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Can you autoplay HTML5 videos on the iPad?

html
responsive-design
video-playback
autoplay
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Jan 31, 2025
TLDR

Want quick autoplay for HTML5 videos on the iPad? Add the autoplay, muted, and playsinline attributes to your <video> tag to bypass those pesky mobile browser constraints!

<video autoplay muted playsinline> <!-- What's the video source? Enough suspense already! --> <source src="your-suspense-free-video.mp4" type="video/mp4"> </video>

muted is non-negotiable for autoplay on iOS, while playsinline prevents full-screen freeloaders, seamlessly decorating your webpage.

Adjusting to iOS nuances

Since the heyday of iOS 6.1, autoplay on iPad hasn't been a walk in the park. With the overhaul in iOS 10, specific conditions permit autoplay, particularly for videos snubbing audio tracks. Employing JavaScript functionality like the play() method might come in handy after user interaction.

iOS video playback playbook

Playing nice with WebViews and native apps

When dealing with web apps in UIWebView or WKWebView, setting webView.mediaPlaybackRequiresUserAction to NO gives videos an autoplay fast pass.

Strategizing user interactions

Crafty developers construct user interaction prompts, such as a custom play button, to maneuver past autoplay restrictions, enabling videos to play post user engagement.

Delivering optimal UX with autoplay

Utilizing the controls attribute or whipping up custom JavaScript can be a game-changer for managing video playback. Ever thought about resizing video elements or crafting them to play when visible on-screen and pause when not? Try it for an unobtrusive experience.

Assaulting autoplay constraints

Hushing for autoplay

For a smooth ride with autoplay on iPad, silent videos or those muted with the autoplay muted playsinline attributes in your video element are your best bet.

Engaging video elements

Visible and interactive video elements facilitate user-initiated playback. So, making your video elements prominent is no less critical as user engagement is mandatory for initiating playback on the iPad.

Autoplay troubleshooting and workarounds

Dealing with noisy videos

Got an audio track? Keep it muted to enjoy the autoplay features. Use the muted attribute or set the volume to ghost mode (0) programmatically after video load.

Catering to different iOS versions

Given the evolution of iOS, it’s wise to test across versions for video autoplay. Newer versions are more permissive with autoplay restrictions, but catering to users on older devices never hurts.

Flexing JavaScript muscles

Falling short with HTML attributes? JavaScript might be your savior. Remember, it still calls for a bit of user initiation to sidestep iOS constraints.

Comprehensive tips for optimal video playback

Timing the load and play

To dodge unnecessary downloads, the iPad holds off preloading the video until the user initiates playback. Playing the load() card before a play() can be a sly move for a speedy video play after the user acts.

Saving user's data

Remember, autoplay on iOS is stringent to avoid uninvited cellular data consumption. Designing with this ethos in mind aligns you with Apple's autoplay policies.

Syncing with evolving policies

Stay in sync with apple's fluctuating autoplay policies by referring to the references and official documentation. This is your lifeline to stay up-to-date with the most recent guidelines to ensure your web content is in line with the latest standards.