ZW Player Video Embed
ZW Player Video Embed is a professional-grade HTML5 video player WordPress plugin supporting all major video formats and streaming protocols. It provides a complete video publishing workflow with companion online…
Use with caution
ZW Player Video Embed works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. It runs on 10+ sites and was last updated 4 weeks ago, and scores 54/100 on our health check.
- Actively developed — last update 4 weeks ago
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.9 (latest is 7.1)
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & support
Daily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where ZW Player Video Embed stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| dash | #47 |
| hls | #40 |
| HTML5 | >100 |
| live streaming | #86 |
| video player | >100 |
Version adoption
Share of active sites per release.
About ZW Player Video Embed
From the official readme · v3.3.5Description
ZW Player Video Embed is a professional-grade HTML5 video player WordPress plugin supporting all major video formats and streaming protocols. It provides a complete video publishing workflow with companion online editing tools — no coding required.
Perfect for: live streaming, online courses, video portfolios, surveillance feeds, interactive training, and media publishing.
Codec & Protocol Support
Video Codecs: H.264, H.265/HEVC, AV1
Audio Codecs: MP3, Opus
VOD Protocols: HLS, DASH, HTTP-FLV, HTTP-MP4
Live Protocols: HTTP-FLV, WebSocket-FLV, HLS, DASH, TS, WebRTC, RTSP
Player Features
- VR / 360° panoramic video playback with interactive controls
- Multi-audio-track switching with TTS subtitle-to-speech
- Bumper (pre-roll/post-roll) and pause ads
- Playback modes: hover preview for cards, music mode (vinyl/lyrics/spectrum), auto-switching mixed playlists
- Screenshot and video recording
- Segmented loop playback
- Picture-in-picture (PIP) and auto mini player
- Multi-quality switching
- Playback speed control
- Local file playback (no upload needed)
- Volume gain (up to 4x)
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Multi-language UI
Subtitle System
- Multi-track subtitle management with free primary/secondary track assignment
- Supports URL, VTT, SRT, BCC formats and drag-and-drop loading
- Built-in translation panel supporting 13 target languages
- HLS embedded Closed Captions pre-build with full-text search
- Per-track settings for font size, color, outline, position, and background opacity
- Subtitle loop for language learning scenarios
- Subtitle download (SRT export)
- Companion online subtitle editor with AI speech recognition
Chapter Navigation
- Video segment navigation with JSON/VTT format support
- Color-coded progress bar markers
- Built-in search panel with keyword jump
- Companion online chapter editor
Thumbnail Preview
- Progress bar hover preview via sprite sheets
- Companion online thumbnail generator
Logo & Watermark
- Logo / Station Badge: Image logo with configurable position, dock, size, and opacity
- Watermark System: Supports image and text types with three behavior modes:
- Static — fixed position display
- Dynamic / Marquee — moving watermark for anti-screen-recording
- Tile — dense coverage for copyright protection
- Text watermarks support template variables (e.g.,
{user_name},{sys_time}) - Backward compatible with legacy
logoparameter - Companion online watermark editor
Interactive Annotations (ZWMAP Protocol)
- 13 node types: hotspot, text, image, button, choice, quiz, form, vote, card, webview, map, countdown, speed controller
- 3-phase animation system with 18 effects
- Color-coded progress bar visualization
- Event-driven action chains
- Mandatory/no-skip and pause-on-show for educational scenarios
- Session variable system
- Companion online annotation editor with timeline-based visual editing
Playlist
- Multi-level grouping (Group → Item) based on ZWMAP protocol
- Per-item configuration for video URL, poster, subtitles, chapters, thumbnails, annotations, and watermarks
- Auto-save playback progress per item with resume on next visit
- Auto-play next item with configurable behavior
- Favorites and play history with localStorage persistence
- Real-time search with keyword highlighting
- Dual-panel and single-panel adaptive layouts
- “Up Next” preview panel
- Companion online playlist editor
Magnifier & Screen Casting
- Magnifier: Canvas-based circular magnifier with 1.5x–4x zoom levels and
Zhotkey toggle - Screen Casting: Google Cast and AirPlay support via native browser APIs
ZWMAP Data Protocol
ZWMAP/1.0 (ZWPlayer Media Application Protocol) defines a standardized JSON data exchange format for six modules: thumbnails, subtitles, chapters, playlists, annotations, and watermarks. All companion online editors generate ZWMAP-compliant data that can be directly loaded by the player, enabling a seamless “online editor → export data → WordPress publish” zero-code workflow.
