Remove redundant attachment link from video and audio embeds
Summary
Remove the redundant attachment link from video and audio embeds to reduce user confusion and visual clutter. The current implementation displays cryptic filenames that provide no meaningful value while the native player controls already offer download functionality.
Problem & user impact
The attachment link above embedded videos creates confusion and serves no clear purpose:
User experience issues:
- Displays cryptic system-generated filenames (e.g.,
screenshot_2024.mp4,CleanShot 2025-10-11 at 19.58.24@2x.mp4) that are meaningless to viewers - Attachment icon makes it appear as a separate, unrelated download option
- Clicking triggers immediate download instead of expected behavior (opening in new tab/player)
- Creates visual noise that detracts from the actual content
- No clear indication of what the link does or why it's there
Current vs. expected behavior:
| Current state | User expectation | Actual result |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptic filename link with attachment icon | File information or metadata | Download with unhelpful filename |
| Link appears above video | Link related to video playback | Redundant download mechanism |
| Click to interact | Open or preview | Immediate download starts |
Affected media types:
- Video files (mp4, etc.)
- Audio files (mp3, etc.)
- Note: Does not affect regular image attachments
Screenshots
Current implementation:
Proposal: Remove attachment link
Rationale:
- Native media player controls (kebab menu on bottom right) already provide download functionality
- Current link provides zero useful information to users
- Removing it creates cleaner, less confusing UI
- Aligns with user expectations for media embeds
Why not improve the metadata instead?
While we could display meaningful information like "Video file (2.3 MB, MP4)", this still creates redundancy since:
- Users can already see file size and download from player controls
- Most users don't need this information when viewing content
- Would require additional development effort for minimal user benefit
- Adds visual weight to what should be simple, embedded media
If future user research indicates a need for visible file metadata, we can revisit this decision.
User experience goals
Before (current state):
- Confusing extra link that looks disconnected from the video
- Unclear purpose and behavior
- Visual clutter above media content
After (desired state):
- Clean video/audio embed without redundant UI elements
- Users rely on standard media player controls for all interactions
- Reduced cognitive load when viewing embedded media
Success metrics
- Reduced user confusion (monitor support tickets mentioning video/audio downloads)
- Cleaner UI validated through design review
- No increase in reports about difficulty downloading media
- Positive feedback on visual improvements
Accessibility considerations
Must verify:
- Screen readers properly announce media controls without attachment link
- Keyboard users can still access download functionality via player controls
- Focus order remains logical without the attachment link
- No loss of information for assistive technology users
Design decision
DRI: @afracazo
Supported by: @janis (Maintainer feedback), @nickleonard (Implementation author for !208395 (merged))\
Awareness: @mmacfarlane confirmed native download remains available
This decision aligns with our design principle of removing UI elements that don't serve clear user needs
Related
- Parent MR: !208395 (merged) (Update video attachment styling in GLFM)
- Discussion thread: !171743 (comment 2183029373)
- Original implementation: Added border radius and styling improvements to video embeds
Additional context
This issue is a direct follow-up to the styling improvements in !208395 (merged), where the team identified that while improving the video UI, the attachment link serves no clear purpose and creates confusion. This removal completes the polish work started in that MR.