How to Embed YouTube Live Stream on WordPress

As of March 2024, a whopping 12% of Americans were diving into live-stream content several times a day. That’s millions of potential viewers ready to engage with your content.

If you are limiting all this traction to your YouTube channel, you’re short-changing yourself.

A better solution is to bring those eyeballs to your WordPress website instead, so you have a shot at achieving the digital trinity — increased number of visitors, real-time audience interaction, and improved SEO through longer site visits.

How do you do this? The simplest way is to embed YouTube Live streams directly on your WordPress pages. This lets you attract viewers, get them to stay a while, and encourage them to watch your content, browse your latest blog posts, check out your services, or even sign up for future events.

Now, before terms like “embedding” make you nervous, we’ve got you covered with multiple ways to make this happen, from simple copy-paste solutions to more sophisticated setups.

3 ways to embed YouTube live streams on WordPress

Embedding YouTube live streams on WordPress is all about creating an engaging environment where viewers stick around longer and interact more with your site.

There are three simple ways of doing this:

1. Use the built-in YouTube block in the WordPress editor for quick embedding.
2. Embed via HTML code for more customization options.
3. Use Events Calendar Pro to embed videos and integrate them with your events.

Of course, each method has its advantages. If you’re new to WordPress, the YouTube block offers a user-friendly approach that gets you up and running quickly. For those who want more control over their stream’s appearance, the HTML embedding option provides extensive customization possibilities. And if you’re managing events regularly, Events Calendar Pro streamlines the entire process while offering powerful tools to promote your streams effectively.

Let’s take a look at each method in more detail.

1. Using the YouTube Block

The YouTube block in the WordPress block editor makes it easy to embed live streams. This built-in feature is perfect if you want a quick, hassle-free way to add your stream to any post or page.

Before you start embedding, make sure your live stream is set up on YouTube. Once that’s ready, here’s all you need to do:

1. Create a new post or page in WordPress.
2. Click the “+” button to add a new block.
3. Search for “YouTube” or find it in the Media section.
4. Paste your YouTube live stream URL into the block.

That’s all there is to it! The block automatically handles the technical details for you. However, you have limited customization options, with only basic settings like width and alignment. Nevertheless, the embedded stream automatically adjusts to fit any screen size, whether your viewers are watching on phones, tablets, or computers.

The good part is that WordPress has optimized this block for performance, so you won’t have to worry about your page slowing down. This means your visitors get a smooth viewing experience without any technical headaches.

2. Embedding via HTML code

Want more control over how your live stream appears? HTML embedding is your answer. This method lets you customize everything from video size to loading behavior, making it perfect for those who want to fine-tune their stream’s appearance.

Here’s how to embed YouTube live streams using HTML code:

1. Obtain the YouTube live stream embed code:
   • For your own live stream:
     1. Log in to your YouTube Studio.
     2. Click on the Live tab to view your scheduled streams.
     3. Click on your scheduled live stream to open its details.
     4. Click the Share button below the video player.
     5. In the sharing options, select Embed, then copy the provided <iframe> code.
   • For someone else’s live stream:
     1. Find and open the scheduled or ongoing live stream.
     2. Click the Share button and then Embed.
     3. Copy the <iframe> embed code.
2. Insert the embed code into your WordPress site:
   • Using the block editor:
     1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
     2. Navigate to Pages or Posts and select the page or post where you want to embed the stream.
     3. Click the Add Block button (the ‘+’ icon).
     4. Search for Custom HTML and select it.
     5. Paste the copied <iframe> code into the Custom HTML block.
     6. To ensure it appears correctly, click the Preview button.
   • Using the classic editor:
     1. Navigate to the desired page or post.
     2. In the editor, switch from the Visual tab to the Text tab to access the HTML view.
     3. Paste the <iframe> code where you want the live stream to appear in the content.
     4. Save or update your changes.
3. Customize the embed code:
   • You can modify the width and height attributes in the <iframe> tag to fit your layout.
   • You can also make the video responsive by wrapping the <iframe> in a <div> with CSS styling. Example:

<div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden;">

<iframe src="YOUR_IFRAME_EMBED_CODE" style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

</div>

Note: This is just for demonstration. In most cases, it’s better to separate your CSS from your HTML by adding styles to your theme’s stylesheet or using the WordPress Customizer. You can:

Access the style.css file of your child theme using an SFTP or your host’s file manager.

