HTML5 Video

Playing Videos in HTML

Before HTML5, a video could only be played in a browser with a plug-in (like flash).

The HTML5 <video> element specifies a standard way to embed a video in a web page.

The HTML <video> Element

To show a video in HTML, use the <video> element:

<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:

<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>

The autoplay attribute does not work in mobile devices like iPad and iPhone.

HTML Video - Methods, Properties, and Events

HTML5 defines DOM 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.

<div style="text-align:center"> 
  <button onclick="playPause()">Play/Pause</button> 
  <button onclick="makeBig()">Big</button>
  <button onclick="makeSmall()">Small</button>
  <button onclick="makeNormal()">Normal</button>
  <br><br>
  <video id="video1" width="420">
    <source src="movie.mp4" type="video/mp4">
    <source src="movie.ogg" type="video/ogg">
    Your browser does not support HTML5 video.
  </video>
</div>

<script> 
    var myVideo = document.getElementById("video1"); 
    function playPause() { 
      if (myVideo.paused) 
        myVideo.play(); 
      else 
        myVideo.pause(); 
    } 
    function makeBig() { 
        myVideo.width = 560; 
    } 
    function makeSmall() { 
        myVideo.width = 320; 
    } 
    function makeNormal() { 
        myVideo.width = 420; 
    } 
</script>

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