Why OneNote for Mac Cannot Insert Recorded Video & How to Fix It
Question details
The user is attempting to insert or record a video directly within a OneNote page on a Mac but finds the feature missing or unavailable.

- Product
- Microsoft OneNote for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Documenting information, taking notes, or creating educational materials that require embedded video recordings on a Mac device.
- Observed behavior
- Audio recording is supported, but the native video recording and direct recorded video insertion features are completely absent in the Mac version compared to the Windows version.
Ensure you have an active cloud storage account, such as OneDrive or SharePoint, as you will need it to host your video files for the easiest workaround.
Upload the Video to OneDrive and Insert a Link
Since direct video embedding is unavailable, storing your video in the cloud and linking it in your notes is the most efficient native workaround for Mac users.
This method does not require installing additional operating systems and keeps your OneNote notebooks lightweight by avoiding large video file attachments.
Open your OneDrive or SharePoint account in a web browser or via the native Mac app, and upload your recorded video file.
Right-click the uploaded video file in your cloud storage and select 'Share' or 'Copy Link' to generate a shareable URL.
Launch OneNote for Mac, navigate to your desired page, and paste the copied link directly into your notes. Anyone clicking the link can view the video in their browser.

Use a Windows Virtual Machine
If your workflow strictly requires the native video recording and insertion features, you can run the Windows version of OneNote on your Mac using virtualization software.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management on Mac
Since Microsoft Office sometimes restricts certain features across different platforms, you might want a highly compatible and lightweight alternative. WPS Office provides a fully featured, cross-platform environment for all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs on Mac without compromising on functionality.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version for free.
- 2. Install the software: Open the downloaded package and simply drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open existing documents: Launch WPS Office and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office files without losing any formatting or data.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record audio directly in OneNote for Mac?
Yes, while video recording is missing, OneNote for Mac fully supports audio recording. You can access the 'Record Audio' option directly under the Insert tab.
Will Microsoft add the insert video feature to OneNote for Mac in the future?
Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for adding video recording to the Mac version. Users are highly encouraged to submit feedback or vote for the feature in the official OneNote Feedback community to prioritize its development.
Can I insert online videos from platforms like YouTube into OneNote for Mac?
Yes, OneNote for Mac supports embedding online videos. If you paste a URL from supported platforms like YouTube or Vimeo directly into your notes, OneNote will automatically convert it into a playable embedded video thumbnail.




