Beware: using Asset library for video capability failure due missing feature activation

The out-of-the-box Asset library can be used as a (very) basic video capability. But be aware that for this to work flawless, it is required that the site collection feature “Video and Rich Media” is activated. If not active, video files can still be stored in the library, but the video functionality is broken and useless. Most important symptom is that the video files can not be played from the library context, "<asset library>/forms/videos/videoplayerpage.aspx" is not available (HTTP 404). In addition, when you inspect uploaded video files, you will observe that although their library content type is “Video”, their parent Site ContentType is “Document Collection Folder” instead of “Video”:

Incomplete content type chain	Correct content type chain

Activating the “Video and Rich Media” feature corrects the content type chain, but already administrated videos are not automatically fixed. Moreover, already provisioned Asset libraries typical remain behind in inconsistent state:

1. The “Video” content type on library level still misses the essential site columns of “Video”

   Video file in Asset library with incomplete Video content type

   Video file in Asset library with complete Video content type

2. Uploading video files even results in SharePoint throwing an error.

Best is therefore to upfront of creating an Asset library in which you aim to (potential) administer videos, check whether the site collection feature is active. And in case you find out that the feature was not active after creation of an Asset library, take the pain / effort and provision a new Asset library, and redo the videos upload in that new library.