These days, users expect instant value from the websites they visit. With just a few seconds to make an impression, your homepage needs to hit the mark – visually, emotionally, and functionally. That’s where videos on website homepages are fast becoming the new digital hero.
From increasing dwell time to enhancing trust and improving conversions, video content is proving to be one of the most powerful tools in modern website planning. In this article, we’ll explore why videos on website homepages are so impactful, how to use them strategically, and what it means for your business in 2025 and beyond.
What Do We Mean by ‘Videos on Website’?
When we talk about videos on website homepages, we’re referring to dynamic, visual content embedded directly on your main landing page. These videos might include:
- Brand storytelling clips
- Product or service explainers
- Customer testimonials
- Background video banners
- Promotional reels
- Walkthrough or how-to content
Unlike traditional text or static imagery, videos bring movement, personality, and immediacy. They offer a highly engaging way to communicate key messages quickly and memorably.
Why Are Videos on Website Homepages So Effective?
- They Grab Attention Instantly
The average website visitor takes just 2–3 seconds to decide whether to stay or leave. A compelling video can hook your visitor instantly, encouraging them to keep scrolling, clicking, and ultimately converting.
In a world of information overload, videos allow your homepage to stand out visually and emotionally. According to a report by Wyzowl, 86% of marketers say video has helped them increase traffic to their websites.
- They Boost Time on Site (Dwell Time)
Search engines like Google consider time-on-site as a signal of quality content. The longer users stay, the more likely it is that your content is relevant and helpful. And guess what? Users tend to stay longer on pages with video.
A well-placed video can increase dwell time by up to 80%, according to research from Forbes. This can lead to better SEO performance and improved rankings.
- They Drive Higher Conversions
According to HubSpot, including a video on your homepage can increase conversions by as much as 80%. Why? Because videos help to:
- Build trust quickly
- Explain complex products or services more clearly
- Show the human side of your brand
- Provide a clear call to action
When people understand what you do and how it helps them, they’re more likely to take the next step.
Types of Videos to Feature on Your Homepage
Not all video content is created equal. Let’s break down the most effective types of videos on website homepages and when to use them.
- Explainer Videos
These are perfect for service-based businesses. Explainers break down what your company does, why it matters, and how it helps your audience. They’re usually 60–90 seconds long and are often animated or presented with a voiceover.
- Welcome Videos
A short welcome from the founder or team adds a human touch and helps to create an emotional connection. These videos work especially well for small businesses, therapists, consultants, and personal brands.
- Background Loops
These are muted, autoplaying videos used as a full-width background behind a headline or CTA (call to action). They’re highly visual and work best for industries like fashion, wellness, architecture, or travel.
- Customer Testimonials
A real client speaking about their experience builds credibility fast. Video testimonials feel authentic and allow your audience to hear feedback directly from satisfied customers.
- Product Demos
If you sell something tangible or tech-based, a product demonstration or software walkthrough can be incredibly powerful. It shows how it works, what makes it different, and why people should care.
Best Practices for Using Videos on Website Homepages
To maximise impact, videos on your website should follow these best practice guidelines:
✅ Keep It Short and Sweet
Homepage videos should be no longer than 1–2 minutes. The goal is to quickly grab attention and get your message across without overwhelming your visitor.
✅ Autoplay With Caution
If you use autoplay, keep the sound off by default. Users find unexpected noise annoying. Pair autoplay with clear subtitles or text overlays to ensure your message gets across.
✅ Optimise for Mobile
Mobile usage now makes up over 60% of web traffic. Ensure your videos are mobile-friendly, responsive, and don’t affect page load speeds.
✅ Compress for Speed
Video can significantly slow down your site if not optimised. Use tools like HandBrake or online compressors to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.
✅ Add a Clear Call to Action
Whether it’s “Watch more”, “Book a call”, or “Shop now”, your video should lead users towards taking action.
✅ Use Captions
Many users watch video with the sound off, especially on mobile. Captions make sure your message is still understood, and they boost accessibility, too.
SEO Benefits of Videos on Website Pages
We all know content is king – but video content may just be the crowned prince of SEO in 2025. Here’s why:
- Increased Dwell Time: As mentioned, longer sessions tell search engines your site has value.
- Lower Bounce Rates: Engaging video keeps users from clicking away.
- More Backlinks: Videos are highly shareable and more likely to be linked to from other sites.
- Rich Snippets in Search: When properly marked up with schema, your videos may show in Google’s video results, increasing visibility.
Make sure to use appropriate meta tags, descriptions, and video schema markup to help search engines understand and index your video content.
Where to Host Your Videos: Self-Hosting vs Platforms
Best for: Quick loading, SEO benefits, and ease of sharing
Pros: Faster hosting, less strain on your server, broad exposure
Cons: Potential distractions (ads, related videos)
- Self-Hosting
Best for: Full control, brand consistency
Pros: Custom player, no outside branding
Cons: May slow down your site if not optimised properly
We recommend a hybrid approach: host your main marketing videos on YouTube for visibility, and embed brand-first videos via platforms like Vimeo or self-hosted MP4s for better design control.
Real-World Examples: What Works?
Here are some styles of videos on website homepages from brands doing it right:
- Dropbox: Uses a friendly animated explainer video to simplify what they do.
- TOMS Shoes: Features real people and impact-driven storytelling.
- Squarespace: Their homepage uses subtle background video to add energy without distraction.
What About Budget?
Creating high-quality videos doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are options at different budget levels:
- Low budget: Use your smartphone, natural light, and a free editor like CapCut.
- Mid-level: Hire a freelance videographer for a half-day shoot.
- High-end: Invest in a full production team for polished, branded content.
Tools like Animoto, Canva, and Biteable also let you create professional-looking videos with minimal skill or investment.
Final Thoughts: Are Videos on Website Homepages Worth It?
In a word, yes!
Videos on website homepages are no longer a luxury or afterthought. They’re a key part of your digital strategy, offering unmatched engagement, storytelling power, and conversion potential. Whether you’re a startup, freelancer, eCommerce business, or established brand, incorporating video into your homepage is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025.
If you’d like help planning or embedding video into your website, get in touch with the team at We Get Digital. We specialise in building SEO-optimised, mobile-friendly websites that tell your story -and convert visitors into loyal customers.
