Videos and browser rules
How do browsers influence auto-play?
To enhance user control over playback and improve their overall experience, auto-play may not always be honoured by the browser. As they evolve, browsers are becoming more sophisticated and will learn from the users behaviour, which can affect how auto-play works.
Always remember! Don't assume a video will auto-play, and keep in mind that browsers are being consistently improved to ensure the best experience for the user.
Although auto-play policies will differ between browsers, the same general rules will apply and auto-play is more likely to be allowed if the user has -
- interacted with your document - e.g. clicked on something, turned the page.
- previously played videos in your document.
- added the link to your document to their mobile device home screen.
If a user frequently watches videos on your PageTiger document, their media engagement score will rise, increasing the likelihood that auto-play will be permitted in the future. On the other hand, if they often visit your PageTiger document but don't engage with the videos, their media engagement score will remain low, and auto-play will not be enabled.
How do browsers influence auto-sound?
Videos will often start muted, as modern browsers restrict sound to prevent intrusive experiences - unexpected audio can disrupt users in public or quiet settings, and muted playback improves accessibility and initial engagement.
Although the video setting called 'start muted' can be unticked, this preference won’t always be honoured because browsers ultimately enforce their own rules. This ensures a consistent and user-friendly experience across platforms.
Always remember! Don't assume a video will automatically play with the sound - browsers are consistently being updated to ensure the best user experience.