How to Embed a Video in PowerPoint

Introduction to video in PowerPoint

Are you concerned that your PowerPoint presentations might be boring your audience?

According to a recent trends report, 50% of workers favor content containing images or videos over plain text. Whether it’s email, messaging, or presentations, use videos to make your content more dynamic.

This step-by-step guide on how to embed videos in PowerPoint will teach you everything you need to know.

We recommend using Camtasia to create embeddable videos. It is one of the most popular video editors for PowerPoint.

Why embed video in PowerPoint?

Text-heavy presentations fail to inspire and engage. Embedding a video in your presentation can significantly enhance the overall impact and effectiveness of your message:

• Engagement: Videos capture attention and can break the monotony of text-heavy slides. They engage your audience emotionally, making your presentation more memorable.
• Illustrating Concepts: Visual storytelling can make complex ideas or processes more easily understood. A video can explain your points in a way that words alone may not convey.
• Diversity of Content: Video adds variety to your presentation, catering to different learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—thus reaching a broader audience.
• Professionalism: A well-produced video can enhance your credibility and demonstrate thorough preparation, reflecting positively on you and your message.

How to add video in PowerPoint

Step 1: Select the video

• Understand media files
  • Audio and visual data need to be compressed and stored. Different video formats choose different approaches to encode and package content. Common video formats include:
    • MP4: A widely used format known for its balance of quality and file size, compatible with most devices and platforms.
    • AVI: An older format that offers high quality but with larger file sizes 
    • MOV: A high-quality format developed by Apple that may have compatibility issues on non-Apple devices.
    • WMV: A Windows Media format that provides good quality at smaller file sizes, though it may not work well on non-Windows platforms.
    • MKV: A flexible format that supports multiple audio and subtitle tracks. While it offers excellent quality, compatibility can be limited.

• Check the video format
  • File Extension:
    • The easiest way to find the format is to look at the file extension after the dot in the filename (e.g., .mp4, .avi, .mov, .wmv, and .mkv).
  • File Properties:
    • On Windows: 1) Right-click the video file and 2) select “Properties.” You will see the format under the “Type of file” section on the video format tab.
    • On Mac: 1) Right-click (or Control-click) the file, 2) select “Get Info,” and 3) check the “Name & Extension” section.
  • Media Players:
    • Open the video in a media player (like VLC or Windows Media Player). Many players display the format information in their “File” or “Properties” menu.
• Choose the right format
  • Different video formats have their own pros and cons, affecting your PowerPoint presentation in various ways:
    • Compatibility: MP4 is the universal format, working well across Windows and Mac systems. Pick MP4 to ensure your video plays smoothly on any device.
    • File size: Larger file sizes consume storage space and may reach upload limits. Formats like AVI fall into this category but can also provide higher quality. 
    • Quality: MOV and MKV formats can provide superior quality but may encounter playback issues.
    • Features: Some formats, like MKV, support multiple audio tracks and subtitles. The MP4 or WMV formats might be preferable if simplicity is your goal.
  • Microsoft recommends using MP4 files encoded with H.264 video and AAC audio. Other supported video formats also work, including .asf, .avi, .mp4, .m4v, .mov, .mpg or mpeg, and .wmv.
  • Tip: Ensure your video is compatible with the version of PowerPoint you are using.

• Edit your video with Camtasia
  • Import your video: Start by importing your video file into Camtasia. Simply drag and drop the file into the media bin or use the import option.
  • Trim and cut: Use the timeline to trim unwanted sections. Dragging out the edges to remove parts you don’t need ensures a polished final product.
  • Add annotations: Enhance your video with text, shapes, or arrows to emphasize key points. Use the annotation tools to create engaging visuals that guide your audience.
  • Insert transitions: Smooth out the flow between clips by adding transitions. Camtasia offers a variety of transition effects that can help maintain viewer engagement.
  • Adjust audio: Improve audio quality by adjusting volume levels, removing background noise, or adding music and sound effects. Use the audio editing features to ensure clarity.
  • Add captions: Camtasia allows you to create and edit captions easily, helping to reach a wider audience.
  • Choose compatible formats: Export your completed video in a compatible format (like MP4) for seamless embedding in PowerPoint.

Step 2: Insert the video

• Inserting a video into your PowerPoint file from your computer
  • Find the Insert tab after opening the presentation and navigating to the desired slide. Click 1) “Insert” > 2) “Video” > 3) “Video on My PC” (or “This Device” or  “Movie from File” on Mac), then select your video file.
    
• YouTube videos: Embedding a video from online sources
  • After selecting the slide, 1) click “Insert” > 2) “Video” > 3) “Online Video,” then paste the video URL.
    
  • Considerations: Ensure a stable internet connection during the presentation.

Step 3: Adjust the video settings to play the video

• Options to play a video
  • When embedding videos in PowerPoint, selecting the right playback tab settings is crucial for maintaining audience engagement. Here are some key options to consider:
    • Automatically: Picking this option from the drop-down menu will play the video as soon as the slide appears. This maintains momentum in your presentation.
    • In Click Sequence or When Clicked On: This allows you to control when the video starts. Use this to pause to set up context or ask questions before the video plays.
      
  • Customize: Resize and reposition the video on the slide.
    
• Adding playback controls
  • Options: This setting lets you show or hide video controls during playback.
    

Camtasia: The best video editor for PowerPoint presentations

Camtasia is the leading video editor and top screen recorder. It is well-established for this use case. As a desktop application, accessing your media on the device is easy, as required for PowerPoint integration. 

Fortune 500 companies and top higher education organizations consistently choose Camtasia for the following reasons:

• Professional editing tools
  • Intuitive interface: With its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, Camtasia makes video editing accessible even for beginners. You don’t need extensive technical skills to create polished content.
  • Annotations and callouts: Easily add annotations, arrows, and callouts to highlight your video’s key points or essential details. These visual aids can help clarify complex concepts and keep your audience focused.
  • Transitions and effects: Choose from a variety of transitions and visual effects to create smooth and engaging transitions between clips. These enhancements make your video look more polished and help maintain viewer interest throughout your presentation.
  • Animations: Camtasia allows you to animate text and graphics, adding dynamism to your videos. By making elements move on-screen, you can draw attention to critical information in an engaging way.
  • Audio editing: The audio editor lets you change audio levels, remove background noise, and add voice and music. High-quality audio creates an immersive experience and is essential for retaining audience attention.
• Seamless integration
  • Compatible export formats: Export your videos in formats perfectly compatible with PowerPoint, such as .mp4. This ensures smooth playback during your presentation.
  • Quality: The videos exported from Camtasia maintain a high resolution and frame rate. This ensures clear visuals and crisp audio, regardless of the device or platform used for the presentation.
  • Flexibility: Camtasia enables you to tailor videos, whether presenting live, creating an online course, or sharing a webinar.

Conclusion

• Invest in video and visuals, as they will improve your communications’ impact and effectiveness.
• You now know how to embed videos: select the video, insert the video, and adjust the video settings. 
• Use Camtasia to create professional-quality videos that are hassle-free to embed into PowerPoint.