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Understanding Video Autoplay Restrictions

Learn why your video designs may not autoplay and how to optimize them for modern browser policies.

Updated this week

In recent years, most web browsers have adopted stricter autoplay policies to improve user experience and reduce unnecessary data consumption. While these updates give users more control, they can also impact your plans for running video content automatically.

Below, we break down these policies into clear, actionable rules—whether you’re using a local MP4 or embedding a YouTube video.

Autoplay Rules and How They Work

1. Muted Autoplay on Desktop

Muted autoplay is always permitted on desktop browsers.

  • Enable both Auto-play and Sound only on rollover options in your settings to ensure videos start automatically without audio.

2. Autoplay with Sound After Interaction

Autoplay with sound is allowed if the user has interacted with the page (via click or tap).

  • Once interaction occurs, the video begins playback automatically.

3. Social Media Platforms That Allow Autoplay

Facebook and Instagram support autoplay videos by default.

  • When posting video designs on these platforms, browser restrictions won’t prevent automatic playback.

Media Engagement Index (MEI) and Autoplay on Desktop

The Media Engagement Index (MEI) is a browser algorithm that determines if autoplay is permitted. For desktop browsers like Chrome, autoplay is allowed when:

  • Media playback lasts more than 7 seconds.

  • Audio is present and unmuted.

  • The video tab is active.

  • The video dimensions exceed 200x140 pixels.

Chrome calculates an engagement score based on how often media is played on a site. Higher scores increase autoplay allowance.

Autoplay on Mobile Devices

Mobile browsers are generally stricter. However:

  • Users can add your site to their home screen.

  • Sites can request autoplay permissions for embedded iframes.

Final Considerations

Even if all requirements are met, autoplay is not guaranteed. Each website, platform, and browser can apply its own autoplay policy, which may be stricter than the default.


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