How to Put a Video in PowerPoint – Step-by-Step Guide for Windows & Mac

Adding a video to a PowerPoint presentation enhances engagement, improves retention, and makes complex ideas easier to understand. Whether you want to embed a video from your local files, insert a YouTube link, or add an online video, PowerPoint offers multiple ways to include multimedia in your slides. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to put a video in PowerPoint, covering different methods for Windows and Mac users. Additionally, we'll introduce Wondershare DemoCreator as a great tool for creating and optimizing videos before inserting them into your PowerPoint slides.

Part 1: How to Put a Video in PowerPoint from a Local File

If you have a video saved on your computer, you can embed it directly into your PowerPoint slides. This method ensures the video is always available and plays without requiring an internet connection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Embedding a Video from Your Computer

Step 1Select the PowerPoint Slide

Launch Microsoft PowerPoint on your Windows or Mac computer and open an existing presentation or start a new one. Navigate to the slide where you want to insert the video. Then, click on the "Insert" tab in the toolbar to access the video embedding options.

Step 2Click Insert > Video > This Device

Under the "Insert" tab, select "Video", then choose "This Device" if you are embedding a video stored on your computer. PowerPoint supports formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, and MPEG, but MP4 (H.264 video, AAC audio) is recommended for the best compatibility. If your video format is unsupported, consider converting it to MP4 before inserting it.

Step 3Adjust Video Size and Aspect Ratio

After inserting the video, resize it to fit your slide layout. If you want to maintain the correct proportions, go to Format (PowerPoint 2013 or newer) or Options (PowerPoint 2010) and enable "Lock Aspect Ratio" in the Size settings. You can also apply formatting effects like borders and shadows by selecting the "Video Format" tab.

Step 4Customize Playback Settings

Click on the "Playback" tab to control how the video plays during the presentation. Choose from options like "In Click Sequence," "Automatically," or "When Clicked On" to set playback behavior. You can also trim the video, add captions, or adjust volume settings for a seamless viewing experience. In Microsoft Office 365 and PowerPoint 2016 (version 1709 or later), the "In Click Sequence" option allows your video to play in sync with other slide animations or transitions.

Choosing the right video format ensures smooth playback and compatibility in PowerPoint presentations. Below are the best-supported formats:

• MP4 (Recommended) – Uses H.264 video and AAC audio, offering the best balance between quality and file size for seamless playback on both Windows and Mac.
• WMV (Windows Media Video) – A good option for Windows users, ensuring native compatibility with PowerPoint but may have larger file sizes.
• AVI (Audio Video Interleave) – Supports high-quality video, but file sizes can be significantly larger, making it less ideal for presentations.

Note: If your video file is in an unsupported format (such as MKV or FLV), consider using a video converter like Wondershare DemoCreator to convert it to MP4 for better compatibility.

Part 2: How to Embed YouTube Videos in PowerPoint (Windows & Mac)

Adding a YouTube video to PowerPoint can make your presentations more engaging and interactive. Below are the step-by-step guides for embedding a YouTube video in PowerPoint for both Windows and Mac users.

Method 1: Embedding a YouTube Video in PowerPoint on Windows

Step 1Insert a Video into Your Slide

Open PowerPoint and navigate to the slide where you want to insert the video. Click on the "Insert" tab in the toolbar, then select "Video" > "Online Video" from the dropdown menu.

Step 2Paste the YouTube Video URL

Go to YouTube, find the video you want to embed, and copy the video URL or embed code by clicking the "Share" button. In PowerPoint, paste the copied link into the Insert Video dialog box and click "Insert" to add the video to your slide.

Step 3Resize and Adjust Playback Settings

Resize the video thumbnail by dragging its corners to fit your slide layout. Click on the "Playback" tab to set playback options, such as "Automatically" or "When Clicked". Preview the video to ensure smooth playback, then save your presentation.

Method 2: Embedding a YouTube Video in PowerPoint on Mac

Step 1Insert an Online Video

Open PowerPoint and go to the slide where you want the video. Click on "Insert" > "Video" > "Online Film" to bring up the video insertion dialog box.

Step 2Copy and Paste the YouTube Video URL

Find the YouTube video you want to add, copy the video URL or embed code, and paste it into the URL field in PowerPoint. Click "Insert" to embed the video onto your slide.

Step 3Resize and Optimize the Video

Adjust the video size and position as needed. Use the "Video Format" tab to apply effects, and go to the "Playback" tab to choose when the video starts playing. Review all changes and save your PowerPoint presentation.

Note: PowerPoint supports most YouTube video formats, but some formats like FLV, WebM, and HEVC may not play properly. If issues arise, ensure your PowerPoint version is updated.

Part 3: How to Insert an Online Video in PowerPoint (Other Than YouTube)

If you want to add a clickable video link in PowerPoint without embedding it, you can use an image screenshot as a hyperlink. Follow these steps:

Step 1Take a Screenshot of the Video

Find the video you want to link and take a screenshot of the video thumbnail or a relevant frame.

• Windows: Use the Snipping Tool or press Windows + PrtScn to capture a screenshot.
• Mac: Press Shift + Command + 3 for a full screenshot or Shift + Command + 4 to select a specific area.

Step 2Insert the Screenshot into PowerPoint

Open your PowerPoint presentation and navigate to the slide where you want to add the video link. Click Insert > Pictures > Picture from File, select the screenshot, and click Insert. Then, resize and position the image on the slide as needed.

Step 3Add a Hyperlink to the Image

Right-click on the image and select "Link" (Windows) or "Hyperlink" (Mac). In the hyperlink window, paste the URL of the video (from YouTube, Vimeo, or any other platform) into the Address field, then click OK to apply the link.

