You might have checked off all the boxes for your web design—perfect fonts, colors that pop, and a layout that screams professionalism.
But do you think it’s enough to stand out among a whopping 1.09 billion websites? Sure, a sleek design grabs attention, but it doesn’t always hold it. In fact, viewers retain only 10% of information when reading text compared to 95% when watching a video.
That’s indeed a massive leap in impact, primarily because videos bring more than mere visuals to the table. They deliver stories and emotions in a way that sticks.
So, if you want to keep your audience around longer, video in web design is the way forward. Below, we explore some strategies to make videos seem a natural part of your site without overwhelming its overall design.
Ever heard of A Song of Ice and Fire? Maybe not, but we’re willing to bet you know Game of Thrones. The TV series had millions glued to their screens, while many never even knew it was based on a book.
Why? Because visuals are captivating. People process them—60,000 times—faster and remember them longer.
Humans are wired to absorb information visually, and the reason is not complicated—visuals are quicker, easier, and far more engaging than reading long blocks of text (unless, of course, you’re a bookworm). The same principle applies to your web design.
Something that might go unnoticed as a paragraph can come to life as a video. You can showcase your product, tell your brand’s story, or explain a service; the options are endless. Videos in web design ensure that your message, beyond getting seen, is felt, too.
No wonder 91% of businesses use videos as a marketing tool. What's more, 68% of marketers who have never incorporated a video into their strategy intend to do so this year. That’s because the perks are clear.
So, if you want to keep your website visitors engaged, a sleek design is no longer enough. You need videos to make your content memorable.
When we talk about integrating videos in web design, we aren’t suggesting adding a splash of motion for the sake of it. We’re referring to placing them strategically to enhance the overall user experience. Below, we discuss how to add videos in website to complement your already polished design.
Background videos are those gentle, looping clips that play in the backdrop of your website. They add a sense of sophistication and make the site feel more alive.
Generally, the format of this autoplay video in web design depends on the type of brand you own. A fashion brand, for instance, can feature behind-the-scenes footage of a photo shoot to add some personality to the site. Likewise, a travel company might showcase stunning travel destination highlights.
The key, however, is to handle them carefully. Otherwise, they can quickly go from engaging to overwhelming (after all, they cover the entire background of your site).
Typically, dark, heavy colors can feel distracting, while bright, flashy clips might take the focus away from your content. Therefore, to make sure your video adds value to your site (and not undermines it), stick to soft, muted colors that blend with your design.
Ideally, keep the visuals minimal, the loop smooth, and the file size optimized for fast loading. One more thing: ensure the sound is off by default. You want to create an immersive experience, not one that scares visitors away!
Interactive video sections allow visitors to engage directly with your content rather than passively consuming it.
Unlike standard videos, these sections let users click, scroll, and answer questions. The result? They stay on your site longer than usual. Here are some tips to consider.
You can also add hidden clickable elements that reveal fun facts and discounts. This keeps visitors engaged as they’re rewarded for their curiosity.
Such videos tap into two critical aspects of human psychology: curiosity and control. People love feeling in charge of their own experience, and interactive videos offer just that.
There’s something unique about seeing someone else’s experience—hearing their voice, watching their expressions—that builds trust.
Unlike written reviews, video testimonials make the emotional connection that text alone can’t achieve. According to Wyzowl statistics, 79% of people have watched a video testimonial to learn about a certain company.
But where to place this form of video in web design? Here are a few ideas.
To increase your video’s impact, keep these things in mind.
If you’ve got a product or service that takes a bit of explaining, there’s no better way to do it than with a video that breaks things down in a minute or two.
So, instead of bombarding users with walls of text, you end up giving them a visual shortcut to understanding what you do (and why it matters).
Here’s where to add these videos in web design:
Make sure you’re conversational in your explainer videos. Avoid robotic language and use a casual tone instead. Besides, after the explainer, don’t leave the users hanging.
Tell them what to do next with a strong CTA. Maybe guide them to sign up, purchase, or learn more (whatever you prefer).
Words are powerful, but videos? They’re a whole different ballgame. Including a video in blog posts means you’re not just telling readers something but showing them, making it easier for them to remember. Consider this to nail this strategy:
However, don’t forget: balance is key. You don’t want to overload your blog with videos that slow down load time or feel like overkill. As a rule of thumb, pick those that add value and you’ll have readers sticking around for a longer time.
From subtle background loops to bold, full-screen visuals, the best examples show how videos can tell a brand’s story without saying a word. Let’s take a look at some standout videos in web design.
Dropbox is already a household name when it comes to cloud storage, but it didn’t just stop at being popular. The company took their website design to the next level.
As soon as you land on their homepage, you’re greeted by a series of short, engaging videos that walk you through key features, from sharing files to managing permissions.
It’s clever because, besides showing the product, they’re enhancing user experience from the get-go. This way, users learn on the fly without digging through lengthy tutorials or FAQs.
UniFi is shaping the future of IT with cutting-edge cameras and software products, and its website design reflects this forward-thinking approach.
Right as you land on its homepage, you’re met with a sleek, noise-free background video. The choice of soft blue and greyish tones gives the site a clean, futuristic feel, perfectly complementing the high-tech products on display.
The best part is that the video in web design reinforces the brand message without overwhelming the user (despite the fact that it occupies the entire screen). In fact, it feels like walking through a modern tech showroom but on a digital platform.
MastHead Magazine is a collection of stories, perspectives, and artistry. Their website brilliantly showcases this by integrating moving pictures and videos in web design.
As you scroll, you come across fluid, artful video snippets that feature women expressing themselves through captivating imagery.
These videos not only enhance the site aesthetic but they also embody the magazine’s mission of celebrating diverse, creative voices.
Further, the color scheme, paired with the videos' soft motion, pulls you deeper into the stories. Every piece, whether it’s a short clip or static photo, feels purposeful.
The right video, placed in the right spot, pulls people in, keeps them there, and gets them clicking, sharing, and coming back for more. And as a business owner, perhaps that’s all you could have asked for.
Videos are no longer an add-on; they’ve become a key element in improving user experience. A strategically placed video leaves an impact long after the page is closed. So, how could you not cash on this opportunity?
If you need expert guidance along the way, a video production Chicago agency can help. At Indirap, we go above and beyond to make your vision come to life. Let’s work together and make your site an experience users won't forget. Contact our video marketing experts today to get started!
The most common approach to embed a video is using platforms like Vimeo, YouTube, or self-hosting it through HTML5. This keeps things light on your site’s loading time. For a clean look, place the video on a prominent spot—above the fold if it’s crucial or in a section where it enhances your message, not distracts. Autoplay can be tempting but use it sparingly; no one likes unexpected noise when they land on a page!
Implementing videos in HTML is a breeze with the <video> tag. Here’s a quick rundown:
To integrate a YouTube video into your website, first, find the video on YouTube and click “Share,” followed by “Embed” to get the HTML code. Copy this code and paste it into the HTML of your webpage where you want the video to appear.