Adding and optimizing video content on your Showit website

Let’s talk about video. It’s engaging, it’s dynamic, and it’s one of the best ways to capture your audience’s attention. Whether you’re showcasing your work, sharing your story, or simply adding a little movement to your site, adding videos in Showit can make your website feel more alive. But here’s the thing—just throwing a video onto your page isn’t enough. To get the best results, you need to add and optimize your videos the right way. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to seamlessly integrate video into your Showit website, make sure it loads quickly, and ensure it looks stunning on both desktop and mobile.

How to add videos in Showit

Adding a video to your Showit site is super simple, but you have a couple of options depending on the type of video you want to use. Showit allows you to upload MP4 files directly or embed videos from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo.

To add a video:

Click on Media Library and upload your MP4 file, or copy your YouTube/Vimeo link.
Add a Video Box onto your canvas from the toolbar.
With the Video Box selected, go to the Right Sidebar and select the type of video you want to use (Youtube, Vimeo, or direct upload).
Select your uploaded file from the media library or paste your video link.
Adjust the Size and Position to fit your design.

You can also add a video as your canvas background. Under the canvas background tab on the right side, select the video option as the media type and then choose which video you want to use. This is perfect for adding movement to your site without needing a play button.

Optimizing video size and load time

Nobody likes a slow-loading website, and videos can be one of the biggest culprits. The key is keeping file sizes small while maintaining quality. If you’re uploading an MP4, compress it before adding it to Showit. Tools like HandBrake or CloudConvert can reduce file size without ruining video quality.

For YouTube and Vimeo videos, be mindful of autoplay settings. While Showit lets you enable autoplay, mobile browsers often block it unless the video is muted. Also, turning off recommended videos (on YouTube) prevents visitors from getting distracted and clicking away from your site.

Making sure your videos look great on mobile

Videos that look amazing on desktop don’t always translate well to mobile. The aspect ratio, placement, and even autoplay settings might behave differently. That’s why it’s essential to check how your video appears on both versions of your site.

To optimize your video for mobile:

Click the Mobile View tab in Showit.
Adjust the Size and Position of your Video Box so it fits well on smaller screens.
Consider using a static thumbnail for mobile users instead of autoplay. This speeds up load time and improves user experience.
Test how the video plays across different devices to ensure everything looks polished.

Recap

Videos can add a whole new level of engagement to your Showit website—but only if they’re added and optimized correctly. Use MP4 uploads for full control, or embed from YouTube/Vimeo for seamless streaming. Keep file sizes small to improve load time, and always double-check how your videos look on mobile. With these simple tweaks, you’ll have a site that’s both visually stunning and user-friendly.