You probably already know that you can embed a single YouTube video into your Website or blog (click Share under the video, Embed, copy the code). But were you aware that you can also embed multiple videos using one piece of code? The options below can be used to get it done, as long as you know how and where to paste the code into your sites.
Customize the YouTube Player
UPDATE: June 2011, YouTube no longer offers the custom player functionality but promises to offer an alternative soon.
At this link (I removed the link after YouTube canned the player), you can choose videos you’ve uploaded, your favorites, or one of your playlists as content for a player. You’ll name and design your player, and then add the videos. Once you’ve generated the embed code and saved the player, you can copy and paste the code to a Webpage or blog (in this player, under Content, I chose My Videos. I organize my videos into playlists and would have chosen one of those if I’d wanted more control over what appears in the player).
If you choose the layout with the thumbnails on the right of the video, you’ll need a wide page. The width is 746″ and if you try to reduce this, it chops off the right edge. I don’t know how to adjust the code and keep this from happening, but if you find out, please leave a comment below.
Your players are saved on the site at www.YouTube.com/my_players, and you can get the code anytime.
Install a Google Gadget
Google Gadgets are miniature objects that offer dynamic content that can be placed on any Webpage. At this link, click Add to your webpage. On the next screen, give your gadget a title, add your channel name, choose the dimensions and border color, and click Get the Code. Copy and paste this code into your Website or blog. The best thing about this gadget is that it makes it easy for people to subscribe to your channel.
Install a Widget from Widgetbox
Widgets are applications that can be embedded in a Webpage, blog, social media page, or any other site that allows for JavaScript or Flash. You can create your own widget, hire someone to do it, or use the service at Widgetbox.com, which is what I did. One of the best things about these widgets is that they’re dynamic, meaning that every time I add a new video, the widget updates automatically. I also like being able to customize it to match my site, and it’s easy for others to download and add to their sites (click the Get Widget tab and copy the code for mine).
I have their Pro account at Widgetbox.com ($30/year) because I don’t want ads to show (to see this type of account, when you click the Pricing tab, click Widgets). I’ve also created a widget for my blog, SuiteMinute.com, and it updates every time I add a new post.
YouTube’s Video Bar
I’ve written a previous post about YouTube’s little-known Video Bar. Big news sites display their videos with miniatures around it which will entice you to stay on their site longer (and see more ads). You can do this too using free tools (one of the layouts for the Custom Player above has a similar option).
UPDATE: Looks like YouTube has eliminated the Video Bar. I’ll let you know when and if they offer an alternative.
String Multiple Videos Together
One last option is to string videos together. You can edit videos in YouTube and add multiple videos to the storyboard and publish as one unit. I haven’t done this because I think it’s more convenient for viewers to know where a video starts and stops. If you decide to do this, you should include some type of table of contents with the times spelled out.
UPDATE: I found a free tool that allows you to create a 3D wall of your YouTube videos. I wrote a blog post here about Cooliris Express.
These are all easy options to help you promote what you know. If you’ve seen something different (other than javascript code), I hope you’ll leave a comment to let us know.
PEACE.
