Yes! In fact, incorporating videos into your newsletters can significantly boost engagement and provide a richer experience for your subscribers. Please read below for best practices!
1. Using Video Thumbnails with Play Buttons
A widely supported and effective method is to insert an image resembling a video player with a play button overlay into your email. When subscribers click on this image, they're redirected to the video's URL, such as a YouTube or Vimeo page. This approach ensures compatibility across all email clients and provides a seamless experience.
To implement this in rasa.io:
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Create a Video Thumbnail: Capture a screenshot from your video and overlay a play button icon to mimic a video player.
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Add the Image to Your Newsletter: Use Banner or Square modules in rasa.io to insert the image. This module allows you to add and style text or insert your own HTML code. (We recommend using the HTML option only if you're well-versed in HTML formatting.)
- You can also add the URL to the video by adding an article within the Content section of the platform.
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Link the Image to the Video: In the image settings, add the URL of your hosted video (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo). This ensures that when subscribers click on the image, they're directed to the video.
2. Incorporating Animated GIFs
Animated GIFs can convey motion and draw attention without the need for video playback. They are widely supported across email clients and can be a great way to showcase short, looping animations.
To add an animated GIF:
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Upload the GIF: Use the "Text/HTML" module to insert your GIF into the newsletter. Ensure the file size is optimized for quick loading times.
- Creating a GIF from a Video: If you don’t have an animated GIF ready, you can create one from your video using tools like imageresizer.com. Simply upload your video, select the section you want to convert, and download the resulting GIF. This allows you to easily create eye-catching animations from your video content. You can learn more about our recommended GIF sizing requirements here.
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Preview the Email: Before sending, use the Preview feature in the dashboard to ensure the GIF displays correctly and doesn't detract from the email's overall design.
3. Best Practices for Using Videos in Newsletters
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Use Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Encourage subscribers to click on your video thumbnail by using compelling CTAs like "Watch Now" or "See the Video."
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Optimize Video Landing Pages: Ensure that the page hosting your video is mobile-friendly and provides a seamless viewing experience.
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Monitor Engagement Metrics: Use rasa.io's analytics to track how your audience interacts with video content, allowing you to refine your strategy over time.
4. Why You Should Avoid Embedding Videos Directly into Emails
While it's technically possible to embed videos directly into emails using HTML5, this method is not recommended. Many email clients, including Gmail and Outlook, do not fully support embedded videos, leading to inconsistent user experiences. In some cases, the video may fail to load entirely, frustrating your subscribers and reducing engagement.
Instead, rely on the proven methods outlined above—such as using video thumbnails—to ensure that your content is accessible and engaging for all recipients. This approach guarantees broader compatibility and a better overall experience.
For additional insights, check out rasa.io's blog post on how videos in email newsletters can drive engagement.