How to Add a Video to WordPress That Updates Itself
Most video on a WordPress site is set once and forgotten. Changing it means exporting a new file, uploading it, copying a new embed and editing every page that shows the old one. This guide shows a WordPress video plugin approach that removes those steps: you add one player, and from then on you update the video from your phone. Open the VidUP app, record, hit Send, and the player on your pages shows the new video.
It is the simplest way we know to keep business video current on WordPress. If you want the bigger picture first, read Business video app: what it is and how to choose one.
What you need
- A WordPress site where you can install plugins.
- A free VidUP account. Sign-up gives you a player code.
- The VidUP app on your phone to record updates.
Add the video to WordPress
The VidUP Player plugin is a WordPress video plugin that puts your auto-updating player on any page or post.
- Install the plugin. In your WordPress admin, open Plugins, then Add New, search for VidUP Player, then Install and Activate. You can also find it on WordPress.org.
- Add the VidUP Player block. Edit the page or post, add a new block and choose VidUP Player. The block shows a live preview as you work.
- Paste your code. Paste your player code, or the full link such as
play.vidup.co/<your code>. - Pick the look. Set alignment, maximum width and rounded corners. The player is responsive and keeps a 16:9 shape on desktop, tablet and mobile.
- Publish. That is the last time you touch the page for a video change.
Prefer shortcodes? Use [vidup code="<your code>" width="100%"] anywhere shortcodes work. If you use one video across the whole site, you can also save a default code under Settings, then VidUP.
Update it from your phone
This is the part that changes how often you will actually refresh your video. When something changes, you do not open WordPress.
- Open the VidUP app on your phone.
- Record a new video or choose one you already have.
- Hit Send.
- Reload your page. The same player now shows the new video.
No re-uploading to your site, no re-embedding, no editing the page. VidUP is on the App Store for iPhone. On Android, the VidUP web app runs in your phone's browser, and the Google Play app is coming soon.
Why the plugin never needs to change
Your player code identifies your player, not one specific video file. The plugin loads the player from play.vidup.co inside an iframe, and the video behind that player is whatever you sent last. Because the code on your page never changes, there is nothing to edit when the video does. The same idea works if you embed by hand: see how an auto-updating video embed works.
VidUP keeps one live video per player, so a new send replaces the previous one. If you want to reuse a clip later, keep a copy on your phone.
Where it helps on a WordPress site
- The home page. A short welcome video that says who you are and what you do.
- Service or product pages. One video per page, each with its own player code if you want different messages.
- Landing pages. Swap the video as an offer changes without touching the page.
- Posts and announcements. Use the shortcode for a quick, current message.
A good business video is short and has one message. The free plan records 10-second takes, and VidUP Pro records 60-second takes. Record landscape so the 16:9 player is filled cleanly.
Not on WordPress?
The same player works on other builders. Wix users can add the VidUP Player app from the Wix App Market; see the Wix video app page. A Shopify app is coming soon, and you can embed in Shopify today. For the full overview, see business video that updates itself.
Frequently asked questions
How do I update my video?
Open the VidUP app on your phone, record or choose a video, and hit Send. The player on your WordPress pages shows the new video. You do not re-upload, re-embed or edit the page.
What is the best WordPress video plugin for a video that changes often?
If you want one video to change without editing pages, an auto-updating player is the right tool. The VidUP Player plugin adds a block and a shortcode that point at your VidUP player, so each new send replaces the video everywhere it appears.
Do I need to re-embed the video after I record a new one?
No. The code on your page stays the same. Only the video behind it changes.
Can I use the same video on more than one page?
Yes. Paste the same player code on as many pages as you like. They all show your current video.
Does the plugin work with the block editor and shortcodes?
Yes. There is a VidUP Player block, and a [vidup] shortcode for places that use shortcodes. Pasting the full player link can also load the player where WordPress supports it.
Is VidUP a business video app?
Yes. VidUP is a business video app built to keep the video on your web pages current. Read more about the business video app.
Get started
Create your account, add the plugin, and send your first video from your phone.