Jump to section: JW Players | AddOns | Plugins | Skins | Modules | AdSolution | Bits on the Run | Licensing
What are the different media players that you offer?
We offer the JW Player for Flash, the JW Player for Silverlight, the JW Image Rotator and the JW Desktop Player.
What content does the JW Player for Flash support?
The JW Player for Flash supports playback of any media content format supported by the Adobe Flash Player. So, that means FLV, H.264/MPEG-4, MP3, AAC, JPG, PNG and GIF files, as well as XML playlists, all work with the JW Player. HTTP and RTMP streaming are supported, too.
How do I install the JW Player?
Technically speaking, you do not install the player so much as upload files to your website and embed the player into the page's HTML code. That aside, it's a simple two-step process, which you can find in more detail in our Installation Instructions.
How do I set up and configure the JW Player?
Use our Setup Wizard; make it easy on yourself. The wizard will render the necessary code and allow you customize the JW Player to fit your needs.
Can I customize the JW Player?
Yes. The JW Player has an API (Application Programming Interface) for use with JavaScript and ActionScript, in addition to support for plugins. Examples of plugin features include captions, sharing, recommendations, searching, analytics and ad serving. You can also change the look of the player with skins. If you don't see a skin or plugin you like, why not build your own?
Which Content Management Systems (CMS) work well with the JW Player?
Any content management system will work with the JW Player. There are, however, a handful of CMSs that remain more popular with our users than others. You can find them here.
How do I remove the link back to you that shows up in the right-click menu options of the player?
Send us your player's license number, and we'll provide you with instructions for removing the link. Please note that only license holders may remove that link.
Where can I find technical support for the JW Player?
Most answers to technical questions can be found in the documentation located in our Support section. If not there, try searching or posting to our forum. Should that fail, then please submit your question to us; we'll do our best to send a speedy response.
Can I embed the JW Player in an Adobe Flex application?
Officially, the JW Player does not, for any version, support Flex application embedding.
With that said, there are ways around this. One charitable user has posted this helpful guide for embedding the latest JW Player into Flex.
What variables (FlashVars) do the JW Player for Flash support?
The list of supported FlashVars has grown with the release of the JW Player 5. See the complete list here.
Where can I find source code for the JW Player?
The source code for the JW Player for Flash is here. The source code for the JW Player for Silverlight player is here. And the source code for the Image Rotator is here. Click on the Zip archive at the bottom of the page to download.
I found a bug in the JW Player. Where can I report it?
Please post your findings in the Bug Reports section of the forum. We thank you.
I have an idea for a new JW Player feature. Where can I share my idea?
Head over to the Feature Suggestions section of the forum, where you can post your suggestion.
Where can I find an earlier version of the JW Player?
We highly recommend using the latest version of the JW Player. Doing so will avail you to the latest AddOns and keep you updated to the most recent improvements.
If you really need an earlier version, here's a complete list of all the previous JW Players for download.
How do I uninstall the JW Desktop Player?
To uninstall the JW Desktop Player from your system, use the Add/Remove Programs utility in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel.
What is an AddOn?
An AddOn is anything that extends the capability or look of the JW Media Player. There are three types of AddOns: plugins, modules and skins. Browse the catalog to get a better sense of their uses.
I found a bug in an AddOn. Where should I report it?
Please report the bug in the Bug Reports section of our forum. If the AddOn was developed by a third party, we will notify the developer. For AddOns developed by LongTail, we will take a look and report our fixes directly in the forum thread in which the bug was reported.
I'm having an urgent problem with an AddOn that LongTail needs to address immediately. What should I do?
Contact us, and be as detailed as possible in your description, so we can deal with the problem right away.
What is a plugin?
A JW Player Plugin is an ActionScript-based bit of software that builds increased functionality into the JW Player. Examples include video analytics support, social media integration, sharing and embedding. Browse our Plugins Library.
Which version of the JW Player do I need to use plugins?
If you have the JW Player 4.2 or higher, you will be able to use plugins.How do I use plugins?
Using a plugin is as simple as adding a bit of code to the JW Player's HTML code. For a much closer look at how to implement plugins, refer to our Using Plugins Guide.
Are plugins free to use?
Many of the plugins are free; however, the decision to charge is up to the plugin's developer. With some of the free plugins, you might see a "Donate to Developer" option. Donations help fund the AddOn library, which leads to more plugins and a better JW Player.
Can I use multiple plugins simultaneously?
Absolutely. Add the names of all the plugins you want to use to the JW Player's HTML code, making sure to separate the plugins with commas. Consult the Using Plugins Guide for help.
I want to build a plugin. How do I do start? And once I'm finished, where do I submit it?
A good place to begin is with our Plugin Developers' Resources Guide. This will provide a helpful overview. When you're ready for the details, check out Building JW Player Plugins and our tutorial demonstrating the creation of a simple plugin, YouSearch. Then, once you've built your plugin, you can submit it to the AddOns Library.
Does LongTail own the plugin after I submit it?