Add the CSS like so:

/* Responsive Video Container */
.video-container {
  position: relative;
  padding-bottom: 56.25%; /* 16:9 Aspect Ratio */
  height: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.video-container iframe {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
}

The <div> of the <iframe> should look something like this instead of the above one that had the inline css:

<div class="video-container">

<iframe src="YOUR_IFRAME_EMBED_CODE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

</div>

One final step to boost your page’s loading speed is to consider lazy-loading the iframe to prevent the video from loading until the user scrolls to it. This small addition makes a big difference — your video won’t load until visitors scroll near it, resulting in faster initial page loads and better overall site performance.

You can do this by adding the loading=”lazy” attribute to the iframe code.

Remember — while customizing your embed code can be powerful, always double-check your changes before publishing. Even a small typo can prevent your stream from displaying correctly.

3. Use Events Calendar Pro

If you’re serious about hosting virtual events, Events Calendar Pro is the tool you need in your arsenal. The plugin embeds live streams, yes, but it also helps you transform your WordPress site into a full-fledged virtual event powerhouse.

Think beyond simple video embedding. Events Calendar Pro lets you create dedicated spaces for your YouTube Live or Facebook Live streams so they become part of a larger, more engaging event experience. 

Some of the perks of working with Events Calendar Pro include:

Complete event management

• Embed live streams directly into beautiful event pages.
• Set up registration forms and ticket sales for your virtual events.
• Send automatic reminders to registered attendees.
• Create recurring events without the hassle of manual setup.
• Manage virtual, in-person, and hybrid events all in one place.

Enhanced viewer experience

• Your audience gets everything they need on one page — event details, registration, and the live stream itself.
• No more jumping between platforms or losing viewers to YouTube.
• Attendees can easily find upcoming streams through your event calendar.
• Built-in countdown timers build anticipation for your events.

Perfect for every type of live event

• Virtual conferences? Check.
• Online workshops? Absolutely.
• Live concerts or performances? You bet!
• Gaming tournaments? No problem.
• Regular Q&A sessions? Easy peasy.
• Educational series? Perfect fit.

The plugin really shows its strength when you’re running complex events. Imagine hosting a three-day virtual conference — you can set up multiple stream sessions, manage registrations, sell tickets at different price points, and even handle hybrid events where some attendees are in person while others join online.

Plus, once you set it up, managing your live events becomes surprisingly simple. No more juggling multiple platforms or struggling with complicated technical setups since everything you need is right there in your WordPress dashboard.

Setting up YouTube Live and customizing your event

With Events Calendar Pro ready to go, let’s connect it to YouTube Live and get your virtual events streaming on your WordPress site.

Finding Your YouTube Channel ID

Before you start, you’ll need your YouTube Live Channel ID. Here’s how to get it:

1. Sign in to YouTube.
2. Click your profile picture in the top right.
3. Select Settings.
4. Choose Advanced Settings from the left menu.
5. Locate your channel ID in the displayed information.

Connecting YouTube to your site

In WordPress, go to Events Settings > Integrations. Find the YouTube Live Channel ID field.

Enter your channel ID (just the ID, not the full URL)

• Correct: UC-3TjY277uBsBlnq
• Incorrect: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-3TjY277uBsBlnq

Explore additional options under the Default Settings tab.

Click Save Changes.

Creating your virtual event

Once connected, you’ll find YouTube Live as an option when you:

Click Add Event, select Configure Virtual Event, and then customize your stream settings as needed.

Important: Make sure your YouTube stream’s visibility is set to public; otherwise, it won’t show up on your website.

And you’re done!

Troubleshooting common YouTube Live issues

Despite all your best efforts, technical issues can pop up during live streams when you least expect them. But don’t worry! We’ve got solutions for every common problem you might encounter.

Poor video quality

Nothing’s worse than a pixelated stream that looks like it’s from 1995. If your viewers are complaining about blurry video, here are some likely causes:

• Your internet connection isn’t keeping up with your stream.
• Your resolution settings aren’t optimized.
• Your equipment might be struggling.

How to fix it:

1. First, run a speed test at speedtest.net to check your upload speed.
2. Compare it to YouTube’s requirements:
   • 720p needs at least 5 Mbps upload.
   • 1080p needs at least 10 Mbps upload.
3. If your speed is too low:
   • Contact your internet provider about upgrading.
   • Schedule streams during off-peak hours.
   • Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications.
4. Consider upgrading your equipment:
   • A better webcam can make a huge difference.
   • A dedicated streaming computer helps prevent overload.

Stream lag or buffering

Is your stream stopping and starting like a car in traffic? This frustrating issue usually stems from:

• An unstable internet connection.
• Network congestion.
• Hardware limitations.

