How to create picture-in-picture videos

Want to make your videos stand out on the social media feed? With the picture-in-picture video layout, share two or more videos or images in the same video frame.

Whether you’re creating demo videos for a new product, tutorials for school, or sporting highlights, the picture-in-picture video format is the perfect way to convey more information while making your video entertaining.

Read on to explore everything you need to know about the picture-in-picture video format and more ways to overlay effects like logos, GIPHY stickers, and text in Clipchamp.

What is a picture-in-picture video?

Picture-in-picture is a video format that overlays two videos, images, or assets in the same video frame. The picture-in-picture video layout lets viewers watch both media assets at once.  

Let’s look at what videos you can create using the multi-layer editing feature. 

• Gameplay and gaming videos  

• Walk-through tutorials 

• Demo videos and product tutorials  

• Virtual greetings and video cards  

• Screen and webcam recordings  

• Sports broadcasts and highlight videos  

• Reaction videos  

• Education videos and language learning tutorials  

• YouTube intro and outro videos 

• News broadcasts  

How to use picture-in-picture overlay in Clipchamp

Step 1. Import your own videos and images or add stock media  

To start creating a video using the picture-in-picture video layout, you’ll need to import your own media or add stock videos. Click on the import media button in the your media tab on the toolbar to browse your computer files, import videos from your phone, or connect your OneDrive. 

If you would like to include any stock footage like videos and images, click on the video library tab on the toolbar. Browse the royalty-free video library to select the right stock for your video. Use the search bar to look for stock based on keywords or click on the see more button within a video category.    

Next, add your media onto the timeline from the your media tab. Drag and drop each video or asset onto the timeline one above the other. The video you would like to layer on top as the picture-in-picture, make sure to place it above your other video on the timeline. 

Step 2. Apply the picture-in-picture video layout

To make your video an overlay, click on the picture-in-picture button on the floating toolbar. If your browser window is smaller, you might need to click on the more button (the three dots) to open the picture-in-picture button.

Next, select where you would like your video overlay to appear. Click on top left, top right, bottom left, or bottom right options.

Freely move the video clip to reposition it inside the video preview. You can also create a picture-in-picture video layout using the video corners. 

Step 3. Edit your video overlay

Trim the length of your media assets

Once you have placed your videos onto the timeline, trim the length of the assets. Click on the video on the timeline so it’s highlighted green. Move the green handles to the left of the timeline to trim the video length. You can also use the multi-item editing feature to trim multiple assets at once.  

Add filters to change your video aesthetic

Change the appearance of your video using unique filters. Click on the filters tab on the property panel, then click on a filter. You can preview filters by hovering your curser over the filter.   

Adjust video colors and transparency

Using the adjust colors tab on the property panel, edit the exposure, contrast, saturation, temperature, and transparency of your video. Move the sliders left and right to adjust colors. You can also add the blend mode effect to your video in this tab.  

Step 4. Preview and save your video

Before saving your new picture-in-picture video, make sure to preview by clicking on the play button. When you’re ready to save, click on the export button and select a video resolution. We recommend saving all videos in 1080p video resolution for the best quality. Paid subscribers can save in 4K video resolution.    

For more help, check out the help article. 

Edit with more video overlay effects

Enhance video with frame overlays

Choose neon flashing lights or decorative vintage frames to level up your video’s appearance with frame overlays. Video frames are also a style of picture-in-picture video format, where a frame can be overlayed on the top of a video or image.  

Personalize with logos and watermarks

If you want to keep your branding consistent and recognizable, upload your logo image or by using the brand kit, then add your logo as a video overlay. You can easily turn down the transparency to make your logo a watermark as well.  

Intensify humor with GIPHY reactions and stickers

Add personality and style to your videos by overlaying GIPHY reactions and stickers. Make your videos more informative with word stickers and annotations or elevate reactions with funny GIPHY memes.  

Refine with captions and subtitles

Add clarity to your videos using various styles of animated text overlays, auto-captions, and subtitles. Choose from a selection of fonts, colors, sizes, and positions to suit any video. 

Easy video tutorial

Elevate your editing skills and make your videos look more professional with the picture-in-picture video format in Clipchamp.

Want to explore more video formats? Check out how to make split screen videos and YouTube reaction videos.