The Definitive Guide to HTML5 Video Players (+ Best 15 HTML5 Video Players)

A video player in HTLM is a digital technology that allows broadcasters to share video content with users over the internet. The HTML5 streaming technology was created as a more widely compatible alternative to Adobe’s Flash player.

The History of the HTML5 Video Player

The need for more compatible web video players arose when Steve Jobs announced in 2012 that Apple devices would never support Flash players. That meant broadcasters would miss out on the huge potential video content offered if their only streaming option was the coveted Flash player.  iPhones and other Apple products were among the most popular mobile devices at the time, and that posed a big challenge. As of the end of 2020, Flash has been somewhat phased out, making HTML5 the only widely supported video player. The HTML5 video player is supported by all major operating systems and browsers, which means it is supported on pretty much any internet-enabled device imaginable.

The Technological Background of HTML5 Video Players

HTML5 video players use the HTTPS Live Streaming (HLS) protocol to receive content from the video CDN or online video player that is hosting the streaming. Initially, HLS was created by Apple specifically for streaming to an HTML5 video player.

Today, most online video platforms support HLS streaming. Some even use HLS ingest, but HLS stream hosting and delivery are most commonly paired with RTMP ingest. The HLS delivery and RTMP ingest combination is the most optimal because it is highly compatible with low latency.

It is important to mention that RTMP was the protocol that was used for delivering content to the Flash video player, and although Flash is dead, RTMP is still very valuable for streaming.

Choosing Between Open-Sourced Versus Paid HTLM Video Players

The next generation of website video players offers users many choices of HTLM5 video players. Mainly, HTLM5 video players can be broken down into two main categories, open-sourced web video players, and commercial or paid web video players. Anyone can simply download open-sourced website media players and stream video content whereas commercial players require a subscription fee.

The paid options offer some additional benefits over their free counterparts such as impressive features and add-ons such as sub-titles, support for multiple file formats, and playback speeds. Whether these extra integrations justify the price tag is another debate, especially since now, many free HTLM5 video players offer the same features too.

You’ll be able to make a more informed choice about which HTLM5 video player is best for your needs after reviewing our comprehensive comparison of the top 15 players further down this blog post.

Contrary to popular belief, having paid access to website video players doesn’t guarantee quick resolution of any problems or glitches you might have. Thanks to the generous contributions of developers, open-sourced HTLM5 video players seem to get issues fixed faster than commercial ones requiring users to contact the IT company and register their complaints. 

Another benefit open-sourced HTLM5 video players offer is increased customization and control. The easy availability of the source code means any programmer can develop their own tailored version of the player. Commercial HTLM5 video players usually don’t allow such modification. 

Benefits of Streaming with an HTML5 Video Player

The HTML5 video player offers broadcasters the support to reach large audiences efficiently. That’s why it became so popular and continues to be the top choice among broadcasters.

Let’s look at a couple of the top benefits of streaming with an HTML5 video player. 

Control 

Today’s broadcasters and viewers prefer digital tools that give them more control over their viewing and streaming experience. HTLM5 video players lend themselves well to modifications and give users more control over their media 

Compatibility

As we mentioned, HTML5 video players are compatible with almost every mainstream operating system and browser. The compatibility alone makes this video player very valuable.

Customizability

HTML5 video players are also straightforward to customize. Broadcasters can add different functions and buttons to their video player and customize the size and aesthetic. Some HTML5 video players are adaptive or responsive, which is another plus.

Auto-Play

HTLM5 video players offer many advanced features but this one deserves its own shout-out. Auto-play may not seem like a big deal to GenZ viewers, but those who aren’t probably know how frustrating it can be to wait for the video to load and then play the buffered video manually.

Auto-play means video content plays without any input or command from the user once loaded. Many browsers don’t allow audio or video content on auto-play as it might distract users. The auto-play feature comes pre-embedded in HTLM5 video players.

Affordability

There are many free, open-source HTML5 video players available for broadcasters. HTML5 is also the default video player for most streaming platforms. Making streaming with this type of video player is very affordable and accessible.

Multiple Features

In addition to the above-stated advantages, part of the rise in popularity of HTLM5 video players is because of the many features and integrations they offer. Some of its prominent features are multiple playback speeds, voice-to-text subtitles, auto-play, and smooth playing across a wide magnitude of devices and systems.

Users also love the amount of control HTLM5 video players give them over video content, both as broadcasters and views. 

Enhanced Security

While no web video player can claim to be completely immune to cybersecurity threats,  HTLM5 video players offer better protection than Flash code website media players. Most HTLM5 players offer secure streaming to their viewers. The good news is that open-sourced players are just as secure, if not more, than the commercial options. 

Top 15 HTML5 Video Players: A Comparison

Now that you know the importance of HTML5 video players for online video streaming, let’s take a look at the top 15 HTML5 video players on the market.

1. THEOplayer