When it comes to showcasing Wistia content on your website, the journey begins by choosing the right embed code for your CMS or site builder. While Wistia's embeds are designed for broad compatibility, navigating the rules of each platform can initially feel like traversing uncharted territory. In this article we'll help you get your bearings with some easily repeatable tips, and once you get that first video embedded it'll be smooth sailing ahead.

Check out these platform-specific embedding articles with tips designed for and tested in some of the most popular CMS platforms:

If you're embedding in a platform not listed here, not to worry! The tips below will help you get started, or reach out to Wistia Support for personalized assistance.

The right option can usually be found with a few minutes of testing different embeds on your site. Here is the do-it-yourself approach to finding the right embed for your platform:

If the CMS allows HTML embed codes, one of these options should work. If link-based embedding is the only option, see what if my platform only accepts URLs below for more details on using oEmbed links.

Many site builders and themes default to url- or link-based embedding, which involves pasting a video URL into a “video block” or plugin. This is most commonly seen in low-code/no-code platforms, visual builders, and block-based editors, such WordPress or Squarespace.

While this can be a convenient option, not all platforms support Wistia URLs for embedding, and many that do support Wistia embeds may not support URL parameters (options) - so you may be able to embed a video on the page, but it can be modified or restricted in ways that break certain features like integrations, domain restrictions, or analytics.

So if the built-in video option of a CMS only supports links, look for an “HTML block”, “custom HTML”, or "custom code" option as an alternative, as this is generally going to be the best option for full compatibility with all of the Wistia player's features

Wistia’s inline embeds come in two different embed types which you can select from the embed menu under Inline Embeds => Advanced Settings:

Regardless of which embed type you choose, the video player will look identical on your page and have all of the same basic features in terms of customizations, playback, and stats.

The difference is mostly in the embed code itself. The Standard embed is our most modern embed code, rendered using on-page JavaScript, which provides certain benefits around speed and full feature compatibility. Popover embeds are also essentially a Standard embed with different options.

The Fallback embed uses an iframe, an older and more established method for video embedding, and is more resilient to platforms that modify custom code or block on-page JavaScript.

With iframes you can still get a working video player on the page if JavaScript is blocked by the CMS, but more advanced Wistia features like integrations or domain restrictions may not work - a problem that might not be noticeable right away.

If your platform only accepts URLs for embedding, your best bet is to try the Use oEmbed URL option under Advanced Settings in the Embed menu. oEmbed is a popular framework for URL-based embedding that is used across many sites.

We also recommend checking your platform's help articles to see if they mention Wistia as a supported video host. Some platforms will specify supported hosts directly in their app - if Wistia isn't mentioned in either of these places, they may not support our URLs for embedding.

If you still need assistance with embedding in a specific platform, reach out to Wistia Support - we help customers find the right embedding solution for their platforms every day, so we've got it down to a science.

We’ll take a look at the documentation for that platform, examine the code of the webpage, and do our best to find you a solution.