If you choose video to help revive your email messages, there are a few formats currently in use that you should consider:

1. Automatic streaming video. This format launches the video as soon as the subject line is clicked; it’s also known as an email message open. This format has its limitations. It only works well with some email clients, and in some cases the video doesn’t begin streaming until the recipient guides their mouse over the email thumbnail. Automatic streaming has the risk of being perceived as too intrusive by recipients.
2. Click-to-play video. Instead of streaming the second they are opened, click-to-play email videos begin playing as soon as the recipient clicks the “play” symbol on the video thumbnail image. One immediate advantage is that recipients maintain control from the beginning of the viewing experience; the video will not start playing until the recipient initiates it. He or she will then be able to advance the video, pause it, adjust the volume or click through to the sender’s site when it’s convenient for them.
3. Attached videos. Attached videos are the least recommended format to use. Many email services have a tendency to block images from rendering in emails, especially messages from first time emailers. Some service providers have even been known to block HTML emails in their entirety, although this practice has tapered off in the last few years; now, such providers simply block all images from rendering until the in-box owner gives permission.

Steve Delgado is the marketing director for Zeop Inc. (www.zeop.com), developer of new video-sharing technology for Web sites and email.