How to Embed a YouTube Video in Google Slides

How to Embed a YouTube Video in Google Slides

Presentations these days are more than just text and static images; they’re engaging, dynamic, and captivating. One of the magic ingredients? YouTube videos. The Fordham Institute found that video presentations can significantly enhance learning outcomes. So, without further ado, let’s ramp up your Google Slides presentations by adding compelling YouTube videos

How to Embed a YouTube Video in Google Slides

Adding YouTube videos to your Google Slides can boost your presentation. A great presentation is important because it’s integral in engaging your audience. Not only do videos hold attention and make things more fun, but they’re also great at simplifying tricky concepts. Videos tell a story that stirs emotions, amplifies engagement, and presents a polished look.

Ready to level up your Google Slides presentation with YouTube videos? Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you do just that:

  1. Head to slides.google.com and create a new presentation or open an existing one.
  2. Click “Insert” on the top toolbar, then choose “Video” from the dropdown.
  3. In the “Search Bar,” enter keywords or the video title, then click “Insert.”
  4. Select your video and click “Select.”
  5. Adjust its position and size on the slide using the blue points.

Alternatively, you can embed a video by pasting its YouTube URL in the “By URL” tab in the “Insert Video” window. Click on the Search Bar and paste the URL from the “Share” functions, not the embed code. 

How to Embed YouTube Videos in Google Slides with Extra Features

Google Slides is a great tool, but sometimes, customization is needed to add content that helps keep your audience engaged. After adding a video to your presentation, you can customize several extra settings to edit and enhance your presentation.

  • Video Playback: Use the “Play (automatically)” for an instant start or “Play (on click)” for manual control. Set “Start at:” and “End at:” times for specific parts. You can also mute the audio if you have to by checking the “Mute” option. 
  • Size & Rotation: Adjust video size and rotation in the “Size & Rotation” tab by clicking and dragging the video. Click the “Lock the aspect ratio” for consistent proportions, and consider rotation for visual interest.
  • Position: Click the “Position” tab to place your video appealingly. Utilize the function of the guide for alignment with other slide elements.
  • Drop Shadow: Create a 3D effect with “Drop Shadow.” Adjust size, angle, and opacity for depth, but avoid cluttering.
  • Alt Text: You can also enhance accessibility for the video in your slide with alt text descriptions. This aids visually impaired users. Include all relevant info and avoid extra words like “image of.”

How to Insert a Non-YouTube Video in Google Slides

Need to add non-YouTube media to your Google Slides? Follow these straightforward steps to integrate it into your slide deck easily.

  1. Have your video ready on your computer, or download it from sites like Vimeo.
  2. Next, upload this video to your Google Drive.
  3. Now, go to Google Slides. Click “Insert,” choose “Video,” and then “Google Drive.”
  4. Select the video you’ve uploaded.
  5. Adjust your video’s size and change its position on the slide as needed.

Take note: you can also upload your video to YouTube and follow the previous instruction. However, ads can appear during the playback when using this method.  Your video should be one of the supported formats:

  • WebM files (Vp8 video codec; Vorbis Audio codec)
  • MPEG4, 3GPP, and MOV files (h264 and MPEG4 video codecs; AAC audio codec)
  • AVI (MJPEG video codec; PCM audio)
  • MPEGPS (MPEG2 video codec; MP2 audio)
  • WMV

Upload your video in supported format options, follow the instructions, and be mindful of potential ads during playback. In addition, make proper attributes to seamlessly use the video you want to embed in your presentations. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I embed YouTube videos on Google Slides without Ads?

Unfortunately, you can’t directly embed videos on Google Slides without ads. But, a handy workaround is using an ad-blocker extension on your web browser to block ads from popping up during your presentation. Or you can use the Google Drive video method instead. 

How can I get a YouTube video to play in Google Slides in Presentation Mode? 

Simply click the video on your slide, head to the “Video Playback” tab, and pick “Play (automatically)” from the dropdown menu. If you want only a certain part of the video to play, you can set start and end times too. The video plays without any presenter interactions. 

Does the YouTube video require an internet connection during the presentation? 

Yes, an internet connection is necessary to play a YouTube video in a Google presentation. If the internet is a problem, you could download and insert the video into your presentation as a video file.

Can I set the YouTube video to play automatically when I reach the slide? 

Certainly! Just click the video on your slide, tap on the “Video Playback” tab, and choose “Play (automatically)” from the dropdown menu. The video will play automatically as you advance the slide while presenting. 

Can I loop the YouTube video continuously during the presentation?

To make your video loop, right-click on the playing video and choose the “Loop” option. Alternatively, you can use a third-party looper to repeat the entire video. 

Summary

We’ve just unraveled how easy it is to make your presentations stand out by incorporating YouTube videos into your slides! Doing this keeps your audience glued to the screen and clarifies complex points. And hey, you can do this in PowerPoint too.

Are you looking to further step up your game with diverse file types for your online client reports? Give Ahsuite’s “View” a whirl. This feature uses iframes to keep your files within a polished and professional-looking portal. 

With their 30-day trial, you can test how well they play with platforms like Tableau, Google Workplace, Figma, YouTube, and Airtable. It’s about time your presentations had a power-up.

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