WordPress Integration
- Gutenberg Block — Visual editor with advanced settings panels for all features
- Shortcode —
[zwplviem url="video-url" ...]with full attribute support - Classic Editor Button — One-click insert
- Multiple Instances — Support for multiple players on a single page
- JSON Configuration — Advanced setups via JSON attributes
Online Tool Ecosystem
Six companion web-based editors generate ZWMAP-compliant JSON data that can be directly used in Gutenberg blocks or shortcodes:
- Thumbnail Generator
- Chapter Editor
- Subtitle Editor
- Playlist Editor
- Annotation Editor
- Watermark Editor
Framework & Platform Support
- WordPress Plugin: Full support for all v3.3.2 features via shortcode (mode, bumper, pauseAd, lyrics, etc.) and Gutenberg block
- Vue 2 / Vue 3: npm package
zwplayervue3 - React: Native integration via
useRef+useEffecthooks - UMD Module: Compatible with CommonJS, AMD, and browser global imports
External Services & Third-Party Libraries
This plugin includes minified JavaScript libraries for video playback. Below are the sources and licenses for each library:
ZWPlayer Core (zwplayer.js)
This is the main player library developed by ZW Player Team.
Documentation: https://www.zwplayer.com/
License: Proprietary – The minified zwplayer.js is provided for use within this plugin. Source code is not publicly available.
DASH.js (dash.all.min.js)
A JavaScript library for playing DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) content.
Source: https://github.com/Dash-Industry-Forum/dash.js
License: BSD-3-Clause
Version included: 4.x
Note: This library may reference XML schemas (schemas.xmlsoap.org) for MPD manifest parsing. No user data is transmitted to external servers during normal playback.
HLS.js (hls.min.js, hls.light.min.js)
A JavaScript library for playing HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) content in browsers.
Source: https://github.com/video-dev/hls.js
License: Apache-2.0
Version included: 1.x
FLV.js (flv.min.js, flv.live.js)
A JavaScript library for playing FLV (Flash Video) content via HTTP-FLV or WebSocket-FLV streaming.
Source: https://github.com/bilibili/flv.js
License: Apache-2.0
MPEGTS.js (mpeg.min.js)
A JavaScript library for playing MPEG-TS streams.
Source: https://github.com/xqq/mpegts.js
License: Apache-2.0
Build Tools
No build tools are required for this plugin. All JavaScript files are pre-built and included as-is. The libraries above are used directly without additional compilation.
Installation
- Upload to /wp-content/plugins/zw-player-video-embed/
- Activate in WordPress ‘Plugins’ screen
- Use Gutenberg block or shortcode [zwplviem url=”your-video-url”]
Frequently asked questions
What formats are supported?
H.264/H.265/AV1 video, MP3/Opus audio. Protocols: HLS, DASH, FLV, MP4, WebRTC, RTSP.
Can I use it for live streaming?
Yes. Enable “Live Stream” mode or add isLive=”true” to shortcode.
How to add multiple qualities?
Use JSON in URL field: [{“name”:”1080p”,”url”:”hd.mp4″,”default”:true},{“name”:”720p”,”url”:”sd.mp4″}]
Does it support picture-in-picture?
Yes, including auto mini player when scrolling.
How to add subtitles?
Use the subtitles attribute with a JSON array: [zwplviem url="video.mp4" subtitles='[{"url":"https://example.com/en.vtt","name":"English"},{"url":"https://example.com/zh.srt","name":"中文"}]']. You can also use the legacy subtitle1 and subtitle2 attributes for backward compatibility. The player supports VTT, SRT, BCC formats and drag-and-drop loading. Use the online subtitle editor to create subtitle files.
How to configure chapter navigation?