How to fix it:

1. Immediate solutions:
   • Switch to a wired ethernet connection.
   • Ask others on your network to pause downloads/streaming.
   • Close unnecessary applications.
2. Long-term fixes:
   • Install a dedicated line for streaming.
   • Upgrade your router.
   • Consider a backup internet connection.

Audio problems

Bad audio can kill even the best stream. Here’s what to check when your sound isn’t right:

• Microphone not properly selected.
• Audio drivers need updating.
• Hardware issues.
• Sync problems.

Pro tips for perfect audio:

1. Before every stream:
   • Do a test recording.
   • Check your audio levels.
   • Listen for an echo or feedback.
2. During setup:
   • Update all audio drivers.
   • Check cable connections.
   • Monitor audio through headphones.

Stream won’t start

When your stream refuses to go live, don’t panic! Check these common culprits:

Quick checklist:

1. Stream key verification:
   • Copy a fresh stream key from YouTube Studio.
   • Paste it carefully into your streaming software.
   • Never share your stream key publicly!
2. Software check:
   • Restart your streaming software.
   • Update to the latest version.
   • Clear cache if necessary.
3. Schedule confirmation:
   • Double-check your scheduled time.
   • Verify timezone settings.
   • Ensure your YouTube account is in good standing.

Embedding issues

Having trouble getting your stream to show up on your website? Here are some step-by-step solutions:

1. Check your embed code:
   • Get a fresh copy from YouTube.
   • Verify you’re copying the entire code.
   • Look for missing quotation marks or brackets.
2. Website security:
   • Check if your security plugins are blocking YouTube.
   • Verify your site uses HTTPS if embedding on secure pages.
   • Clear your website’s cache.
3. Common fixes:
   • Try embedding it in a different page section.
   • Test in multiple browsers.
   • Check your WordPress theme’s compatibility.

Most streaming issues can be prevented with a proper pre-stream checklist and regular equipment maintenance. Don’t wait for problems to arise. Test everything well before your scheduled stream time!

Maximizing engagement: Best practices for embedded live streams

Getting your stream up and running is just the beginning. Here’s how to turn your live streams into must-watch events that keep viewers coming back for more!

Optimize your site’s performance

Before you hit that Go Live button, make sure your website can handle the action. Start by installing a reliable caching plugin to speed up your site’s performance. Next, compress any images on your stream’s page and remove unnecessary plugins and scripts that might slow things down. Choose a lightweight, responsive theme, like the Kadence Theme, that works across all devices, from smartphones to desktop computers.

Pro Tip: Run a speed test on your live stream page before and after optimization. Your goal should be load times under 3 seconds.

Build excitement before the stream

Don’t wait until stream day to start engaging your audience. Take advantage of WordPress tools by setting up event countdowns (The Events Calendar has this built-in!) and displaying eye-catching banner announcements.

When it comes to promotion, write engaging blog posts announcing your upcoming stream and share teasers about what viewers will learn. Use Promoter, The Events Calendar’s email tool, to send save-the-date reminders, share stream updates, deliver joining instructions, and follow up after the event.

Make your stream interactive

Transform passive viewers into active participants by enabling live chat if your theme supports it. Plan interactive segments like polls during key moments and schedule dedicated Q&A sessions. Make sure to respond to comments in real time and display viewer questions on screen when appropriate.

Pro tip: Assign a team member to manage the chat while you focus on presenting. This ensures no viewer comment goes unnoticed.

Turn one stream into many content pieces

Make your live content work harder after the stream ends. Embed the recorded version in a new blog post and create highlight clips for social media. Write a detailed recap post with key takeaways, including timestamps for important moments. Don’t forget to showcase viewer testimonials or reactions to build social proof for future streams.

Always test, test, test

Nothing kills engagement faster than technical issues. Create a private test page for your stream and check how it performs on multiple devices. Test all interactive features thoroughly, verify your audio and video quality, and run through your entire presentation flow before going live.

The most engaging streams are about creating an experience. Use these tools and techniques to transform your live streams from one-time broadcasts into community-building events.

Elevate your live streaming with Events Calendar Pro

What makes Events Calendar Pro stand out is the complete package it offers. While other solutions only handle video embedding, Events Calendar Pro transforms your WordPress site into a full-featured virtual events platform. You can schedule regular content broadcasts, host community sessions, and manage hybrid events, all from one intuitive dashboard.

Think about your typical live streaming workflow: scheduling events, embedding streams, promoting sessions, managing registrations, and following up with attendees. The Events Calendar suite can help you handle all of this right from your WordPress dashboard.Ready to stop wrestling with technical details and focus on creating amazing live content? Upgrade to Events Calendar Pro and join thousands of creators who’ve already transformed their WordPress sites into engaging virtual event hubs.

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