WordPress Video Lessons Manager Plugin (CMVLM) - Vimeo - Vimeo Free vs. Vimeo Premium Accounts (Importing, Embedding)
Importing Private Vimeo Videos
Quick Answer
Even with a free Vimeo account it's possible to import all Vimeo videos (including private videos) to WordPress Video Lessons Manager plugin.
However, the free version has limited embedding options.
Why This Guide?
Vimeo has a series of plans, starting with a free one (called Basic).
Currently, even with a free Vimeo account it's possible to fully utilize Vimeo imports (including private videos) in Video Lessons Manager.
Any Restriction Comes From Vimeo
The integration between Video Lessons and Vimeo depend on what Vimeo provides.
If Vimeo places any restriction, we'll update this article accordingly.
What Are Vimeo Plans?
As of this writing, Vimeo offers.
- Basic (free account)
- Four paid tiers: Plus, Pro, Business and Premium
Some Features Not Included in Vimeo Free
- Ad-free videos (Plus)
- Chapters, video templates, playback speed control (Pro)
- Player call-to-action, custom logos (Business)
- Live streaming (Premium)
Learn more from Vimeo's website.
Questions About Using Vimeo Free
Can I Use Video Lessons With a Free Plan?
Yes.
Can I Still Use Private Videos?
Yes. The free account provides all the relevant options when publishing a video as private.
The screenshot below is from a basic account - the options marked "Upgrade" don't affect the plugin.
Learn more: How Privacy Settings Affect Imported Videos
Are There Any Limitations in Importing?
Virtually none. Currently, the free Vimeo account is restricted to 25 API calls/minute.
The plugin only makes API calls when importing videos, so this restriction should not be important. You can define how often the plugin makes API calls in the cache settings (read below)
New Vimeo Videos Don't Show Up? Check Cache Settings
If you just posted a video on Vimeo and the plugin doesn't find it, it's likely due to cache settings.
Head to CM Video Lesson Manager Pro → Settings.
In the Cache lifetime for Vimeo API setting, you can set how often the plugin "asks" Vimeo about new videos. The default is 3600 seconds (one hour), meaning the plugin will "ask" Vimeo for updates once an hour.
Lowering this number will make new videos show up faster in the plugin. However, note that this might be limited by your Vimeo plan, as lower Vimeo tiers don't let the plugin "ask" Vimeo that often.
Are There Any Limitations in Embedding?
Yes. At the moment of writing, Vimeo places these restrictions on free accounts.
| Embed Feature | Basic Account | Premium Accounts |
| Player size | X | X |
| Text and play bar colors | X | X |
| Show or hide your portrait, byline, and video title in the player (note: must be done within the embed code or share box) | X | X |
| Show or hide the "Share," "Like," and "Watch Later" buttons | X | |
| Show or hide the Vimeo logo, play bar, volume control, and fullscreen buttons | X | |
| Embed a background or chromeless video | X | |
| Choose what gets displayed after a video finishes playing | X |
Embed example
Below you can see an example of embed options that are exclusive to premium accounts
Learn more from Vimeo: Embedding videos overview – Help Center
I Have a Free Vimeo Account And Am Receiving Errors
First:
- Make sure you followed the full steps for integrating Vimeo. Check the guide Getting Started - Initial Setup (API Keys)
- If you are using private videos, you have to check the "Private" box when generating the token. Check the guide How To - Import Private Vimeo Videos
- Checked the troubleshooting article: Troubleshooting
If you still face errors, please contact support.
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