MC1088730 – (Updated) Autoplay videos in Engage (Muted) (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft Viva, Teams

Platform:

Online, Teams And Surface Devices, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

494686

Details:

Summary:
Videos in Engage will autoplay on mute with captions enabled by default starting late July 2025. Users can enable sound with a click. This update aims to improve content discoverability and engagement. Admins can manage this feature in the Engage admin settings. No action is required unless disabling autoplay.

Details:
Updated July 18, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
To enhance the viewing experience in Engage, videos in the feed will now autoplay on mute with captions enabled by default. Users can enable sound with a single click, making video content more accessible and engaging.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 494686
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out on late July 2025 (previously early July) and expect to complete by late August 2025 (previously mid-July).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-06-06

updated:
2025-07-19

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Autoplay Videos on Mute
Users may find the autoplay feature distracting if they are not prepared for videos to start playing as they scroll, potentially leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Content Creators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=494686

Increased Data Usage
Autoplaying videos may lead to increased data consumption, which could be problematic for users with limited bandwidth or data caps, affecting their overall experience.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=494686

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're walking through a museum, and as you pass by each exhibit, a video starts playing silently, with subtitles appearing on the screen. If something catches your interest, you can choose to put on headphones to hear the audio. This is similar to the new feature in Microsoft Engage, where videos will now autoplay on mute with captions enabled by default. This change is designed to make it easier for users to discover and engage with content without being disruptive.

Just like in the museum, where you can choose to listen to the audio if you're interested, users can enable sound on the videos with a simple click. This approach helps in maintaining a quiet environment while still allowing for interaction and engagement when desired.

For those managing the museum, or in this case, the IT admins, there's an option to control whether this feature is on or off for the entire organization. This is done through the Engage admin settings, much like how a museum curator might decide which exhibits should have interactive elements.

No immediate action is required unless there's a preference to turn off the autoplay feature. If that's the case, it can be easily managed in the admin center. This update is part of Microsoft's efforts to enhance user experience by making content more accessible and engaging, much like how museums aim to create a more interactive and informative experience for visitors.