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How Do You Embed a YouTube Video in Storyline 360?

Published in eLearning Development 3 mins read

Embedding a YouTube video in Articulate Storyline 360 is a straightforward process that allows you to integrate dynamic web content into your e-learning courses using the "Video from Website" feature.

Step-by-Step Guide to Embedding YouTube Videos

Storyline 360 simplifies the inclusion of videos hosted on popular platforms like YouTube and Vimeo directly into your projects. Follow these steps to embed a YouTube video:

  1. Obtain the YouTube Video URL or Embed Code:

    • Navigate to the YouTube video you wish to embed.
    • Click the Share button below the video.
    • You can either copy the direct video URL or, for more control, click Embed and then copy the entire embed code. Storyline 360 accepts both.
  2. Open Your Storyline 360 Project:

    • Launch Storyline 360 and open the course where you want to embed the video.
    • Navigate to the specific slide in Slide View where the video will appear.
  3. Access the Insert Tab:

    • On the Storyline 360 ribbon at the top, click on the Insert tab.
  4. Select Video from Website:

    • In the Media group, click the Video drop-down arrow.
    • From the options, select Video from Website.
  5. Paste the URL or Embed Code:

    • A dialog box will appear. Paste the YouTube video's URL or embed code that you copied in Step 1 into the provided field.
  6. Insert the Video:

    • Click the Insert button. The YouTube video will now appear as an object on your Storyline 360 slide.

Important Considerations for Embedded Web Videos

When embedding videos from websites like YouTube, it's crucial to understand how they behave within Storyline 360:

  • Independent Playback: Website videos play independently of your Storyline 360 slide. This means the video's playback is managed by the hosting site (YouTube) rather than Storyline.
  • No Timeline Control: Embedded web videos are not controlled by the Storyline 360 timeline. You cannot pause, play, or seek within the video using Storyline's timeline controls or triggers directly. The learner will use YouTube's native player controls.
  • Internet Connection Required: Learners must have an active internet connection to view embedded web videos, as the content is streamed directly from YouTube.
  • Sizing and Positioning: After insertion, you can easily resize and reposition the video object on your slide just like any other object. Click and drag its corners to adjust dimensions or drag the entire object to move it.

Best Practices for Using YouTube Embeds

To ensure a smooth and effective learning experience, consider these best practices:

  • Test Thoroughly: Always preview and publish your course to test the embedded video playback across different browsers and devices.
  • Provide Instructions: If the video is essential for course completion, consider adding clear instructions to learners on how to play and interact with the video.
  • Accessibility: For accessibility, ensure that the original YouTube video includes accurate captions or provide a transcript separately within Storyline 360.
  • Bandwidth Awareness: Be mindful of your learners' potential internet bandwidth. High-definition videos may buffer slowly for users with limited internet access.

For more detailed information, you can refer to Articulate's official support documentation on embedding web videos in Storyline 360.