Looping Video Backgrounds in PowerPoint
7 minutes read
When you create a PowerPoint presentation, your goal is to keep it interesting. That means building dynamic, engaging slides that keep your audience focused. One option is looping video PowerPoint backgrounds that add motion to an otherwise flat slide.
A PowerPoint loop video is one of the best ways to create a fun slide deck. With a loop video in PowerPoint, you can instantly transform dull, flat slide backgrounds. By adding a video background, you can be sure to entertain your audience.
How to Loop a Video in PowerPoint for Backgrounds
Using video in PowerPoint helps you share new and unique perspectives as well. For example, you can show off one of your company’s processes in video form, or you can bring in new voices to help narrate your message.
Fortunately, it’s easy to create a looping video PowerPoint background. When you do, you can ensure that other slide content stays visible and avoid having to click replay over and over to loop a video. Thanks to the magic of PowerPoint, you can automate the sharing process as you present.
The best way to create a looping video in PowerPoint is to start with a premium template from Envato Elements. With thousands of templates to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect option.
For this tutorial, we’ll work with the stylish Clean Business Presentation from Envato Elements. Inside, you’ll find 50 unique slides to choose from.
Once you’ve downloaded and opened the template, it’s time to get started! Let’s learn how to loop a video in PowerPoint in just a few quick and easy steps.
The tips in this section were written using Windows and Office365. If you’ve got a different operating system or a different version of PowerPoint, your steps may be slightly different.
1. Navigate to a Slide
To create a loop video PowerPoint, you’ll first want to choose a slide. This is where you’ll add a video background and customize it to loop continuously.
With the Clean Business Presentation deck open, scroll through the slides. Adding a video background should be done last to ensure that your content looks its best with the video in the back.
For example, let’s use slide #4 in the deck. As you can see, there’s already some placeholder content on the slide, which you can easily replace. Select the existing text, then type in your own words.
You can also add optional images, charts, and more by going to PowerPoint’s Insert tab and exploring your options there.
2. Choose a Video Background
What’s the key ingredient of a looping background in PowerPoint? A video! The goal here is to choose a PowerPoint loop that both pairs well with your existing content and avoids distracting your audience.
I recommend using subtle, more abstract backgrounds for these reasons. They complement existing content on your slides without blocking the view or distracting from your message.
If you have a PowerPoint loop video that you’ve created, that’s great! It adds a personal touch to your slide content. But if you don’t, this is the perfect time to explore the vast selection available on Envato Elements, where you can access millions of stock video clips across countless categories.
Let’s choose a stock video clip from Elements that fits with the theme of our slide. For this example, we’ll use the clip titled “Sowing Field and All Kinds of Tractor Work.”
3. Add the Video to Your Slide
With a loop video selected, you’ll need to add it to your slide. Start by going to PowerPoint’s ribbon and clicking on the Insert tab.
In the Media group on the right side, click on the Video drop-down arrow.
From the Insert Video From menu, select This Device. Navigate to the stored or downloaded video file you want to use, click on its title, and then select Insert. PowerPoint will instantly import the video and place it on your slide.
With the video selected, you’ll see white circles on the sides and corners, which allow you to resize and move the video clip. Click and pull on the corners to resize the video, and click and drag on the clip itself to position it so that it covers the full slide, creating a powerful looping video background.
4. Send the Video to the Back
After placing the looping video, you might notice that the other slide content is hidden. By default, PowerPoint places videos (and images) at the front, so you’ll need to adjust this.
Make sure the video is selected, then navigate to the Video Format tab on the ribbon. In the Arrange group, find the Send Backward drop-down menu. Click the arrow and select Send to Back. This will place the video behind all other slide content, allowing your text to overlay the video.
5. Adjust Slide Content for Clarity
Now that the video is behind your other content, it’s time to ensure that your text is readable. You might find that the default text color closely matches the video, making it difficult to read.
To fix this, select the text inside the text box by clicking and dragging. Then, on the Home tab, find the Font group, open the Font Color dropdown, and choose a new shade. For this example, white is a great choice because it stands out sharply from the video background.
Depending on your slide designs, you may want to make additional adjustments to font colors and more. This step is crucial to ensure that your looping video PowerPoint doesn’t obscure important content.
6. Set the Video to Loop
You’ve successfully added a video background to your PowerPoint slide deck! The last step is to ensure the video loops.
Looping means that the video plays continuously. By default, a PowerPoint video plays once and then stops.
To create a PowerPoint loop video, click the video you’ve added, then go to the Playback tab on the ribbon. In the Video Options group, check the box labeled Loop until Stopped. This setting will make your video play repeatedly until you manually stop it.
You also have the option to set the video to start automatically. By default, videos start playing only when you click to begin. However, for a looping video background, it’s often useful to start playback automatically.
To enable this, return to the Video Options group on the Playback tab. From the Start drop-down, select Automatically. Now, the video will begin to play as soon as you click onto the slide, eliminating the need for playback controls.
Just like that, you’ve learned how to loop a video in PowerPoint! In a few simple steps, you can create stylish and stunning video backgrounds to inspire and connect with your audience.
The Top Source for Stunning PowerPoint Templates
Envato Elements offers the best creative value in 2023, with unlimited downloads that allow you to try out as many templates as you need to find the perfect one for your next project.
The library of millions of stock videos helps you add dynamic video backgrounds to your PowerPoint presentations.
When you use looping video PowerPoint templates from Envato Elements, you’ll enjoy:
- Sleek modern layouts for slide content
- Robust placeholders for images and videos
- Dynamic and flexible charts and data visuals
- Design inspiration and slides crafted by expert editors
With such impressive resources, you can’t afford to miss out on Envato Elements. Join today and explore the vast library!
You Just Learned PowerPoint How to Loop Video Skills
Congratulations! You’ve mastered how to loop a video in PowerPoint. With this technique, a looping background enhances your slide and grabs your audience’s attention.
Here’s your challenge: put your new skills to the test. Open a presentation, add a video, and press play. You might be amazed by the results!