Plyr
Plyr supports HTML5, YouTube, and Vimeo playback; its maintainers now direct visitors to Video.js.
About Plyr
Plyr is an open-source media player library for the web that plays HTML5 video and audio, YouTube, and Vimeo content. It is written in vanilla ES6 JavaScript with no jQuery dependency, and it offers a standardized JavaScript API and event model across the different media formats. Other capabilities include VTT caption and screen reader support, streaming playback through hls.js, Shaka, and dash.js, customizable markup styled with Sass, responsive layouts, keyboard shortcuts, picture-in-picture, playback speed controls, internationalization of controls, and preview thumbnails.
The project is deprecated. Its maintainers, along with those behind Vidstack and Media Chrome, have moved development to Video.js 10, and Plyr now receives security updates only. New projects are directed to Video.js 10, and migration guides are available, including a separate guide for React users. Pricing information is not stated in the source.
Key features
- Plays HTML5 video and audio, YouTube, and Vimeo content
- VTT captions and screen reader support
- Streaming playback via hls.js, Shaka, and dash.js
- Standardized API and events across all supported formats
- Customizable markup and Sass-based styling
- Keyboard shortcuts, picture-in-picture, speed controls, i18n, preview thumbnails
Best for: Developers maintaining existing Plyr integrations that need security updates, while new projects are pointed to Video.js 10.
Good for
- Accessible player with full VTT caption and screen reader support
- No framework required; written in vanilla ES6 JavaScript without jQuery
- Events and API calls are standardized across HTML5, YouTube, and Vimeo
Watch out for
- Deprecated and receives security updates only
- New projects are directed to Video.js 10 instead
- Further feature development has moved to Video.js
Plyr at a glance
- Website
- github.com/sampotts/plyr
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Media Players & Servers
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Media Players & Servers
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Plyr FAQ
Is Plyr still maintained?
Plyr is deprecated and receives security updates only. The maintainers recommend Video.js 10 for new projects.
What should I use instead of Plyr?
The project points to Video.js 10, built jointly by the teams behind Plyr, Vidstack, and Media Chrome. Migration guides, including one for React, are provided.
Does Plyr require a JavaScript framework?
No. It is written in vanilla ES6 JavaScript and does not require jQuery.
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