How to Overlay One Video Over Another: A Comprehensive Guide

Video overlay, or 'picture-in-picture' (PIP), is a popular technique used to enhance the visual storytelling in videos. This article will guide you through the process of overlaying one video over another using popular video editing software and a step-by-step tutorial. By the end, you'll be able to create your own PIP effect seamlessly.

Why Use Video Overlay?

Video overlay is a versatile tool used in a variety of scenarios, from message-focused videos to promotional content. It allows you to incorporate additional information or context within the video, making it more engaging and informative. Whether you're a content creator, filmmaker, or marketer, mastering the art of video overlay can significantly enhance your video projects.

Popular Tools for Video Overlay

There are several powerful video editing software available that support the creation and editing of video overlays. In this guide, we will cover the steps using two popular editing tools:

HitPaw Video Editor

For beginners or those looking for a straightforward solution, HitPaw Video Editor is a great choice. It automates a lot of the process, making it user-friendly even for those with little to no experience in video editing. Here are the steps to use it:

Step 1: Prepare and Import Videos

Mute any audio in the video if it's not needed. Drag the video you want to overlay into the timeline.

Step 2: Overlap the Videos

Drag the second video into the timeline beside the first video, ensuring they are on different tracks.

Done! Now you have an overlaid video effect created effortlessly.

Filmora Video Editor

For those seeking more advanced features, Filmora is a powerful tool that offers a wide range of options for video overlay. Here’s how to overlay a video on top of another using Filmora:

Step 1: Import Videos

Open Filmora and import your background video into the Media Library.

Step 2: Add Overlays

Drag the main background video to the timeline. Locate the video or picture for overlay in the Media Library and drag it to a different track in the timeline. Move to the Preview window where you can adjust the size and position of the overlay video. Double-click the overlay video in the timeline to edit its size and apply motion effects.

Step 3: Export and Save

Once your overlay is set, click 'Export' to save your video. You can then export it to YouTube or upload it to another platform.

Conclusion

Mastering video overlay can transform your video content, making it more dynamic and engaging. Whether you use HitPaw Video Editor for simplicity or Filmora for advanced features, the process is straightforward. Start experimenting with these tools today and take your video storytelling to the next level.