You’re probably wondering why video banners are such a big deal. Well, they provide an immersive experience that static images can’t match. They can showcase products in action, tell your brand story, or highlight special promotions, making your site more attractive and memorable. For a comprehensive walkthrough, check out this guide on creating engaging Shopify videos.
Method 1: Adding a Video Banner via Shopify Theme Editor
Step 1: Log into Your Shopify Admin Dashboard
First things first, log into your Shopify admin panel. This is your control center for managing every aspect of your store, including themes and customizations.
Step 2: Open the Theme Editor
Next, click on “Online Store” in the left sidebar and then “Customize” under “Themes.” This will open the Theme Editor for your current theme, where you can make visual changes to your store without touching any code.
Step 3: Adding a Video Section to the Banner
Check if your theme supports a video section directly in the banner. If it does, select the homepage banner area and look for “Video Section” or “Add Media.” If not, you might need to add a custom HTML or Liquid code section to embed the video manually.
Step 4: Upload or Embed Video
Upload your video file directly if your theme allows it. Alternatively, use an embed code from an external platform like YouTube or Vimeo. Ensure that the video meets Shopify’s format and size requirements to avoid any playback issues.
Step 5: Customize Video Settings
Adjust settings like autoplay, loop, and mute to enhance the user experience. Customize the position and size of the video within the banner to fit your design preferences. You can also add overlay text or buttons to make the banner more interactive.
Step 6: Preview and Save
Preview the video banner on both desktop and mobile views to ensure it appears as expected. Save the changes and publish them live on your store. Remember, every piece of video content conversion is an opportunity to engage your audience.
Method 2: Adding a Video Banner Using Custom Liquid Code
If you’re comfortable with a bit of coding, this method gives you more control over the look and feel of your video banner.
Step 1: Locate the Banner Section in the Code Editor
Access the “Edit Code” option in Shopify under “Online Store” > “Themes” > “Actions.” Navigate to the “Sections” folder and open the file that corresponds to the homepage banner section, usually named something like “banner.liquid” or “header.liquid.”
Step 2: Embed Video Using Custom Liquid Code
Copy the embed code from a video hosting platform like YouTube or Vimeo, and insert it into the appropriate spot within the banner section of the Liquid file.
Step 3: Adjust Banner Appearance and Responsiveness
Modify the Liquid code to adjust the video’s size, aspect ratio, and alignment. Use CSS within the Liquid file to control these properties and ensure the video looks good on all devices.
Step 4: Save and Preview Changes
Save the Liquid code changes and preview the video banner. Check how the video behaves on different devices and make any necessary adjustments to the code.
Method 3: Using a Shopify App to Add a Video Banner
Not a fan of coding? No problem. There are apps for that!
Step 1: Choose a Suitable Shopify App
Explore apps like Shogun, PageFly, or LayoutHub that offer video banner sections. Evaluate each app based on its features, ease of use, and customization options.
Step 2: Install and Access the App
Install the chosen app from the Shopify App Store. Once installed, access the app through the Shopify admin dashboard and follow any initial setup instructions.
Step 3: Design Your Video Banner Using the App
Follow the app’s instructions to add a video banner to your homepage. Customize the video size, autoplay settings, and overall layout to fit your store’s design.
Step 4: Preview and Publish the Video Banner
Use the app’s preview function to check how the banner appears across devices. Make any necessary adjustments and then publish the banner on your live store.
Types of Video Content for Your Shopify Banner
Wondering what type of video content to use? Here are some ideas:
Product showcase and demo videos
Showcase your products in action. Highlight features, benefits, and real-world applications to help customers make informed decisions.
Brand story or mission videos
Connect with customers on an emotional level. Share your brand’s journey, values, and vision to build trust and loyalty. Learn more about the impact of interactive videos for retail.
Promotional or seasonal videos
Drive sales and create urgency. Highlight special offers, discounts, or limited-time events to encourage immediate purchases.
Behind-the-scenes videos
Offer a glimpse into your brand’s inner workings. Showcase the people, processes, and creativity behind your products to build transparency and trust.
Video Requirements and Best Practices for Shopify Video Banners
Now, let’s make sure your video looks as good as possible.
Recommended Video File Formats and Sizes
Use MP4 and MOV formats for compatibility and good quality. Aim for a maximum file size of around 20MB to avoid slow load times. For the best visual quality, use a resolution of 1080p or higher.
Optimizing Videos for Shopify Banner
Compress videos using tools like HandBrake or Adobe Media Encoder to reduce file size without sacrificing quality. Ensure your video banner is mobile-responsive and adds captions or subtitles for accessibility and engagement.
For more insights, check out these strategies for boosting customer engagement with shoppable videos.
By following these practices, you can create a video banner that enhances your Shopify store’s appeal and functionality.
Find out how Firework can power your business forward. Request a demo to see how our pioneering video commerce platform can transform your online shopping experience with interactive and shoppable videos.