How to Create a Video Gallery in WordPress (Step by Step)

Photo by Kina on Unsplash

Why Create a Video Gallery?

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s quickly chat about why a video gallery is a game-changer:

• Enhanced User Experience: A well-organized gallery makes it easier for visitors to browse and enjoy your content.
• Professional Appearance: It adds a polished look to your site, showing that you mean business.
• Improved Engagement: Videos are more engaging than text or images alone, keeping visitors on your site longer.

Why Essential Grid is the Bee’s Knees

There are plenty of plugins out there, but Essential Grid stands out like a flamingo in a flock of pigeons. Here’s why:

• Versatility: Supports various video sources like YouTube, Vimeo, and self-hosted videos.
• Customization: Offers a plethora of styling options to match your brand.
• Responsiveness: Looks fabulous on all devices—because who doesn’t love a mobile-friendly site?
• Ease of Use: You don’t need to be a tech wizard to use it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Video Gallery with Essential Grid

Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get down to business!

Step 1: Install and Activate Essential Grid

First things first, you’ll need to get your hands on the Essential Grid plugin.

1. Purchase Essential Grid: Visit the Essential Grid website and purchase the plugin.
2. Install the Plugin:
   • In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
   • Click on Upload Plugin.
   • Choose the Essential Grid ZIP file you downloaded.
   • Click Install Now and then Activate the plugin.

Step 2: Access Essential Grid Settings

Once activated, you’ll see an Essential Grid option in your dashboard menu.

• Click on Essential Grid to access the plugin settings and start creating your gallery.

Step 3: Create a New Grid

Time to create that snazzy new gallery!

1. Click on Create New Grid.
2. Name Your Grid: Give it a memorable name like “Awesome Video Gallery” (or something less cheesy).
3. Set Grid Settings:
   • Source Type: Choose Video.
   • Media Source: Select where your videos are hosted—YouTube, Vimeo, or self-hosted.

Step 4: Configure Video Sources

Depending on where your videos are hosted, follow these steps:

For YouTube or Vimeo Videos

1. API Keys:
   • For YouTube, you’ll need a YouTube API Key.
   • For Vimeo, generate an Access Token.
2. Enter API Credentials in Essential Grid settings.
3. Select Videos:
   • Choose to display videos from a channel, playlist, or specific video IDs.

For Self-Hosted Videos

1. Upload your videos to the WordPress Media Library.
2. Essential Grid will automatically detect and use these videos.

Step 5: Design Your Grid Layout

This is where the fun begins!

1. Layout Settings:
   • Choose between Even, Masonry, or Cobbles layouts.
   • Set the number of columns and rows.
2. Skin Selection:
   • Go to the Skins tab.
   • Choose a pre-designed skin or create your own using the Skin Editor.
3. Customize Skins:
   • Modify fonts, colors, and animations to match your site’s theme.

Step 6: Configure Grid Elements

Make your gallery user-friendly and fabulous.

1. Navigation Options:
   • Enable pagination, filters, or sorting options.
2. Lightbox Settings:
   • Allow videos to open in a lightbox for a sleek viewing experience.
3. Animation and Effects:
   • Add hover effects or loading animations for extra pizzazz.

Step 7: Optimize for Mobile Devices

Ensure your gallery looks stunning on all screens.

• Use the Responsive Settings to adjust how your gallery appears on tablets and smartphones.
• Preview the mobile layout directly within Essential Grid.

Step 8: Save and Embed Your Gallery

Almost there! Now, let’s get your video gallery onto your website. There are two simple ways to embed your Essential Grid gallery: using a shortcode or the Gutenberg block editor.

Option 1: Using Shortcode

1. Save Your Grid: Click the Save button to finalize your grid settings.
2. Copy Shortcode:
   • After saving, you’ll see a shortcode displayed, such as .
   • Copy this shortcode to your clipboard.
3. Embed in a Page or Post:
   • Classic Editor Users:
     • Navigate to the page or post where you want the gallery to appear.
     • Paste the shortcode directly into the editor where you want the gallery to display.
   • Gutenberg Editor Users:
     • Open the page or post in the Gutenberg editor.
     • Click the + icon to add a new block.
     • Search for the Shortcode block and select it.
     • Paste the shortcode into the shortcode block.
4. Publish or Update the page to make your gallery live.

Option 2: Using the Gutenberg Block

Essential Grid integrates seamlessly with the Gutenberg block editor, making it even easier to add your gallery without dealing with shortcodes.

1. Save Your Grid: Ensure you’ve saved all your settings by clicking the Save button.
2. Edit Your Page or Post:
   • Navigate to the page or post where you want to insert the gallery.
   • Open it in the Gutenberg editor.
3. Add Essential Grid Block:
   • Click on the + icon to add a new block.
   • In the block search bar, type “Essential Grid” or scroll down to find it under the Widgets section.
   • Click on the Essential Grid block to add it to your page.
4. Select Your Grid:
   • Within the Essential Grid block, you’ll see a dropdown menu.
   • Select your gallery from the list (e.g., “Awesome Video Gallery”).
5. Adjust Block Settings (Optional):
   • On the right-hand sidebar, you can adjust additional settings specific to the block if needed.
   • This might include alignment, additional CSS classes, etc.
6. Publish or Update the page to make your gallery live.

By using either the shortcode or the Gutenberg block, you can effortlessly embed your video gallery wherever you like on your website. Choose the method that you’re most comfortable with, and enjoy showcasing your videos in a stylish and interactive way!

Step 9: Preview and Test

Always good to double-check your work.

• View the Page: Make sure the gallery displays correctly.
• Test Videos: Play a few videos to ensure they load and play without issues.
• Check Responsiveness: Resize your browser or view on a mobile device.

Why Essential Grid is the Best WordPress Video Gallery

Alright, shameless plug time—but for good reason!

• User-Friendly Interface: Even beginners can create stunning galleries without pulling their hair out.
• Regular Updates: Keeps up with the latest WordPress changes and security practices.
• Excellent Support: Got questions? Their support team is like a superhero squad ready to save the day.

Conclusion

Creating a video gallery in WordPress doesn’t have to be rocket science. With Essential Grid, it’s more like painting by numbers—but the end result looks like a masterpiece! So go ahead, showcase your video content in the best light possible and keep your audience coming back for more.

Happy video gallery building! If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Now, go forth and make the internet a more visually engaging place!