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Indiana University
Content Components

Video

Embed an accessible video using AblePlayer

Included on:

Overview

The Video component allows you to embed a video on a page using AblePlayer, IU's supported accessible media player. It works with multiple sources—YouTube, Vimeo, Kaltura, or HTML5—and supports captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions.

Common uses

  • Showcase campus tours, facilities, or student life
  • Feature testimonials or interviews with students, faculty, or alumni
  • Highlight event recordings such as lectures, panels, or performances
  • Share promotional or campaign videos
  • Embed instructional or how-to videos that support written content

Component example

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Component fields

Element name Required Multiple
Video type Video source type (Online or HTML5 Upload). Determines which fields are displayed below.
Yes No

Online video fields

Element name Required Multiple
Heading level Heading level (H2–H6). Defaults to H2. Does not affect visual style.
Yes No
Video URL Hosted video URL. Select an External Link asset.
Yes No
Described video URL Optional. URL for a version of the video that includes audio description. Must differ from the primary video URL.
No No
Closed captions (VTT) Optional. VTT file providing captions for the video.
No No
Audio description (VTT) Optional. VTT file providing audio descriptions for the video.
No No
Title Optional. Internal title used by the video player.
No No
Transcript Optional. Full transcript of the video content. Do not use if a VTT caption file is provided.
Sometimes (see description) No
Caption Optional. Caption displayed beneath the video player.
No No

HTML5 video fields

Element name Required Multiple
Heading level Heading level (H2–H6). Defaults to H2. Does not affect visual style.
Yes No
Thumbnail image Optional. Image representing the video.
No No
MP4 file Optional. MP4 video file.
No No
WEBM file Optional. WEBM video file.
No No
MP4 file (described version) Optional. MP4 video file that includes audio description.
No No
WEBM file (described version) Optional. WEBM video file that includes audio description.
No No
Closed captions (VTT) Optional. VTT file providing captions for the video.
No No
Audio description (VTT) Optional. VTT file providing audio descriptions for the video.
No No
Transcript Optional. Full transcript of the video content. Do not use if a VTT caption file is provided.
Sometimes (see description) No
Caption Optional. Caption displayed beneath the video player.
No No

Accessibility

  • Provide closed captions
    Most videos embedded on IU websites should include captions in a .vtt file. Visit the IU Knowledge Base for more information on captioning videos.
  • Include transcripts
    Provide a full transcript of spoken content so users can access information without watching the video. Visit the IU Knowledge Base for more information on transcribing videos.
  • Add audio descriptions when needed
    If visual details are essential to understanding the content, provide an audio description track or described version. Visit the IU Knowledge Base for more information on adding audio descriptions.
  • Avoid putting necessary information only in video
    Important information and calls to action should also be available in text so they're not missed.

Do

  • Use to embed short, focused videos that complement the surrounding content
  • Use to enhance storytelling with campus features, testimonials, or compelling stories
  • Provide captions, transcripts, and (when necessary) audio descriptions
  • Use high-quality thumbnails that accurately represent the video

Don't

  • Embed more than one video per page—multiple videos can overwhelm users or cause performance issues
  • Use video as a substitute for text—always provide a text alternative
  • Upload or embed videos without proper captioning or transcripts
  • Use autoplay—let users choose when to play the video

Related content

  • Choosing Components

  • Learn to Use Site Builder