Introduction
Adding a video to your Google Slides can transform a basic presentation into something engaging and dynamic. Whether you’re giving a lecture, pitching a product, or creating a tutorial, videos can make your content more memorable. Luckily, Google Slides makes it simple to add videos from YouTube, Google Drive, or via a direct link.
Why Add Videos to Google Slides?
Videos can help you:
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Engage your audience with visual storytelling.
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Explain complex ideas in a simple way.
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Break up long presentations with interactive elements.
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Make your slides look more professional and appealing.
Types of Videos You Can Add to Google Slides
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YouTube videos: Directly searchable and embeddable.
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Google Drive videos: Perfect for personal or private video uploads.
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Video links: Embed videos hosted on other platforms (though these don’t play directly in the slide).
Methods to Insert a Video in Google Slider
There are three primary ways:
4.1 From YouTube
Great for public content that’s easily shareable.
4.2 From Google Drive
Ideal for videos you’ve recorded or edited yourself.
4.3 By Embedding a Video Link
Useful when you can’t upload or find a video on YouTube.
Step-by-Step: Adding a YouTube Video to Google Slides
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Open your Google Slides presentation.
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Click Insert in the top menu.
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Select Video.
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Choose the YouTube tab.
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Search for your video or paste the YouTube link.
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Click Select to insert the video.
Step-by-Step: Adding a Google Drive Video to Google Slides
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Go to Insert → Video.
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Select the Google Drive tab.
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Choose the video from My Drive or Shared with me.
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Click Select to embed the video in your slide.
How to Format and Resize the Video
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Click on the video and drag the corners to resize it.
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Use the Format options panel (right-click → Format options) to adjust position, drop shadows, and other styles.
How to Set Video Playback Options
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Right-click on the video → Format options → Video playback.
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Choose Play on click, Play automatically, or Play manually.
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Set start and end times if you want to show only a portion of the video.
How to Autoplay a Video in Google Slides
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Click the video.
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Go to Format options → Video playback.
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Select Play automatically.
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Present your slides — the video will play as soon as the slide appears.
How to Use a Video as a Background
While Google Slides doesn’t support true video backgrounds, you can simulate this by:
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Setting the video to autoplay.
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Expanding it to cover the entire slide.
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Using muted videos for subtle background motion.
Tips for Using Videos in Presentations
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Keep them short (1–3 minutes).
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Test before presenting to ensure smooth playback.
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Download backup copies in case of internet issues.
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Mute audio if the video is just for visual effect.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Add a Video?
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Video format not supported? Convert it to MP4 before uploading to Drive.
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Access issue? Make sure Drive videos are shared with anyone who needs to view them.
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Playback error? Check your internet connection and permissions.
How to Share a Presentation with Videos
When sharing your Google Slides, ensure:
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Drive videos are set to “Anyone with the link can view.”
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You have proper permissions for embedded YouTube content.
Best Practices for Smooth Playback
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Use a stable internet connection.
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Preload videos before presenting.
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Keep videos optimized for web playback (720p is usually best).
Conclusion
Adding videos to Google Slides is a powerful way to make your presentations engaging and professional. Whether you’re using a YouTube video, a personal clip from Google Drive, or a video link, the process is quick and easy. With proper formatting and playback settings, you can create a seamless viewing experience for your audience.
FAQs
1. Can I add a video from my computer to Google Slides?
Yes, but first upload it to Google Drive, then insert it from there.
2. Can I embed a video link that isn’t YouTube?
You can insert links, but they won’t play inside the slide—viewers must click the link.
3. Can I trim a video inside Google Slides?
No, you’ll need to edit it before uploading to YouTube or Drive.
4. Do videos work offline in Google Slides?
No, you need an internet connection for embedded videos to play.
5. Can I autoplay videos in Google Slides?
Yes, through the Video playback settings in Format options.