Video Editing

How to create picture-in-picture videos

Updated October 4, 2022
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An image of Clipchamp's picture-in-picture effect with two images overlayed on top of a background image.

Take your video creation to the next level by adding a video to another video. Whether you’re creating gameplay for YouTube, a walk-through tutorial, or a fun virtual greeting, Clipchamp’s picture-in-picture overlay is the best tool for you.

Read on to learn how to create picture-in-picture videos using our free stock footage, GIPHY Stickers, and cool effects with Clipchamp’s free online video editor.

What is a picture-in-picture video?

Picture-in-picture is a video editing technique that lets you overlay two videos or images in the same video frame. The multi-layer editing effect is perfect for YouTube reaction videos, slideshows, product demos, and more.

How to use picture-in-picture overlay in Clipchamp

To use our picture-in-picture video editing effect, sign in or sign up for free to Clipchamp’s video editor.

Step 1. Select your background media

To get started, upload your own footage or select stock media. For this tutorial, we will be using our stock footage. Start with the media you would like to use as the background video. Click on the Stock video tab, then select a stock collection or search for a keyword. Drag and drop your chosen video onto the timeline.

Step 2. Select your overlay video

Next, repeat step one to select your overlay video or the media you would like to place on top. Click on the Stock video tab, then select a stock collection or search using a keyword. Place your chosen stock on top of the existing media in the timeline to ensure the media is an overlay.

Now that you have two videos playing simultaneously, you might run into doubled-up audio tracks playing. If you would like to mute the audio, click on the video on the timeline, so it’s highlighted green. Click on the audio icon on the video clip to mute. You can also click on the Audio tab on the right sidebar, turn down the volume of the video using the slider, or detach the audio and delete it.

Step 3. Edit your video on video overlay

Click on the overlay video on the timeline so it’s highlighted green. Use the freehand corners to resize your video and freely reposition the video around the preview screen.

OR

You can also turn your video into an overlay by using the picture-in-picture button. Click on the video in the timeline so it’s highlighted green. Next, click on the picture-in-picture button on the pop-up toolbar.

Select from top right, top left, bottom right, and bottom left options. You can freely edit the size of your picture-in-picture video using the corners.

If your videos are two different time durations on the timeline, simply trim the videos to be the same length. Drag the green sidebar left and right to edit the length of your asset.

Edit more video overlay effects

Using the brand kit feature, upload your logo, colors and custom fonts to make your videos consistent. You can even turn your logo into a video watermark by editing the opacity. 

Add humor with GIPHY Stickers

Create your ideal aesthetic with the help of GIPHY Stickers and GIFs. Search using a keyword in the Graphics tab, then drag and drop your chosen GIF onto the timeline.

Add clarity with text and titles

Generate captions and subtitles with text boxes using various motion titles, colors, and fonts. If you’re making your overlay video for YouTube, save time with a ready-to-use intro or outro template.

Easy video tutorial

Frequently asked questions

Is a filter also an overlay?

No. A 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. Both filters and overlays are available on Clipchamp for free and paid Clipchamp users to enjoy while editing.

Is a video overlay transparent?

No. An overlay is not a see-through layer, but you can edit the opacity to make your overlay look transparent. Simply move the opacity slider left and right to turn the opacity up and down. More options to edit transparent overlays are coming soon.

Is green screen an overlay?

No. Clipchamp’s green screen effect is a filter, not an overlay. Users can, however, use green screen filters as overlays by layering two assets on top of each other.

Layer up and level up your videos with our free picture-in-picture video overlay. If you’re looking for more help on how to use video overlay effects for YouTube, head over to our reaction video blog

Sign up today to create a free video overlay online with Clipchamp.

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