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HTML: Video

As with audio, until recently it was impossible to "comfortably" insert a video file into HTML markup. Since HTML5 there is a <video> element that, like <audio>, allows you to quickly add videos to a page.

The <video> tag is paired, which, in the absence of nested <source> tags, specifies the path to the video file in the src attribute. You can use the controls attribute to display controls for the video player. The visual appearance of the controls depends on the specific browser.

<video src="https://example.com/our-video.mp4" controls></video>

By using special <source> tags, you can add multiple video formats. This is necessary because each browser can only play certain video formats. The only format that all browsers handle correctly is mp4.

<video controls>
    <source src="https://example.com/our-video.mp4" type="video/mp4">
    <source src="https://example.com/our-video.webm" type="video/webm">
    <source src="https://example.com/our-video.ogg" type="video/ogg">
</video>

Three file formats ensure that videos work on all devices. You also need type attribute, which will tell the browser the format of the video. It's this attribute that the browser uses to decide which file to download.

The <video> tag has several important attributes:

  • controls — Adds controls for the video player
  • autoplay — Automatic playback after loading the video
  • width — Width of the video player
  • height — Height of the video player

The width and height attributes are pixel values, and you don't need to specify the unit of measure.

<video width="500" height="500" controls>
    <source src="https://example.com/our-video.mp4" type="video/mp4">
    <source src="https://example.com/our-video.webm" type="video/webm">
    <source src="https://example.com/our-video.ogg" type="video/ogg">
</video>

Instructions

Add an mp4 video to the page:

Turn your volume down just in case ;)

Tips

  • If only one file is used, it's enough to add the src attribute for the <video> tag. Otherwise use <source> tags

  • The mp4 format is correctly handled by most browsers. If possible, it's best to use it.

If you've reached a deadlock it's time to ask your question in the «Discussions». How ask a question correctly:

  • Be sure to attach the test output, without it it's almost impossible to figure out what went wrong, even if you show your code. It's complicated for developers to execute code in their heads, but having a mistake before their eyes most probably will be helpful.
Found a bug? Have something to add? Pull requests are welcome!