Embedding videos into emails is a proven strategy for email marketing and sharing valuable videos with coworkers, families, and friends.
However, since Microsoft does not support embedding videos in email Outlook, is there a way to embed videos in Outlook email like a YouTube video when the recipients click the play button and they can view the video within outlook instead of opening a new browser?
Definitely, Yes! In this tutorial, we will walk you through 4 great ways to embed videos in Outlook Live and Its desktop application. So, you can easily embed YouTube or Vimeo videos in OutLook emails and make the most of them.
Here is what you will learn:
Here is a quick takeaway to embed a video in Outlook email:
How to Embed Videos in Outlook Email by Outlook Live
If you are using Outlook Live, the online version of Outlook, to embed a video in Outlook email, here is how to do it.
Step 1: Open the Outlook Live and Create a “New Message”
Click “New Message” > enter the email address of the recipient > add a subject to the email.

Create a new message in Outlook email
Step 2: Embed a Video in Outlook Email
Directly copy and paste a URL of a YouTube or Vimeo video in the body of the email. Then this video’s thumbnail with a play button and video’s title and description will show up. You can delete the link and write your message. No worries! the video’s preview still remains.

Embed a YouTube video in Outlook email
Step 3: Send the Email with Embedded Video
Done with the message, then click the “Send” button to forward to the email. Once the recipient gets the email, he or she can click the video’s play button the watch the YouTube video within the inbox. Or click the YouTube icon to visit the video’s hosting site.

The email recipient can watch the video within the inbox.
Also, read how to add GIFs in emails or how to add videos to PowerPoint.
How to Embed Videos in Outlook Email by Outlook Desktop App
If you are using Outlook’s desktop application to embed videos in email, directly pasting a YouTube link only adds a link in the email without the video’s preview. A great workaround is to insert the video’s thumbnail photo and embed a link of YouTube video to it. Here are the details:
Step 1: Get the Video Thumbnail of a YouTube Video
Open a YouTube video > click the “Share” button > “Embed” > then this YouTube video’s thumbnail with the play button will appear. Use any tools available to take a screenshot of it and save it to your local PC.

Take a screenshot of the YouTube video you wish to embed in Outlook email
Step 2: Insert the YouTube Thumbnail in Outlook
Open Outlook’s desktop app > click “New Email” > click “Insert” tab > insert picture from this device > select YouTube’s thumbnail.
Step 3: Embed Video Link to the Video Thumbnail
Select the YouTube’s thumbnail in the email> click “Link” > “Insert Link” > select “Existing File or Web Page” > paste the YouTube link > click “OK”.

Embed a video in Outlook email by linking to a photo
How to Embed a Promo Video in Outlook Email by FlexClip
Well, if your main goal is to embed videos in Outlook email for sales and promo, then an easy-to-use and feature-packed online video maker you can use is FlexClip.

Create a promo video by FlexClip
With FlexClip, you can use its fully-customizable video templates to create a professionally-made promo video in minutes and embed its auto-generated video link in Outlook email for easy sharing. No software download and experience are needed. Read on to learn the details:


Step 1: Select a Promo Video Template to Begin with
You can preview the video template and click Customize button. FlexClip offers you storyboard and timeline mode for editing. For beginners, select the former option.

Select a promo video template
Step 2: Upload Your Video Footage and Image to FlexClip
You can upload videos and images of yours from the local computer or directly scan QR codes to import stock assets from your mobile phone.

Upload your photos and video footage to FlexClip
Step 3: Drag and Drop Your Photos and Videos to Replace Premade Assets
You can trim, split or merge videos and also use the video mask and frame tools in the Elements tab to add styles to your photos and videos. The handy image background remover above will help you remove the unwanted background of your photos.

Drag and drop your stock assets to replace premade ones
Step 4: Add the Video Play Button to Video’s Thumbnail and Take a Screenshot
Go to the “Elements” tab > select play button > use any tools available to take a screenshot. This photo with a play button will later be used as the thumbnail of your embedded video in Outlook email.

Add a video play button to the promo video and take a screenshot
Step 5: Make More Edits
Now, you can add animated texts, royalty-free music, sound effects, video filters or transitions, dynamic elements, and your logo or browse through FleClip’s photo and video assets to spice up your video. Just get your creative juices flowing.

Add royalty-free music, animated text, logo, and so on
Step 6: Preview and Export the Video with a Clickable Link
Done with the editing. Click the “Export” button to export the video. Meanwhile, FlexClip will generate a clickable link to your video for sharing. If you run a blog, an embed code is also available for blogging.

Export the video with a clickable link
Finally, you can insert the video thumbnail in Outlook Live and embed the video link to make it accessible to recipients. After your clients click the link, they will watch the video in a new browser.

Embed the promo with a link to the thumbnail
How to Embed Videos in Outlook Email by Attachment
The last and traditional option is the embed a video in Outlook email by attachment. All you need to do is open Outlook Live > click “Attach” > then upload your videos from the local computer or cloud.

Embed videos in Outlook email by attachment
However, there is a drawback in that the maximum file size for the attached video is 20MB while recipients won’t be able to see the thumbnail of your video and won’t drive any traffic to your site if it is for sales purposes.
So, pasting a YouTube video or creating a promo video with FlexClip and embedding videos in Outlook email via a clickable link are recommended for a better viewing experience and marketing needs.
Now, It's Your Move
So, as you can see it’s not that hard to embed videos in Outlook emails. Directly pasting links of YouTube and Vimeo videos offer you an easy way to embed videos in Outlook emails with a video preview while for email marketing, FlexClip helps you create and embed compelling promo videos with ease and is your best bet.