How to Send a Video Through Email: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Send a Video Through Email: A Step-by-Step Guide

May 23, 2023 | Email Marketing, Marketing Strategy

How to Send a Video Through Email
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Sending a video through email can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the process. But fear not, it’s actually quite simple once you know how to do it. In this article, I’ll guide you through the steps to send a video through email, whether you’re using Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or any other email service.

First, it’s important to note that most email services have a file size limit for attachments. This means that if your video file is too large, you won’t be able to attach it to your email. In this case, you’ll need to use a file-sharing service like Google Drive or Dropbox to send your video. I’ll cover both methods in this article, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Cut to the chase: Here is the easiest and best way to send a video through email.

Using Email Services

When it comes to sending videos through email, there are a variety of email services that you can use. In this section, I will cover how to send videos through Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail.

Gmail

Gmail is one of the most popular email services out there, and it’s also one of the easiest to use when it comes to sending videos. Here’s how you can send a video through Gmail:

  1. Compose a new message by clicking on the “Compose” button.
  2. Click on the paperclip icon to attach a file.
  3. Choose the video file you want to send and click “Open.”
  4. Wait for the video to upload, and then click “Send.”

It’s important to note that there is a file size limit for attachments in Gmail. If your video is too large, you may need to use a cloud storage service like Google Drive to send the video.

Outlook

Outlook is another popular email service that you can use to send videos. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Compose a new message by clicking on “New Message.”
  2. Click on the paperclip icon to attach a file.
  3. Choose the video file you want to send and click “Open.”
  4. Wait for the video to upload, and then click “Send.”

Like Gmail, Outlook also has a file size limit for attachments. If your video is too large, you may need to use a cloud storage service like OneDrive to send the video.

Yahoo Mail

Yahoo Mail is a third email service that you can use to send videos. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Compose a new message by clicking on “Compose.”
  2. Click on the paperclip icon to attach a file.
  3. Choose the video file you want to send and click “Open.”
  4. Wait for the video to upload, and then click “Send.”

Again, Yahoo Mail has a file size limit for attachments. If your video is too large, you may need to use a cloud storage service like Dropbox to send the video.

In conclusion, sending videos through email is a convenient way to share video content with others. By using the steps outlined above, you can easily attach and send videos through Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail.

Using Cloud Storage Services

When it comes to sending videos through email, using cloud storage services can be a great option. Not only can you upload and share large files easily, but you can also access them from anywhere with an internet connection. Here are some of the most popular cloud storage services and how to use them to send videos through email.

Google Drive

Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that allows you to store and share files with others. To upload a video to Google Drive, simply click the “New” button and select “File upload.” Then, select the video file you want to upload from your computer. Once the video is uploaded, you can share it with others by clicking the “Share” button and entering their email addresses.

OneDrive

OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service that allows you to store and share files with others. To upload a video to OneDrive, simply click the “Upload” button and select “Files.” Then, select the video file you want to upload from your computer. Once the video is uploaded, you can share it with others by clicking the “Share” button and entering their email addresses.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a popular cloud storage service that allows you to store and share files with others. To upload a video to Dropbox, simply drag and drop the video file into your Dropbox folder. Once the video is uploaded, you can share it with others by right-clicking on the video file and selecting “Share” and entering their email addresses.

iCloud

iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service that allows you to store and share files with others. To upload a video to iCloud, simply open the iCloud website and click the “Upload” button. Then, select the video file you want to upload from your computer. Once the video is uploaded, you can share it with others by clicking the “Share” button and entering their email addresses.

Overall, using cloud storage services can be a great option for sending videos through email. With the ability to upload and share large files easily, you can ensure that your videos are delivered to their intended recipients without any issues.

Compressing Large Video Files

As someone who frequently sends videos through email, I understand the frustration of hitting the file size or attachment limit. Luckily, there are a few ways to compress large video files to make them easier to send via email.

Using Video Hosting Platforms

One option is to upload your video to a video hosting platform like YouTube or Vimeo. These platforms automatically compress videos to a smaller file size, making it easier to share via email. Plus, it also allows the recipient to stream the video instead of having to download it, which can be a huge time saver.

However, keep in mind that this option may not be ideal if you’re sending a private or sensitive video, as it will be publicly accessible on the video hosting platform.

