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How can I make the background video component in Webflow play videos on iOS and Android devices without any additional custom code or hacks?

TL;DR
  • Use Webflow's Background Video component with a muted, under-30MB .mp4 file to ensure autoplay, loop, and inline playback.
  • Avoid interactions or styles that block playback, and test on real mobile devices to confirm compatibility.

Webflow's Background Video component uses the HTML5 video tag, which is limited by mobile browser restrictions—especially on iOS and Android, where autoplay of inline videos is restricted to muted content. Here’s how to ensure your background video plays properly on both platforms using only Webflow's native settings.

1. Use the Background Video Component Properly

  • Add a Background Video element from the Add panel under "Media."
  • Drag and drop your .mp4 video file (max size 30 MB) into the component.
  • Webflow will automatically mute the video and set it to autoplay, loop, and play inline—meeting modern device autoplay policies.

2. Ensure Video File Compatibility

  • Confirm the video is in .mp4 (H.264 + AAC) format, which is widely supported across mobile and desktop browsers.
  • Use a resolution optimized for mobile, like 720p or lower, to reduce file size and improve performance.

3. Avoid Adding Interactions That Block Playback

  • Don’t attach interactions that pause or delay the video on page load. This can interfere with autoplay.
  • Avoid wrapping the background video in any custom divs or styles that force hidden visibility or 0 opacity on load.

4. Test with Actual Devices, Not Only Desktop Browsers

  • Use real iOS and Android devices (or device simulators in browser dev tools) to verify the video auto-plays.
  • Safari on iOS and Chrome on Android should play the video muted and inline if the file and settings are correct.

Summary

To make Webflow’s Background Video play on iOS and Android without custom code, simply use a .mp4 video, keep it under 30 MB, and rely on Webflow’s default behavior, which ensures muted autoplay inline playback compatible with mobile policies.

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