How to Make a Video Your Background

By Terry Published June 14, 2023

As we delve further into the digital age, the personalization of our devices continues to grow in popularity and importance. One trending aspect of this personalization is using a video as a background or wallpaper on your desktop. It's a unique way to add a dynamic touch to an otherwise static environment. Whether you want to bring a scenic landscape to life or enjoy a continuous loop of your favorite movie scene, this guide will provide a detailed overview of how to make a video your background.

The Allure of Video Backgrounds

Static wallpapers are a thing of the past. Modern personalization trends are leaning towards dynamic backgrounds, with videos taking center stage. A video background brings movement and depth to your desktop, creating a visually engaging experience each time you use your device. Imagine having a calming beach scene, complete with moving waves and swaying palm trees, greeting you as you begin your workday.

Setting a Video as Your Background Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is more than just software for playing media files; it also allows you to set a video as your desktop background. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Download VLC Media Player

If you haven't already, download and install VLC Media Player from the official VLC website. It's free and safe to use.

2. Choose Your Video

Select the video you want to set as your desktop background. You can use any video format that VLC supports, which is virtually all of them.

3. Set the Video as Your Wallpaper

Open VLC Media Player, and in the 'Media' menu, select 'Open File' to locate and open your chosen video. Once your video is playing, navigate to the 'Video' menu, select 'Set as Wallpaper', and your video will begin playing as your desktop background.

Harnessing the Power of a Video Background

Setting a video as your desktop background can turn your otherwise mundane desktop into an exciting and vibrant experience. However, there are a few things to consider to optimize your experience:

Consider System Resources

Running a video as a desktop background consumes more system resources than a static image. Therefore, if you have an older computer or if your system is already resource-heavy, you might experience some slowdown.

Looping Videos Work Best

If you're using a short video, ensure that it loops well to prevent jarring transitions when the video starts over.

Choose Calm Videos

While it may be tempting to use a fast-paced action scene as your background, remember that your desktop should be a calm and focused space. Opt for slower, calmer videos to avoid creating a distracting environment.

The ability to set a video as your desktop background opens a world of personalization options. Your desktop can now be a space of movement, life, and dynamism, reflecting your tastes and interests in a visually engaging way.

Conclusion

Video backgrounds offer a dynamic twist on personalizing your desktop environment. They turn the mundane into the spectacular, the static into the dynamic. By understanding how to make a video your background, you can bring a piece of your personality to your digital workspace. Whether it's the calm of a sunset, the bustle of a cityscape, or the charm of your favorite movie scene, your desktop can become a canvas of moving art, making each interaction with your device an experience in itself.

FAQs

Does using a video as a background drain the laptop battery faster?

Yes, running a video background can consume more power and potentially drain your battery faster.

Can I use a video as a background on my mobile device?

Yes, many smartphones and tablets allow you to set a video as your wallpaper.

Can I set a YouTube video as my background?

Yes, with the right software, you can use a YouTube video as your desktop background.

Does the video sound play when used as a background?

In most cases, the video will play without sound when set as a desktop background.

Is there a limit to how long the video can be?

No, there is typically no limit to the video length. However, longer videos will consume more system resources.