Block Video Uploads

Prevent users from uploading video files to your media library. Save storage space, reduce bandwidth usage, and enforce policies that require videos be hosted externally.

Use Cases#

• Prevent large video uploads on shared hosting with limited storage or bandwidth
• Force content creators to use YouTube, Vimeo, or other video platforms
• Protect site performance by avoiding self-hosted video playback

How It Works#

When a user tries to upload a video file:

1. The file extension and mime type are checked
2. If it’s a video format, upload is blocked
3. User sees your custom error message
4. Non-video files upload normally

Where to Find It#

Configure in Switchboard → Media → Block Video Uploads. The settings panel lets you control who is blocked and what message they see.

Settings#

Block Administrators Too#

This setting only applies when no specific roles are selected below.

Block for These Roles#

Select specific user roles to block. When roles are selected:

• Only selected roles are blocked — everyone else can upload videos
• The “Block administrators too” checkbox is ignored
• You can select Administrator to include admins in the block

Leave this empty to use the checkbox behavior instead.

Error Message#

Customize the message users see when their upload is blocked.

Default: “Video uploads are not allowed.”

Consider something helpful like:

• “Please upload videos to YouTube and embed them in your content.”
• “Video uploads are disabled. Contact your administrator for help.”

Blocked Video Formats#

The following formats are blocked:

Both file extension and mime type are checked for security.

Best Practices#

Why Block Video Uploads?#

Alternative: Embed Videos#

Instead of uploading videos, users can:

1. Upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or similar platforms
2. Copy the video URL or embed code
3. Paste directly into WordPress content (auto-embed)
4. Or use a video block with the embed URL

Role-Based Examples#

Block Everyone Except Admins#

1. Leave “Block for These Roles” empty
2. Uncheck “Block administrators too”

Result: Only administrators can upload videos.

Block Only Editors and Authors#

1. Select “Editor” and “Author” in the role selector
2. Leave Administrator unselected

Result: Editors and Authors are blocked; Admins and other roles can upload.

Block Absolutely Everyone#

1. Check “Block administrators too”
2. Or select Administrator in the role selector

Result: No one can upload videos, period.

FAQ#