How to Embed a Video in PDF: Full Guide for Interactive PDFs

To embed a video in a PDF, you can add a textbox and paste the link in it, insert an image of a thumbnail along with the URL, or attach a QR code.

All these methods work on PDF.net, so in this guide, we will walk you through the steps for each. In addition, we will explain why and when you should embed videos into your PDFs and provide you with troubleshooting tips for common issues that arise during the process.

Key Takeaways

• You can embed a video in a PDF file by adding a clickable link, a thumbnail along with a URL, or a QR code of the video’s URL.
• Including videos in PDFs makes them more engaging and easier to understand, as these are great for pitching, educational, and recurring materials.
• To embed videos effectively, you should use the widely supported MP4 format, trim their lengths and reduce their resolution ahead of time, as well as add captions or instructions.
• You should also test your PDF on multiple devices and readers to avoid compatibility issues and include fallback options like a plain text video link that your viewers can copy.

How to Embed a Video in a PDF File in 9 Easy Steps

To embed a video in a PDF file, you can add a clickable link using PDF.net; it is browser-based, so you won’t have to install any software. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can make your PDF more interactive with a video by following the procedure described here:

1. Open PDF.net.
   
2. Upload your document by dragging and dropping it into the Drop file here to start box. Alternatively, you can click Choose file and select it from your storage to upload it manually.
   
3. Give it a few seconds to load; your PDF will open in a new tab with a full suite of tools.
   
4. Click Text at the top of the page to activate the tool. Another panel with features should appear above your document.
   
5. Select + Add text and click on where you want to place the clickable link; a new textbox will pop up with a blinking cursor for you to type in directly.
   
6. Paste the link to the video that you want to put in your PDF. You can also include a short call to action (CTA) before it, like “Watch this video for more details:”.
   
7. Highlight the URL and press Ctrl+K on your keyboard to add a hyperlink; this way, when you click on the URL, you will be directed to the page that hosts the video.
   
   Tip: You can customize the text you included by changing the font, color, and size. You can also bold or italicize certain parts to call attention to them.
   
8. Once you are happy with your placement, click Download in the top right corner.
   
9. Give your document a name and press Download PDF to save it to your storage.
   

This is the simplest way to include a video in a PDF with our PDF editor. You can complete the entire process in just a few minutes; our intuitive interface is designed to help users save time!

2 Other Ways to Add a Video to Your PDF File

There are two other ways to put a video in a PDF file using PDF.net; let’s take a closer look at each.

#1. Add a Thumbnail With a URL

Follow these steps to insert a video into a PDF with a thumbnail and a URL:

1. Open our PDF.net and upload your document.
   
2. Click Image in the toolbar at the top of the page.
   
3. Drag and drop your thumbnail in or press Browse to upload it from your device. Make sure that the image is in JPG or PNG format.
4. Reposition the thumbnail by selecting it and dragging it around. You can also resize it by adjusting the circles.
   Tip: You can go a step further to mimic the display of a video by overlaying the thumbnail with a triangle, indicating the Play icon. You can insert an image of the triangle or draw it freehand with the Draw tool.
5. Click Text in the toolbar at the top of the page, press + Add text, and then select the space underneath the thumbnail that you just inserted.
   
6. Paste the video’s URL into the textbox that appears.
   
7. Press Download to save your PDF and share it with others easily.
   

This way of making interactive PDFs with videos is great when you want to have a clear visual cue and are branding your document a certain way. It reinforces your personal or professional identity, so it is easy for others to recognize your work immediately. You can use this method for:

• Pitching materials: media kits, proposals, sponsorship requests, etc.
• Educational materials: training manuals, workbooks, guides, etc.
• Recurring materials: newsletters, reports, PDF templates, etc.

#2. Add a QR Code of the Video’s URL

Another option is to add QR codes that open the videos when you scan them. This method is particularly suitable for printed PDFs, such as posters, brochures, manuals, and handouts.

Unlike embedded multimedia in a PDF, which some devices don’t support, QR codes work across phones, tablets, and computers, and they can improve your document’s accessibility while keeping it lightweight. Therefore, you won’t have to find workarounds to resize your document.

Follow these steps:

1. Upload your PDF to our editor.
   
2. Find Image at the top of the page and click on it. A box will pop up for you to drag and drop your QR code into it or upload it manually from your device.
   
3. Place your QR code properly on your page, flipping, rotating, or resizing it as necessary.
   
4. Test that the QR code works by scanning it with your phone or tablet. Once you confirm that it leads to your video, it is time to save the PDF.
5. Select Download in the top right corner, enter a name, and click Download PDF.
   

Why Should You Embed a Video in a PDF Document?

You should embed a video in a PDF because it makes the document more engaging and easier to understand. A video can explain ideas in more detail without taking up as much space as writing everything out.

A study in health education found that video-based learning improved knowledge acquisition. In general settings, videos are believed to be more memorable and gain more engagement and sympathy than text.

