Want video inside your PDF without playback issues? Add a thumbnail, link, or QR code with Smallpdf so it works everywhere.
True embedded video can work in some desktop viewers, but it often breaks on mobile and can bloat your file.
The safest move is to add a video thumbnail to the PDF, then add a clear link (and optionally a QR code). Your reader clicks the link or scans the QR code, and the video opens in their browser.
Below, we’ll show you every step of the way.
Quick Start: Embed Video in PDF in Minutes
If you want the fastest approach that works across devices, do this:
- Upload your PDF to Edit PDF.
- Add a video thumbnail image with “Add image.”
- Add a short caption and paste the full video URL beneath it.
- Optional: insert a QR code for print readers.
- Click “Finish” and test the PDF on desktop and mobile.
Embed a video in a PDF in 2 minutes with Smallpdf
Why Embed Video in a PDF?
A short clip can explain a process faster than a page of text. Product demos, training steps, and proposals become easier to understand when the reader can watch a clear example.
When you embed video in PDF with a link and thumbnail, you keep the document lightweight and accessible, while delivering richer context on demand.
How to Embed Video in a PDF: Step-by-Step Guide
We recommend the clickable thumbnail approach. It keeps your PDF small, it works on most devices, and you control where the video is placed.
Here’s the quickest method that works on all devices:
Step 1: Prepare Your Video and Thumbnail
Host the video where your audience can access it, then copy the share link. Take a clear screenshot from the video to use as a thumbnail. If you have a small ‘play’ icon as a PNG, keep it ready, so the image looks like a video player.
Step 2: Open Smallpdf’s Edit PDF
Go to Edit PDF.
Step 3: Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop the file, or import it from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
Step 4: Insert the Thumbnail Image
Click “Add image,” choose your thumbnail, and place it where you want the video entry point to appear.
Use the corner handles to resize. Center it or align it with the surrounding content so it looks intentional.
Step 5: Add a Visible Link to the Video
Add a short line of text under the thumbnail, such as “Watch the video.” Paste the full video URL after the text. Most PDF readers recognize full URLs as clickable links.
If you prefer, place the link directly on the thumbnail area by adding a brief caption over the image with the full URL.
If you need a link that is easy to share elsewhere, too, review practical ways to create a link to a PDF and apply the same link hygiene to your video URL.
Step 6: Optional: Add a QR Code
Many people read PDFs on paper. Generate a QR code for your video and insert it with “Add image.” Place it near the thumbnail, so print readers can scan and watch.
Step 7: Export and Test
Click “Finish” to download the updated PDF. Open it on a desktop and on a phone. Click the thumbnail and the link to confirm the video opens quickly and plays as expected.
Embed a video in a PDF in 2 minutes with Smallpdf
Video in PDF Methods Compared
Not sure which method fits your needs? Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
Video in PDF methods compared
Different Ways to Add Video in a PDF
There is more than one valid approach. Choose the one that fits your audience and file size constraints.
1. Clickable Thumbnail With Link
This is the most compatible method. Add a thumbnail image and a visible URL or caption. Readers click, and the video opens in their browser.
2. Text Link Only
Keep it simple if space is tight. Add a sentence such as “Watch the setup video at ...” and paste the full URL.
3. QR Code for Print Readers
If people will print the PDF, insert a QR code that points to the same video. This pairs well with a thumbnail for digital reading.
4. Fully Embedded Multimedia
Some desktop editors can attach a video inside the PDF. Large file sizes and limited viewer support make this risky.
If your readers use many different apps and devices, linking out is safer. For interactive PDFs that must remain small, the linked thumbnail approach is best.
Real-World Examples of Video-Enhanced PDFs
Here are practical ways businesses use video-enhanced PDFs.
Product Catalogs With Demo Videos
Add product demonstration clips to showcase features that photos can’t capture. Perfect for electronics, software, or complex machinery.
Training Manuals With Tutorial Clips
Include step-by-step video tutorials alongside written instructions. Especially helpful for technical procedures or safety training.
Marketing Proposals With Testimonials
Embed customer testimonial videos or case study presentations to make proposals more engaging and credible.
Educational Materials With Lectures
Link to recorded lectures, lab demonstrations, or supplementary explanations to enhance textbooks and study guides.
Make Your Video Link Look Clean and Professional
- Use a sharp thumbnail. Avoid blurry screenshots.
- Keep the thumbnail size realistic. Don’t stretch small images.
- Add a simple label under it, like “Watch the video.”
- Paste the full URL so viewers detect it as clickable.
- If the PDF is dense, place the video block in a sidebar or at the end.
If your PDF becomes heavy after adding images, compress it after editing with Compress PDF to keep sharing easy.
Common Issues When Embedding Videos in PDFs (and Fixes)
1. The Link Isn’t Clickable
Some viewers don’t auto-link text unless it’s a full URL. Try this:
- Paste the full “https://…” link.
- Avoid line breaks inside the URL.
- Export again and test in another viewer.
2. The Video Opens, But There’s No Access
Your link permissions are too strict. Fix it where the video is hosted:
- Allow view access without sign-in, if appropriate.
- If it must be private, share access with the exact recipients.
3. The PDF Is Password-Protected
If the PDF blocks edits, you’ll need permission to change it. Use Unlock PDF only when you have the right to remove restrictions. Then add the thumbnail and link in Edit PDF.
4. The Thumbnail Looks Blurry
Replace it with a higher-resolution image. Don’t scale up a tiny screenshot. Start with a larger capture, then scale down inside the PDF.
5. People Need Offline Playback
Links and QR codes need the internet. If offline viewing is required, share the video file separately or deliver it through an offline channel that your audience can access.
Start Embedding Videos in Your PDFs Today
You’ve learned multiple ways to enhance your PDFs with video content. Whether you choose the thumbnail method for universal compatibility or explore other options, Smallpdf makes the process simple and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I truly embed a video inside a PDF?
Sometimes, but support varies by viewer and device. A thumbnail plus link is usually the most reliable.
How do I embed a YouTube video in a PDF for free?
Use a thumbnail image and paste the YouTube share link beneath it. Add a QR code if people might print the PDF.
Can I make the thumbnail itself clickable?
Many readers click links, not images. The dependable approach is putting a clear link right under the thumbnail.
Why are links not clickable in my PDF?
Some viewers only detect full URLs. Paste the complete “https://…” link and avoid breaking it across lines.
Can I do this on iPhone or Android?
Yes. You can edit in a mobile browser, then tap the pasted link to confirm it opens correctly.
What if my PDF is encrypted or read-only?
If editing is blocked, you’ll need permission to unlock it first. After that, add the thumbnail and link in the Edit PDF tool.
