Often, while creating a complex model or dashboard, you may want to include additional training material in the workbook. So let us learn how to embed flash movies, youtube videos etc. in to Excel workbooks.
To Embed Flash Movies, Youtube Videos in to Excel, follow these steps.
Step 1: Go to Developer Tab
Go to Developer tab in excel ribbon and locate insert button. From here, select the insert button and click on “More controls”. See this illustration.

PS: If you do not have developer tab, learn how to enable it.
Step 2: Insert a Shockwave Flash Object
From the list of controls shown, select the one that says “Shockwave flash object”. Once you do that, your mouse pointer changes to + sign. Draw a rectangle to insert a flash object on to your Excel workbook.
When you finish drawing, you will see a crossed-out rectangle, like this:

Step 3: Set properties of the Flash Object
Right click on the rectangle now and select properties. Locate the property Movie and set it to the path of your Youtube video along with ?fs=1&hl=en_US in the end, like this.

Step 4: Exit Design Mode
Close the properties window. Now, from Developer tab, click on the big button that says “Design Mode” to exit design mode.
Instantly you will see the youtube video loading in the embedded flash object.
Click play to watch it.
Bonus tips:
- You can use design mode to resize the youtube video size.
- You can embed other flash movies, flash games etc. using the same technique. The path of movie can be a URL or a local computer path.
- You can also embed other types of objects like Quick Time Movies, Windows Media Player movies etc.
Gotchas You should be aware of:
- Do not save in compatibility mode. While saving the workbook, select XLSX format if you are running Excel 2007 or above. If you save the workbook in compatible mode, you may not see the videos working when you re-open it.
Download this Excel Workbook that has a Youtube Video that Explains how to Embed Youtube Videos in to Excel
That is right. I have made a youtube video explaining how to embed youtube videos in to excel. Then I embedded that youtube video in to an excel workbook 😀
Click here to download the excel workbook.
More Excel Howtos:
- Using Word-art in Excel
- How to make a birthday reminder in Excel
- How to insert currency codes & other special symbols in to Excel
- … More Excel Howtos & Excel Video Tutorials
PS: Special thanks to Manzoor for sharing this technique on our forums.

















9 Responses to “CP044: My first dashboard was a failure!!!”
CONGRATS on the book!
Thanks for this podcast. It's great to hear about your disaster and recovery. It's a reminder that we're all human. None of this skill came easily.
Thank you Oz. I believe that we learn most by analyzing our mistakes.
Hey chandoo
this really a good lesson learned
but as I have already stated in one of my previous email that it would be more helpful for us if you could release videos of your classes for us
thanks
The article gave me motivation, especially you describing the terrible disaster that you faced but how to get back from the setbacks. Thanks for that, but with video this will be more fun.
Hi Nafi,
Thanks for your comments. Please note that this is (and will be) audio podcast. For videos, I suggest subscribing to our YouTube channel. No point listening to audio and saying its not video.
You always motivate me with respect of the tools in excel. How we can really exploit it to the fullest. Thanks very much
Thank you Amankwah... 🙂
Thank you very much, Chandoo, for your excellent lessons, I am anxious to learn so valuable tips and tricks from you, keep up the great job!
I truly appreciate the transcripts of the podcasts, because as a speaker of English as a second language, it allows me to fully understand the material. It'd be great if you can add transcripts to your online courses too, I am sure people will welcome this feature.
Dashboards for Excel has arrived in Laguna Beach, CA! Thanks!
Now I need to make time to "learn and inwardly digest" its contents as one of my high school teachers would admonish us!