The Video section is a versatile feature that allows you to display full-width videos from YouTube, Vimeo, or self-hosted sources. It offers a range of settings to customize video alignment, aspect ratio, and playback options, ensuring a seamless integration into your theme. Users can adjust alignment for both desktop and mobile views, select from various aspect ratios, and control video playback features such as autoplay, looping, and muting.

In addition to video settings, the Video section includes options for adding captions and overlays. Captions can be positioned and aligned to enhance accessibility and context, while overlays can be applied to improve text readability and aesthetics. These features ensure that your video content is both engaging and accessible to all users.

Practical usage examples include embedding a YouTube video by simply inputting the video URL and adjusting the aspect ratio for a widescreen effect. For self-hosted videos, users can upload their files and add a poster image for a preview before playback. Customizing captions and applying overlays are also straightforward, allowing for a professional and polished presentation of video content.

Overview #

The Video section is designed to provide a full-width video display within your theme. It supports videos from YouTube, Vimeo, or self-hosted URLs, allowing for a versatile and engaging multimedia experience on your site.

Key components and functionality #

Alignment settings

Alignment settings control the positioning of content within the section, ensuring that your video and any accompanying text are positioned as desired.

  • Alignment - Desktop: Adjusts the horizontal alignment of content on desktop devices.
  • Alignment - Mobile: Adjusts the horizontal alignment of content on mobile devices.

Video settings

Video settings allow you to configure the video source and display options, ensuring compatibility and optimal presentation.

  • Video service URL: Accepts YouTube or Vimeo links. Use the video’s URL, not the embed code. _Default: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VUPq3SxOc
  • Shopify-hosted video: Allows for the use of self-hosted video files. Be mindful of your video size and bitrate.
  • Video poster image: Recommended if using hosted video. This image will display as the first frame of your video and will fade out when clicked.
  • Aspect ratio: Choose from options like default, landscape, portrait, square, ultrawide, and widescreen. Default: default
  • Aspect ratio - Mobile: Similar options as desktop, tailored for mobile devices. Default: default
  • Max video width: Controls the maximum width of the video. Default: 0 (stretches to full available width)
  • Autoplay video: Enables the video to play automatically when the section is loaded.
  • Loop video: Repeats the video continuously.
  • Mute video: Starts the video with sound muted. Default: true
  • Show video player controls: Displays the video player controls. Default: true

Caption settings

Caption settings allow you to add and style captions for your video, enhancing the context and accessibility of your content.

  • Media caption: Add a caption to your video or image.
  • Text alignment: Adjusts the alignment of the caption text.
  • Caption position: Choose whether the caption appears at the top or bottom of the video.

Overlay settings

Overlay settings add a visual layer over your video, which can enhance aesthetics or improve text readability.

  • Overlay color: Adds a solid color overlay on top of the video.
  • Overlay gradient: Adds a gradient overlay on top of the video.
  • Overlay opacity: Adjusts the transparency of the overlay. Default: 48%

Usage notes #

  • Responsive design: Ensure that your video settings are optimized for both desktop and mobile views by adjusting the aspect ratio and alignment settings accordingly.
  • Performance: Be cautious with video file sizes, especially for self-hosted videos, to maintain site performance.
  • Accessibility: Use captions and overlays to improve accessibility and ensure that your content is understandable for all users.

Usage examples #

  1. Embedding a YouTube Video: Use the Video service URL setting to input a YouTube link. Adjust the aspect ratio to widescreen for a cinematic effect.

  2. Self-hosted Video with Poster Image: Upload your video file using the Shopify-hosted video option. Add a poster image to provide a preview before the video plays.

  3. Customizing Captions: Add a caption to your video using the Media caption setting. Position it at the bottom and align it to the center for a professional look.

  4. Applying an Overlay: Use the Overlay color and Overlay opacity settings to add a semi-transparent black overlay, enhancing text readability over the video.