Adding videos to your PowerPoint slides can instantly transform a plain presentation into an engaging experience. Whether you’re teaching, pitching an idea, or presenting to clients, videos help capture attention and make your message more memorable. Luckily, PowerPoint makes it simple to insert, customize, and play videos directly within your slides.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • How to insert a video from your computer
  • Embedding an online video (like YouTube)
  • Editing and formatting videos in PowerPoint
  • Playback and customization options
  • FAQs about working with videos in PowerPoint

1. Inserting a Video from Your Computer

If you already have a video file saved locally, you can easily add it to a slide:

  1. Open your PowerPoint presentation and go to the Insert tab.

  2. Click the Video drop-down arrow and choose Video on My PC.
  3. Browse your computer, select the video file, and click Insert.

  4. The video will appear on your slide, ready to play.

Tip: Use the Screen Recording option (Insert tab) to capture your screen and insert it directly as a video.

2. Inserting an Online Video

To use a YouTube or other online video:

  1. Go to the Insert tab and select Online Video.

  2. Paste the video link.
  3. The video will display in your slide, but it streams online.

Reminder: You’ll need an internet connection during your presentation for embedded videos.

3. Playing and Previewing Videos

Once inserted, you can preview or adjust playback:

  • Play/Pause: Select the video and click the play button.

  • Timeline: Jump ahead by clicking the progress bar.

  • Resize: Drag the corner handles to resize proportionally.

  • Move: Drag the video to a new location on the slide.

  • Delete: Select and press Delete.

4. Editing Videos in PowerPoint

Trimming a Video

  1. Select the video → go to Playback tab.
  2. Click Trim Video.

  3. Adjust the green/red sliders to set start and end.

  4. Preview and click OK.

Adding Fade Effects

  • In Playback tab, adjust Fade In and Fade Out timings.

Adding Bookmarks

  • Pause the video at a point → click Add Bookmark.

  • Use bookmarks to jump to key moments.

5. Playback Options

Under Playback > Video Options, you can control:


  • Volume – Adjust sound levels.
  • Start – Play automatically or on click.
  • Play Full Screen – Expand video playback.
  • Hide While Not Playing – Keeps slide clean.
  • Loop until Stopped – Repeat video continuously.
  • Rewind after Playing – Reset to beginning.

6. Formatting Videos

PowerPoint allows you to style your videos just like images:

  • Poster Frame – Set a thumbnail (freeze frame or custom image).

  • Video Styles – Add borders, effects, and frames.

  • Resize & Crop – Adjust appearance to fit your slide.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I embed a YouTube video in PowerPoint without internet?

No. Embedded videos play directly from the source (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.), so you’ll need an active internet connection during your presentation.

Q2. Why can’t I trim an embedded video in PowerPoint?

The Trim Video feature only works for videos inserted from your computer. Online/embedded videos must be edited before uploading.

Q3. Which video formats are supported in PowerPoint?

Commonly supported formats include .mp4, .mov, .avi, and .wmv. Using .mp4 with H.264 video and AAC audio ensures the best compatibility.

Q4. Can I make a video play automatically when the slide opens?

Yes. Under Playback > Video Options, change the Start setting to Automatically.

Q5. How do I reduce the file size of my PowerPoint with videos?

  • Compress the video using File > Info > Compress Media.
  • Use online video embedding instead of inserting large files.

Final Thoughts

Videos in PowerPoint aren’t just visual add-ons—they make your presentation more impactful. From trimming clips to adding fade effects and customizing playback, PowerPoint gives you full control to create a professional, engaging experience.