Insert Videos into PowerPoint

Along with images and GIFs, videos are some of the most used information media of our generation.

In 2023, you won’t only find them on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram; this stylistic device is also indispensable in PowerPoint presentations.

Videos can provide important visual anchors and add dynamism to your presentation. We’ll show you how to insert, playback, and edit a video in PowerPoint in this article.

Linking Videos vs. Embedding Videos into PowerPoint

PowerPoint offers you two options for inserting a video: linking and embedding. Both options support the following file formats (as of Microsoft PowerPoint Office 365):

• Windows video file (ASF, AVI)
• MP4 video file (MP4, M4V, MOV)
• Movie file (MPG, MPEG)
• Adobe Flash Media (SWF)
• Windows Media video file (WMV)

Linking Videos

With linked videos, the video is not saved directly in your presentation, which helps keep your PowerPoint file size smaller. However, the downside is that the link can potentially break if the original video is moved or deleted.

Embedded Videos

In contrast, embedded videos are saved directly within your PowerPoint file, making them easier to play during your presentation but significantly increasing the file size.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Linked vs. Embedded Videos

Advantages

Linked Videos:

• Smaller file size for the presentation.
• Easier to manage storage.

Embedded Videos:

• Simple playback directly on the slide.
• No need to manage external file links.

Disadvantages

Linked Videos:

• Risk of broken links.
• Requires all linked files to be present for the presentation.

Embedded Videos:

• Increases the size of the presentation file.
• Uses more storage space.

Insert Videos into PowerPoint: Tutorial

So, you’ve decided to use a video in PowerPoint to support your statements and add dynamism to your presentation? Read on to learn how to insert videos in PowerPoint.

There are several options for embedding or inserting videos into PowerPoint:

• Videos from your hard drive
• YouTube videos
• Videos from other online platforms
• Stock videos

Insert Videos from Your Computer into PowerPoint

PowerPoint supports virtually all popular video formats, meaning you can add videos to your presentation just as easily as images.

1. Go to Insert and click Video to open the drop-down menu. Depending on your PowerPoint version, choose Video on My Computer, Video on My PC, or This Device.
2. In the dialog box, navigate to the folder containing your saved video, select it, and click Insert.

Insert YouTube Videos into PowerPoint

1. Go to YouTube. Click the Share button on your video’s page, then Copy.

2. Go to your slide and select Insert > Video. Depending on your PowerPoint version, click Online Videos… or Video from Web Site. Right-click the address bar and select Paste. Click Insert.

3. Resize your video to fit your layout and design. You can display it in full-screen mode for maximum impact.

Note: The Online Video button is not available in PowerPoint 2010. You will need to use the Slide Show option to view and play the embedded video.

Insert Videos Using the Embed Code

You can also insert videos from other online sources using an embed code, which is a short HTML snippet provided on most video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

1. Find the embed code on YouTube by selecting the Share button and then clicking Embed. Copy the code.

2. Select the slide where you want the video to appear. Click the movie icon in the blank slide.

3. Go to Insert > Video. Paste the embed code in the online video address bar and select Insert (newer PPT versions) or choose From a Video Embed Code and click the arrow (PPT 2016).

4. Scale your video as needed (see Editing Videos in PowerPoint).

Use Stock Videos

If you’re a Microsoft Office 365 user, you can access a wide range of stock videos. Go to Insert > Video > Stock Videos. Choose your desired video and click Insert.

Further Actions with PowerPoint Videos

Play PowerPoint Videos Automatically or Loop Videos

When presenting, you can set videos to play automatically or manually. To configure playback options:

1. Click on your video to open the Playback tab.
2. Click the down arrow next to Start to view your options.

Video Playback Options

• In Click Sequence: Plays when you click anywhere on the slide.
• Automatically: Plays as soon as you arrive at the slide.
• When Clicked On: Plays only when clicked.

4. To loop your video, tick the Loop until Stopped box.

Troubleshooting Video Playback Issues

You might encounter unexpected problems when playing videos due to various reasons, such as high resolution or graphics card limitations. Here are some solutions:

Compress Media Size and Resolution

To reduce the video resolution and file size, go to File > Info and select Compress Media.

Use the MP4 Format

MP4 format videos are generally the most compatible. Ensure your resolution does not exceed 1920 × 1080 pixels.

Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration

To improve video performance, disable hardware acceleration by going to File > Options > Advanced and checking the relevant option.

Pro Tip: Avoid High-Resolution Videos

To prevent playback issues, avoid embedding 4K videos or high-definition videos with more than 25 frames per second as many office graphics cards may not handle them well.

Add Image Previews for Your Videos

If you’re not satisfied with the preview image of your video, you can set a new start image:

1. Click your video and open the Video Format tab.

2. Select Poster Frame from the Adjust group.
3. Choose Image from File and select your desired image source.

Edit Videos in PowerPoint

PowerPoint allows you to edit your inserted videos. Here are your options:

Scale Video

Click on the video, hold down the mouse button, and drag to resize. For precise adjustments, right-click the video, select Format Video, and adjust the Height and Width values.

Add Bookmarks

Bookmarks let you show specific parts of your video. Select the video, go to the Playback tab, and choose Add Bookmark.

Trim Video

To trim your video, click on it, go to the Playback tab, and select Trim Video.

Set Fade-In/Fade-Out Duration

You can customize the duration of fade-in and fade-out effects in the Playback tab.

Adjust the Volume

Select the video and adjust the volume in the Playback tab.

Make Your PowerPoint Videos Stand Out: 4 Creative Ideas

Vertical Videos

Vertical videos are gaining popularity due to the influence of smartphones and social media. They resonate with younger audiences and can be incorporated into presentations effectively.

Change Videos into Shapes

Simply select your video, open the Video Format tab, and choose a shape for your video.

Create a Virtual Flat Screen

Transform your PowerPoint slide into a virtual flat screen for product demos.

1. In the Video Format tab, select Monitor, Gray under Video Styles.
2. Right-click the video to adjust the 3D rotation.

Convert Videos to Black and White

To give your video a vintage feel, go to the Video Format tab, select Color, and then choose Grayscale.

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Using Videos as Backgrounds

You can insert videos as backgrounds in the PowerPoint Slide Master. Keep in mind that videos cannot play across multiple slides without a workaround.

Insert Videos into PowerPoint: Enrich Your Presentation!

Videos can capture your audience’s attention and break up text-heavy slides. They create excitement and can effectively communicate complex information, ensuring your message resonates long after the presentation is over.