YouTube Video Not Working in Squarespace? Here's How to Fix It
Squarespace provides an elegant way to include video as part of your pages, but it seems there is an odd issue - many people find that their YouTube videos do not appear, showing up as blank or not appearing at all. If you are experiencing this, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll show you why Squarespace YouTube links are not working, and exactly how to resolve the issue fast and professionally.
Common Issues with YouTube Embeds in Squarespace
Incorrect YouTube Link Format
Squarespace only accepts standard video URLs, not share or shorts links.
Correct format:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR_VIDEO_ID
Avoid:
https://youtu.be/...
https://youtube.com/shorts/...
Playlist links like &list=
Privacy or Age Restrictions
If the video is:
Private
Age-restricted
Unlisted with embedding disabled
Squarespace will not display it.
Fix:
Set the video to Public
Enable “Allow embedding” in YouTube Studio → Video Settings → Advanced
Using the Wrong Block
Squarespace offers different blocks for video, and only certain ones support YouTube links.
| Goal | Use This Block |
|---|---|
| Simple embedded video | Video Block |
| Responsive, full control | Embed Block |
| Background video in section | Not supported for YouTube |
Note: YouTube cannot be used as a background video in Squarespace 7.1 sections; only .mp4 uploads are allowed.
Custom Code Conflicts
Have you added JavaScript, CSS, or plugin code? It may interfere with YouTube loading.
Fix:
Temporarily remove all custom code
Test your embed again
Add scripts back one at a time
How to Properly Embed YouTube in Squarespace
Method 1: Using a Video Block
Go to your page editor
Click “+ Add Block”
Select “Video”
Paste the YouTube link (in the correct format)
Squarespace will auto-generate the video thumbnail and embed player.
Method 2: Embed Block for Customization
If you want autoplay, custom sizes, or no related videos, use the Embed block.
<iframe
width="100%"
height="400"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YOUR_VIDEO_ID?rel=0"
frameborder="0"
allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"
allowfullscreen>
</iframe>
Replace YOUR_VIDEO_ID with your actual video ID.
Want to Autoplay the Video?
Use this custom embed code:
<iframe
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YOUR_VIDEO_ID?autoplay=1&mute=1&rel=0"
frameborder="0"
allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"
allowfullscreen>
</iframe>
Important: Autoplay only works when the video is muted.
Final Checklist
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Correct video URL format | youtube.com/watch?v= |
| Video is public and embeddable | ✔️ |
| No playlist, shorts, or share URL | ✔️ |
| Using Video or Embed block | ✔️ |
| Not set as section background | ✔️ |
Conclusion
YouTube integration in Squarespace is strong, but it needs a good clean-up and setup. By making sure your video is public (and embeddable and properly linked), you’ll solve 90% of the problems right off the bat.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The most common culprit here is using the incorrect type of link (such as a share link, short link, or a playlist). The standard YouTube format is required by Squarespace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID.
-
No, I haven't seen. Squarespace background videos only support. mp4 uploads. Do not post YouTube or Vimeo links as section backgrounds.
-
This can occur when a video is private, age-restricted, or when embedding has been disabled in the YouTube studio. Check that your video is public and that “Allow embedding” is turned on.
-
If you just want a barebones embed, the Video Block is the way to go. For greater customization (autoplay, no related videos, custom sizing), use the Embed Block and drop in an iframe code.
-
Yes, as long as the video is screen-off. Add? autoplay=1&mute=1 to the embed URL. Browsers now, even without mute, block autoplay.
