HTML Video
HTML Video
The HTML <video> element is used to show a video on a web page.
Example
Courtesy of Big Buck Bunny:
The HTML <video> Element
To show a video in HTML, use the <video> element:
Example
<video width="320" height="240" controls>
<source src="movie.mp4" type="video/mp4">
<source src="movie.ogg" type="video/ogg">
Your browser does not support the video tag.
</video>
How it Works
The controls attribute adds video controls, like play, pause, and volume.
It is a good idea to always include width and height attributes. If height and width are not set, the page might flicker while the video loads.
The <source> element allows you to specify alternative video files which the browser may choose from. The browser will use the first recognized format.
The text between the <video> and </video> tags will only be displayed in browsers that do not support the <video> element.
HTML <video> Autoplay
To start a video automatically, use the autoplay attribute:
Example
<video width="320" height="240" autoplay>
<source src="movie.mp4" type="video/mp4">
<source src="movie.ogg" type="video/ogg">
Your browser does not support the video tag.
</video>
Note: Chromium browsers do not allow autoplay in most cases. However, muted autoplay is always allowed.
Add muted after autoplay to let your video start playing automatically (but muted):
Example
<video width="320" height="240" autoplay muted>
<source src="movie.mp4" type="video/mp4">
<source src="movie.ogg" type="video/ogg">
Your browser does not support the video tag.
</video>
Browser Support
The numbers in the table specify the first browser version that fully supports the <video> element.
Element
<video>4.09.03.54.010.5
HTML Video Formats
There are three supported video formats: MP4, WebM, and Ogg. The browser support for the different formats is:
BrowserMP4WebMOggEdgeYESYESYESChromeYESYESYESFirefoxYESYESYESSafariYESYESNOOperaYESYESYES
HTML Video - Media Types
File FormatMedia TypeMP4video/mp4WebMvideo/webmOggvideo/ogg
HTML Video - Methods, Properties, and Events
The HTML DOM defines methods, properties, and events for the <video> element.
This allows you to load, play, and pause videos, as well as setting duration and volume.
There are also DOM events that can notify you when a video begins to play, is paused, etc.
Example: Using JavaScript
Play/Pause Big Small Normal
Video courtesy of Big Buck Bunny.
For a full DOM reference, go to our HTML Audio/Video DOM Reference.
HTML Video Tags
TagDescription<video>Defines a video or movie<source>Defines multiple media resources for media elements, such as <video> and <audio><track>Defines text tracks in media players