How to Put A Video in PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do you insert a video into PowerPoint on a desktop

Using a desktop, it's easy to insert video into PowerPoint for more engaging and visually appealing presentations. Whether it's a demo, tutorial, or introduction clip, videos help explain your points better. Most desktop versions support common formats to ensure your footage plays smoothly during slideshows. It is a great way to make slides look more dynamic.

Here is how to embed a video in PPT on a PC:

STEP 1
1. Open your presentation

Download PowerPoint on your desktop and open the file you want to edit. Click on the slide where you want to place the video.

STEP 2
1. Go to the Insert tab

Click the "Insert" option at the top. From the dropdown tools, find and click on the "Video" button. Select "This Device" to open your computer's folders. Pick the video file you want to insert into PowerPoint.

STEP 3
1. Adjust the video on your slide

Once the video is on your slide, you can resize or move it around. Use the corners to scale and place it to better fit.

How to insert a video in PowerPoint on a phone

If you're working on your phone, you can still add video to PPT without much hassle. Mobile apps make it simple to include short clips that match your content. While editing tools may be lighter, they're beneficial for last-minute changes or quick updates.

Here is how to embed a video in PowerPoint on a smartphone:

STEP 1
1. Open PowerPoint on your phone

Launch the PowerPoint app and open the presentation you want to edit. Pick the slide where you want to add the footage.

STEP 2
1. Tap the home button

Press the "Home" button, then tap the "Insert." From the menu, choose "Video" to begin the process.

STEP 3
1. Select your video

Browse your phone's gallery and tap the desired footage. It will appear directly on the selected slide.

STEP 4
1. Position and resize the video

Use your fingers to move the video into place. Pinch or drag the corners to resize it and adjust it to fit your slide layout.

Best practices to smoothly add a video to PPT

Here are some best practices that help your video run smoothly in a PowerPoint presentation. These small steps make a big difference when you want everything to be done without any trouble.

• Use supported formats

PowerPoint doesn't play every type of video, so it's best to stick with commonly supported formats like MP4, WMV, or AVI. Using an unsupported format might lead to errors or playback issues during the slideshow. Before you insert your video, double-check the format to prevent any obstacles.

• Compress large files

Large video files can slow down your presentation or make it harder to open on other devices. Compressing the video helps reduce its size without losing quality and makes it easy to load and play. You can use PowerPoint's built-in compression tool or any reliable video compressor before adding the file.

• Test playback settings

After adding the video, don't forget to preview it directly inside your presentation. Ensure the video loads properly, plays at the right time, and the audio is working as expected. Testing these settings early helps avoid any technical issues while you're presenting in front of others.

• Avoid auto-start issues

It's a good idea to change the video's playback setting so it plays only when you click on it. If it starts automatically, it might interrupt your flow while speaking. Choosing "play on click" gives you full control over when the video appears and plays.

• Keep the video centered

Positioning the video neatly in the center of the slide gives your presentation a cleaner and more balanced look. When videos are placed off to one side or unevenly sized, they can distract the audience or seem unprofessional. Take a moment to align and resize your video properly, so it fits the overall layout.

While Microsoft lets you embed video in PowerPoint, it has a few limitations. Sometimes, it is tricky with larger video files or less common formats, which may cause playback errors. Moreover, it lacks built-in editing tools to enhance video quality or remove backgrounds.

For more control and better results, use CapCut desktop video editor before inserting your video into PowerPoint. It lets you trim, resize, add subtitles, and export in high quality, making your presentation clean and professional.

Bonus tip: Effortlessly edit and export high-quality videos with CapCut

CapCut desktop video editor is a user-friendly tool made for smooth and smart video editing. It supports all the basics, such as trimming, splitting, and layering, with easy drag-and-drop control. You also get access to voice filters, background music, and clean export options. Whether for social media or personal use, it helps turn simple clips into stunning videos with minimal effort.

Key features

• Auto caption generation

With CapCut's auto caption generator, you can turn spoken words into text automatically. This makes it easier to add subtitles without typing them manually.

• Various video effects and filters

CapCut includes a wide range of video effects and filters that help you instantly change the style, mood, or tone of your content.

• Resize videos with ease

CapCut's video resizer lets you quickly adjust aspect ratios for various screen types. Whether for widescreen, square, or vertical formats, your videos stay sharp and well-framed.

• One-click background remover

With CapCut's video background remover, you can instantly erase the backdrop without needing a green screen. It's great for interviews, product showcases, or creative edits.

• Built-in library of royalty-free music

CapCut provides a ready-to-use music library with free soundtracks and audio clips. You can easily find background music to match your video's tone or message.

• Export videos in 8k

In CapCut, you can export your projects in 8K resolution. This ensures your final video looks crisp and professional on any screen.

How to edit and enhance your videos with CapCut

If you want to edit videos, download and install the CapCut desktop video editor by clicking the button below. Then, follow these steps:

STEP 1
1. Import the video

Launch CapCut and create a new project. Click "Import" to upload your media from your device.

STEP 2
1. Edit and enhance the video

First, choose your desired aspect ratio from the preview screen based on the platform where you'll post your video. Then go to "Video" > "Basic" and use the "Enhance quality" tool to improve video clarity. To change the background, use the "Remove BG" option and replace it with your preferred image. You can also apply filters and effects to refine the video's look and style.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

Click "Export" and adjust the settings such as quality, bit rate, and the resolution of 4K. Once done, hit "Export" again to save the video. You can also share it directly on TikTok or YouTube.

Conclusion

To wrap up, mastering how to put a video in PowerPoint can make your slides more engaging and easier to understand. From using the right file format to keeping your video well-positioned, every detail contributes to a smoother presentation. Whether you're working on a phone or computer, the process is simple and quick.

If your video needs trimming or effects beforehand, the CapCut desktop video editor is a helpful tool to prepare it. It lets you refine your footage, so it plays smoothly and fits naturally within your slide content.

FAQs

1
1. Can you insert a video into PowerPoint from YouTube?

Yes, PowerPoint lets you add a YouTube video using the "Insert > Online Video" feature. But this method requires internet access during the presentation, and playback isn't always reliable. To avoid these issues, you can use CapCut desktop video editor to download the clip, trim it, and export it as a clean and offline-friendly file for direct use.

2
1. Does file size matter when you embed a video in PPT?

Yes, large video files can make your PowerPoint slow or cause it to freeze, especially on older devices. A smaller file loads faster and runs more smoothly during a slideshow. Before adding it to PowerPoint, you can use CapCut desktop video editor to cut out unnecessary parts and compress the video without compromising quality. This helps keep your presentation lightweight and trouble-free.

3
1. Why won't the video embed in PowerPoint Mac properly?

On a Mac, video issues often happen due to unsupported formats or missing codecs. If your file won't play, converting it to MP4 usually solves the problem. However, the CapCut desktop video editor empowers you to export videos in widely accepted formats like MP4 with standard settings, ensuring your video works perfectly when added to your presentation.