# How to Display YouTube Videos on Digital Signage

YouTube is a built-in content type in ScreenTinker. Paste a video URL, give it a name, and it plays on your screens like any other media - no embed code, no browser hacks.

## The short version

ScreenTinker has a native YouTube widget, so you do not need to download videos or wire up a browser workaround. In the Content Library you choose Add YouTube, paste the video URL, give it a name, and it becomes a library item you can drop into any playlist, schedule, and assign to screens. On the display it plays muted (browser autoplay policy) using YouTube's iframe player.

## Step by step

1. Open the Content Library in your ScreenTinker dashboard.
2. Click Add YouTube and paste the YouTube video URL (for example `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...`).
3. Give the item a name so you can find it later - something like "Brand reel" or "Product loop."
4. Save it. The video now appears in your library alongside images and uploaded video. The dashboard preview plays it muted so autoplay works.
5. Add the YouTube item to a Playlist, set its duration or let it run to the end of the clip, and order it with your other content.
6. Publish the playlist, then schedule it or assign it directly to one or more screens.

## Tips & use cases

- It plays muted. Browsers only allow autoplay when audio is muted, so plan for silent playback. Pick videos that read well without sound, or add on-screen captions in the source video.
- Great for brand reels and product loops. A single hero video on a lobby or retail screen is one of the easiest ways to fill a display with high-production content you already have.
- Ambient and atmosphere. Aquarium scenes, fireplaces, and slow B-roll make good background content for waiting areas when you want motion without a hard message.
- Mix it into a rotation. Because a YouTube item behaves like any other playlist entry, you can alternate a brand video with images, a menu, or an RSS ticker.
- Schedule it. Run a promo video during business hours and swap to quieter content after close using the same scheduling tools as the rest of your content.
- Pick stable URLs. Use videos on channels you control or trust, so the content does not disappear or get set to private mid-campaign.

## FAQ

### Do I need to download the YouTube video first?

No. The YouTube widget is native - you paste the video URL and ScreenTinker's player streams it through YouTube's iframe player. There is nothing to download or re-upload.

### Why does the video play without sound?

Browsers require muted playback for autoplay to work reliably, so YouTube content plays muted on the display and in the dashboard preview. Choose videos that work as silent visuals or that have burned-in captions.

### Can I loop a single YouTube video all day?

Yes. Put the YouTube item in a playlist on its own (or with a short rotation) and assign that playlist to the screen. The playlist repeats, so the video loops.

### Can I schedule YouTube content to specific times?

Yes. YouTube items schedule exactly like images and uploaded video - assign the playlist to a daypart or specific screens using ScreenTinker's scheduling.

### Does this work on every player?

The YouTube widget works on ScreenTinker's players - Android TV, Fire TV, Tizen, webOS, Vega, Raspberry Pi, Windows, ChromeOS, and the browser player - all free.

## Related integrations & guides

- All ScreenTinker integrations
- RSS feeds on digital signage: news tickers & headlines
- Weather widget for digital signage
- What is digital signage?
- Self-hosted digital signage: complete guide

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