How to Create Video Links

Video How to Create a Link advice has gotten complicated with all the outdated tips and platform changes flying around. Here’s what actually works in 2026.

How to Create a Link for Your Video

Need to share a video? Here’s how to get a link no matter where it’s hosted.

YouTube

Click the Share button under any video. Copy the link that pops up. Done.

Want to start at a specific timestamp? Check the “Start at” box before copying. Super useful when you’re referencing a particular moment.

If you need to embed the video on a website, click Share then Embed. Copy that iframe code into your HTML.

Vimeo

Look for the paper airplane icon on any video. Click it, grab the link. Same deal as YouTube basically.

Vimeo gives you more privacy options though. You can password-protect videos or restrict who can embed them.

TikTok and Instagram

Tap the share arrow, then “Copy link.” These links work but keep in mind – your video has to be public or the link won’t work for others.

Instagram’s a bit trickier with Reels. You can share them but embedding on external sites is limited.

Your Own Videos

For videos you’ve shot yourself, you’ve got a few options:

Google Drive or Dropbox: Upload the video, right-click, get shareable link. Make sure permissions are set so others can view.

Upload directly to WordPress: Media library gives you a URL. Just watch your file size – big videos can slow your site down.

YouTube unlisted: Upload as unlisted. Only people with the link can watch. This is my go-to for sharing videos that aren’t meant to be public.

Keep Links Working

Links break when videos get deleted or set to private. If you’re sharing something important, consider hosting it somewhere you control rather than relying on social platforms.

For professional use, dedicated video hosting like Wistia or Vimeo Pro gives you more control and analytics on who’s watching.