Using Compression Software

Another option is to use compression software to manually reduce the file size of your video. There are many free and paid options available, such as Handbrake and Adobe Media Encoder.

When using compression software, it’s important to balance the file size reduction with the video quality. You don’t want to compress the video too much and end up with a pixelated or blurry video. Experiment with different compression settings to find the sweet spot between file size and video quality.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when compressing videos:

  • Trim the video to remove any unnecessary footage.
  • Reduce the video resolution to a smaller size. For example, if the video is in 4K, try reducing it to 1080p or 720p.
  • Lower the video bitrate to reduce the file size. However, be careful not to lower it too much as it can affect the video quality.
  • Consider using a different video codec that is more efficient at compressing videos.

By using video hosting platforms or compression software, you can easily reduce the file size of your large video files and send them via email without hitting the attachment limit.

Embedding Videos in Email

Embedding videos in email is a great way to make your message more engaging and interactive. It allows the recipient to watch the video directly in the email, without having to click on a link and go to another page. Here are some tips on how to embed videos in your email:

Choose the Right Format

Not all video formats are supported by email clients, so it’s important to choose the right one. MP4 is the most widely supported format, so it’s a safe bet. You can also use other formats like MOV, AVI, and WMV, but they may not work on all devices.

Create a Thumbnail

A thumbnail is a small image that represents the video and is used as a preview. It’s important to create a compelling thumbnail that will entice the recipient to click and watch the video. You can use a still image from the video or create a custom thumbnail using a graphic design tool.

Host the Video

You can’t embed a video directly in an email, so you’ll need to host it somewhere else and then link to it. There are several options for hosting your video, including YouTube, Vimeo, and Wistia. Once you’ve uploaded your video, you can get the embed code and paste it into your email.

Embed the Video

To embed the video in your email, you’ll need to use HTML code. Most email clients support HTML, but some may not display it properly. Here’s how to embed a video in your email:

  1. Open your email client and create a new message.
  2. Click on the HTML button to switch to HTML mode.
  3. Paste the embed code for your video into the HTML code.
  4. Save and send your email.

How to send videos in emails with GetResponse

If you use GetResponse for your email marketing campaigns, embedding a video into the email’s design is super easy.

Create a Free Account now

When you find a place where your video would fit best simply drag and drop a “Video” block into the layout:

video email
Then, enter the video’s URL. It can be hosted either on YouTube or Vimeo.

Once you’ve entered the URL, the video automatically uploads itself into the email, and options for customization pop up.
video options
You should always add alternative text to your videos (and images). It appears in place of the video (or image) when it doesn’t load. Write a simple sentence describing what the video is.

Pro tip: Add a full stop at the end of the Alt Text so that a screen reader would know when to pause after reading it out loud.

You can adjust the play button’s shape and color to fit your email template’s overall design. There are also many more customization options you can tweak, for example, width, padding, and alignment. You can also hide the video on mobile devices so that only desktop users can see it.
video thumbnail email
And voila! The video is embedded into your email.

You can now send the newsletter and let your contact list enjoy the amazing video email you’ve just created. You’ll see the engagement rates going up in no time!

Conclusion

In conclusion, sending a video through email can be a simple process if you follow the right steps. With various methods available, you can choose the one that suits your needs the best. Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Uploading a video to a video hosting platform like YouTube or Vimeo and sharing the link is a popular method to send videos through email.
  • If you want to send a video as an attachment, make sure that the file size is within the email provider’s limit.
  • Compressing the video file can help reduce its size and make it easier to send via email.
  • Some email providers may have restrictions on the type of video file you can send. Check with your provider to ensure that the format is supported.
  • Always double-check the recipient’s email address before sending the video to avoid sending it to the wrong person.

Remember, sending a video through email can be a great way to share memories, showcase your work, or communicate with others. By following the right steps and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure that your video reaches the intended recipient without any issues.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phil Tucker

Phil Tucker

Digital Marketing Expert

Phil Tucker is a digital marketing expert specializing in Search Engine Optimization and Website Design. He founded Be Famous Media in 2012, a digital marketing agency located in Lynchburg VA, that helps businesses across the United States increase their online visibility and attract more customers.

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About The Author

Phil Tucker

Phil Tucker is a full-time blogger and digital marketing expert. Join Phil and thousands of monthly readers on MrPhiLTucker.com to learn how to grow your online visibility and generate more revenue.

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