Want to embed a video you host yourself on your WordPress site and make sure it’s optimized for SEO? This guide shows you exactly how to do both: embedding the video and adding schema markup so search engines can understand and rank your content better.
What is a self-hosted video in WordPress?
A self-hosted video is one you upload directly to your WordPress media library or server, rather than embedding it from a third-party platform like YouTube or Vimeo. This gives you more control over playback, branding, and content ownership.
Why add schema markup to a self-hosted video?
Schema markup (also known as structured data) helps search engines understand your video content. It can enable rich snippets in Google search results, like video previews, upload date, duration, and more which can boost your visibility and click-through rates.
How do I upload a self-hosted video to WordPress?
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Media > Add New.
- Upload your video file (preferably MP4 for best compatibility).
- Once uploaded, copy the file URL to use it in your post or page.
How can I embed a self-hosted video in a WordPress post or page?
- Install free Easy Video Player plugin.
- Open the post or page in the block editor.
- Add a “Shortcode” block.
- Copy and paste the video shortcode from the documentation
- Replace the URL with your video file link.
- Publish/Save the post or page.
How do I add schema markup to a self-hosted video in WordPress?
Install the Video Schema add-on for the Easy Video Player plugin. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to Plugins > Add Plugin > Upload Plugin > Choose File.
- Install and activate it.
- Go to the post or page where you have a video embedded.
- Insert the add-on shortcode and replace the values with your video file details.
- Publish/Save the post or page.
The post or page will now contain a VideoObject with your video details.
How do I test if the schema markup is working?
Use Google’s Rich Results Test. Here are the steps:
- Go to https://search.google.com/test/rich-results
- Enter your post URL or paste your code snippet.
- Click “Test URL” or “Test Code”.
- Look for “VideoObject” in the results and confirm all key fields are detected.
How do I optimize self-hosted videos in WordPress?
- Compress your video: Use tools like HandBrake to reduce file size.
- Use a CDN: Improve loading speed with a Content Delivery Network.
- Add captions or transcripts: Boost accessibility and SEO.
- Choose the right format: MP4 works best across devices.
Is embedding a self-hosted video with schema worth it?
Absolutely, especially if SEO is a priority and you want full control over your video content. With the right setup, your self-hosted video can look great, load fast, and get indexed properly by search engines.