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[HelpHub] Feedback on YouTube embed #1978
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https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/youtube-embed/
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Is it possible to have the same results as this method, by embeding the youtube url from a shortcode?
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github-actions commentedon Jun 23, 2025
Heads up @WordPress/docs-issues-coordinators, we have a new issue open. Time to use 'em labels.
rollybueno commentedon Jun 24, 2025
/assign
github-actions commentedon Jun 24, 2025
Hey @rollybueno, thanks for your interest in this issue! 🍪🍪🍪
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask them in our #docs Slack channel.
Enjoy and happy contributing ❤️
rollybueno commentedon Jun 24, 2025
Limitations of embedding YouTube via shortcode
While both the YouTube Embed block and the
[embed]shortcode allow you to display a YouTube video by simply providing a URL, they are not functionally identical, especially in the context of the block editor.The YouTube Embed block offers additional features such as block-level caption support, media settings, margins option, and custom CSS classes under the Advanced tab. These controls are native to the block interface and provide flexibility without writing custom code.
ALT: YouTube Embed block media settings and Advanced option
ALT: YouTube Embed block dimensions setting
On the other hand, embedding a YouTube URL using [embed]...[/embed] or directly via a Shortcode block results in a basic iframe output. It renders the video, but lacks UI-driven settings and customization available in the Embed block.
ALT: Shortcode block settings
Changelog:
Updated 2025-06-24
- Added shortcode limitation
rollybueno commentedon Jun 24, 2025
Had to test the shortcode vs YouTube embed block in order to get precise info + screenshots
rollybueno commentedon Jun 24, 2025
Ready for /review @zzap
atachibana commentedon Sep 22, 2026
@rollybueno
Thank you. The differences between the Embed block and embed shortcodes are explained very clearly.
One thought, though: this issue was opened for the YouTube Embed block, but I believe the same explanation applies to most other Embed blocks as well.
Rather than adding this information only to the YouTube Embed block article, would it make sense to add a more general section such as "Embed Blocks vs. Embed Shortcodes" to a Embeds page:
https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/embeds/