
Don’t know how to embed videos to Powerpoint? Don’t worry! In this complete guide, we’ll show you a complete guide, whether it’s from your computer, YouTube, or other online sources. You’ll also learn how to add a link to a video on PowerPoint, adjust playback settings, and avoid performance issues.
Putting a local video ensures smooth playback, even without internet access. This is the easiest way if you want to insert a video into PowerPoint quickly.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the slide where you want the video.
- In the top menu, choose “Insert”, then select “Video” and choose “This Device”.
- Browse your computer and select the video file.

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How to Embed a YouTube Video in PowerPoint (or other Online Sources)
Want to keep file sizes small and access the latest online content? You can embed a YouTube video in PowerPoint or from other online platforms like Vimeo.
1. How to Add a YouTube Video to PowerPoint
Option 1: Insert via Online Video
- First, you need to get the share link from YouTube. Open the video and click the share icon to copy the share link.
- Go to Insert → Video → Online Video.
- Paste your YouTube share link and click insert.
Option 2: Using the YouTube Embed Code
- On YouTube, click Share → Embed.
- Copy the HTML embed code.
- In PowerPoint, go to Insert → Video → Online Video and paste the code.
2. How to Put a video in PowerPoint from Vimeo
- Go to Vimeo and find the video you want to embed.
- Click the “Share” button (usually on the right side of the video or below the video player).
- Copy the share link. Then back to PowerPoint, go to Insert → Video → Online Video and paste the share link.
How to Add a Link to a Video on PowerPoint
- Select the text or image(like video thumbnail) you want as a clickable object.
- Right-click and choose “Hyperlink”.
- Paste the video’s URL in “Address” box and click ok.
Tips for Adjusting and Playing Videos Embeded in PPT
Appearance Adjustments:
- Resize & Position – Drag corners (hold Shift to keep proportions).
- Poster Frame – Set a custom thumbnail (right-click → Poster Frame).
- Border & Effects – Use Video Format tab for shadows, reflections, etc.
Playback Controls:
1. Click on the video in your slide.
2. Go to the Playback tab.
3. Under Start, choose:
- Automatically – video starts when the slide opens.
- When click on – starts when you click it.
✍ [You May Also Like]: How to Add a Video to Google Slides
FAQs About Embeding Video in PowerPoint
Q1: What is the best format for embedded video?
The most reliable format for embedding videos in PowerPoint is MP4 (H.264 video with AAC audio). It ensures high compatibility, good quality, and smaller file sizes compared to other formats like AVI or MOV.
Q2: Why can’t I put a video to PowerPoint?
It may be due to an unsupported file format, a corrupted file, or insufficient permissions to access the video. Converting your video to MP4 and ensuring the file path has no special characters often solves the issue.
Q3: What is the difference between linking to a video and embedding?
Embedding inserts the video directly into your PowerPoint file so it can play without an internet connection, but increases the file size.
Linking only stores a clickable path to the video (local or online), keeping the file small but requiring access to the original video source during playback.
Q4:How to include an automatically playing video in PPT?
After inserting your video, click on it, go to the Playback tab, and under Start, choose Automatically. This will make the video play as soon as the slide appears during the presentation.
Q5: What is the best ratio for embed video?
For most presentations, a 16:9 widescreen ratio works best. It matches PowerPoint’s default slide size and most modern display screens, preventing black bars or distorted video playback.
💬 Conclusion:
Now you know exactly how to embed a video in PowerPoint. By using these methods to embed video in PowerPoint, insert YouTube video into PowerPoint, and add a link to a video on PowerPoint, your presentations will be more engaging, professional, and interactive.
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