How to Send Video via Email: Best Practices for Engagement and Deliverability
If you want to boost engagement and stand out in crowded inboxes, one of the smartest strategies is to send video via email. However, since most email clients don’t support embedded videos, the best approach is to include a clickable thumbnail image or GIF that links to a landing page or hosted video (e.g., on YouTube, Vimeo, or your website). This method ensures your email stays lightweight and avoids deliverability issues while still grabbing attention visually. To make it even more compelling, overlay a play button on the image to encourage clicks—it’s a small touch that dramatically increases engagement.
When you send video via email, keep best practices in mind to optimize viewer interaction. First, make sure the video is short, relevant, and delivers value within the first few seconds. Use personalization wherever possible—mention the recipient’s name or refer to a specific event or product to create a one-on-one feel. Subject lines should tease the content without sounding spammy (e.g., “See how it works in 60 seconds”). Including captions in your video can also improve retention, especially for users who watch without sound. And don’t forget to include a clear call to action below the video so viewers know exactly what to do next.
Deliverability is just as important as engagement. To ensure your emails land in inboxes—not spam folders—always use a trusted email marketing platform like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or ActiveCampaign. Avoid large attachments; instead, host your video externally and link to it. Use clean HTML and avoid excessive images or spammy keywords. Test your email across multiple devices and clients to make sure it renders correctly. When done right, choosing to send video via email can significantly increase open rates, click-through rates, and overall campaign effectiveness—making your message not just seen, but remembered.