Multimedia content makes a story more visually engaging and extends the impact of narrative text. There are three basic media content blocks: image, video, and embed.
Note:
If you are using ArcGIS StoryMaps in an ArcGIS Enterprise environment that is not connected to the internet, linked media and embeds will not be available.
Add images and videos
Images and videos can be added to the story from a local file or a web link. These media can be added in the story cover, the body of a story, and immersive content blocks. Streaming video platforms, such as YouTube and Vimeo, are supported, but linked media cannot be added to the story cover or the media panels of sidecars and slideshows. For more information about the file types and sizes that can be used, see What media file types and sizes are supported in ArcGIS StoryMaps?
Use the following steps to add an image or video:
- Click the open button
to open the block palette. - Select Image or Video.
- Upload or link to an image or video file.
- To upload an image or video file from your computer, drag a file to the Upload tab or click the Browse your files button to browse your files.
- To link to an image or video on the web, go to the Link tab and enter the media link.
Note:
Linked images and videos cannot be added to the story cover or immersive media panels.
The image or video is added to the story.
Note:
You can change the size and placement of media in the story with the editing toolbar, which displays when you hover over media. Depending on its original size, you can choose to resize the media to be small, medium, or large. Medium images must be at least 1,201 pixels wide, and large images must be at least 2,001 pixels wide. The float option offsets the media to the side and allows text wrapping around it.
Add embeds and cards
Add web apps, online dashboards, social media posts, and other online content to your story with embeds and cards. Embeds are windows that contain live web content. Cards are nicely formatted links that open online content in a new browser tab.
Note:
In addition to embeds and cards, you can also link to external online content by adding a button or a hyperlink in your story narrative. For more information, see Add narrative text.
Use the following steps to add online content:
- Click the open button to open the block palette.
- Select Embed.
- Enter a link to the online content and click Save.
The online content is added to the story.
Note:
When embedding content in a story, it is best to use a web page or app on a public website that does not require a login. Content on a private network or content that is protected by a login may work under certain conditions. For example, web pages on a private network will only work when the reader is connected to that network. Websites that require a login may work in some cases as a live embed, but the story builder will not be able to fetch card details from these sites. Additionally, many websites and apps that require a login restrict embedding as an added security precaution.
Change formatting
You can add a wide variety of online content to a story. When you embed online content, the story builder inspects the content and attempts to show it in a reader-friendly format. Typically, the content will be added as a card, since cards are a reliably reader-friendly format. Some types of online content are added directly as an inline embeds. The formatting of embedded online content can be changed to best fit the content and your story.
Use the following steps to change between inline embeds and card formatting:
- Hover the pointer over the card or inline embed to open the embed editing toolbar.
- On the embed editing toolbar, select the option to display content as an interactive embed or as a card.
The embed formatting is changed.
Note:
On mobile devices, all embedded online content is displayed as cards.
Add alternative text
Adding alternative text is recommended for all images and videos to provide support for search engines and readers using assistive technologies.
Use the following steps to add alternative text to media:
- Hover the pointer over the media to open the editing toolbar.
- On the editing toolbar, click the Properties button.
- Enter alternative text that describes the media and click Save.
The alternative text is added to the picture or video.