How to Add a Video Background to a Block in Zibster
Overview
Zibster Website Builder allows you to add video backgrounds to supported blocks on your website. Video backgrounds display moving visuals behind your existing content, helping you create engaging website sections without adding a separate Video Block.
You can choose from Zibster's collection of 16 predesigned video backgrounds or use your own video. If you're using your own video, we recommend uploading it directly to Zibster. You can also embed videos from external providers, although this may require additional configuration to support autoplay.
This guide explains which Website Builder blocks support video backgrounds, how to add your own video or choose one from the Background Video Library, and what visitors will see on your website.
Supported Website Builder Blocks
Video backgrounds are available for the following six Zibster Website Builder blocks:
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Text Editor Block
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Text + Image Block
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Images Block
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Banner Block
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List Block
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Form Block
You can add a custom video background or select a video from the Background Video Library for any of these blocks.
Video background settings apply individually to each block, allowing you to customize specific sections of your website without changing other blocks.
STEP ONE
Log in to your Zibster account and click WEBSITE in the left-side menu.
STEP TWO
Choose the Page You Want to Edit
Click the website page containing the block where you want to add a video background.
STEP THREE
Open the Block Background Settings
Click the supported block you want to customize to open its editing options.
In the editing menu on the right side of your screen, click BACKGROUND.
Under BACKGROUND TYPE, you can select one of two video background options:
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CUSTOM BACKGROUND VIDEO: Use your own video uploaded to Zibster or enter a compatible video embed code.
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BACKGROUND VIDEO LIBRARY: Choose from Zibster's collection of 16 predesigned video backgrounds.
Select the option you want to use. The available settings will change depending on your selection.
STEP FOUR
Choose Your Video Background
Zibster offers two background types for adding videos to your website blocks.
Option 1: Custom Background Video
Select CUSTOM BACKGROUND VIDEO from the BACKGROUND TYPE dropdown to use your own video.
Under VIDEO TYPE, choose how you want to add your video.
My Videos (Recommended for Your Own Video Background)
If you're using your own video as a background, we recommend uploading it directly to Zibster for the simplest setup.
Under VIDEO TYPE, select MY VIDEOS.
Click the CHOOSE A VIDEO dropdown and select the video you want to use as your background.
If you haven't uploaded your video yet, select + ADD NEW VIDEO to add one to your Zibster account.
For complete instructions on uploading videos, supported formats, and upload requirements, see How to Upload Video Files to Zibster.
Once you've selected your video, you're ready to save your changes.
Embed Code
Select EMBED CODE under VIDEO TYPE to use a video hosted by an external video provider.
Copy the video's embed code from your video hosting service and paste it into the EMBED CODE field.
Important: Embedded videos must support autoplay functionality to work properly as website backgrounds. Depending on your video hosting provider, you may need to configure additional settings or modify the embed code to enable autoplay.
YouTube generally does not work reliably for video backgrounds.
If you're using your own video, we recommend uploading it directly to Zibster instead. This provides a simpler setup without needing to configure autoplay compatibility with an external video provider.
Once you've entered compatible embed code, you're ready to save your changes.
Option 2: Background Video Library
Select BACKGROUND VIDEO LIBRARY from the BACKGROUND TYPE dropdown to browse Zibster's collection of predesigned video backgrounds.
Under VIDEO BACKGROUNDS, you'll see the available videos displayed with thumbnail previews and names.
Click the thumbnail of the video background you want to use. Your selected video will be highlighted so you can identify your choice before saving.
Available Video Backgrounds
Zibster offers 16 predesigned video backgrounds featuring soft lighting, natural scenery, moving textures, and abstract designs.
The available options are:
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Silver Bokeh
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Warm Glow
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Blue Skies
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Golden Coast
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Afternoon Light
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Golden Grasses
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Paper Folds
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Dappled Light
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Milky Way
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Ocean Ripple
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Digital Wave
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Night Grain
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Wildflower Dream
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Deep Teal
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Noir Waves
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Champagne Bokeh
Each video has a different visual style, allowing you to choose a background that complements your website's design and content.
How Background Video Library Videos Work
Zibster's Background Video Library videos are already configured for website background use.
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Autoplay: Videos start automatically without visitors needing to click Play.
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Continuous Looping: Videos repeat automatically while displayed.
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Silent Playback: Videos play without sound.
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Mobile Compatible: Videos play on desktop and mobile devices.
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Automatic Sizing: Videos fill the available background space within the block.
There are no additional playback, positioning, or sizing settings to configure.
Once you've selected your video, you're ready to save your changes.
FINAL STEP
Save Your Video Background
After selecting your custom video or choosing a video from the Background Video Library, scroll to the bottom of the background settings and click SAVE CHANGES.
