Why are background videos not playing on the desktop version of my Webflow website, even though they work when toggling the preview?

There could be several reasons why background videos are not playing on the desktop version of your Webflow website, even though they work when previewing. Here are a few potential causes and solutions:

1. Browser Compatibility: Confirm that the browser you are using on your desktop supports HTML5 video playback. Different browsers may have varying levels of support for video formats and codecs. Test your website on multiple browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari to identify if the issue is browser-specific. Also, ensure that your browser is up to date, as older versions may not fully support HTML5 video elements.

2. Video Format: Check the file format of your background video. Web browsers typically support common video formats like MP4, WebM, and Ogg. Ensure that your video is encoded in one of these formats and that it is compatible with the browser you are using.

3. Video Size and Compression: Large video files can create playback issues due to their size. Optimize your video by compressing it without compromising its quality. You can use video editing software or online tools to reduce the file size. Additionally, make sure you upload and use an appropriate resolution for the video. Extremely high-resolution videos may consume excessive bandwidth and cause playback problems.

4. Hosting and File Path: Verify that your video is hosted in a compatible format and that the hosting service supports streaming. Hosting platforms like Vimeo and YouTube often provide embed codes specifically designed for website integration. Ensure that you are using the correct embed code or file URL and that it is properly set up in your Webflow project.

5. Autoplay Policies: Autoplay policies have become stricter in recent browser updates to improve user experience and discourage intrusive autoplaying media. Check if the video is set to autoplay in your website's settings. If it is, try disabling the autoplay feature temporarily to see if the video plays without it. Remember that users may need to interact with the website (e.g., click or tap) before the video starts playing.

6. JavaScript Conflicts: If you have custom JavaScript code on your website, it could potentially interfere with the video playback. Examine your JavaScript code and ensure there are no conflicts or errors that prevent the video from playing correctly. You can try disabling any custom code temporarily to identify if it is causing the issue.

If none of the above solutions resolve the problem, consider reaching out to Webflow support or posting in the Webflow community forum. Provide them with specific details about your website, including the browser and device you are experiencing the issue on, and any error messages you may encounter. They will be better equipped to troubleshoot the problem and provide guidance.