How best to link to self-hosted videos

  • Resolved srower

    (@srower)


    8 years, 6 months ago

    I am moving an html-based site to WP and need to provide links to a significant number of self-hosted videos that are on a dedicated server. I am trying to determine two things:

    1. The customer demographic is almost completely IE with some Safari users – can I safely use just an mp4 without including a webm version?

    2. Is it possible to simply link to the file without dedicating a page with a player for each video, or is the player a requirement? If so, might there be any way to code a player into the link without setting up individual pages for each video?

    Please also note – I do understand a better and more accepted way is to host these files elsewhere. However, there are very specific reasons they are self-hosted and putting them elsewhere is not an option. Any input that can be provided specifically to my questions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    1. MP4 is now supported by all current browsers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML5_video#Browser_support

    2. You can certainly just link directly to the file, which will allow their browsers to either play it themselves or most likely download it (depending on the visitor’s preference), but the player certainly does make things a bit easier for most folks.

    To just link to it, upload the file via Media -> Add New in your blog’s Dashboard: https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Uploading_Files#To_Upload_a_File_for_Later_Use (or the Add New button when writing the post), then click on the file in the Media library, copy the File URL to the right, and add it to the post as a link.

    Thread Starter srower

    (@srower)

    Thank you so much for the quick response James. The files are actually already on the server (been using them for a few years in the html site) so I can just link straight to them. I just wasn’t sure what occurred when using a direct link. Your info was very helpful!

    Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    You’re welcome!

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
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