Why is my background video no longer autoplaying on the live host (godaddy) but it works in Webflow?

Published on
September 22, 2023

There can be a few reasons why a background video may no longer autoplay on the live host (in this case, GoDaddy) but still works in Webflow. Here are some potential causes and solutions to help troubleshoot the issue:

  1. Hosting Restrictions: Some hosting providers have restrictions on autoplaying videos due to bandwidth limitations, resource usage, or other technical considerations. Check if GoDaddy has any specific rules or restrictions regarding autoplay videos.

  2. File Compatibility: Ensure that the video file format is supported by GoDaddy's hosting environment. Commonly supported video file formats include MP4, WebM, and OGG. Check GoDaddy's documentation or contact their support for specific file format requirements.

  3. File Size and Optimization: Large video file sizes can pose challenges during playback, especially on slower internet connections. Optimize your video file by compressing it without sacrificing too much quality. Consider resizing the video dimensions to match the container size on your website as well.

  4. URL Path Mismatch: Double-check that the URL path or file reference to the video in your code is correct. The path might differ between Webflow and GoDaddy due to variations in file organization or directory structures.

  5. HTTPS Restrictions: If your website is using HTTPS, make sure that the video file is also loaded using HTTPS. Browsers may restrict autoplay for mixed content (HTTP and HTTPS) for security reasons. Update the video URL to use HTTPS if necessary.

  6. Script Conflicts: Sometimes, conflicting JavaScript or other scripts on your website can interfere with the autoplay functionality. Disable any unnecessary scripts or identify and troubleshoot conflicts to see if they are causing the issue.

  7. Code Implementation: Review the code that handles the autoplay functionality. Make sure the necessary attributes, such as autoplay and muted, are correctly set for the video element.

  8. Browser Compatibility: Verify that the issue is not specific to a particular browser. Test the website on different browsers to see if the autoplay problem persists.

By addressing these potential causes, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue with the background video not autoplaying on GoDaddy, even though it works in Webflow.

Additional Questions:

  1. How do I optimize video files for web playback in Webflow?
  2. Can I autoplay background videos on mobile devices in Webflow?
  3. Why is my Webflow background video not displaying properly on certain browsers?