How to Add Videos to Google Docs: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Adding videos to your Google Docs can really spice up your document. Whether you’re a teacher creating a lesson plan, a student working on a project, or a professional preparing a report, videos can provide a multimedia experience that enhances your message. But how do you add videos to Google Docs? It’s not as straightforward as adding images, but with a few simple steps, you’ll be embedding videos in no time.

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

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re about to do. In this tutorial, we’re going to learn how to insert videos into a Google Docs document. This involves using Google Slides as a workaround since Google Docs doesn’t support direct video embedding. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Open Google Slides

First things first, you’ll need to open Google Slides and start a new presentation.
Google Docs doesn’t have a built-in feature to embed videos directly into a document. That’s why we need to use Google Slides, which supports video embedding, and then link or import the slides into Google Docs.

Step 2: Insert a Video

Once you have your Google Slides presentation open, click on Insert, then Video.
You can search for a video from YouTube, use a URL to a video, or select a video from your Google Drive. Choose the best option for you and insert the video into the slide.

Step 3: Resize and Position the Video

After inserting the video, you can resize and position it however you’d like on the slide.
Remember, the way the video looks on the slide is how it will appear in your Google Docs, so take the time to make it look nice!

Step 4: Publish to the Web

With your video in place, click on File, then Publish to the web..., and finally, Publish.
By publishing the slides to the web, you are creating a link that can be shared or embedded, which is how we’ll get the video into Google Docs.

Step 5: Copy the Embed Code

After you click Publish, you’ll see a link and an option to copy an embed code. Copy the embed code.
This embed code is the HTML snippet that you’ll need to insert into your Google Docs.

Step 6: Open Google Docs

Now, open the Google Docs document where you want to add the video.
Make sure you’re logged in to the same Google account that you used to create the Google Slides.

Step 7: Insert a Drawing

In Google Docs, click on Insert, then Drawing, and + New.
We’re going to use the drawing tool as a way to insert our video indirectly.

Step 8: Insert the Video via Embed Code

Within the drawing tool, click on the image icon to insert an image, select By URL, and paste the embed code into the URL field before hitting Save and Close.
Although this field is typically for image URLs, pasting the embed code here will create a placeholder image in your Google Doc that links to your video.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a clickable image in your Google Docs that takes readers to a published Google Slides presentation where your video will automatically play. It’s an indirect method, but it’s currently the best way to incorporate videos into your Google Docs.

Tips for Adding Videos to Google Docs

• Make sure the video you want to insert is set to public or unlisted if it’s on YouTube, so viewers can see it without restrictions.
• Consider the size of the video in the slides, as this will affect how it appears in the Google Docs.
• Double-check that the video plays correctly in the published Google Slides before embedding it into your document.
• If the video is on your Google Drive, ensure it is shared appropriately for your intended audience to view.
• Use the Format options in Google Slides to autoplay the video when the slide is presented, making for a smoother viewer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I embed a video directly into Google Docs?

No, Google Docs does not currently support direct video embeds. However, you can use the workaround method mentioned above to link a video through Google Slides.

Can I embed a video from sources other than YouTube or Google Drive?

Yes, as long as you can get an embed code for the video, you can use the same method to insert it into your Google Slides and then into Google Docs.

Will the video play directly in Google Docs?

No, the video will not play directly in Google Docs. The inserted image acts as a link, which when clicked, will take the viewer to the published Google Slides presentation where the video can be played.

Can I resize the video once it’s in Google Docs?

You can resize the placeholder image in Google Docs, but this will not change the size of the video in the published Google Slides. Make sure to set the correct size in Google Slides before embedding.

Will viewers need permission to view the video?

If the video is on Google Drive, make sure the sharing settings allow your intended audience to view it. If it’s a YouTube video, setting it to public or unlisted will allow anyone with the link to view it.

Summary

1. Open Google Slides and start a new presentation.
2. Insert a video into the slide.
3. Resize and position the video on the slide.
4. Publish the slide to the web.
5. Copy the embed code provided.
6. Open your Google Docs document.
7. Insert a drawing and create a new one.
8. Insert the video via embed code into the drawing tool.

Conclusion

With the rise of digital media, adding videos to your Google Docs can significantly enhance the impact of your content. Whether for educational purposes or to make a business report more engaging, embedding a video can capture the attention of your audience in ways that text alone cannot. Although Google Docs doesn’t provide a direct method for video embedding, the workaround using Google Slides is a clever trick to achieve the same end result. And let’s be real, who doesn’t like a good hack that gets the job done?

As you follow the steps outlined in this article, remember to keep your audience in mind. Make sure the videos you choose are relevant and add value to your document. Also, be conscious of permissions and privacy settings to avoid any viewing issues for your audience.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the ability to incorporate various media types into one’s work is invaluable. By mastering how to add videos to Google Docs, you’re not only enhancing your documents but also expanding your digital literacy skills. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your Google Docs come to life with the dynamic power of video!