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How do I insert a Google Drive video in PowerPoint?

Published in PowerPoint Tutorials 3 mins read

To insert a Google Drive video into PowerPoint, you essentially need to link to it, as direct embedding isn't natively supported. Here's how you do it:

Step-by-Step Guide: Linking to a Google Drive Video in PowerPoint

  1. Get the Shareable Link from Google Drive:

    • Open Google Drive and locate the video you want to insert.
    • Right-click the video file.
    • Select "Share."
    • Ensure the sharing settings are set to "Anyone with the link" and choose the appropriate permission level (Viewer or Editor).
    • Copy the shareable link.

  2. Insert a Hyperlink in PowerPoint:

    • Open your PowerPoint presentation in Normal view.
    • Select the slide where you want to include the video link.
    • Click the Insert tab.
    • Click Link (or Hyperlink, depending on your PowerPoint version). You can insert a link by selecting an existing text or shape, or by inserting a new text box.
    • In the "Insert Hyperlink" dialog box:
      • In the "Address" field, paste the shareable link you copied from Google Drive.
      • In the "Text to display" field, enter descriptive text like "Watch Video" or the video title.
    • Click "OK."

  3. Test the Link:

    • Enter Slide Show view (e.g., by pressing F5).
    • Click on the hyperlink you just created. This should open the video in a web browser.

Important Considerations:

  • Internet Connection: The recipient of your presentation will need an internet connection to view the video through the link.
  • Google Account Access: The video needs to be shared publicly (i.e., "Anyone with the link" setting) or with specific Google accounts. If it's shared only with specific accounts, the people viewing the presentation will need to be logged into their Google accounts to watch the video.
  • Video Playback: The video will open in the user's default web browser, not directly within PowerPoint.
  • Embedding (Alternative - Less Ideal): Technically, you can download the video from Google Drive (if you have permission) and then embed the downloaded file into PowerPoint using Insert > Video > Movie from File. However, this is generally not recommended because:
    • It increases the file size of your PowerPoint presentation significantly.
    • It requires that you have sufficient storage to save the video to your computer first.
    • The video may not play correctly on other computers if they lack the necessary codecs.

Therefore, linking to the video hosted on Google Drive is the preferred method.

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