Adding engaging videos to your Shopify homepage can significantly boost customer engagement and conversion rates. Let's explore how to upload and display videos directly on your store's homepage.
Understanding Video Options in Shopify
Shopify provides multiple ways to showcase videos on your homepage. You can upload videos directly through the theme customizer or embed them using custom HTML. Direct uploads are often preferable since they give you more control over the viewing experience and don't redirect customers to external platforms.
Method 1: Using Shopify's Native Video Upload
Step 1: Access Theme Editor
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Go to your Shopify admin dashboard.
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Go to Online Store > Themes in your Shopify admin.
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Click "Customize" on your active theme.
Step 2: Add Video Section
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Click "Add section".
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Select "Video" from the section options.
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Click "Add video".
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Choose "Upload video" option.
Step 3: Upload Your Video
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Select your video file (supported formats: .mp4).
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Maximum file size: 1GB.
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Add a cover image for before the video loads.
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Configure autoplay and loop settings as desired.
Method 2: Using Theme Settings (File Upload)
Step 1: Prepare Your Video
- Compress your video to optimize loading speed.
- Ensure file is in .mp4 format.
- Keep file size under 1GB.
Step 2: Upload to Files
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Go to Content > Files.
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Click "Upload files".
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Select your video file to upload your video to Shopify.
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Copy the video URL after upload.
Step 3: Add to Homepage
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Go to Theme Editor.
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Select your homepage section.
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Look for video settings .
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Paste your video URL.
Method 3: Creating a Custom Section
If your theme doesn't include a video section, you can create one:
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Navigate to Theme Settings > Sections
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Click "Add Section" and choose "Custom Liquid"
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Insert the appropriate video HTML code:
html
Copy
<div class="homepage-video">
<video
playsinline
autoplay
muted
loop
controls
class="custom-video-player">
<source src="{{ 'your-video-name.mp4' | asset_url }}" type="video/mp4">
</video>
</div>
Best Practices for Shopify Homepage Videos
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Keep videos short (30-60 seconds).
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Use compressed files to maintain fast loading speeds.
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Include a compelling cover image.
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Enable autoplay but mute by default.
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Add captions for accessibility.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your video isn't displaying properly:
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Verify file format is compatible (.mp4).
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Check file size is under 1GB.
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Ensure your theme supports video sections.
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Clear your browser cache.
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Test on different devices and browsers.
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Enable the "playsinline" attribute for iOS devices to prevent fullscreen playback when the video starts.
Conclusion
Remember to optimize your videos for mobile viewing, as many customers will access your store via smartphones. Regular testing across different devices ensures your homepage video displays correctly for all visitors.
These methods allow you to add a video to shopify homepage without relying on youtube, giving you more control over your store's presentation and loading speed.