Replacing Video URL Metafields with Video File Metafields

Introduction

If you have been using Woolman themes for a while, you may have a workflow where you paste a Shopify File URL into a "Single line text" metafield to show videos on your product or collection pages.

Following the 8.0.0 update, this method has been retired in favor of Shopify’s native Video metafield. If your videos have stopped appearing, or you are setting up a new store, it is time to switch. The good news? You don't need to re-upload anything. You simply need to point your products to the files already in your library using a different "data container."

Why the change?

The old method treated your video as a simple "link." The new method treats it as Media. This allows the theme to:

  • Stream intelligently: Shopify serves smaller file sizes to mobile users automatically (HLS streaming).

  • Load faster: Native videos include "poster" images (preview frames) that load instantly.

  • Stay organized: You pick files from your library instead of hunting for URLs.

  • Simplified LIQUID logic when the media object is available.

Step 1: Create the "Video" Metafield

First, you need a new place for your products to store this media.

  1. Go to Settings → Metafields and Metaobjects → Products.

  2. Click Add definition.

  3. Name: Give it a clear name like Product Video (Native).

  4. Namespace and key: Ensure this is unique (e.g., custom.product_video_native).

  5. Select type: Click Media, then select Video.

  6. Ensure "One value" is selected and click Save.


Step 2: Re-link your existing files

Since your videos are already in Content → Files, you don't need to upload them again. You just need to "attach" them to the product.

  1. Open a Product in your Shopify admin.

  2. Scroll to the Metafields section at the bottom.

  3. Locate your new Video metafield and click Select video.

  4. A window will pop up showing your Shopify library. Search for your video by filename or scroll to find it.

  5. Select the video and click Done.

  6. Save the product.

    Tip: This can also be done in the bulk view by selecting multiple products on the products page in Shopify admin. 


Note: You no longer need the URL in the old "Single line text" field. Once you’ve moved a product to the new system, you can eventually delete the old text data to keep your admin clean.

Step 3: Update the Theme Editor

The last step is to tell the theme to look at the new metafield instead of the old text field.

  1. Go to Online Store → Themes → Customize.

  2. Navigate to a product page that you just updated.

  3. Click on the Video section or block in the sidebar.

  4. In the settings where you previously might have seen a "URL" box, click the Connect dynamic source icon (the small "database" icon).

  5. Select your new Product Video metafield.

  6. Click Save.


Summary of the switch

Old Way (Deprecated) New Way (8.0.0+)
Metafield Type: Single line text Metafield Type: Media (Video)
Input: Copied URL (e.g. .mp4) Input: Selected file from Library
Result: Basic video player Result: Fast, adaptive HLS streaming