How to Embed Video in Slack

This blog was updated in June 2021.

Slack aims to change the way we work by replacing office software and even the office itself. Over ten million people (including us here at Clipchamp use Slack every day to message, make payments, host code, manage tasks, and do a lot more. The emoji-laced team communications platform allows people to work in virtual teams and makes it fun to do so. If you’d like to include video in your team conversations, you no longer need to embed the video. Simply drag and drop the video file into the chat, or send it as an attachment. Let’s learn what the options are.  

1. Sending video files as an attachment 

2. Send video file using drag and drop method 

3. Upload and share directly from Google Drive 

4. Link an existing YouTube or Vimeo video 

How to send videos on Slack

Important tips: When sending a video file in Slack, your video file size must be under 1GB and a file type of either MOV, MP4 or MPG, otherwise you won’t be able to send it. 

Option 1. Sending video file as an Attachment 

Step 1. Click on the attachment button

To upload a video file, click on the Attach File button (looks like a paperclip) in the bottom right corner of the toolbar. 

Step 2. Select your video file

A popup tab will appear. Click either upload file from recent files, or add a video file from Dropbox, Google Drive or Upload from your computer. 

Step 3. Send your video

Click the green send arrow to send your video file on Slack. 

Option 2. Send video file by drag and drop method

Step 1. Drag and drop video into chat

Click on the video you want to send. Drag and drop the video into the chat. 

Step 2. Send your video

Click the green send arrow to send your video file on Slack. 

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Option 3. Upload and share directly from Google Drive 

Slack’s Google Drive integration makes it possible to upload any kind of file to Gdrive and share it from there in your Slack channel or direct message. Firstly, you'll need to link Slack to your Google Drive account by following the below instructions. 

Step 1. Allow Slack access to Google Drive 

Click on the Attach File (paperclip) button at the bottom-right corner of your screen. Click the Google Drive option and this pop-up will appear. Click Google Drive to Slack. 

Step 2. Authenticate your Google Drive account

Google Drive integration must be configured to import Google Drive files. Click Authenticate your Google Drive account. 

Step 3. Select Google Drive account

Click on your selected Google Drive account you want to link to Slack.

Step 4. Allow access to Google Account

Click on the blue allow button to allow Slack access to your Google Account.

Step 5. Send your video in Slack from Google Drive

The integration is complete. Click on the Attach File (paperclip) button again, then click Google Drive. A popup will appear and you can browse your Google Drive videos and files. Click on one to send a Slack direct message. 

Option 4. Link an existing YouTube or Vimeo video 

Another way to send larger video file in Slack is to simply share a clip that has already been uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo (or a lot of other video platforms).

Simply, copy and paste the video link into your Slack channel message or direct message and send. Slack will automatically expand the videos and allow anyone to play them on the platform or open them at their original location such as YouTube.

Preview the video 

Play the video file directly in the Slack chat without needing to download them first. 

If your video is of a format that Slack doesn’t know, you can convert it to MP4 using our web app Clipchamp. This will also reduce its file size and make the upload to Slack faster too.

What if video files are too large to send on Slack?

Having trouble sending a video file as it’s over 1GB? Compress your video file with an online video compressor.

There are many ways to send video in Slack

Slack allows users to send videos in many ways. Drag and drop video files, click the Attach File button, send via Google Drive, or share YouTube links. Remember, there’s no need to embed.

For more information and helpful tips on using our video compressor, head over to the How to blog!