Here are some situations where you can benefit from embedding a video in your PDF:

• When creating presentations and reports. Since these are usually client-facing, you would want them to be as engaging as possible. Videos make this happen by breaking up slide after slide or page after page of text. They also take up just a slide or page to cover the same amount of information, so you won’t have drawn-out PDFs.
• When making interactive training materials. The visuals and sounds in a video can make it easier for learners to understand complex concepts. They are particularly great for providing step-by-step instructions, such as in PDF product guides. Studies show that 68% of consumers prefer watching videos to learn about new products.
• When sending promotional materials. Videos grab attention, and they are the number one choice for content consumption nowadays. For example, videos in email campaigns can increase click‑through rates by 200% to 300%. Additionally, people are more likely to share content that contains videos with others. If you want to expand your PDF’s reach, embedding it with videos is a smart move.

Tips for Embedding Videos in PDFs

Keep these tips in mind when embedding a video in a PDF on Mac, Windows, etc.:

• Use MP4 format. Some video formats might play on your device but fail on someone else’s due to compatibility issues. Embedding MP4 in a PDF file is the safest choice because it is widely supported across platforms. It also ensures smooth playback without requiring extra plugins and maintains consistent quality. Meanwhile, you should avoid AVI, MOV, or WMV, as they tend to require specific codecs.
• Keep video file size reasonable to avoid large PDFs. Large videos can add to a PDF's size and make it slow to open and difficult to share through email, as well as cause certain devices and readers to crash. You can compress it or shorten its length using a PDF video editor online. It also helps to adjust the resolution; full 1080p is often unnecessary.
• Test the PDF on multiple devices before sharing. Each PDF reader handles embedded videos differently, and performance can vary across devices and operating systems. Therefore, you should open the PDF on multiple devices and readers and play the entire video each time to check for issues. Pay attention to the audio and any accompanying captions or interactive elements, too.
• Add captions or instructions for video playback. This way, your viewers can access the content without confusion. Captions and instructions improve accessibility for those who are hard of hearing. Plus, it allows all viewers to follow along even if they watch muted; according to recent studies, 69% of consumers watch videos with the sound off.

3 Common Issues When Embedding Videos in PDFs

Here are a few common issues when embedding videos in PDFs and how to troubleshoot them:

• Videos are not playing in certain PDF readers. Older readers or readers on mobile apps may fail to play videos, so to avoid playback problems, it is best to use the MP4 format and test your PDF on multiple readers before sharing. You should also change your PDF permissions and allow viewers to copy the videos’ URLs in case they aren’t clickable.
• The PDF file size becomes too large. Bloated PDFs can prompt your viewers to bounce, consume more storage space (especially when embedded on websites), and lead to crashes or freezes on older devices. As such, you should make it a standard to compress your PDFs and optimize your videos' lengths to keep your files manageable.
• Compatibility problems with older software versions. Many older readers and operating systems will not support the latest video codecs, which prevents the videos on your PDFs from playing. Interactive elements, like clickable links, may also be broken. To address this, you should include a plain-text link to the videos as a fallback.

Start Making Your PDFs Interactive With Our Tool

Our online editor is free to access, and you can upload your document to edit with our full suite of tools without registering beforehand. Embed videos, add audio, and other elements like fillable fields or images to your heart’s content.

Then, you can choose from three affordable pricing plans and download your document. The exporting process itself takes just a few seconds; you will have professional, video-embedded PDFs that are ready to share in no time.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to embed a video in a PDF properly allows you to take your documents to the next level. You can make them engaging, easier to understand, and more shareable by following one of the three simple embedding methods we outlined above. In return, they become far more interactive, informative, and impressive to your viewers.

How to Embed a Video in PDF FAQs

#1. Can I embed a YouTube video in a PDF?

Yes, you can embed a YouTube video in a PDF by using PDF.net. You can insert a textbox and paste the YouTube video link in it, or add an image of the video’s thumbnail along with its URL. Additionally, it’s also possible to create a QR code that leads to the YouTube video and attach it as an image in your PDF.

#2. Will the embedded video work on mobile devices?

Embedded videos might work on mobile devices if the PDF reader supports video playback and the video is in a widely compatible format like MP4. Performance depends on your device's model and operating system as well.

#3. Can I edit or replace the video later?

Yes, you can edit or replace the video later with our PDF editor. You can return to the document and edit the text if you originally inserted a clickable link or insert new images to replace your old thumbnails or QR codes. PDF.net allows you to store and organize your PDFs for as long as you need, so you won’t have to go looking for them or make a new PDF.

#4. Does embedding a video increase PDF file size?

Yes, embedding a video in a PDF will increase the file size, and it might bloat your file significantly if it is long, in high resolution, or in a format like AVI or MOV. To ensure your document’s size stays reasonable, compress your PDF and optimize the video before embedding it.