How to Embed a Video in PowerPoint (2026)
PowerPoint can embed a video file directly in the slide so it travels with the deck, or link to an online video that streams during the show. Embedding takes one trip through the Insert menu; the playback controls — autoplay, trimming, and looping — live on the Playback tab.
1. Embed a Video File (Windows & Mac)
- Go to the Insert tab.
- Click Video > This Device (Windows) or Video > Movie from File (Mac).
- Choose the file and click Insert.
The video is embedded in the file, so the deck plays even offline. MP4 with H.264 is the most reliable format.
2. Insert an Online Video
- Insert > Video > Online Videos.
- Paste a YouTube or Vimeo URL and click Insert.
Online videos stream during the show — they need an internet connection and are not embedded in the file.
3. Insert a Video (PowerPoint for the Web)
- Open the Insert tab and click Online Video.
- Paste a supported link (YouTube and others) and insert it.
The web app links online videos; embedding a local file is a desktop feature.
4. Set the Video to Play Automatically
- Click the video, then open the Playback tab.
- Under Start, choose Automatically, On Click, or In Click Sequence.
- Check Play Full Screen or Loop until Stopped if needed.
5. Trim a Video and Set a Poster Frame
- Trim Video (Playback tab) lets you drag start and end handles to cut the clip.
- Poster Frame (Video Format tab) sets the still image shown before play — choose Current Frame or an image from a file.
6. Troubleshooting
The video won’t play
The codec may be unsupported. Convert to MP4 (H.264), the format PowerPoint handles most reliably.
The file is huge after embedding
Embedded video inflates the file. Use File > Compress Media to shrink it.
The online video shows a blank box
Online videos need a live connection during the show. For offline playback, download and embed the file instead.
Related PowerPoint guides: How to add audio · How to add a GIF · How to convert to video · How to compress images · How to record a presentation
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