Adding videos to your PowerPoint presentations can make them more dynamic, engaging, and memorable for your audience. Whether you want to demonstrate a process, tell a story, or liven up a presentation, video can be a powerful addition.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process for inserting a video into PowerPoint using common video sources.
Step 1: Select the Slide and Insert Tab
First, open the PowerPoint presentation you want to add a video to and select the slide where you want the video to appear.
Next, click on the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen. This tab contains all the tools you need to insert various media, including video, into your presentation.
Insert tab in PowerPoint
Step 2: Click on Video
In the Media section of the Insert tab, you’ll see icons for Pictures, Shapes, SmartArt, Chart, etc.
Click on the Video icon, which looks like a TV screen. A drop-down menu will appear with options for adding video.
Video icon in Insert tab
Step 3: Choose Video Source
The drop-down menu under the Video icon gives you three ways to add video:
- Online Video: Search for and insert a video from an online source like YouTube or Vimeo
- Video on My PC: Choose a video file already saved on your computer
- Screen Recording: Record your screen directly in PowerPoint
Select the source for the video you want to use.
PowerPoint add video options
Step 4: Select the Video
Online Video: A dialogue box will appear where you can enter the URL for an online video and click the Insert button.
Video on My PC: A file explorer window will open for browsing and selecting a video file from your computer. Choose the video and click Insert.
Screen Recording: You’ll be prompted to select the area of your screen to record. Click Record, complete the on-screen recording, and click Stop Recording when finished.
Step 5: Preview and Adjust the Video
After inserting your video, you can preview how it will play during your slideshow. Use the tools on the Video Format tab to:
- Trim the start/end points
- Add fades in/out
- Resize and position the video frame
- Enhance with video styles, borders, and effects
Review and edit your video directly within PowerPoint to ensure it appears exactly as you want for your audience!
And that’s it! By following these 5 simple steps for adding video from a variety of sources, you can create dynamic presentations that hold your audience’s attention.
PowerPoint Video Insertion Tips
When working with video in your PowerPoint slides, keep these best practices in mind:
File Format
For maximum compatibility, use common video formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, or WMV. For the best quality, ensure videos are HD resolution.
Length
Shorter videos (1-3 minutes max) tend to engage audiences better than longer videos. Consider trimming lengthy videos.
Performance
Test videos on the presentation computer first. Slow internet connections can disrupt streaming of online videos.
Storage Location
Save a copy of inserted video files in the same folder as the PowerPoint file so they travel together.
Visuals
Don’t distract from the video content itself. Avoid busy slide backgrounds behind an inserted video.
Audio
Adjust audio volume in the video itself. Don’t try to narrate over the video’s existing soundtrack.
Following these best practices will ensure your PowerPoint videos play smoothly and have the visual impact you want!
More Tips for Using Video in Presentations
- Use video sparingly. Too much can lose impact or overwhelm your audience.
- Hyperlink text to cue the video playback. Let audiences click to play it.
- Include subtitles/captions for accessibility. This helps all viewers absorb key information.
- Play short branded intro/outro clips to bookend third party videos.
Integrating quality video content into your PowerPoint slides can truly amplify your message and presentation. With these steps for adding videos of all kinds, plus the right video strategy for keeping viewers engaged, you’ll be ready to connect with your audience!
