How to Add Videos to PowerPoint Like a Pro
Presenting videos on PowerPoint can sometimes be confusing. There are different ways to do it, and things can go wrong any time as well. Here are the best ways you can present videos on PowerPoint like a pro.
Depending on what version of PowerPoint you’re using, you can either insert an embedded video or link to a video file stored on your computer, or even an online video. We’ll be using the latest version of PowerPoint in this article.
But before we begin, should you embed your video or link to it?
Embedding or Linking to a Video in PowerPoint – Pros and Cons
Inserting an embedded video is more convenient, but it increases the size of your presentation.
A linked video keeps your presentation file smaller, but links can break. The best practice would be to store the presentation file and videos in the same folder.
Recommended file types:
In PowerPoint 2016 and newer versions, it is recommended that you use .mp4 files encoded with H.264 video and AAC audio.
To embed a video stored on your PC into PowerPoint:
Select the slide you want the video to be in.
Go to the Insert tab, click on the arrow under Video, and select Video on My PC.
In the Insert Video box, select the video you want to embed and click Insert.
To link to a video stored on your PC into PowerPoint:
Go to the Insert tab, and click on the arrow under Video, and click on Video on my PC.
In the Insert Video box, click on the video you want to link to, and click on the arrow next to the Insert button, and select Link to File.
Where is my linked video in PowerPoint located?
If you already have a video on a slide, and you want to know where it is stored on your computer, go to File and click on Info. Under Optimize Media Compatibility, there will be information about all the media files in the presentation. You will find a View Links hyperlink. Click on it to open a dialog box that shows the storage location of your linked files.
Play a video automatically/when clicked in PowerPoint:
By default, when you click on anywhere on the slide to go to the next step, the video should play. This option is called In Click Sequence. If you prefer, you can make the video start automatically as it appears onscreen, or when it is clicked. To do this:
Select the video.
On the ribbon, click on Playback, and open the Start list, and select the option you prefer.
In Click Sequence: When you click anywhere on the slide to go the next step, the video plays.
Automatically: The video starts playing automatically.
When Clicked On: Video plays only when it has been clicked on.
Insert an online video from YouTube or Vimeo into PowerPoint
If you choose to add an online video to your slide, make sure you are connected to the internet in order for the video to play.
To insert a video from the internet:
Locate the video in your web browser.
Copy the URL.
Go to PowerPoint and select the slide you want to add the video to.
On the Insert tab, click on Video and then select Online Video.
In the Online Video dialog box, paste the URL, and select Insert.
I hope these steps are simple enough to follow, and that you’re able to add videos into PowerPoint easily. Good luck with your presentation!
