowing multiple videos, ensuring high-quality playback, offering comprehensive analytics for tracking engagement, and providing additional layout choices. Plus, it ensures a consistent user experience across various email platforms and devices.

With a few simple steps, you can embed a social media feed in your email newsletter and feature some of your best video content and UGC.

Here's how to embed videos in an email:

1. Gather social media video posts.
2. Create a video block for email.
3. Add a video feed to your email newsletter.

1. Gather social media video posts.

Start by signing up for Flockler's 14-day free trial. With Flockler, you can aggregate a wide range of video content, including:

• Instagram videos, Reels, and Stories from any Business account or posts mentioning specific hashtags.
• TikTok videos from any user or those associated with particular hashtags.
• Videos from a YouTube channel.
• Facebook posts containing videos.
• Public video tweets and more.

You can include video content from various social media platforms, showing all content in one place. Check out the list of supported social media feeds and content sources.

2. Create a video block for email

Next, navigate to the 'Display' tab. Locate and click the 'Create a new layout' button. Beneath the website layouts, you'll find the option 'I want to embed Flockler in an email newsletter.' Click on this link.

Then, an editor window will appear, offering you a choice of four layouts: 3x1, 2x2, 3x2, and 3x3.

Add curated videos to your block once you've selected your preferred layout. You can easily rearrange the order of these videos using the drag-and-drop feature.

When satisfied with the outcome, hit the 'Generate' button. The app will provide an embed code for a personalized video block for your email newsletter. You can now use this code in your email newsletter.

3. Add a video feed to your email newsletter

The final step is to integrate your video feed into your email newsletter. You can achieve this by adding a custom HTML block to your email. Below are instructions for some of the most commonly used email marketing platforms:

• Smartrmail
• ActiveCampaign
• Hubspot
• Klaviyo
• MailChimp
• Sendinblue

Contact us through live chat if you use a different email platform and need help adding the video feed. We'll guide you through the process, ensuring your email looks great with the embedded video feed.

Embed videos in Smartrmail emails

Embedding a video feed in Smartmail is simple, and you can follow these three easy steps:

1. Open the email content editor and add a new 'HTML' block. We recommend choosing a 1-column layout for a more visually engaging experience.

2. An editor will appear. Copy and paste Flockler's video block code into it, and you'll instantly see the Flockler layout in your email.

3. Remember to save your changes and preview the result before sending out your Smartrmail newsletter, complete with the video block. Before reaching your subscribers, you can ensure everything looks how you want.

How to embed videos in ActiveCampaign emails.

To add a video feed to your ActiveCampaign emails, follow these steps:

1. Open the email content editor and insert an 'HTML' block on the left side.

2. Click to open the HTML code editor and replace the existing code with Flockler's video block code.

3. Click anywhere in the email content to close the editor and review your email.

4. After reviewing, save your changes. Finally, send your ActiveCampaign email with the video block included.

Embed videos in HubSpot emails

To include videos in your HubSpot email, follow these four straightforward steps:

1. Open the content editor and click the '+' button located on the left side.

2. Next, select the 'HTML - Email' element and drag it to the right.

3. An editor will appear. Copy and paste Flockler's video block code into the HTML field.

4. Click 'Done,' preview your newsletter, and you're all set to send a HubSpot email complete with the video embed block!

Embed videos in Klaviyo emails

To embed videos into your Klaviyo email, follow these steps:

1. Open the email content editor and insert a text block into the content area.

2. Remove the default text, click the 'HTML editor' icon, and paste the video block code provided by Flockler into the designated area.

4. Click the icon again to see the Flockler layout displayed in your email.

5. Save your changes and review your Klaviyo email newsletter with the integrated video block.

Embed videos in MailChimp emails

Adding a video feed to your MailChimp email is a breeze. Follow these steps:

1. Open the email content editor and drag and drop the 'Code' block into the content area on the right.

2. Replace the code within the block with the embed code generated by Flockler.

3. And voilà, your MailChimp email now features the video block.

Embed videos in Sendinblue emails

To include videos in your Sendinblue email newsletter, follow these steps:

1. Open the email content editor and drag the 'HTML' element into the content area.

2. An editor will appear. Replace the code in this element with the email embed code provided by Flockler.

3. Click 'Save' and preview your email newsletter to ensure everything looks as expected. Sendinblue's editor offers the flexibility to adjust the size, padding, and margin for the Flockler block, allowing for customization.

4. After customizing as desired, save your changes, and your Sendinblue newsletter will feature the video block.

If you use a different email marketing platform and require assistance embedding a video feed, please get in touch with us via live chat. We're here to help!