Summary
READ ITVideos help people decide. That’s it. They don’t want to scroll through 10 product images or read specs they don’t understand. They directly are curious to see what something does. Or what it looks like in someone’s hands. That’s where video comes in.
There are a bunch of ways to add shoppable videos to your product pages. Some are simple. Some require a little setup. But once you’ve got one functioning, it gets easier.
Let’s go over the basics first. Then we’ll talk about stuff like shoppable videos, video carousels, and story-style formats that feel more like what people are used to on social media.
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1. Uploading video content directly
Some e-commerce platforms let you upload the video right onto the PDP, just like you would with photos.
If you use Shopify, they let you upload videos that are up to 1GB or 10 minutes. After uploading, the system generates a thumbnail. When customers click, the video plays.
It’s easy. You don’t have to host the video anywhere else. It’s all in your website.
Just be careful about video size. Big files can make the product page load slower. That can affect sales.
Also, not every platform offers direct upload. If yours doesn’t, embedding is your next best option.
2. Embedding from YouTube or Vimeo
Let’s say you already uploaded your video to YouTube. You don’t wish to do it twice. So just embed it.
Click "Share" under the YouTube video, then "Embed." Copy that code. Paste it into your product description or into a section that accepts HTML.
Now, the video will play right there on the PDP, but it’s hosted by the platform itself. That means it won’t slow your page down much.
You can also set things like start time, hide controls, or stop related shoppable videos from showing.
The downside: you’re depending on another platform. If the video is removed from here the challenge is that, it’s gone from your site too.
3. Add it using your theme settings
This is often the cleanest way. A lot of e-commerce themes come with a video section built in. You don’t have to touch code.
Just open your theme editor, go to the product template, and add a video block. From there, either upload a file or paste a socials link.
This method usually looks better. It lines up with your store’s design, functions better on phones, and keeps things organized.
Some themes only let you insert one video. Others let you insert more. If you can’t find the setting, your theme may not support it, or you might be required to switch themes.
4. Use Shopify Metafields for more control
This one’s more advanced, but useful if you require a different video for each product, and don’t want to copy-paste into every description.
Shopify lets you create custom metafields. You make a field called something like "product_video" and assign a URL or embed code to it for each product.
Then in your theme code, you pull that metafield in and place the video where you require it.
It’s more effort up front. But once you’ve got the setup done, it saves time in the long run.
You’ll probably require some assistance editing your theme the first time. After that, it’s plug-and-play.
5. Create shoppable videos
Now we’re getting into more modern stuff.
A shoppable video lets people click on the product inside the video, and go straight to checkout or the PDP. Think of it like a live demo, but with a button that says "Buy now."
Some tools that let you do this:
- Shopify apps (like Vidjet)
- Vimeo OTT (with product tagging)
- Instagram Shop-style tools that sync with your product catalogue
These are great for products that require explaining. Like skincare, fitness equipment, or tech. You can walk someone through the item and let them click while watching.
It’s more interactive. It also makes your store feel modern. That said, these usually require an app or plugin, they’re not built in by default.
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6. Video carousels of user-generated content
Instead of just one video, you might feel like showing a few. Maybe one is a demo, one is a review, and one is a behind-the-scenes clip.
A video carousel works just like an image carousel. Customers can swipe or click through different videos.
This works well on mobile. It also keeps your PDP clean while still giving customers options.
Some themes have this. Others might need custom code. There are apps that help with this too — look for things like "product video gallery" or "media carousel" in your app store.
Keep the number of videos tight. Three is usually enough. More than that and people stop watching.
7. Story-style shoppable videos
People are used to Stories from Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. You can bring that style to your PDP too.
These videos are vertical, quick, and usually feel more personal. You can:
- Show a product unboxing
- Insert a customer reaction
- Record a short FAQ or tip
- Do a mini-demo (like how to use it or wear it)
Some shoppable video applications, such as Vidjet, let you display these stories as a floating widget or as a strip across the top or side of the PDP. It feels familiar to users, because they’re used to tapping through Stories already.
This format works really well for clothing, beauty, food, or anything visual.
It also helps you recycle your TikTok or Instagram videos. No need to create new stuff every time.
Quick video tips for your brand
Before you add anything, here are a few things to get right:
- Utilise MP4 or WebM. Don’t mess with weird formats.
- Utilise tools like Vidjet that help you with your hosting and without hindering site speed or shoppable video quality.
- Keep it short. Under 90 seconds is usually best.
- Put it near the top. Don’t bury it below the fold.
- No autoplay. It’s annoying and bad for performance.
- Make it mobile-friendly. Always test on your phone.
- Add captions. A lot of people watch on mute.
- Include controls. Let people pause or rewind.
Moving forward with shoppable videos to boost performance
Shoppable videos, allow for people to decide. That’s the point.
Don’t overthink it. Start with one. Use your phone if you have to. You can always re-record later.
Upload it, embed it, or use your theme. If you require going further, try a carousel, a Story widget, or make the video shoppable. Each method has its pros. Pick what fits your product and your platform.
And remember, the goal isn’t to be fancy. The goal is to help people feel confident about buying.
That’s all.