How Do I Make My Squarespace Video Full Screen?

Making your Squarespace video full screen can provide a more immersive experience for your visitors. Squarespace doesn’t have a built-in full-screen video option, so achieving this involves using some custom code. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it:

Method 1: Using a Code Block

This method involves embedding your video using an iframe and some custom CSS. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Embed the Video

1. Log in to your Squarespace account and navigate to the page where you want to add the full-screen video.
2. Add a Code Block:
   • Click on the "Edit" button on the page.
   • Click on the "+" button to add a new block.
   • Select the "Code" block from the menu.
3. Embed the Video:
   • Use an iframe to embed the video. For example, if you're using a YouTube video, the code would look something like this: html <iframe id="fullscreen-video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID?autoplay=1&mute=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
   • Replace VIDEO_ID with your actual YouTube video ID.

Step 2: Add Custom CSS

1. Open the CSS Editor:
   • Go to Design → Custom CSS.
2. Add the CSS:
   • Insert the following custom CSS to make the video full screen: css #fullscreen-video { position: fixed; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; z-index: 9999; } body { overflow: hidden; /* Optional: This hides the scroll bar */ }
3. Save your changes.

Considerations:

• Responsiveness: This method ensures the video covers the entire browser window. However, the aspect ratio might not be preserved perfectly on all devices and screen sizes.
• Overlay Content: Because the iframe is fixed and covers the entire window, any navigation or content placed above it will be hidden.

Method 2: Full-Screen Background Video Using Cover Page

If the goal is to use a video as a full-screen background, Squarespace's cover page features can be handy.

Step 1: Create a Cover Page

1. Navigate to Pages in the main navigation panel.
2. Add a Cover Page by clicking the "+" icon next to "Not Linked" and selecting "Cover Page".
3. Choose a Layout that supports full-screen media. Several cover page templates are designed with full-screen backgrounds.

Step 2: Customize Video in Cover Page Settings

1. Go to Cover Page Settings:
   • Click the gear icon next to the cover page you created.
   • Select "Media".
2. Upload the Video or provide a video link, depending on the template.
3. Adjust the Settings according to your preference (e.g., add a play button, mute, etc.).

Considerations:

• File Size: If you're uploading the video directly, ensure it’s optimized for web use. Large files can slow down page load times.
• Autoplay Restrictions: Some browsers restrict autoplay, so your video might not play automatically for all visitors.

Summary and Additional Tips

• Custom Code Approach: Suitable for embedding videos from external sources (like YouTube) and making them full screen via custom CSS.
• Cover Page Approach: Useful for full-screen background videos, leveraging Squarespace’s built-in features without additional coding.
• Browser Support: Keep in mind that different browsers may handle full-screen videos differently, especially for autoplay and mute settings.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Always test on various devices to ensure the video displays correctly across platforms.

Final Note

Using custom code can be highly effective for achieving a full-screen video, but it requires maintaining that code if Squarespace updates its platform. Alternatively, using built-in features like the Cover Page can save time and offer easier maintenance. Choose the approach that best fits your technical comfort level and the specific needs of your website.