Is there a way to embed video into emails? at DVinfo.net

James Collins · September 9th, 2009, 03:58 AM

I have video stored on Vimeo, so it is normally embedded via a HTML code.

We are going to be setting up an email newsletter and want to embed this video into the email.

Is this possible?

Seth Bloombaum · September 9th, 2009, 10:28 AM

Yes. You want to create html emails!

For the viewer, almost all email programs will read an html email. Some such have security settings available to only read text (so, do include alt text, etc.), or to disable image display, or, to disable embeds (so, have a link to a page on a webserver). Most users don't use those enhanced securit settings, but some do.

Viewers on mobile devices are a different kettle of fish. Vimeo being flash-based is good... but it's hard to know which devices will be able to actually stream your video. Vimeo help may have some info on this.

For creation, you're going to need to research this for your particular software(s). For example, in Microsoft Outlook, you'd create your web page with some external editor, then use Outlook to send it.

BTW, don't forget to post all images on a remote server and specify their location with absolute addressing, eg.:

Code:

http://www.myserver.com/mailimages/image1.jpg

The email is going to contain the html text only - all other assets must be remotely served.

James Collins · September 10th, 2009, 12:38 AM

Many thanks for this information. I have tried creating an HTML email, but when it arrives a few different 'test' inboxes, across different platforms (outlook, entourage, gmail etc) - the video isn't showing?

Josh Chesarek · September 10th, 2009, 04:52 AM

Actually as far as I know The only client I know of that brings in any video into the email is Apple Mail. The rest block that content. HTML email really is to be used for styling your text, positioning it and adding in photos.

Mobilize Mail Opinion Blog Archive Flash and Email – Can it Work?

The test above was for flash but its pretty much the same for just adding WMVs or MOVs. Include an image that says Click to Watch over it which lands on your video page.

Jason Robinson · September 19th, 2009, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Collins

Many thanks for this information. I have tried creating an HTML email, but when it arrives a few different 'test' inboxes, across different platforms (outlook, entourage, gmail etc) - the video isn't showing?

the reason it isnt' showing is because most email systems block object embedding (dangerous). What you need to do is create an image that looks like the flash player interface and embed the image. Then when a user clicks the image, it takes them to the web page with the video.

Just screen capture the web page & crop out everything except the player.

September 9th, 2009, 03:58 AM	#1
James Collins Regular Crew Join Date: May 2009 Location: UK Posts: 51	Is there a way to embed video into emails? I have video stored on Vimeo, so it is normally embedded via a HTML code. We are going to be setting up an email newsletter and want to embed this video into the email. Is this possible?

September 9th, 2009, 10:28 AM	#2
Seth Bloombaum Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,728	Yes. You want to create html emails! For the viewer, almost all email programs will read an html email. Some such have security settings available to only read text (so, do include alt text, etc.), or to disable image display, or, to disable embeds (so, have a link to a page on a webserver). Most users don't use those enhanced securit settings, but some do. Viewers on mobile devices are a different kettle of fish. Vimeo being flash-based is good... but it's hard to know which devices will be able to actually stream your video. Vimeo help may have some info on this. For creation, you're going to need to research this for your particular software(s). For example, in Microsoft Outlook, you'd create your web page with some external editor, then use Outlook to send it. BTW, don't forget to post all images on a remote server and specify their location with absolute addressing, eg.: Code: http://www.myserver.com/mailimages/image1.jpg The email is going to contain the html text only - all other assets must be remotely served. __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.

September 10th, 2009, 04:52 AM	#4
Josh Chesarek Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Winter Park, FL Posts: 905	Actually as far as I know The only client I know of that brings in any video into the email is Apple Mail. The rest block that content. HTML email really is to be used for styling your text, positioning it and adding in photos. Mobilize Mail Opinion Blog Archive Flash and Email – Can it Work? The test above was for flash but its pretty much the same for just adding WMVs or MOVs. Include an image that says Click to Watch over it which lands on your video page. __________________ Simple Thought Productions - Life @ 30,000 Words per second

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September 10th, 2009, 12:38 AM	#3
James Collins Regular Crew Join Date: May 2009 Location: UK Posts: 51	Many thanks for this information. I have tried creating an HTML email, but when it arrives a few different 'test' inboxes, across different platforms (outlook, entourage, gmail etc) - the video isn't showing?