Videos in the listing description.

[gozhven]

Its a shame that eBay's updated policy on active content prevents and prohibits embedding certain things in a listing's description with HTML like YouTube videos.

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I have not had many but several times over the past many years it came in handy when trying to convey complicated descriptions or condition. ie: demonstrating how well an old stereo functions, or what a dancing plush toy looks and sounds like when in motion, etc.....

I even remember a seller selling thousands of collectibles from an estate and he made a 1 minute promo video that he embedded into every listing.  It can really be a wonderful tool.

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I understand that eBay's intentions are to make listings load more quickly...especially in an age where mobile shopping is just as common as PC shopping.

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Do you think it is ok if we include a YouTube URL in our listings?

[notactive2021]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure all outside of ebay links are no longer allowed in the description. I personally would immediately click back if I came across a listing auto playing music and videos, with things flashing ect. I don't like it all.

[*coins]

@shipscript

Can you help this OP?

[*eponymous*]

eBay removed active content so you will not be able to embed a video in the description. eBay hasn't come up with a solution for videos.

You might be able to link to a video - or not.

Read shipscript's posts and the others in this thread in case they might be of use to you https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/How-correctly-to-embed-youtube-video-with-the-new-active-conte...

[shipscript · Accepted solution]

@gozhven

While the ban on Active Content will prevent the YouTube embed code from working within the description, eBay DOES want to support videos in listings.  The new HTML5 <video> tag will work under the new rules, but YouTube does not support that format.

Thus, under eBay's new Links Policy, and until eBay can post a better alternative, eBay will allow links out to videos that reside on specific video hosting sites, like YouTube.

http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-links.html

However, you don't want just a plain link that no one will notice. Instead, you want something like this with a play-button that lets the buyer know you have a video for them.

So, to make such a "link video", copy your YouTube link and paste it into this tool.

http://www.isdntek.com/tagbot/YouTubeConverter.htm

The tool uses eBay-approved code to build the HTML that will display your link like a real video. It fetches the cover image from YouTube for a realistic effect. When you click the play button, the video will open full screen all by itself in a new window (no wraparound ads or competing videos).

Paste the code in the HTML tab or HTML view of eBay's description editor. When you switch back the to Standard editing tab, you will see the placeholder, similar to the one in this post.

There are over 100,000 listings right now using this method.

If you need help adding YouTube video under the new Active Content rules, you can find me on the Active Content forum.

http://community.ebay.com/t5/Replacing-Active-Content/bd-p/activecontent

@*coins

@*eponymous*

@notactive2021

[*eponymous*]

We can always count on you. Thanks so much! @shipscript

[shipscript]

@notactive2021

Autoplay is blocked by the industry-standard sandbox feature that eBay is turning on to block "Active Content".  That feature is built into modern browsers, so eBay doesn't really get to pick and choose what features can be exempted.

https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_iframe_sandbox.asp

Like you, I used to click out of autoplaying background music until I finally removed all media players from my computer and solved that problem. I used to see a lot of big black boxes on listings because of it.

But the sellers of today are not like those of old.  In working with Active Content,  I have been very impressed with the way sellers are using video in order to overcome the absence of an in-person, hands-on experience with the item.  I've come full circle in my opinion of media because sellers are now using it as intended.

[gozhven]

Hey shipscript....you are awesome.   Thank you so much.

[clocksbychristopher]

I have postings using the converter and nothing appears in my postings? 

Like this one

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252925688967?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Help?

[armadillomagic]

I have the code that works for eBay to list your YouTube videos. Why eBay hasn't released something like this I'll never know. I have my videos embedded in the listings which open in a new window or tab. This also allows my full description to be displayed when a buyer clicks on it. Anyone who wants the code can contact me and I'll be glad to give it to them.

-Rick

armadillomagic

[armadillomagic]

Here is a screenshot with the code. Replace the XXXXXXXXXXX in both places with the 11 character code from your video. Contact me for the code you can edit.