Video editing

How to create picture-in-picture videos

Updated February 14, 2024

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An image of the picture-in-picture video layout.

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 product demo videos, 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 stickers and subtitles 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. 

How to use picture-in-picture overlay in Clipchamp

Step 1. Import videos or select stock footage

To import your own videos, photos, and audio, click on the import media button in the your media tab on the toolbar to browse your computer files, or connect your OneDrive.  

A user importing media in Clipchamp.

You can also use free stock media like video clips, video backgrounds, and stock music. Click on the content library tab on the toolbar and click on the visuals drop down arrow, then videos, photos, or backgrounds. Search through the different stock categories using the search bar as well. 

An image of a user finding a stock video in Clipchamp.

Drag and drop your media files from the your media tab onto the timeline.

Note: Make sure your videos are stacked one above the other on the timeline. 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. 

An image of a user adding two videos to the timeline.

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

To make your video an overlay, click on your video on the timeline so it's highlighted green. Next, click on the three dots button on the floating toolbar. Click on the picture-in-picture button, then select either top left, top right, bottom left, or bottom right buttons.

An image of a user clicking on the picture-in-picture button in the floating toolbar.

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. 

An image of a user free hand editing the video overlay size and position.

Step 3. Edit your video

Trim the length of your media assets

Easily trim the length of your videos using the green handles. 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.  

An image of a user trimming a video on the timeline.

Add filters to change your video aesthetic

To add filters, click on the video on the timeline so it’s highlighted green, then click on the filters tab on the property panel. Here, you can find many different filters to apply to your videos. Hover over the filter to preview, then click on the filter to apply.

An image of a user adding a filter to video using the filters tab on the property panel.

Add subtitles to your video

To make your video easier to watch on mute, add captions. Click on the captions tab on the property panel, then click on the turn on autocaptions button. Follow the on-screen prompts to add subtitles to your video.

An image of a user adding captions.

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.    

An image of a user saving their video.

For more help overlaying video on video, check out the YouTube tutorial.

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 using the video enhancer tool. You can also place videos in a split screen format.  

A GIF of the frame overlay in Clipchamp.

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.  

A GIF of the logo overlay in Clipchamp.

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.  

A GIF of a GIPHY sticker overlay in Clipchamp.

Refine with automatic subtitles

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

A GIF of the subtitles overlay in Clipchamp.

For more help using the picture-in-picture feature, check out the YouTube tutorial.

Frequently asked questions

How many videos can I overlay at once?

There is no limit to how many assets you can overlay on the timeline in Clipchamp. We recommend keeping overlays professional and simplistic.

Is a filter also an overlay?

A filter and overlay are two different editing techniques. A video filter is an effect added to your video clip to edit its appearance like color and tone. An overlay does not change the appearance of your video but adds another layer to it. Try editing with filters and overlays using our online video editor or the Clipchamp Windows video editor app.  

Is a video overlay transparent?

Video overlays aren’t see through layers, but you can edit the transparency of your asset to make it look like a transparent overlay. Just drag the transparency slider in the adjust colors tab on the property panel to the right to make your asset more transparent.

Is green screen an overlay?

Green screen is a filter, not an overlay. If you would like to make green screen filter an overlay, just layer two assets on top of each other on the timeline.  

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

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

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