3 Ways To Include A Video In Email

Including video inside of email is an emerging trend, but there are still technological hurdles to deal with. MediaPost’s Email Insider explains the three best ways:

1) Include the video as a static image.
“A static image simply features a still of one of the frames of the video, using strong visual cues (such as the ubiquitous sideways-triangle “play” symbol) to encourage subscribers to click through to Web-hosted video.”

Pros:

• It’s simple to add to your email and it’s cheap.
• It’s the most common method, so readers will be used to it.

Cons:

• There’s no eye-catching movement to attract reader’s attention.
• Readers have to click-through to watch the video.

2) Include the video as an embedded video gif.
“A video gif uses a compressed, streamed animated gif to deliver video-quality content.”

Pros:

• Readers can preview long videos.
• You can actually including motion in the inbox.

Cons:

• Few video sites offer the option. Liveclicker is one.
• Audio can’t be enabled.

3) Embed the video directly.
“Actual embedded email (that’s not blocked by ESPs) is the next step. Currently, Goodmail Systems is rolling out its CertifiedVideo service, which enables both audio and video.”

Pros:

• Both audio and video are enabled.
• Reader engagement is increased.

Cons:

• Videos that autoplay with audio could be irritating to readers.
• The method is blocked by many email service providers.

You can read more on including video in emails here.