Webflow does support video backgrounds, but issues like incorrect file format or upload settings can cause the video to not display properly.
- Webflow’s background video element only supports .MP4 files.
- Ensure your video is encoded in H.264 codec and is less than 30MB in size, which is Webflow’s maximum upload limit for background videos.
2. Check the Video Upload
- Select the Background Video element in the Webflow Designer.
- In the settings panel, see if the video thumbnail appears—if not, the file may not have uploaded properly.
- Try re-uploading the video using the Replace Video option.
3. Verify Playback Settings
- Background videos in Webflow autoplay, loop, and are muted by default—these cannot be changed.
- Make sure no overlays or positioning issues are blocking the video element.
4. Inspect Element Placement and Size
- Ensure the video element is inside a visible section or div and not hidden by other layers or styles.
- Confirm the element or its container has a defined size (width/height); otherwise, the video won’t render visually.
5. Review Publishing & Hosting Behavior
- After uploading a video, you must Publish the site for the video to appear live.
- Preview mode in Designer may behave differently than the live environment, so always test on the published domain.
6. Test on Multiple Browsers/Devices
- Some mobile browsers block background videos by default, especially if they are not properly optimized.
- Test your site on Chrome, Safari, and a mobile device to ensure cross-platform compatibility.
7. Clear Cache and Disable Extensions
- Sometimes browser extensions or cached versions of your site can interfere with video playback.
- Clear the browser cache or test in an incognito/private window to rule this out.
8. Fallback Consideration
- If your video still doesn't load, add a fallback image using CSS background image or another layer so users still see something visually engaging.
Summary
Webflow fully supports .MP4 background video elements up to 30MB, but issues may arise from incorrect file format, positioning, or overlay settings. Verify the upload, placement, and publish settings, test on different devices, and use a fallback image when necessary.