Build a Video Library on Your Squarespace Website
TL;DR:
- Add a Videos page from Collections to create a searchable video hub
- Upload files directly or embed from YouTube and Vimeo using URLs
- Organize content with categories and custom thumbnails for easy browsing
- Set up paywalls to sell access to your video content
- Free accounts get 30 minutes of upload time before needing a Digital Products plan
- Use demo content first to understand how the layout works
Building a video library on your Squarespace site gives you a central place to showcase your content. Whether you're creating tutorials, courses, or entertainment, the Videos page collection makes it simple to organize everything.
Setting Up Your Video Library
Start by adding a Videos page to your site. Go to the Pages panel in your Squarespace dashboard and click the '+' button. Choose 'Videos' from the Collections section, then give your page a clear title.
The Videos page creates a searchable gallery where visitors can browse your content. You can adjust the layout settings later to match your site's design.
Adding Your Videos
Once your Videos page is ready, you can start adding content. Click the '+' button in the side panel to create a new video entry.
For uploaded videos, choose 'Upload File' to add new content or 'Select from library' if you've already uploaded the file. Remember that free accounts get 30 minutes of total upload time.
For embedded videos, select 'Add from link' and paste the YouTube or Vimeo URL. Squarespace will pull in the video automatically.
Each video needs a title (up to 100 characters work best). You can also add descriptions, custom thumbnails, and categories to help visitors find what they're looking for.
Organizing Your Content
Good organization makes your video library much more useful. Set up categories that make sense for your content, whether that's by topic, difficulty level, or series.
You can also customize each video's settings after adding it. This includes SEO details to help search engines find your content, custom featured images, and detailed descriptions.
The Videos page lets you rearrange content by dragging and dropping. You can also change video status to draft, published, or scheduled depending on your publishing plan.
Monetizing Your Videos
If you want to sell access to your videos, Squarespace makes this straightforward. Attach your Videos page to a pricing plan in your site settings.
You can choose where the paywall appears. Put it on individual videos, on detail pages, or across all content on the page. This flexibility lets you offer some free content while charging for premium videos.
Consider offering preview clips so potential subscribers can sample your content before purchasing.
Making the Most of Your Video Library
Start with the demo content that Squarespace provides. This helps you understand how the layout works and what options are available before adding your own videos.
Test different thumbnail images to see what draws attention. A good thumbnail can make the difference between someone clicking on your video or scrolling past.
Use the Style Editor to customize your Videos page layout. You can adjust spacing, colors, and how much information shows on each video preview.
FAQs
Can I embed videos from sources other than YouTube or Vimeo?
No, Squarespace only supports embedding from YouTube and Vimeo using direct URLs.
What happens when I hit the 30-minute upload limit?
You'll need to upgrade to a Digital Products plan to upload more content. This also unlocks additional selling features.
Can I password protect individual videos?
You can set up paywalls for paid access, but individual password protection isn't available. You'd need to use the overall site password feature.
Do embedded videos count toward my upload limit?
No, embedded videos from YouTube or Vimeo don't use your upload quota since they're hosted elsewhere.
Jargon Buster
Embedding – Displaying content from another website (like YouTube) on your own site without actually hosting the file yourself
SEO – Search Engine Optimization, the practice of improving your content so search engines can find and rank it better
Paywall – A system that blocks access to content until someone pays or subscribes
Collections – Squarespace's term for page types that can hold multiple items, like blogs, galleries, or video libraries
Wrap-up
A well-organized video library can become one of your site's most valuable features. Take time to set up clear categories and write good descriptions for each video. This makes it easier for visitors to find what they want and keeps them browsing longer.
The combination of free and paid content often works well. You can build trust with helpful free videos while generating income from premium content.
Ready to build your video library? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step tutorials and expert guidance on getting the most from your Squarespace site.