Why did the autoplay feature for HTML5 videos on my Webflow site stop working on iOS devices?

There could be a few reasons why the autoplay feature for HTML5 videos on your Webflow site stopped working on iOS devices. I'll try to cover some possible causes and provide potential solutions:

1. iOS limitation: Autoplay for HTML5 videos is disabled on iOS devices by default for user experience and data consumption reasons. Apple has implemented this restriction to prevent websites from automatically playing videos and potentially disturbing the user's browsing experience. So, if your autoplay feature was working previously and suddenly stopped on iOS devices, it's likely due to this iOS limitation that was introduced.

2. iOS version compatibility: iOS updates can sometimes introduce changes or bugs that affect autoplay functionality. Make sure you are running the latest version of iOS on your devices and test the autoplay feature again. Additionally, check if autoplay works on different versions of iOS to identify if it's specifically related to the version you are using.

3. Mobile Safari settings: Users can disable autoplay for videos in their Mobile Safari settings. Verify that autoplay is enabled in the settings of the iOS device where you are experiencing the issue. To do this, go to "Settings" > "Safari" > "Autoplay" and make sure it's set to "Allow All Auto-Play."

4. Insufficient data coverage: Autoplay may not work when there is a limited or unstable internet connection. If the video file takes too long to load, autoplay might fail. Ensure that your internet connection is stable and test the autoplay feature on different networks or devices to rule out connectivity issues.

5. Video format or encoding: Different video formats and encodings can have varying levels of support across browsers and devices. Check if the video file format and encoding you're using are compatible with iOS devices. H.264 encoded videos in the MP4 format tend to have better support, so you may want to ensure your videos meet these specifications.

6. Alternative implementation: As a workaround, you can utilize a thumbnail image with a play button overlay, which, when clicked, triggers the video to play. This way, users have more control over whether they want to initiate the video playback. There are several ways to implement this functionality using custom code or with the help of third-party video players.

Remember that the best approach is to provide a clear and user-friendly experience, regardless of the autoplay limitations on iOS devices. Offering a prominent play button or clear instructions on how to start the video manually can help ensure a seamless experience for your iOS users.