How to Create a Hidden HTML5 Video Element in iOS

Описание: Discover a step-by-step method to create an HTML5 video element that remains hidden in iOS while allowing seamless playback.
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How to Create a Hidden HTML5 Video Element in iOS: A Complete Guide

Creating a video element in HTML5 can often be straightforward; however, when it comes to iOS, there are unique challenges. Many developers face the problem of how to create a video element that stays hidden while ensuring it plays smoothly without having to buffer every time.

The Problem at Hand

When developing web applications that utilize video content, one common request is to preload video files for faster playback. This is particularly beneficial when users want to avoid buffering issues. On iOS devices, a notable challenge arises: when a video element is played, it automatically displays its player in full screen mode.

While it is possible to use the video tag with style="display:hidden" to hide the player, using JavaScript to achieve this often does not work as intended. This raises the question: How do you create a hidden HTML5 video element on iOS?

The Solution Explained

Fortunately, there is a specific approach you can take to make your video element hidden yet functional on iOS. The solution involves a few key attributes and settings that must be correctly applied.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Create the Video Element
Start by creating a new video element using JavaScript.

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Set Playsinline Attributes
iOS requires certain attributes to enable inline playback. For this, you must set two specific attributes: playsinline and webkit-playsinline. The latter cannot be set with a simple assignment because it contains a hyphen (-). Instead, use setAttribute.

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Handle Metadata Load
You also need a way to know when the video is ready to play. Utilize the onloadedmetadata event for that purpose.

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Set Video Source
Finally, set the source of the video before returning the element.

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Full Function Code

Here’s the complete code for your JavaScript function to create a hidden video element:

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Conclusion

Creating a hidden HTML5 video element on iOS requires understanding specific attributes to bypass the default fullscreen display. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your video will preload and be ready for playback without the need for buffering.

Remember, using webkit-playsinline in conjunction with playsinline is crucial for achieving the desired effect. Happy coding, and enjoy delivering a seamless video experience to your users!