Use the chapters attribute with a JSON URL or inline JSON array: [zwplviem url="video.mp4" chapters="https://example.com/chapters.json"] or [zwplviem url="video.mp4" chapters='[{"title":"Intro","time":0,"duration":30},{"title":"Main","time":30,"duration":120}]']. Use the online chapter editor to create chapter data.
How to add a watermark?
Use the watermarks attribute: [zwplviem url="video.mp4" watermarks='[{"type":"text","text":"{user_name}","behavior":"marquee"}]']. Supports static, dynamic (marquee), and tile modes. Use the online watermark editor for visual editing.
How to use interactive annotations?
Use the annotations attribute with a ZWMAP JSON URL or inline data: [zwplviem url="video.mp4" annotations="https://example.com/annotations.json"]. The annotation system supports 13 node types including hotspot, button, quiz, and form. Use the online annotation editor for timeline-based visual editing.
What is the ZWMAP protocol?
ZWMAP/1.0 (ZWPlayer Media Application Protocol) is a standardized JSON data format used by all six online editing tools. Data exported from any editor can be directly loaded by the player via shortcode attributes, enabling a zero-code workflow.
How to add a logo or station badge?
Use the logo attribute with an image URL or JSON config: [zwplviem url="video.mp4" logo="https://example.com/logo.png"] for simple usage, or [zwplviem url="video.mp4" logo='{"icon":"logo.png","dock":"right","x":"5%","y":"5%","width":"15%","opacity":70}'] for advanced positioning.
How to enable thumbnail preview on the progress bar?
Set useProgressTooltip="true" and provide thumbnail data: [zwplviem url="video.mp4" useProgressTooltip="true" thumbnails="https://example.com/thumbnails.json"]. Use the online thumbnail generator to create sprite sheets and configuration.
Changelog
Maintenance and interaction update: ZWPlayer core v3.3.2 (build 20260911). Fully backward compatible. Recommended for all users.
3.3.5
- Updated: ZWPlayer core library to v3.3.2 build 20260911
3.3.4
- Added: Bumper ads (pre-roll/post-roll) with configurable skip strategies and click-through landing pages
- Added: Pause ads with image/video creatives shown on user pause
- Added: Playback modes — hover preview mode for video cards, and music mode with vinyl cover, synced lyrics, and spectrum visualizer
- Added: Mixed playlists auto-switch between video and music modes by content type
- Added: Cross-video subtitle full-text search across playlist groups with click-to-jump to the exact dialogue position
- Added: Subtitle segment loop and A-B repeat fine-tuning
- Added: DASH embedded subtitle pre-download — search, translation, dual subtitles, and SRT export work out of the box
- Added: Pull-up thumbnail strip on the progress bar for precise frame seeking
- Added: Number key shortcuts (1-9) for percentage seeking and 0 to replay; mouse-wheel volume control
- Updated: Unified player UI redesign — modernized control bar and multi-level settings menu showing current values
- Updated: Mobile adaptation — bottom sheet panels for menus and search, folding control bar group on small screens
- Updated: Chapter and annotation display — divider-gap chapter style, richer hover tooltip, clickable annotation marks
- Updated: Automatic first-frame poster for videos without a configured poster
- Updated: Subtitle free dragging (horizontal and vertical) with adaptive positioning
- Updated: Progress hover time tooltip enabled by default (useProgressTooltip)
- Fixed: Menu display issues on iPad and other tablets, plus various stability and compatibility fixes
- Updated: ZWPlayer core library to v3.3.2
3.3.3
- Added: VR / 360° panoramic video playback with interactive drag/touch/keyboard controls, live view settings panel, and auto-detection of 2:1 panoramic videos
- Added: Multi-audio-track switching with TTS subtitle-to-speech support
- Updated: Streamlined control bar UI with refined time progress, speed controller, and playback indicators
- Updated: ZWPlayer core library to v3.3.1
3.3.2
- Added: ZWMAP/1.0 unified data protocol for standardized JSON data exchange across six modules
- Added: Interactive annotation system with 13 node types (hotspot, text, image, button, choice, quiz, form, vote, card, webview, map, countdown, speed controller)
