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How to Navigate Microsoft Sway Video and Audio Upload Changes
Question details
Users need to understand the recent Microsoft Sway policy updates regarding media handling and learn how to successfully add or restore video and audio content in their presentations.
- Product
- Microsoft Sway
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to upload new video or audio files, or trying to play existing media within a Sway presentation after the service update.
- Observed behavior
- Direct uploads and recordings are no longer supported. Existing personal videos may display a playback error, and embeds from OneDrive are frequently rejected.
Review your existing Sway presentations to identify any specific media cards that currently display playback errors. Ensure you have the original video or audio files accessible on your local drive so you can re-host them externally.
Use Supported External Hosting for New Media
Since direct uploads are discontinued, the most reliable way to add media is to host it on supported third-party platforms and embed it into your Sway.
Microsoft now requires users to use external services for video and audio playback in Sway. Links and embed codes from platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud remain fully supported and provide consistent playback.
Upload your video or audio file to a supported external platform such as YouTube, Vimeo, or a dedicated audio hosting site.
Once uploaded, navigate to the sharing options on the external platform and copy the iframe Embed Code or the direct sharing link.
Open your Microsoft Sway presentation, click the '+' icon to add a new card, and select 'Media' followed by 'Embed'.
Paste the copied embed code into the new Embed Card in Sway. Preview your presentation to ensure the media plays correctly.
Migrate and Replace Broken Existing Media
If your previously uploaded personal videos are showing errors, you must manually replace them using external links.
Create Media-Rich Presentations Easily with WPS Office
If Microsoft Sway's new media upload restrictions are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Presentation. As a powerful and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, WPS allows you to seamlessly insert local video and audio files directly into your slides without relying on external hosting.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite on your device.
- 2. Open WPS Presentation: Launch the application and select 'Presentation' to create a new slide deck or open an existing PowerPoint file.
- 3. Insert Local Media: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, click 'Video' or 'Audio', and select your local files to add them directly to your presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my existing videos in Microsoft Sway suddenly showing an error?
Microsoft implemented changes to Sway's media handling around June 10, 2024, discontinuing support for certain direct video and audio uploads. As a result, older personal videos hosted directly on Sway may no longer play and will require migration to external hosts.
Can I still upload MP4 files directly from my computer to Sway?
Direct uploads are now highly inconsistent. While some small files might occasionally bypass the restriction, Microsoft has officially deprecated direct new video and audio uploads. You should use external hosting to guarantee playback.
Do OneDrive video embeds still work in Microsoft Sway?
Users have reported that OneDrive video embeds are frequently rejected under the new policy changes. It is recommended to use dedicated public media hosts like YouTube or Vimeo for embedded content.
How do I embed a YouTube video into my Sway presentation?
Go to the YouTube video you want to share, click the 'Share' button, and select 'Embed'. Copy the provided iframe code. In Sway, click the '+' button, select 'Media', choose 'Embed', and paste the code into the card.