LongTail only hosts the plugins; you retain the intellectual property.
Where are plugins hosted?
JW Plugins are hosted on LongTail's servers. This single-repository architecture, which updates plugins automatically, ensures fast and reliable performance: plugins are loaded quickly, bugs fixed promptly.
I have an idea for a plugin. Can someone build it for me?
As much as we'd like to, we don't do any custom work. A great idea is a great idea, though, so feel free to make a suggestion in the forum. You may stir up interest and hear from a developer willing to build it.
What is a skin?
A JW Skin alters the look of the JW Player. Skins are available for the JW Player 4 and 5. Check out our growing Skins Library.
How do I use Skins?
To add a skin, you will need to make a reference to the skin directly in the JW Player HTML code. Instructions can be found in our Using Skins Guide.
How do I create a Skin?
For JW Player 5, skins are easily created from images using XML files. The Skinning the JW Player 5 Document has a good overview.
For JW Player 4, skins are created in Adobe CS3 or CS4 as SWF files.
Where do I submit a skin once I've created it?
Submit it to our AddOns Library.
What is a Module?
A JW Player Module is a package that allows you to embed the player in a third-party platform by serving as a bridge between the player and, for instance, a CMS or application. Through modules, the JW Player is integrated into popular platforms like Drupal, Joomla or WordPress.
I have a module for the JW Player. How can I get it listed?
Submit your module. Once we've reviewed and accepted it, we will post it in the Modules section of the AddOns Library.
How do I sign up for the AdSolution?
Get an account through the AdSolution signup page.
What types of ads do you support?
We support pre-roll (before the video), overlay (text during the video) and post-roll (after the video) ads. View our demos to see each type of ad in action.
What advertisers do you use?
We have relationships with many and varied ad networks. That includes premium advertisers like Google's AdSense for Video, ScanScout, and YuMe. We are consistently looking out for and testing new ad networks.
How do I get started with one of your premium advertisers?
We will automatically submit your site for approval to our premium advertisers if your site meets the requirements. Those requirements can be a bit strict. Simply speaking, your site must have high-quality content. In most cases, this involves owning or licensing content. Sites with high traffic volume also qualify, as do those with exceptional original content.
How does LongTail choose which advertisers are displayed?
Sites that qualify for premium advertising will display ads from our network of Premium Advertisers. Otherwise, our system will track the CPM generated by each ad network and optimize accordingly.
How does my site generate revenue with the AdSolution?
We select the best advertisers for your site and pay you based on how well the ads perform.
Is your reporting real-time?
We receive data about clicks and revenue for a particular day from our network of advertisers the following business day. We are unable to report your performance until we collect and check all of the data.
What effective-CPM can I expect to receive?
It's very difficult to predict CPM rates because many variables affect performance: type of content, length of video, user time spent on site, ads per page, for instance, are all taken into account. Try the AdSolution out for a couple weeks, observe your site's performance and see the results for yourself.
How often do you pay?
We pay monthly on a net-30 basis. So, for example, you will be paid for the entire month of November (11/1/2010 - 11/30/2010) by the end of December, which is to say, within 30 days.
How will you pay me?
We pay either by check or by PayPal.
Are there any charges or fees associated with the AdSolution?
No, we do not charge for this service.
I have my own ads. Can I use them?
We have a program called Inventory Share, which you can find in the AdSolution Dashboard. You mostly run ads from your own advertisers, but we reserve a small percentage of your inventory to run ads from our advertisers. You keep all of the revenue earned from your ads; we keep the revenue made from ours.
How do I run my own ads?
Through the AdSolution Dashboard, you can simply copy and paste your affiliate ad tags into the system to run as either a pre-roll or a post-roll.
Can I target my own ads to individual videos or groups of videos?
Yes. You can set up channels within the AdSolution Dashboard and target your own ads within each channel.
Why don't you display the number of clicks and amount of revenue generated for the ads I uploaded? (Re: Inventory Share Program)
We cannot track the ads that we call from your networks. For that data refer back to your advertiser(s).
Is my player compatible with the AdSolution?
The AdSolution works with all JW Players for Flash. We recommend, however, that you use the latest version. In addition, the AdSolution works with Flowplayer.
Does the AdSolution work with custom players?
Yes. If you have a specific question, please contact us. We will try our best to assist you.
Does the AdSolution work with the JW Player's built-in playlist?
Not at the moment, but we're working on it.
Is my CMS compatible with the AdSolution?
The AdSolution is compatible with any CMS. For instance, PHPmotion, Drupal, Joomla, WordPress will all work with the AdSolution If you're not sure, contact us.
Is the AdSolution compatible with SWF Object, SWF Object 2.0, and SWF Object 2.2?
Yes.
Does the AdSolution work when others embed my player on their sites?
Yes, but the embedded player must follow the same rules as described in the AdSolution Dashboard. Contact us if you need help.
Do you run ads in languages other than English?
Yes, we geo-target our ads so that your viewers will see ads in their native language whenever possible.
