Glossary
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Video Email Marketing | The integration of video content into email campaigns for higher engagement. |
Segmentation | Dividing an email list into targeted groups based on behavior or profile. |
Click-Through Rate (CTR) | The percentage of recipients who click on a link in the email. |
Brand Video | A video that introduces the company, values, and mission. |
Product Video | A short video demonstrating product features, use cases, or benefits. |
Testimonial Video | Customer-recorded videos sharing real-world experiences with a product. |
Conversion Rate | The percentage of users who complete a desired action after watching a video. |
Autoplay Thumbnail | A static image with a play button overlay used to simulate embedded video. |
Table of contents
Introduction
Email marketing remains one of the most effective tools for eCommerce brands. But to keep inbox engagement high in a crowded digital landscape, you need to go beyond static images and text.

That’s where video comes in.
Including the word “video” in your subject line can increase open rates by 19% and click-through rates by up to 65%. Better yet, embedding (or linking) relevant video content can directly boost conversions.
This guide breaks down how to use video content strategically in your email marketing campaigns, which types of videos work best at each stage of the customer journey, and how to maximize ROI with segmentation.
Why Video in Email Works
Benefit | Impact |
---|---|
Higher Open Rates | Video subject lines outperform text-only lines |
Increased Engagement | More visual and interactive than plain emails |
Greater Retention | Viewers retain 95% of a message in video vs. 10% from reading text |
Higher Conversion Rates | Product and testimonial videos influence buying decisions |
Stat: 54% of consumers want to see more video content from brands they support.
Video Types to Use in Email Campaigns
1. Brand Videos: Build Trust with New Subscribers
New subscribers may not know much about your brand. The first email you send them sets the tone.
Use Case:
- Welcome sequences
- Post-lead magnet signups
- New subscriber onboarding
What to Include:
- Brand values
- Product mission
- Behind-the-scenes or founder story
Example: Amazon Pet Day created a brand video for pet lovers, focusing on values like care, fun, and real-life usefulness. The video resonated deeply because it was emotional and targeted.
Visual Tip: Use an autoplay thumbnail with a play button to link out to YouTube, Vimeo, or your site.
2. Product Videos: Close the Gap for Interested Leads
Visitors who clicked a product or abandoned a cart are already curious. Now you need to reassure and educate.
Use Case:
- Cart abandonment sequences
- Back-in-stock alerts
- Post-view email flows
What to Include:
- Key features and benefits
- Visual how-to demonstrations
- Creative or inspiring ways to use the product
Example: Toshiba’s toaster video shows creative breakfast recipes. It isn’t just functional; it’s inspiring. That context gives undecided shoppers a reason to convert.
Product Video Type | Best For | Example |
---|---|---|
How-To / Demo | Cart abandon, top-funnel emails | Quick recipes with your blender |
Feature Walkthrough | Back-in-stock or sale emails | Smartwatch fitness tracking |
Use Case / Inspiration | Holiday or seasonal campaigns | Outfit styling for winter looks |
3. Testimonial Videos: Add Authenticity
Social proof turns browsers into buyers. Video testimonials are especially persuasive.
Use Case:
- Re-engagement campaigns
- Doubt-reduction flows
- Post-purchase upsells
Tips for Success:
- Keep it real. Avoid overproduction.
- Focus on emotion, not just features.
- Highlight before/after transformations
Segmenting Your Video Email Strategy
Segmentation lets you serve the right video to the right person at the right time.
Key Segments to Target:
Segment | Best Video Type | Campaign Example |
---|---|---|
New Subscribers | Brand Video | Welcome email with intro video |
Cart Abandoners | Product Demo | Abandonment email with how-to use |
Repeat Customers | Cross-sell/UGC | VIP reward campaign |
Dormant Subscribers | Testimonial | Win-back email featuring happy users |
Gift Shoppers | Use Case / Storytelling | Holiday gift guide with real reviews |
Technical Tips for Embedding Video in Email
- Use a Thumbnail + Link: True embedded video doesn’t work in most inboxes. Instead, use a static image with a play button.
- Optimize Thumbnails: High-contrast colors, smiling faces, and play buttons boost clicks.
- Include Alt Text: For accessibility and SEO.
- Test Your Email Clients: Always preview your email in Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, etc.
Tools to Use:
- Vidyard: Personalized video thumbnails
- Wistia: Embeddable video player with analytics
- Vimeo: Clean UX and customizable settings
Metrics to Track for Video Email Success
Metric | Purpose |
---|---|
Open Rate | Measures subject line effectiveness |
Click-Through Rate | Indicates interest in the video |
Watch Time | Shows how long viewers are engaged |
Conversion Rate | Tracks purchases or desired actions from the video |
Shares / Forwards | Gauge virality and content resonance |
Pro Tip: Run A/B tests on video vs non-video campaigns to measure lift.
Integrating Video Into Your Email Funnel
Example Funnel Map:
Funnel Stage | Email Trigger | Video Type |
---|---|---|
Awareness | Welcome Email | Brand Introduction |
Consideration | Abandoned Cart | Product Demo |
Conversion | Urgency Email | Limited-time offer explainer |
Post-Purchase | Order Confirmation / Thank You | How-to or unboxing |
Retention | 30-day check-in | Customer Testimonial |
Win-Back | 90-day re-engagement | Community or social proof |
Repurposing Video Content Across Channels
One good video can power multiple touchpoints.
Channel | How to Repurpose |
---|---|
Use thumbnail + CTA for replay | |
Social Media | Reels, Stories, TikTok snippets |
Website | Embed on product or collection pages |
Paid Ads | Use testimonial clips in retargeting ads |
Landing Pages | Boost conversions with feature or review video |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you embed a video directly into an email?
Not reliably. Most email clients don’t support native video. Use a static image linked to a video page.
2. What’s the best video length for email?
30–45 seconds is ideal. Keep it concise and focused.
3. Should every email include a video?
No. Use video when it supports your message or moves the buyer closer to action.
4. How can I measure if my video emails are working?
Track open rate, click-through rate, video watch time, and resulting conversions.
5. What’s the easiest way to create video content for email?
Use customer testimonials, screen recordings, or product how-tos recorded on a smartphone.
6. Can video email work for B2B as well as B2C?
Absolutely. Brand stories, product demos, and customer case studies all work well in both contexts.
Final Thoughts
Video is no longer a nice-to-have in email marketing—it’s a strategic must.
From welcome series to win-back flows, targeted video content brings your brand to life, drives action, and delivers memorable experiences. When paired with smart segmentation and clean design, video elevates your email game from good to conversion-generating great.
Ready to incorporate video into your email strategy? Blossom Ecom can help you storyboard, create, and deploy video content that actually converts.
Let’s make your inbox your highest-performing channel.
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