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How to Embed a YouTube Video in Notion: Ultimate Guide

Alex Thompson
9 min read
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Introduction

YouTube is the world's largest video platform, and knowing how to embed YouTube videos in Notion opens up endless possibilities for documentation, training, and entertainment. From tutorials to meeting recordings to educational content, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Basic YouTube Embedding

The Simple Paste Method

  • Go to YouTube and find your video

  • Copy the URL from your browser's address bar

  • In Notion, simply paste the URL

  • Notion auto-converts it to an embed!
  • That's it-Notion recognizes YouTube links and creates playable embeds automatically.

    Using the Embed Block

    For more control:

  • Type /embed in Notion

  • Select "Embed"

  • Paste your YouTube URL

  • Click "Embed link"
  • Supported URL Formats

    All these formats work:

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID

  • https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID

  • https://youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID

  • https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID
  • Advanced YouTube Features

    Start at Specific Timestamp

    Jump to a specific moment:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID&t=120

    This starts at 2:00 (120 seconds). You can also use:

  • &t=1m30s for 1 minute 30 seconds

  • &t=90 for 90 seconds
  • End Time (Less Reliable)

    YouTube technically supports end time:

    &start=60&end=180

    However, this works inconsistently in embeds.

    Loop Video

    Add loop parameter:

    &loop=1&playlist=VIDEO_ID

    Note: Must include playlist parameter with the same video ID.

    Embedding Playlists

    Full Playlist Embed

  • Go to a YouTube playlist

  • Copy the playlist URL

  • Paste in Notion
  • Format: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAYLIST_ID

    Start at Specific Video

    Include the video parameter:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID&list=PLAYLIST_ID

    YouTube Shorts

    Embedding Shorts

    Shorts use a vertical player:

    https://youtube.com/shorts/SHORT_ID

    The embed displays in vertical format, perfect for mobile content.

    Sizing Shorts

    For Shorts:

  • Use "Small" width to maintain vertical aspect

  • Consider placing alongside text or images

  • Group multiple Shorts in columns
  • Live Streams

    Embedding Live Streams

    Active streams embed normally:

  • Copy the live stream URL

  • Paste in Notion

  • View live content
  • Completed Streams

    Past live streams become regular videos and embed the same way.

    Optimization Tips

    Size Selection

    Content TypeRecommended Size

    Tutorial (16:9)Full width
    EntertainmentMedium-Large
    YouTube ShortsSmall
    PlaylistFull width

    Performance Management

    Lots of video embeds slow down pages:

  • Use toggles: Hide videos until clicked

  • Limit per page: 5-7 videos maximum

  • Create subpages: For video libraries

  • Use Notion Embed: Optimized loading
  • Mobile Optimization

    Test embeds on mobile:

  • Check playback works

  • Verify sizing looks good

  • Consider bandwidth for viewers
  • Use Cases

    Training Documentation

    Create training pages with:

  • Topic introduction

  • Embedded tutorial video

  • Key timestamps listed

  • Related resources
  • Meeting Notes

    Enhance meetings:

  • Embed recorded meeting

  • Add agenda and notes

  • Include action items

  • Link to follow-up
  • Knowledge Base

    Build video libraries:

  • Categorized by topic

  • Searchable database

  • Rating system

  • Watch tracking
  • Using Notion Embed for YouTube

    Notion Embed enhances YouTube embedding:

  • Custom thumbnails: Better first impressions

  • Analytics: Track views from embeds

  • SEO benefits: For public pages

  • Consistent styling: Across all videos
  • Try it free →

    FAQ

    No, YouTube doesn't allow hiding related videos in embeds. They always show after playback.

    Do views count on embedded YouTube videos?

    Yes! Views from Notion embeds count toward the video's view count.

    Can I embed unlisted YouTube videos?

    Yes, unlisted videos embed perfectly. Only private videos won't embed.

    How do I make a YouTube embed responsive?

    Notion handles responsiveness automatically. For external sites, use Notion Embed for responsive embeds.

    Can I download embedded YouTube videos?

    No, embedding doesn't enable downloading. That requires separate tools or YouTube Premium.

    Conclusion

    Embedding YouTube videos in Notion is simple yet powerful. Key takeaways:

  • Paste and go: Just paste URLs for auto-embed

  • Use parameters: Timestamps, loops, playlists

  • Optimize performance: Toggles and limits

  • Enhance with Notion Embed: Analytics and styling
  • Start creating your video-rich workspace today!

    Upgrade your embeds →

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    Related: Video Embed Best Practices | Spotify Embed Guide

    AT

    Alex Thompson

    Content Creator at Notion Embed. Passionate about helping people share their knowledge with the world.

    View all posts →

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I turn off related videos at the end?

    No, YouTube doesn't allow hiding related videos in embeds.

    Do views count on embedded YouTube videos?

    Yes! Views from Notion embeds count toward the video view count.

    Can I embed unlisted YouTube videos?

    Yes, unlisted videos embed perfectly. Only private videos won't embed.

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