In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, a user wanted to enhance their WooCommerce product gallery by adding a video thumbnail that opens in a lightbox only when clicked, ensuring better performance.
The ideal setup would display a static image with a play button overlay, activating the video in a pop-up rather than embedded directly in the gallery. For those seeking this functionality, free and premium plugins exist, each with unique pros and cons.
A few options suggested included YITH WooCommerce Featured Video (free but with mixed reviews), Really Simple Featured Video, and premium alternatives like Puri.io’s Featured Videos. Another member mentioned IconicWP’s plugin, which enables video thumbnails but also includes gallery customization options. However, using this plugin means future gallery customizations would need to integrate specifically with it, as it alters WooCommerce’s default gallery structure.
Plugin Options for Adding a Video to the Product Gallery
- Free Plugins
- YITH WooCommerce Featured Video: This free option allows you to add videos to your WooCommerce gallery, although it has mixed reviews. It supports local or YouTube URLs but may lack some customization or performance features found in paid plugins. YITH WooCommerce Featured Video Plugin
- Really Simple Featured Video: Another free option, offering simple video embedding with fewer features. Really Simple Featured Video Plugin
- Premium Plugins for More Control and Features
- Puri’s Featured Videos for WooCommerce: This paid option provides more reliable performance and customization for users who want a professional video display without compromising speed or gallery functionality. Puri WooCommerce Video Plugin
- IconicWP Product Gallery Slider for WooCommerce: While slightly more expensive, this plugin not only supports video but also offers a custom product gallery layout. Keep in mind that this plugin fully replaces the standard WooCommerce gallery, which could limit compatibility with other gallery-focused plugins. IconicWP Plugin
- WooCommerce Product Video: For a seamless integration that includes video as the product’s featured image and in galleries, WooCommerce offers an official paid extension. This plugin may work best if you want videos to appear prominently across both your product pages and shop. WooCommerce Product Video Plugin
Conclusion
With these plugin options, adding video to your WooCommerce product gallery is achievable without major performance impacts. Each plugin offers unique features and levels of customization, so you can choose one that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you go for a free solution or invest in a premium plugin, this addition will elevate your product gallery experience for potential customers.