- Added: 3-phase annotation animation system with 18 effects and event-driven action chains
- Added: Watermark system with static, dynamic (marquee), and tile modes; image/text types with template variables
- Added: Multi-track subtitle management with free primary/secondary track assignment
- Added: Built-in subtitle translation panel supporting 13 target languages
- Added: HLS embedded Closed Captions pre-build with full-text search and export
- Added: Per-track subtitle settings (font size, color, outline, position, background opacity)
- Added: Subtitle loop for language learning scenarios
- Added: Playlist with multi-level grouping (Group → Item), per-item feature configuration
- Added: Playlist auto-save progress, auto-play next, favorites, search, and “Up Next” panel
- Added: Progress bar thumbnail preview via sprite sheets
- Added: Chapter navigation with JSON/VTT formats, color-coded progress markers, and search panel
- Added: Magnifier with 1.5x–4x zoom and Z hotkey toggle
- Added: Screen casting (Google Cast and AirPlay) via native browser APIs
- Added: Six companion online editors (thumbnail, chapter, subtitle, playlist, annotation, watermark)
- Added: New config options (defVolume, hideControlbarTimeout, timeFormat, translateApi, subtitleDownload, iosWebFullscreen)
- Updated: ZWPlayer core library to v3.3.0 with full backward compatibility
- Updated: Enhanced Gutenberg block with advanced settings panels for all new features
3.3.0
- Added: Dual subtitle support (URL, VTT, SRT, BCC formats)
- Added: Chapter navigation with JSON or URL configuration
- Added: Progress bar thumbnail preview
- Added: Logo / station badge with position and opacity control
- Added: Dynamic watermark with marquee and timed display
- Added: Interactive annotations (ZWMAP protocol)
- Added: Enhanced Gutenberg block with advanced settings panel
- Updated: ZWPlayer core library (performance improvements)
- Updated: Player UI styles and icon font
2.0
- Added: H.265/HEVC and AV1 support
- Added: WebRTC and RTSP streaming
- Added: Video recording and segmented playback
- Added: Auto mini player
- Improved: Gutenberg block UI
- Fixed: Text domain issues
For developers
Is this your plugin? Show off the numbers.
Add a live badge to your site, docs or GitHub README. It updates on its own — no account needed.
Best ZW Player Video Embed alternatives
All dash plugins →
FAQ
ZW Player Video Embed: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 8, 2026
Is ZW Player Video Embed free?
Yes. ZW Player Video Embed is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is ZW Player Video Embed safe to use in 2026?
ZW Player Video Embed works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. It runs on 10+ sites and was last updated 4 weeks ago, and scores 54/100 on our health check.
How many websites use ZW Player Video Embed?
ZW Player Video Embed is active on 10+ WordPress websites and has been downloaded 1,277 times since it launched in March 2026. It was downloaded 261 times in the last 30 days.
Does ZW Player Video Embed work with WordPress 7.1?
ZW Player Video Embed is officially tested up to WordPress 6.9.10, while the latest release is 7.1.3. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
What PHP version does ZW Player Video Embed need?
ZW Player Video Embed requires PHP 7.0 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was ZW Player Video Embed last updated?
The latest version, 3.3.5, was released on September 11, 2026 (4 weeks ago).
Who makes ZW Player Video Embed?
ZW Player Video Embed is developed and maintained by zwplayer.
What are the best alternatives to ZW Player Video Embed?
The most popular alternatives to ZW Player Video Embed are WP Dash Message (200+ installs), Dash Effortless Digital Ass… (30+ installs) and Undo WordPress Default Form… (10+ installs).
Powered by PageForge
Want thousands of pages that rank like these? Build them in an afternoon.
This directory runs on the same engine as PageForge. Turn any spreadsheet, CSV or API into thousands of fast, SEO-ready WordPress pages — with schema, internal links and AI-written copy baked in.
- CSV, Google Sheets & API data sources
- AI content, schema & internal links per page
- Works with Elementor, Gutenberg, Yoast & Rank Math
- Free on WordPress.org — no credit card
