Working with Video URL Parameters

Cinema8 allows you to customize the behavior of your interactive videos by appending URL parameters. These parameters help you control playback, subtitles, user data, and much more.

You can also use URL parameters in embedded iframes and update them dynamically using the Cinema8 JavaScript API.

🎬 Example


https://cinema8.com/video/ADQrr9X6?sub=en&t=10&autoplay=1

This URL starts the video at the 10th second and automatically enables English subtitles with autoplay turned on.

Embed Example


<iframe
  style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0;"
  src="https://cinema8.com/video/5J7ArMDN?sub=en&t=10&autoplay=1"
  frameborder="0"
  allow="autoplay; fullscreen; microphone; camera"
  allowfullscreen
></iframe>

Available URL Parameters

Parameter	Description	Default	Notes
`autoplay`	Plays video automatically if set to `1`.	`0`	Values: `0` = false, `1` = true
`sub`	Loads selected subtitle by language code.	`null`	Use subtitle codes from Creative Studio.
`token`	Pass user authentication token for tracking and analytics.	`null`	Learn more in Authentication Tokens.
`externalVideoUrl`	Loads an external video into Cinema8 player.	`null`	Must be a valid video URL.
`controls`	Show/hide player controls.	`1`	Values: `1` = show, `0` = hide
`muted`	Mutes the video by default.	`0`	Values: `1` = muted, `0` = unmuted
`loop`	Enables continuous playback loop.	`0`	Values: `1` = loop, `0` = no loop
`externalUser`	Track anonymous users with metadata fields.	`null`	Use JSON object format (see below).
`t`	Starts video at a specific time (in seconds).	`null`	Must be a valid number within video duration.
`resumeLastPosition`	Resumes playback from where viewer left off (for authenticated users).	`0`	Values: `1` = enable, `0` = disable

🧠 External User Example

Use the externalUser parameter to anonymously track a viewer’s profile for analytics without creating an account:


externalUser: {
  "name": "John",
  "surname": "Doe",
  "email": "john.doe@gmail.com",
  "reference": "111-222-333"
}

This user data will be available in reporting dashboards but will not create a user account.

🔧 Controlling via JavaScript API

You can also change or append URL parameters dynamically with the Cinema8 JavaScript API:


player.setVariable('sub', 'en');
player.setVariable('t', 15);

Use these methods to create dynamic video experiences based on user input or external data.

This feature is ideal for personalization, multilingual playback, and progress tracking — all via just the video URL.