Do you have an affiliate program?
We do offer a referral program. Read all about it on the Account tab of the AdSolution Dashboard.
I need technical help with the AdSolution. Where should I go?
Check the AdSolution Section of the forum. If you still can't find an answer, email us and we'll get back to you within two business days.
The AdSolution isn't exactly what I'm looking for. Do you have other advertising options?
Yes. We also work with, among others, DoubleClick, ScanScout, YuMe, and different self-serve solutions. To discuss, please contact sales.
What is Bits on the Run?
Bits on the Run is a free and easy to use online video platform for video streaming, hosting and transcoding. It allows you to upload and host your entire video library, integrates with the JW Player, and supports LongTail Video's AdSolution.
What are some of the key features of Bits on the Run?
How do I sign up for Bits on the Run?
Signing up for Bits on the Run is a snap. All you need is an email address. Sign up here.
Can I use Bits on the Run for Free?
Yes, you use Bits on the Run for free by signing up for a Free Account here!
What is the Pay-As-You-Go Model?
The Pay-As-You-Go model is for the Bits on the Run Pro users, as allows for flexibility and growth over time. There are no setup costs — you simply pay for what you use.
What payments methods does Bits on the Run accept?
We accept Credit Cards for US Dollar orders, PayPal, and Google Checkout. These methods allow for secure payments by bank or by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover). We also support manual bank transfers, by issuing an invoice after checkout. Contact our sales team for more information.
Can I manage multiple accounts?
Yes, it is possible to manage multiple accounts in Bits on the Run. What you need is a Reseller account. This option is useful if you are looking to manage multiple clients and their respective videos. If you are interested in a Reseller account, please contact us.
Where can I find documentation for Bits on the Run?
We have dedicated pages and detailed documentation for Bits on the Run on our website. You can find it all here. If your questions aren't answers by our docs, then check our support forums.
Where can I find technical support for Bits on the Run?
You can find technical support at our support forums or by submitting a technical request here.
Does Bits on the Run have an API for integration into my product or website?
Yes. We have an extensive API that allows you access to all of the key Bits on the Run features. Contact us if you have any questions.
How do I purchase a license?
Please fill out an Order Form to buy a license.
Do I need to purchase a license?
If you plan to use the player non-commercially, then you don't need to buy a license. The player is open source and free for non-commercial use.
If you are planning to use the player for corporate use, or to generate revenue from your site (through ads or e-commerce, for instance), then you are required to buy a license.
We offer the commercial player to non-profits, educational institutions and government organizations at a discounted price. If you are a representative from one of these places and are interested in using the JW Player Pro, please contact us.
If you're not certain whether you require a license, contact us and we'll let you know. As a general rule: if you need to ask, then you probably need to buy a license.
What are some reasons for buying a commercial license?
Without a license LongTail Video must be credited in the JW Player. This credit appears in two places: 1.) as a watermark in the lower left-hand corner of the player, above the ControlBar, and 2.) as an attribution in the right-click menu of the player.
Commercial license holders, on the other hand, may remove both the watermark and the attribution from their players. Additionally, owning a license frees you from having to share any modifications you make to the player.
How much are licenses?
Prices vary, depending on the number of sites on which you are planning to install the JW Player. Go to our order page to see the different license packages.
What payment methods do you accept for licenses?
You can pay for your license with PayPal, by credit card or by bank transfer.
I'm interested in a custom enterprise license with fewer restrictions. Who do I contact?
Please contact us with your requirements so that we may assist you.
I purchased a license, but I didn't receive anything. What now?
It's likely that your order didn't process correctly. Please contact us immediately. We'll email you your license within two business days.
I accidentally submitted my license order twice. What should I do?
Don't worry. Simply notify us and we'll cancel the duplicate order.
I changed my mind about my order. How do I cancel it?
Contact us to request a refund. We'll take care of it.
How do I go about becoming a JW Player license reseller?
Contact us and we'll get you started. In the meantime, please read more about our Reseller Program
I have a license for the JW Player 4. Does it cover the JW Player 5?
No. The license for JW Player 4 pertains only to that version—the JW Player 5 has its own license. If you are currently using version 4 and would like to upgrade to version 5, we offer an inexpensive upgrade. Request an upgrade. All we need from you is your player license number.
I have an older license for the JW Player (v. 3.x or earlier). What does it cover?
As the terms of older licenses vary greatly, you should contact us, and we will respond with the relevant information. Please remember to include your license number.
I just bought a license for the most recent JW Player. What does it cover?
It covers the following 4 products: The JW Player 5 for Flash, the JW Player 4 for Flash, the JW Player for Silverlight and the JW Image Rotator.
I want to use both the JW Player for Flash and the JW Player for Silverlight on the same site. Do I need to buy a license for each?
Not at all. A single license entitles you to the use of both players, and the Image Rotator, on one site.
Can I transfer my license to someone else?
No. Licenses are non-transferrable.
I have a question about licenses and can't find an answer on the site. What should I do?
