Using videos in web content

Last updated: January 6, 2023

When, where and why to use videos on B.C. government websites

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Appropriate use

Videos work well for messages with wide public interest. For example, a new program that people across B.C. can apply for, or a product demo.

They may not be the right choice, if:

  • The message is meaningful to only a small audience or region
  • There is too much information to communicate in visuals

Approvals

Before using a video on a public-facing website, check with your ministry’s Government Communications and Public Engagement (GCPE) shop for approval. For posting videos on your ministry’s intranet, speak with your internal communications team.

Posting on YouTube

File types

The preferred file types for YouTube are MP4 or MOV. The file name should correspond with the title of your video.

Government YouTube channels

There are two official government-wide YouTube channels:

Video titles and descriptions

Videos on YouTube need clear titles and descriptions. Keep titles short but descriptive, about 5 to 6 words.

Your description of the video should be written in plain language and clearly describe the content of the video.

Embedding videos

Once your video has been reviewed and approved, GCPE will provide a link that can be embedded in your content. 

Learn how to embed videos in CMS Lite. If you’re using another platform, check with your web team for instructions.

Posting videos for internal use

Videos intended for an internal audience, such as training, are posted to the BC Public Service YouTube. Videos on this channel are typically unlisted.

Accessibility

To meet our accessibility standards, all videos must have closed captioning. The captions need to identify who is speaking and be exactly the same as what is heard in the video, including sounds such as music. Before you publish, review your captions for accuracy.

Write a transcript in a Word document of exactly what is said in the video or ask your subcontractor to provide subtitle files (SRTs).

Learn how to create accessible videos.

Request a webcast

Webcasts are live online broadcast of the audio or video feed from an event. To host a webcast, submit a service request.