Play videos: YouTube and Vimeo

What is video streaming?

Video streaming allows you to display videos from YouTube, Vimeo, and other sources directly on your screens without downloading or storing them locally. Videos are updated automatically and you always show the latest content.

Connect YouTube

YouTube videos can be displayed through apps or integrations.

Add YouTube content

  1. Go to Content in the sidebar
  2. Click on Add app
  3. Search for YouTube
  4. Choose how to display YouTube:

- Channel: Display all videos from a channel

- Playlist: Display videos from a specific playlist

- Video: Display a single video

- Search: Display videos matching a search term

  1. Enter your selection (channel name, playlist URL, video URL, or search term)
  2. Configure settings:

- Autoplay: Enable to automatically start playing

- Display mode: List of videos or embedded player

- Refresh rate: How often to check for new videos

  1. Click Add

YouTube content is now added to your library.

Connect Vimeo

Vimeo is a premium video hosting platform.

Add Vimeo content

  1. Go to Content in the sidebar
  2. Click on Add app
  3. Search for Vimeo
  4. Choose how to display Vimeo:

- Channel: Display videos from a channel

- Playlist: Display videos from a playlist

- Video: Display a single video

  1. Enter your selection (channel ID, playlist ID, or video ID)
  2. Configure settings:

- Autoplay: Enable to automatically start playing

- Display mode: Player or gallery

- Refresh rate: How often to check for new videos

  1. Click Add

Vimeo content is now added to your library.

YouTube playlist

Display multiple videos in sequence.

Create or find a playlist

  1. Go to YouTube.com
  2. Find or create a public playlist
  3. Copy the playlist URL

Add the playlist to Screenbird

  1. Go to Content in the sidebar
  2. Click on Add app > YouTube
  3. Select Playlist
  4. Paste the playlist URL
  5. Click Add

The YouTube playlist will now display on your screen.

YouTube channel

Display all videos from a YouTube channel.

Add a channel

  1. Go to Content > Add app > YouTube
  2. Select Channel
  3. Enter the channel name or URL
  4. Click Add

All videos from the channel will display on your screen.

Vimeo channel

Display videos from a Vimeo channel.

Add a Vimeo channel

  1. Go to Content > Add app > Vimeo
  2. Select Channel
  3. Enter the channel ID
  4. Click Add

All videos from the Vimeo channel will display.

Video playback settings

Autoplay

Videos automatically start playing without requiring a click.

  1. Find the Autoplay setting
  2. Enable for automatic playback
  3. Click Save

Loop

Videos automatically restart when they finish.

  1. Find the Loop setting
  2. Enable to repeat videos
  3. Click Save

Display mode

Choose how videos are displayed:

  • Player: Show the video player controls
  • Fullscreen: Show video at full screen without controls
  • Gallery: Show a grid of video thumbnails

Quality

Set the video quality (if available):

  • Auto: Adjust based on connection speed
  • 480p: Standard definition
  • 720p: HD
  • 1080p: Full HD
  • 4K: Ultra HD (if available)

Recommended settings

For continuous playback

  • Autoplay: On
  • Loop: On
  • Quality: 720p or 1080p
  • Display mode: Fullscreen

For featured videos

  • Autoplay: On
  • Loop: Off
  • Quality: Highest available
  • Display mode: Player

For video galleries

  • Autoplay: Off
  • Loop: Off
  • Quality: 720p
  • Display mode: Gallery

Troubleshooting

Videos won't load

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify the video URL is correct and public
  • Check if the channel or playlist is public
  • Try a different video or playlist

Videos buffer or stutter

  • Reduce video quality setting
  • Check internet connection speed
  • Move closer to WiFi router if using wireless
  • Use wired Ethernet if available

Autoplay isn't working

  • Check the autoplay setting
  • Some browsers require user interaction first
  • Try enabling in player settings

Can't find my YouTube channel

  • Make sure the channel is public
  • Check spelling of channel name
  • Try using the channel URL instead of name

Tips

  • Create dedicated playlists for your business needs
  • Keep playlists updated with fresh content
  • Use high-quality videos (1080p minimum)
  • Test video playback on your actual screen
  • Monitor video performance and adjust quality as needed
  • Use YouTube or Vimeo analytics to track performance
  • Combine video content with static images in playlists for variety

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