Adding a video to Microsoft PowerPoint is an easy task, even if you’re doing it from a smartphone. However, some folks are wondering if it is possible to set a thumbnail for their videos. You see, whenever you add a video to a slide, the thumbnail is usually the photo from the first frame of the clip.
That’s not good enough because the first frame in most situations does not provide the best photos for thumbnails. So, your best bet is to manually set a thumbnail. You might not have known this, but PowerPoint does have a thumbnail feature for videos called Photo Frame.
How to insert Video Thumbnail in PowerPoint
Changing the thumbnail of a video on Microsoft PowerPoint can be done in several ways. This article will discuss all methods for all readers-
- Open a PowerPoint presentation
- Add your preferred video
- Play the video to the preferred frame
- Set the selected frame as a thumbnail
1] Open a PowerPoint presentation
Before we begin, one must ensure PowerPoint is up and running. To open it, click on the icon located on your Desktop or from within the Start Menu. If you have it on your Taskbar, then click on it from there.
The next step, then, is to fire up a document. You can choose to launch a blank document, or open an already created one; the choice is yours.
2] Add your preferred video
OK, so to add a video to your PowerPoint Slide, please click on the Insert tab, then navigate to Video. From under the Insert Video From section, you will see options to add a video. Select the one that makes sense and wait for the video to appear.
3] Play the video to the preferred frame
Click on the play button, then allow the video to run until it reaches the correct frame, then hit the pause button.
4] Set the selected frame as a thumbnail
OK, so the next step here, is to click on Video Format > Poster Frame > Current Frame. Right away the system will use the frame as the video thumbnail.
How to use an existing photo as a video thumbnail in PowerPoint
If you want to use a photo already saved on your hard drive instead, then this is something you can accomplish with relative ease. Lets look at how to get this done in the shortest possible way.
Return to Poster Frame, but this time please select, Import From File > From a File, then select the image you want after browsing for it.
Finally, hit the Enter key, and that’s it.
How to remove thumbnail in PowerPoint
For those who want to remove thumbnails they’ve added, please, again, click on Poster Frame, but this time, navigate to Reset and that should do the trick.
Read: 10 Most Useful PowerPoint Tips and Tricks.
What is PowerPoint used for?
If you are new to Microsoft PowerPoint, then you’ll want to know that it uses slides to convey information rich in multimedia. It comes packed as part of the Microsoft Office suite software better known as Microsoft Office 365.
Read: PowerPoint Online Tips and Tricks.
Is PowerPoint software free?
No, PowerPoint is not free to use on Windows desktops. PowerPoint comes with the Microsoft Office suite that includes Word, Excel, OneNote, etc. To use Microsoft Office applications including PowerPoint, you have to purchase the Microsoft Office suite. However, you can gain access to a basic version through your web browser via Office Web Apps. Also, PowerPoint app is also free for Android smartphones. You can install it from Google Play Store and use it for free.
How can I create a PowerPoint presentation?
- Open PowerPoint.
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In the left pane, select New.
- Select an option:
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- To create a presentation from scratch, select Blank Presentation.
- To use a prepared design, select one of the templates.
- To see tips for using PowerPoint, select Take a Tour, and then select Create.
Read next: How to create a Calendar in PowerPoint.
