This refers to a specific version of an add-on for the XenForo 1 forum software that significantly enhances how YouTube (and potentially other media) links are displayed when posted in messages.
Without the add-on:
The correct path is to upgrade your forum to XenForo 2. You will gain a secure, modern platform with excellent built-in media embedding capabilities that are actively maintained and compatible with today's web.
1. What is this Add-on?
- XenForo 1: The forum software platform (version 1.x series, which is now End-of-Life).
- Mediasite_Extended: The name suggests this is an "extended" version of a base "Mediasite" add-on. Its core function is to automatically parse URLs and embed the corresponding media content directly into posts.
- Youtube: While the name starts with "Youtube," an "Extended" version likely supports many more sites (e.g., Vimeo, Dailymotion, SoundCloud, Twitter, etc.).
- Version 1.0.3: The specific version of this add-on. This is an early release and is considered old.
2. Key Features (What it does)
When this add-on is installed, it automatically "listens" for URLs posted in messages. When it detects a link from a supported media site, it replaces the plain-text URL with a rich, embedded player.Without the add-on:
With the add-on:"Check out this cool video:"
The "Extended" part typically means it supports a much wider array of sites beyond just YouTube."Check out this cool video:"
(A full embedded YouTube player appears right in the post)
3. Important Warnings & Critical Information
Warning #1: XenForo 1 is End-of-Life (EOL)
This is the most critical point. XenForo 1.x is no longer supported, maintained, or receiving security updates by XenForo Ltd. Running any add-on on an EOL platform is a significant security risk.Warning #2: The Add-on is Outdated and Unsupported
A version 1.0.3 is very old. It was built for an early version of XenForo 1 and has likely been abandoned by its developer.- Incompatibility: It may not work correctly or may cause errors with the final versions of XenForo 1.5.x.
- Security Vulnerabilities: The add-on itself could have unpatched security holes that a modern attacker could exploit.
- Broken Embeds: As media sites (like YouTube) update their embed codes and APIs, this old add-on may fail to render videos properly, leaving a broken link or a blank space.
4. The Modern Solution: Upgrading to XenForo 2
The only recommended course of action for a live site is to upgrade.- Upgrade to XenForo 2: Purchase a XenForo 2 license and migrate your forum. This is a well-documented process.
- Use XenForo 2's Superior Built-in Media System: The excellent news is that XenForo 2 has a powerful and flexible built-in "Media Sites" system. You do not need a separate add-on for basic embedding.
- It's a core feature, found in the ACP at Setup > Options > Messages > Media sites.
- It supports dozens of popular sites (YouTube, Vimeo, X/Twitter, Instagram, etc.) out of the box.
- It's regularly updated by XenForo to stay compatible with changes from these providers.
- Administrators can even add custom media site definitions for niche sites not already supported.
5. If You Insist on Using XF1 and this Add-on
This is highly discouraged for any public, production forum. It should only be considered for a closed test or development environment.- Source the File: You would need to find the Youtube_Mediasite_Extended-1.0.3.zip file. Since it's old, it's not on official channels, so you'd be relying on third-party archives, which is a security risk.
- Installation:
- Log in to your XenForo 1 Admin Control Panel (ACP).
- Go to Add-ons -> Install Add-on.
- Upload the ZIP file.
- Configuration:
- After installation, there would likely be a new option group in your ACP, possibly under Options or Appearance, where you could configure which sites are enabled, the size of the embed, etc.
Conclusion
Do not use "Youtube_Mediasite_Extended_1.0.3" on a live XenForo 1 forum. The risks of running an unsupported add-on on an unsupported platform far outweigh the benefits.The correct path is to upgrade your forum to XenForo 2. You will gain a secure, modern platform with excellent built-in media embedding capabilities that are actively maintained and compatible with today's web.