How to Add a Video to Google Slides (Step-by-Step Guide)

Adding a video to Google Slides is a great way to make your presentation more engaging and dynamic. Whether you want to include a YouTube clip, a video from Google Drive, or a local video file, Google Slides makes the process simple.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to add a video to Google Slides using different methods, plus tips for customizing video playback during your presentation.

Why Add a Video to Google Slides?

Videos can:

• Explain complex ideas more clearly
• Increase audience engagement
• Make presentations more professional and interactive
• Save time by replacing long explanations

Google Slides supports videos directly, so you don’t need third-party tools.

Method 1: Add a YouTube Video to Google Slides

This is the most common and easiest method.

Steps:

1. Open your presentation in Google Slides
2. Click on the slide where you want the video
3. Go to Insert → Video
4. Select the YouTube tab
5. Search for a video or paste the YouTube URL
6. Click Select

The video will appear on your slide and can be resized or repositioned.

Method 2: Add a Video from Google Drive

If your video is not on YouTube, you can upload it to Google Drive first.

Steps:

1. Upload your video to Google Drive
2. Open Google Slides
3. Select the target slide
4. Click Insert → Video
5. Choose the Google Drive tab
6. Select your video and click Insert

✔ Supported formats include MP4, MOV, and AVI.

Method 3: Add a Local Video File (Indirect Method)

Google Slides does not allow direct uploads from your computer. You must upload the video to Google Drive first.

Steps:

1. Go to drive.google.com
2. Click New → File upload
3. Upload your video
4. Follow Method 2 to insert it into Google Slides

How to Edit Video Playback Settings

Once the video is inserted, you can control how it plays.

To adjust settings:

1. Click on the video in your slide
2. Click Format options (or right-click → Format options)
3. Customize:
   • Start and end time
   • Autoplay when presenting
   • Mute audio
   • Video size and position

These settings help you sync the video perfectly with your presentation.

Tips for Using Videos in Google Slides

• Keep videos short (30–90 seconds is ideal)
• Use autoplay only when necessary
• Test video playback before presenting
• Ensure you have internet access for YouTube videos
• Use captions if available for accessibility

Common Problems and Solutions

Video won’t play

• Check your internet connection
• Make sure the video isn’t private or restricted

Audience can’t see the video

• Use “Present” mode
• Confirm Drive sharing permissions

Audio not working

• Check system sound settings
• Make sure the video isn’t muted in Format options

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to add a video to Google Slides can significantly improve the quality of your presentations. Whether you’re using YouTube or Google Drive, the process is quick and user-friendly. With proper playback settings and testing, your slides will look polished and professional.

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