Your selected video will be applied as the background of the block you're editing.
Video backgrounds automatically fill the available background space within the block. You do not need to configure additional positioning or sizing settings.
Your changes take effect on your website when saved. You do not need to publish your website separately.
You can return to the BACKGROUND settings at any time to select a different video or change your background type.
What Your Website Visitors See
When visitors open a page containing a video background, they'll see your selected video displayed behind the content of that block.
Your existing block content, including text, images, and buttons, remains in place over the video background.
Background Video Library
If you selected a video from Zibster's Background Video Library, the video will automatically start playing when displayed.
The video loops continuously without sound, creating a moving background behind your content.
Library video backgrounds play on desktop and mobile devices and automatically fill the available background space.
Because desktop and mobile screens have different dimensions, portions of the video may appear differently depending on the available space.
Custom Background Video
If you selected CUSTOM BACKGROUND VIDEO, your chosen video will display behind the content of your block.
For the simplest setup when using your own video, upload it directly to Zibster and select it through MY VIDEOS.
If you're using an external embed, the hosting service must support autoplay functionality. Videos from services that don't support the required autoplay behavior may not play automatically as backgrounds.
Review your website on desktop and mobile after saving your changes to confirm your video displays and plays as expected.
Helpful Notes
Choosing the Best Video Background Method
Zibster offers three ways to add a video background:
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Background Video Library: Choose from 16 ready-to-use video backgrounds with autoplay, looping, silent playback, and mobile compatibility already configured.
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My Videos: Recommended when using your own videos. Upload your video directly to Zibster and select it from your video collection.
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Embed Code: Use a video hosted externally. This method may require additional configuration with your video provider to support autoplay.
For the simplest setup, choose a video from the Background Video Library or upload your own video directly to Zibster.
Choose Videos That Complement Your Content
Video backgrounds can add visual interest to your website, but too much movement can distract visitors from important information.
Short videos with subtle motion generally work best for background use.
Consider videos featuring natural scenery, soft lighting, textures, or other visuals that complement your website's design.
Keep Text Easy to Read
Your block's text and buttons appear over the video background.
Choose videos that provide enough contrast between your content and the moving background.
Avoid placing important text over areas with excessive movement or frequent changes in brightness.
Review Your Video Background on Mobile
Video backgrounds automatically fill the available background space, so their appearance may change depending on screen dimensions.
After saving your changes, review your website on desktop and mobile to make sure your video looks appropriate and important content remains readable.
Video Backgrounds vs. Video Blocks
A video background displays moving visuals behind the content of an existing website block.
A Video Block is a separate Website Builder block used to add video content directly to a page.
If you want visitors to watch a video as its own section of content rather than use it as a background, consider using a Video Block.
Change or Remove a Video Background
You can change or remove your video background at any time.
To change it, open the block's BACKGROUND settings and select a different video from CUSTOM BACKGROUND VIDEO or BACKGROUND VIDEO LIBRARY.
To remove the video background, select NO BACKGROUND under BACKGROUND TYPE and click SAVE CHANGES.
Your block will use its configured background color instead of a video.
For instructions on using custom background images, solid colors, and the Background Image Library, see How to Change a Block Background in Zibster.
Troubleshooting
My Embedded Video Isn't Playing Automatically
If you added a video using EMBED CODE and it doesn't play automatically, your video hosting service may not support autoplay or may require additional embed settings.
YouTube generally does not work reliably for this feature.
Check with your video hosting provider for its autoplay requirements.
Alternatively, upload your video directly to Zibster, select CUSTOM BACKGROUND VIDEO, choose MY VIDEOS, and select your uploaded video.
Click SAVE CHANGES to apply the updated background.
My Video Won't Upload to Zibster
Confirm that your video is in a supported format: MP4, WEBM, or MOV.
The standard Zibster Website Package supports video uploads up to 4 MB per file. Accounts with the Original Files upgrade can upload video files up to 50 MB.
If your video exceeds your account's upload limit, shorten or compress the video before uploading it.
See How to Upload Video Files to Zibster for upload instructions and troubleshooting.
My Video Background Looks Different on Mobile
Video backgrounds automatically fill the available background space within each block.
Because screen dimensions vary between desktop and mobile devices, the visible area of the video may change.
Choose a video where important visual elements remain effective at different screen sizes, and review your website on both desktop and mobile after saving.
I Don't See the Video Background Options
Video backgrounds are available for the six supported Website Builder blocks listed at the beginning of this guide.
If you're editing a different block type, the video background options may not be available.
NEED HELP?
Have questions or need a hand? Contact our Support Team for help with your Zibster website and account.
Phone: 844.353.3412
Support Channels: Phone, Live Chat, Support Ticket
