How to Embed YouTube Video in PowerPoint: A Simple Guide
Did you know that most people tune out of PowerPoint presentations after just 10 minutes? A scary stat, but it’s true. Your audience has around 5 seconds to decide if you’re charismatic or not. That’s not the best pep talk as you prepare for your presentation, is it?
The majority of people (83%) prefer video to audio and text for accessing information and instruction.
With video capturing the hearts — and attention spans — of the masses nowadays, you can incorporate this into your PowerPoint presentations to keep your audience engaged and from head bobbing at their desks. Want to know how to embed a YouTube Video in Powerpoint? Today, we’ll walk you through the process.
How to Insert a Video into PowerPoint from Your Computer Files (Mac)
To insert a video into PowerPoint from your desktop is fairly straightforward. That said, the process will vary depending on what version of PowerPoint you have. There are a few different methods for inserting a video from your computer depending on the version of PowerPoint you have. Today, we’ll be exploring inserting video using the newer version (16.57) – the process varies for older versions (i.e. PowerPoint 2010).
Step 1
Open Microsoft PowerPoint
Step 2
Go to the PowerPoint slide you want to include a video on
Step 3
You can insert a video file directly from the slide you’re on by clicking on the video
- Next, select the video file you want to insert
- You could also go to the Insert tab in the toolbar, then select Video, Video from File
Again, here you will select the video file you want to insert.
You can also select videos from your photos, TV shows, or films from your iTunes library. Simply follow the above steps, but instead of selecting Video from File, choose Video Browser.
How to Add YouTube Videos into PowerPoint from YouTube (Mac)
Before we dive into this section, we must note that it’s no longer possible to embed a YouTube video into Powerpoint 2010 using a URL or embed code. If you’re working with the 2010 version, this feature may not be available unless you upgrade to a higher version of Powerpoint.
Before you start, you’ll first want to search and find the video on YouTube that you wish to use. Then, in your browser’s address bar, copy the URL (or click the share button below the video to find the URL).
Now, to insert a video into PowerPoint from YouTube, follow the first two steps from the previous paragraph (to save you from going back and reviewing, Step 1 is to open PowerPoint, and Step 2 is to go to the PowerPoint slide you want to include a video on!).
Next, click on the Insert button in the toolbar, then select Online Film.
From here, a new window will pop up that reads, Enter the URL for the online video
That is where you’ll enter the video URL for your YouTube (Vimeo, Dropbox, or whichever video hosting platform) link and select insert.
How to Embed YouTube Video in PowerPoint Using This Same Process
- Search YouTube to find the video you want to use.
- Choose Embed under Share.
- There will be some video embed code displayed (starting with *iframe> and ending with <\iframe>).
- Right-click and select Copy.
- Then, go back to PowerPoint and open the slide where you want the video to appear.
- Using the table’s menu tab, click Insert, then select Video, and then Online Video.
- In Step 2, you’ll have copied a code. Paste that into the search box then click the arrow to keep going.
This is only possible using Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 and 2016. Newer versions of Microsoft 365 and PowerPoint 2019 only support embedding videos using a URL.
How to Embed Videos in PowerPoint: The Issues
Your options for video formatting are limited once you embed a video in PowerPoint. It’s tricky because while it looks like you can use the formatting options, these only apply to the thumbnail, not the video during playback.
If, for example, you crop the thumbnail for a video, once you hit play, it will return to its original size. Another problem is that you can’t make the video full screen (which is something you might want to do during a presentation). While it’s not something that’s a big deal, it’s something you should bear in mind.
What If I Don't Have an Internet Connection at the Time of My Presentation?
No worries! You can still add a YouTube video to your PowerPoint presentation even for offline playback.
First, you’ll have to download the video by using a website or software like Wondershare, for example. Or you can also download YouTube videos if you have Premium. Next, you’ll follow the earlier steps for inserting a video file (click the Insert tab at the top of the slide. From there, select Online Film).
Can I Set Up My Video to Play Automatically?
Definitely! Depending on your presentation’s setup, you may want your video to auto-play instead of awkwardly fumbling around to click start. Thankfully, it’s surprisingly easy to use.
Step 1
Click on the Playback tab in the top-right corner of the menu bar.
Step 2
Click the drop-down menu next to Start and choose either:
- In Click Sequence – The video can be started with a clicker or by using any other mechanism that triggers the next slide (i.e. pressing the right arrow key).
- Automatically – When you choose automatically, your video starts playing as soon as the slide on which it's embedded appears.
- When Clicked On – This one is also pretty self-explanatory. The video will only start to play if and when you click on it.
Can I Loop My Video?
Yes (as long as it’s a video uploaded from your video files and not a video from YouTube!). If you need your video to repeat, or loop, if you like, you’ll be able to do that too!
As soon as your video has been added to your slide, click the Playback tab. On the far right, there is an option to select Loop until Stopped. To enable looping, click the white box.
The video plays on repeat until you move on to the next slide.
What Other Video Options Are There?
Glad you asked! For videos uploaded from your video files, PowerPoint allows you to play your video with our without sound, fade in or fade out, and even trim to a certain point! Note: you won’t be able to access these features for videos linked from the web. You can also adjust the video’s size, position, and transitions!
Are There Certain Video Formats That Are Best For Powerpoint?
MP4 files are recommended, but only for PowerPoint 2013 and later. MP4 or MOV files can be played in PowerPoint 2010’s 32-bit version – but only if a QuickTime Player is installed on the computer. However, if you’re using PowerPoint 2010, we recommend using WMV videos.
How to Embed YouTube Video in PowerPoint to Ensure a Smooth Video?
Slow playback and audio/video lag are both horribly distracting (when the lips don't match the speech, you’re sure to lose your viewers’ attention!). Here are two suggestions to ensure a better audio and video experience:
- Prepare your slide by compressing the media files
- Avoid using special effects such as reflections, shadows, glows, soft edges, bevels, and 3-D rotations in your video.
There you have it – how to embed YouTube video in Powerpoint. If you’re ready, we can help you create your own high-quality video for your next presentation. Contact us today!
