How to Add Videos, Links & Other Tools to Your Deck in Sync
Static slides only go so far. Sometimes you need to show a video demonstration, reference an external resource, or embed content from another platform. Sync makes this simple with native support for video embedding and web links.
This guide walks you through adding videos and links to your Sync presentations, including supported platforms, configuration options, and best practices.
Adding video slides
Sync supports direct embedding from two major video platforms: YouTube and Vimeo.
Supported video formats
YouTube:
- Standard videos:
youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID - Short links:
youtu.be/VIDEO_ID - YouTube Shorts:
youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID - Embed URLs:
youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID
Vimeo:
- Standard videos:
vimeo.com/VIDEO_ID - Player URLs:
player.vimeo.com/video/VIDEO_ID
How to add a video
- Open your deck in the editor
- Click Add Slide
- In the platform selector, find the Video category
- Select either YouTube or Vimeo
- Paste your video URL into the input field
- Sync automatically detects the video and converts it to the proper embed format
- Click Save to add the slide
The video appears as a full slide in your presentation. During live presentations, viewers see the video on their own devices, synchronized with your position in the deck.
Video display options
Videos in Sync are displayed with:
- 16:9 aspect ratio maintained across all devices
- Fullscreen capability for viewers who want a larger view
- Responsive sizing that adapts to desktop and mobile screens
- Autoplay permissions enabled for seamless playback
On desktop, videos display at 92% width centered on screen. On mobile, they adapt to full width with proportional height.
Adding link slides
Link slides let you reference external web content with a beautiful preview card. Instead of just showing a URL, Sync fetches the page metadata and displays it visually.
What link slides include
When you add a link, Sync automatically generates a preview card showing:
- Hero image from the webpage (if available)
- Site favicon and name
- Page title
- Page description
- QR code for easy scanning
- Visit button linking to the page
This gives your audience context about the linked resource before they visit it.
How to add a link
- Open your deck in the editor
- Click Add Slide
- In the platform selector, find the Link category
- Paste any URL into the input field
- Sync automatically fetches the page metadata and generates a preview
- Review the preview and click Save
If the automatic preview doesn't load correctly, you can click Fetch Preview to retry, or the slide will use fallback metadata based on the URL.
Link display modes
Links can be displayed in two ways:
Card mode (default): Shows the preview card with metadata, image, and QR code. Best for most external links where you want to provide context.
iFrame mode: Embeds the actual website directly in your presentation. Works for sites that allow embedding, but some sites block this for security reasons.
If a site doesn't load in iFrame mode, switch to Card mode for reliable display.
Embedding other platforms
Beyond basic videos and links, Sync supports over 40 platforms with optimized embedding:
Presentation platforms
- Google Slides
- Canva
- Genially
- Prezi
- PowerPoint Online
Collaboration tools
- Miro (whiteboarding)
- Padlet (collaborative walls)
- Notion
Interactive platforms
- Mentimeter (with dual URL support for presenter and audience views)
- Kahoot
Productivity tools
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Google Forms
- Loom (video recordings)
How to embed any platform
- Click Add Slide
- Browse or search the platform list
- Select your platform
- Paste the sharing URL from that platform
- Sync handles the embed configuration automatically
Each platform has specific URL patterns that Sync recognizes and transforms into proper embeds.
Tips for effective video and link usage
Keep videos short
During live presentations, long videos can lose audience attention. If you need to show a longer video:
- Cue it to the specific timestamp you want
- Consider showing just a clip rather than the full video
- Use the video as a discussion starter, not passive viewing
Use links for reference, not replacement
Link slides work best as resources for later, not as content to consume during the presentation. Show the link, explain what it contains, and let your audience know they can access it after.
Check embed permissions beforehand
Some websites block embedding for security or business reasons. Test your embeds before presenting live:
- Add the slide to your deck
- Preview the deck
- Verify the content loads correctly
If a site blocks embedding, use Card mode to show a preview with a link instead.
Consider your audience's devices
Videos and embedded content require internet connections on viewer devices. If you're presenting to an audience with limited connectivity:
- Keep embedded content minimal
- Use screenshots as backup
- Mention that full content is available via the QR code or link
Technical requirements
HTTPS only
All embedded content must use HTTPS. This is a browser security requirement, not a Sync limitation. If you try to embed an HTTP URL, browsers will block it due to mixed content policies.
Most modern websites use HTTPS by default. If you encounter an HTTP-only site, look for an HTTPS version or use a screenshot instead.
Responsive display
Sync automatically handles responsive sizing:
- Desktop: Content displays at optimal width with centered positioning
- Mobile: Content adapts to screen width with proportional height
- Tablets: Intermediate sizing for comfortable viewing
You don't need to configure anything for responsive behavior.
Common use cases
Product demonstrations
Embed a YouTube video showing your product in action. The video plays directly in your presentation, keeping the audience focused rather than switching to a separate video player.
Resource sharing
Add link slides for documentation, articles, or tools you reference. The preview card gives context, and the QR code lets audience members scan and save the link for later.
External tool integration
Embed a Miro board for collaborative brainstorming during your session. Embed a Google Form for collecting feedback. Embed a Mentimeter for interactive polling on their platform.
Training materials
Link to supplementary reading, video tutorials, or reference documentation. Trainees can access these resources during or after the session.
Troubleshooting
Video won't load
- Verify the URL is correct and the video is publicly accessible
- Check that the video hasn't been removed or made private
- Try copying the URL directly from the browser address bar
Link preview is missing or wrong
- Click Fetch Preview to retry the metadata fetch
- Some sites have limited or incorrect metadata
- The preview will use fallback data if the fetch fails
Embedded site shows a blank page
- The site may block iframe embedding
- Switch to Card mode for a preview with a link instead
- Test in preview mode before presenting live
Content looks different on mobile
- This is expected due to responsive sizing
- Content maintains proper aspect ratios
- Text-heavy embeds may be harder to read on small screens
Start adding multimedia
Videos and links transform static presentations into rich multimedia experiences. Whether you're showing a product demo, referencing external resources, or embedding collaborative tools, Sync makes it simple.
Open your deck, click Add Slide, and start embedding.
Try Sync free and add videos and links to your next presentation. No credit card required.
Want to learn about other slide types? Check out our guide on how to add interactive polls in Sync.