Step 4Test the Video Link

To ensure the hyperlink works correctly, go to the Slide Show tab and click "From Current Slide" to preview. Click the image, and the linked video should open in your web browser.

Part 4: Wondershare DemoCreator – Create & Optimize Videos for PowerPoint

To ensure seamless video playback in PowerPoint, high-quality, optimized video files are essential. Wondershare DemoCreator provides a powerful yet intuitive solution for recording, editing, and enhancing videos tailored for presentations. Whether you're creating business reports, educational lessons, product demos, or training materials, DemoCreator elevates your PowerPoint slides with interactive visuals, real-time annotations, and professional-quality edits. With built-in templates and one-click effects, transforming ideas into engaging video presentations has never been easier.

Key Features of Wondershare DemoCreator for PowerPoint Videos

✔ Pre-Designed AI-Powered Templates: DemoCreator offers built-in templates designed for different presentation styles, such as Business Pitch, Online Course, Marketing Presentation, and Product Demo. These templates come with pre-set text animations, transitions, and slide layouts, allowing users to create polished video presentations effortlessly.

✔ Screen, Webcam, and Multi-Track Recording: Users can record PowerPoint slides while overlaying their webcam feed, ideal for tutorials and online training. DemoCreator also supports multi-track editing, allowing users to add and sync multiple video/audio layers, including voiceovers, screen recordings, and imported media.

✔ Real-Time Annotation & Interactive Effects: Enhance presentations with built-in screen drawing tools, highlighter pens, arrows, and cursor spotlight effects. Users can also utilize the handwriting animation effect to create engaging explainer-style videos.

✔ Stock Media Library with Animated Elements: DemoCreator provides access to a vast library of built-in stock resources, including background music, animated stickers, motion graphics, and customizable intro/outro templates. Users can add branding elements like logo overlays and lower thirds to personalize their presentations.

✔ Optimized Export for PowerPoint & Online Sharing: Export presentations in PowerPoint-compatible formats (MP4, WMV, AVI) with adjustable resolution (4K, 1080p, 720p) and frame rate settings. The software also offers a direct upload feature for YouTube, Vimeo, and LinkedIn, making it easy to share presentations across platforms.

How to Create a Video Using Wondershare DemoCreator for PowerPoint

Step 1Open Wondershare DemoCreator and Start a New Recording

Open Wondershare DemoCreator, click "Video Recorder," and select "Video Presentation" to start. This feature allows you to record PowerPoint slides, your webcam, and screen interactions simultaneously. Choose "Import from PowerPoint" to enhance slides or "New Blank Project" to create from scratch. Explore the Popular Templates section for quick customization before proceeding with recording and editing.

Step 2Customize and Start Recording

After importing your PowerPoint slides, customize them in Video Presentation mode for a professional look. Use the Property panel to enable or hide the webcam overlay and select a suitable background to enhance your presentation. Adjust your microphone and speaker settings for clear audio, then click the red "Start Recording" button to begin capturing your presentation.

Step 3Edit the Video – Add Text, Effects, and Transitions

Once recorded, enhance your video with text overlays, animations, background music, and effects using DemoCreator’s drag-and-drop video editor. Trim unnecessary parts, adjust audio clarity, and apply branding elements for a polished, professional result.

Step 4Export the Video in PowerPoint-Compatible Format

Click "Export" and save your video in PowerPoint-compatible formats (MP4, AVI, or WMV). Adjust resolution and file size to maintain quality while ensuring smooth playback. Finally, insert the exported video into PowerPoint using the embedding methods mentioned earlier.

Part 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues with PowerPoint Videos

Even after successfully embedding a video in PowerPoint, you may encounter playback issues, missing audio, or format incompatibilities. These problems often arise due to unsupported file formats, incorrect embedding methods, or software-related issues. Below are some common video issues in PowerPoint and their quick fixes to ensure smooth playback during your presentation.

• Check if the file format is supported – Convert the video to MP4 (H.264 codec) for better compatibility.
• Verify if the video is embedded or linked incorrectly – Reinsert the video and ensure the file path remains accessible.
• Reduce video file size – Use PowerPoint’s Compress Media feature to optimize video playback without lag.
• Ensure PowerPoint and system drivers are updated – Outdated software can cause playback errors; always update to the latest version.
• Check audio settings – Make sure the volume is turned up in PowerPoint and your system settings.
• Test playback settings – Set the video to play automatically, on-click, or in sequence for better control.
• Ensure stable internet connection for online videos – If embedding YouTube or Vimeo, verify that your internet is working.
• Repair corrupted video files – If the video doesn’t play, try opening it in a media player to check for corruption and re-export if needed.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can avoid common PowerPoint video errors and ensure a smooth, professional presentation.

Conclusion

Adding videos to PowerPoint can enhance engagement, improve retention, and make presentations more dynamic. Whether you're embedding videos from your computer, YouTube, or other online sources, following the correct steps ensures smooth playback and compatibility. Understanding PowerPoint's supported video formats, playback settings, and troubleshooting methods can help prevent common issues.

For those looking to create high-quality, customized videos for their presentations, Wondershare DemoCreator is an excellent tool. With screen recording, video editing, and export features optimized for PowerPoint, DemoCreator makes it easy to capture, edit, and embed videos seamlessly.

Experimenting with different video types, such as instructional videos, product demos, or personal introductions, can take your presentations to the next level. Try incorporating captions, transitions, and interactive elements to keep your audience engaged and make a lasting impact.