Videos configured to autoplay in the ArcGIS StoryMaps immersive blocks play without audio

Description

In ArcGIS StoryMaps, videos uploaded directly to immersive blocks, such as map tour or sidecar, and configured to autoplay, play correctly, but the audio is muted during playback.

Cause

This is by design. Videos uploaded to a story through immersive builders autoplay without audio by default to prevent unexpected sounds from disrupting the narrative of the story. Additionally, most web browsers suppress audio during autoplay to ensure a smooth viewing experience.

Solution or Workaround

Refer to any of the following workarounds to solve the issue.

Host the video externally and add the video using the embed block

This workaround requires the intended media to be hosted externally and referenced in an embed block using the iframe HTML code. The tags require specific edits to enable autoplay and audio.

1. Open the story on the story map's edit page.
2. Add the video to the immersive block. In this example, the video is embedded in a sidecar block.
1. On the sidecar block media panel, click Add and click Embed.
2. Copy the embed URL from the video.
3. In the Embed window, paste the copied embed URL.

Note:
Include both autoplay and encrypted-media in the allow attribute to enable playback with sound and autoplay.

The following shows the complete iframe structure used in this example.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="Third-party embed URL?autoplay=1" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

4. Click Add.

Enable the 'Autoplay with control' playback option for the uploaded video

This workaround keeps the autoplay enabled, but manual unmuting is required for the audio.

1. Open the story with the uploaded video on the story map's edit page.
2. Configure the playback setting for the uploaded video. In this example, the video is uploaded to a sidecar block.
   1. On the sidecar block slide panel, select the slide with the video if necessary.
   2. On the sidecar media panel, click Options .
   3. In the Video options window, click the Playback tab.
   4. On the Playback tab, select Autoplay with controls.
   5. Click Save.

The audio button is displayed on the bottom right side of the video playback, allowing users to manually enable sound.