How to Add Video to Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding a video to Google Docs may sound complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. You just need to grab the link of the video you want to add and then use a few clicks within Google Docs to insert it. After you’ve completed these steps, your video will be embedded right into your document, ready to be viewed by anyone you share it with.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Add Video to Google Docs

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming for. By following these steps, you’ll be able to insert a video into your Google Docs document, making it interactive and engaging for your viewers.

Step 1: Open your Google Docs document

The first thing you need to do is open the Google Docs document where you want to add the video.

Once you have your document open, make sure you’re in the spot where you want the video to go. You might want to add some text before or after the video to give it context.

Step 2: Go to the ‘Insert’ menu

Next, click on the ‘Insert’ menu at the top of the page.

The ‘Insert’ menu is where you can add all sorts of things to your document, not just videos. You can use it to add images, tables, and even drawings.

Step 3: Select ‘Drawing’ and then ‘+ New’

In the ‘Insert’ menu, hover over ‘Drawing’ and then click on ‘+ New’.

This is going to open up a new window where you can create a drawing. But don’t worry, we’re not actually going to draw anything.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Image’ icon and select ‘By URL’

In the drawing window, click on the image icon (which looks like a little mountain) and select ‘By URL’.

Here’s where you’ll need the link for the video you want to add. Make sure you have it copied and ready to go.

Step 5: Paste the video URL and click ‘Select’

Paste your video URL into the box and click ‘Select’.

The video won’t actually play in the drawing window. Instead, it will just look like a static image.

Step 6: Click ‘Save and Close’ to add the drawing to your document

After you have the video image, click ‘Save and Close’ in the top right corner of the drawing window.

Your drawing, which is actually the video, will now appear in your Google Docs document. It might look like just an image, but it’s clickable and will play the video when clicked.

Step 7: Resize the video image as needed

You may need to resize the video image to fit your document better.

Just click on the image and drag the corners to make it larger or smaller. Remember, this won’t change the size of the video when it’s played, just the preview image in your document.

Once you have completed these steps, your video will be embedded in your Google Docs document. When viewers click on the video image, it will open in a new tab and play the video there. It’s a great way to add multimedia elements to your documents and make them more dynamic.

Tips for Adding Video to Google Docs

  • Make sure the video you want to add is already uploaded to a site like YouTube or Vimeo and that you have the direct link.
  • Consider the placement of your video within the document. You may want to add it in the midst of relevant text for context.
  • Remember that the video will not play directly in the document—it will open in a new tab when clicked.
  • Test the video link after embedding to ensure it works correctly.
  • Keep in mind that adding too many videos can make your document load slower, so use this feature sparingly for the best impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a video from my computer directly into Google Docs?

No, unfortunately, you cannot upload a video directly from your computer into Google Docs. You need to upload it to a video hosting site first and then link it as described above.

Will the video play directly in the document?

The video won’t play directly in the document. When you click on the video image, it will open in a new tab and play from there.

Can I resize the video in my Google Docs?

You can resize the preview image of the video in your Google Docs, but this will not change the actual size of the video when it plays.

Can I add videos from any website?

You can add videos from any site as long as you have the direct link to the video. However, make sure you have the right to share and embed the video in your document.

How many videos can I add to a Google Docs document?

You can add as many videos as you need, but remember that adding too many can slow down the document’s load time for viewers.

Summary

  1. Open your Google Docs document.
  2. Go to the ‘Insert’ menu.
  3. Select ‘Drawing’ then ‘+ New’.
  4. Click on the ‘Image’ icon and select ‘By URL’.
  5. Paste the video URL and click ‘Select’.
  6. Click ‘Save and Close’.
  7. Resize the video image as needed.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks—the easy-peasy way to add video to Google Docs. Whether you’re sprucing up a report, making an interactive guide, or just want to share a funny cat video in the middle of your document (we’re not judging), now you know just how to do it. Just remember to keep your videos relevant and your document not too heavy on the multimedia. Happy video embedding! And in case you run into any snags, don’t hesitate to revisit this guide or reach out for help. After all, sharing is caring—especially when it comes to those priceless video moments.

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