How to Add a Video Background to Your Squarespace Website

Adding a video background to your Squarespace website can instantly make your site more engaging and visually appealing. A well-chosen video can help convey your brand message more effectively than a static image or plain color. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of adding a video background to your Squarespace site, along with tips to optimize it for performance.

Be sure to watch our video version on the Chivers Crafted YouTube channel.



Why Use a Video Background?

Using a video background can enhance your website by:

  • Increasing Engagement – Motion naturally draws the eye, keeping visitors on your page longer.

  • Improving Storytelling – A video background allows you to visually communicate your brand’s message.

  • Creating a Modern Look – Websites with video backgrounds appear more professional and stylish.

However, it's important to note that video files can be large, which may affect your website's loading speed. Compressing your video or using external hosting can help mitigate this issue.

Story book to show the effect a video background can have on you Squarespace website

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Video Background in Squarespace

Step 1: Open the Editor

  1. Log into your Squarespace account and navigate to the page where you want to add the video background.

  2. Click Edit Section on the area where you'd like to place the video.

Step 2: Choose the Background Type

  1. In the section editor, click on the Backgrounds tab.

  2. You will see three options: Image, Video, and Art.

  3. Select Video to proceed.

Step 3: Add Your Video

  1. You have two options:

    • Upload a Video File (Squarespace may compress large files, which can reduce quality).

    • Use a YouTube or Vimeo Link (Recommended for better performance).

  2. If using a YouTube or Vimeo video, copy and paste the video URL into the field.

  3. Wait a few moments for the video to load.

Step 4: Adjust Background Settings

  1. Fallback Color – Select a background color to display in case the video doesn't load (important for users with slow internet).

  2. Filters & Effects – Squarespace allows you to add blur, contrast, and other effects to your video background.

  3. Playback Speed – Adjust the video speed to fit the feel of your website.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

  1. Click Save or Apply to finalize the background update.

  2. Refresh your page to ensure everything is working correctly.

Best Practices for Video Backgrounds

Movie time snap to show the best practices for a video background on squarespace
  • Keep It Short – Use a looping clip that’s no more than 10-15 seconds long.

  • Optimize for Performance – Compress large video files to avoid slowing down your website.

  • Ensure Readability – Use overlays or filters so that text remains legible over the video.

  • Choose High-Quality Footage – A pixelated or choppy video will hurt your site’s professionalism.

Final Thoughts

Adding a video background to your Squarespace site is a simple yet effective way to create an eye-catching and professional website. By following this guide, you can easily set up a video background that enhances your site’s design without compromising performance.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or book a consultation through Calendly. Let’s work together to create a stunning website for your business!

Need More Help?

Want a professional to handle your website’s design? Contact me today, and let's bring your vision to life!

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