Multi-Lang Video Switcher

Display a single video block with multiple language versions and optional pre-play language selection overlay.

Description

Multi-Lang Video allows you to display one video player that supports multiple language versions of the same content.

Each language version is assigned its own video file. Visitors can:

• Select their preferred language before playback (optional overlay)
• Switch languages while watching
• Automatically load a default language
• Use captions if provided
• Have their selected language remembered in the browser

The plugin provides:

• A Gutenberg block
• A shortcode for Classic Editor or templates
• Seamless front-end language switching
• Caption (.vtt) support per language

This plugin does NOT replace WordPress media handling. It extends it by allowing structured multi-language playback within a single player instance.

Perfect for:

• Product videos with voice-over variations
• Training and onboarding material
• International landing pages
• Multi-language promotional campaigns
• Accessibility-focused content delivery

Features

• Gutenberg block: "Multi-Lang Video"
• Multiple video files per language
• Optional pre-play language selection overlay
• Button or dropdown language selector
• Caption (.vtt) support per language
• Remembers selected language via localStorage
• Seamless source switching without page reload
• Responsive layout
• Supports MP4, WebM, OGV, and HLS (.m3u8)
• Shortcode fallback for Classic Editor
• Multiple instances supported per page
• No external dependencies required

Installation

1. Upload the plugin folder to:

/wp-content/plugins/multilang-video/

2. Activate the plugin through the Plugins menu in WordPress.

3. Open the block editor and add the Multi-Lang Video block.

No additional configuration required.

Usage

Block Usage

1. Open a page or post in the WordPress block editor
2. Click Add Block
3. Search for PP Multi-Lang Video
4. Insert the block
5. Click Add Language for each language version

For each language item:

• Enter a Language Key (e.g. en, pl, de)
• Enter a Label (display name shown to visitors)
• Select or paste a Video File URL
• Optionally add a Caption (.vtt) file

Then configure optional settings in the block sidebar:

• Default Language
• Require language selection before playback
• UI style (Buttons or Dropdown)
• Poster image
• Controls on/off
• Muted on load
• Preload behavior
• Width / Height (CSS values)

Click Publish or Update.

Shortcode Usage

You can also use the shortcode:

[pp_multilang_video
languages="en:https://example.com/video-en.mp4|pl:https://example.com/video-pl.mp4
"
labels="en:English|pl:Polski"
captions="en:https://example.com/en.vtt|pl:https://example.com/pl.vtt
"
poster="https://example.com/poster.jpg
"
default="en"
ui="buttons"
require_select="1"
controls="1"
muted="0"
preload="metadata"
width="100%"
]

Block Options

items

Array of language entries containing:

• lang (language key)
• label (display name)
• src (video file URL)
• captions (optional .vtt file URL)

default

Sets which language loads automatically when overlay is disabled.

require_select

If enabled:

• Displays a pre-play overlay
• Prevents video loading until language is chosen

ui

Selector style:

• buttons (default)
• dropdown

controls

Enable or disable native video controls.

muted

Start playback muted if enabled.

preload

Controls browser loading behavior:

• metadata (default)
• auto
• none

poster

Optional poster image shown before playback.

width / height

Accepts any valid CSS value:

• 100%
• 960px
• min(100%, 960px)
• 50vw

Height is optional and typically not required for responsive layouts.

Front-End Behavior

Overlay Mode:

• Displays a language selection overlay
• Loads selected video on click
• Stores selection in localStorage

Standard Mode:

• Loads default language automatically
• Users can switch languages anytime
• Playback position is preserved when switching

Caption Support:

• If .vtt files are provided, tracks are dynamically injected
• Caption track updates when language changes

Multiple blocks per page are fully supported.

Requirements

• WordPress 6.5 or newer
• PHP 7.4+
• Modern browser with HTML5 video support

Optional:

• HLS stream support (.m3u8) if using streaming sources

FAQ

Does this replace WordPress video embeds?

No. It extends standard video handling by adding structured language switching.

Can I use videos hosted on a CDN?

Yes. Absolute URLs are recommended.

Can I use multiple video blocks on one page?

Yes. Each instance is isolated and handled independently.

Does it work with caching plugins?

Yes. Inline configuration injection ensures proper initialization even with deferred scripts.

Does it support captions?

Yes. Provide .vtt files per language.

What happens if no default language is set?

The first language item added will be used automatically.

Changelog

1.2.3

• Reliable inline data injection for initialization
• Improved overlay behavior
• Stability improvements
• Multiple instance handling refinements

1.2.2

• Script loading order fix
• Improved compatibility with themes lacking wp_footer()

1.2.1

• Correct Gutenberg block registration
• Editor script handle fix

1.2.0

• Added pre-play language selection overlay
• Improved UI switching logic

1.0.0

• Initial release

Upgrade Notice

1.2.3

Recommended upgrade. Improves initialization reliability and multi-instance stability.

License

This plugin is licensed under the GPL v3 or later.