Most forums nowdays allow you to post a smaller version of the actual video on your post, not just a link. This allows people to see the cover shot of the video and helps them to determine whether they want to watch or not. And all they have to do to watch the video is hit the play button. If they want to show it full size they can hit the You Tube button in the lower right corner of the video to take them to You Tube to watch the video.
Here's an example. Had this been a modern forum, there would be a video there!
