What is a prerelease embed (Vevo Embed)?
A pre-release embed (Vevo Embed) is an embed code that uses the Vevo player.
A Vevo embed, when used on a website looks like this:
Prerelease Embed/Vevo Embed Quick Facts:
- This type of embed uses the Vevo player, not the YouTube player meaning:
- Views do not count toward the YouTube player
- Viewers cannot easily share the video
- A prerelease embed/Vevo embed does not publish the video on YouTube. The start time for a prerelease embed is separate from the start time for the video to publish on YouTube.
- This type of embed is useful for "exclusive premieres" on blogs or websites, before the video is released to the general public on YouTube.
- A Vevo prerelease embed is not the same as an unlisted video (this is a YouTube function that uses the YouTube player) more info below the next heading!
- Important note: prerelease/Vevo embeds are only available in the following territories: US (United States), CA (Canada), MX (Mexico), UK (United Kingdom), DE (Deutschland), FR (France), IT (Italy), ES (Spain), AU (Australia), NZ (New Zealand), BR (Brazil)
What is a YouTube Embed?
A YouTube embed for an unreleased video can be acquired by unlisting your video on YouTube, visiting the video link, and then clicking "share" to generate the embed code. A YouTube embed uses the YouTube player.
Link: More about Unlisting on YouTube.
YouTube embed quick facts:
- Uses the YouTube player, meaning:
- Users may get an ad before viewing the video
- Users will get suggested videos from YouTube after viewing the video
- Views count toward the YouTube video
- Users can easily share the video
- With a YouTube embed, the video is easily sharable for viewers. A video with the "unlisted" status in YouTube makes the video viewable to anyone who has the link.
- If an artist wants to do an exclusive premiere with an unlisted link and a YouTube embed, it won't be so exclusive, because anyone who sees the video will be able to copy+paste the code and share it!
- Using an unlisted+YouTube embed does not publish the video on YouTube, but rather acts like a low-security preview link.
- A YouTube embed can be used anywhere YouTube is available/anywhere your video is available.
This is what a YouTube embed looks like on a website:
How can I create a Vevo prerelease embed? (Step by Step)
1. In Vevo Backstage, navigate to Videos>Prereleases (menu on left side)
2. Select "create" once you're in the Prereleases section.
3. Once you've selected create, you'll need to fill out some info, the ISRC and the Start Date for the prerelease embed. This start date is separate from the YouTube start date on the video info page. This start date is only for the prerelease embed. Click "create".
4. Voila! Your prerelease code will generate. You should see a preview as well.