Inserting a video into Google Docs is a nifty trick that can make your document more engaging and informative. Though Google Docs doesn’t support direct video embedding, you can easily insert a video by linking it through Google Slides. So, let’s get the show on the road!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Insert a Video into Google Docs
To insert a video into your Google Doc, you’ll first add it to a Google Slides presentation, then link that slide to your document. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a video in your doc in no time.
Step 1: Open Google Slides
Open Google Slides and create a new presentation, or open the one you want to use.
Google Slides is a part of Google Drive, like Docs. If you’re logged into your Google account, you can access Slides from the Google Apps grid or by going to slides.google.com.
Step 2: Insert Video in Google Slides
Click on ‘Insert’ in the top menu, then select ‘Video.’
You can search for a video on YouTube, by URL, or from your Google Drive. Choose the one you want and click ‘Select.’
Step 3: Copy the Slide Link
Once the video is on your slide, click on the slide thumbnail on the left, then click on the ‘Link’ option.
This will give you a link to the specific slide that contains your video. Copy this link.
Step 4: Open Google Docs
Go to your Google Doc or open a new one where you want to insert the video.
Make sure you’re in the part of the document where you want the link to the video to appear.
Step 5: Insert the Link
Use the ‘Insert’ menu in Google Docs, select ‘Link,’ and paste the copied slide link.
You can type the text you want to display for the link, like "Watch Video," before pasting the link. This will make it clear to readers that there’s a video to watch.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Google Doc will have a clickable link that takes readers to the slide with your video. The video won’t play directly in Docs, but viewers can easily watch it with one click.
What Happens After You Insert a Video
After you insert the video link into your Google Doc, anyone with access to the document can click on the link and be taken to the Google Slides presentation where the video will play. It’s a seamless way to incorporate multimedia content into your documents.
Tips for Inserting a Video into Google Docs
- Make sure the Google Slides presentation is shared with the same permissions as your Google Doc, so viewers can access the video.
- Use an inviting call-to-action for your link text, like "Click here to watch the video!"
- Consider inserting a screenshot of the video into your Doc as a visual cue.
- Keep the Google Slides presentation simple, with just the video, to avoid any confusion.
- Test the link before sharing your document to ensure it works correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What video formats are supported?
Google Slides supports videos from YouTube, Google Drive, and direct URLs from other supported sites.
Can I embed a video to play directly in Google Docs?
No, Google Docs doesn’t support embedded videos to play directly within the document. The linked Google Slides workaround is the closest alternative.
Will viewers need access to both the Google Doc and the Google Slides?
Yes, make sure to set the sharing permissions accordingly for both the Google Doc and the Google Slides presentation.
Can I link to a specific part of the video?
Yes, when you insert the video in Google Slides, you can set it to start at a specific timestamp.
What if I want to insert multiple videos?
You can create multiple slides, each with a different video, and link each one individually in your Google Doc.
Summary
- Open Google Slides
- Insert Video in Google Slides
- Copy the Slide Link
- Open Google Docs
- Insert the Link
Conclusion
Inserting a video into Google Docs can seem a bit roundabout since you can’t embed a video directly. But with a few quick steps, linking a video through Google Slides is a breeze. This workaround allows you to add a dynamic element to your documents, making them more engaging and interactive. Remember, the key is to ensure your audience has the right access to view both the document and the video. Whether you’re a teacher creating educational materials, a professional preparing a report, or just sharing information with friends, adding videos can greatly enhance your communication. So go ahead, give it a try! You’ll be linking videos into your Google Docs like a pro in no time.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.