Open Video Files in Google Chrome (Easiest Way in 2025)

In this tutorial, we will show you exactly how to open video files in Google Chrome in just a few simple steps. Read on to learn more.

Open a Video File in Google Chrome

Follow the steps below to open a video file on Google Chrome.

1. Locate and Open Your Video File in File Explorer

Open your file explorer by clicking the folder icon in your taskbar or pressing the “Windows + E” keys.

Browse through your folders to find the video file you want to play. Make sure you remember the location for easy access.

2. Drag the Video File Into the Chrome Window

Click and hold the video file in your file explorer.

Drag it directly into the open Google Chrome window. Release the mouse button to drop the file into Chrome, which will load the video.

3. Ensure the Video Starts Playing in Chrome

Once the file is dropped into Chrome, it should start playing automatically, just like the image below. Check to make sure the video appears on the screen. Listen to ensure the audio is working properly as well.

4. Control Video Playback Using Chrome’s Media Player

To pause or play the video, click the play/pause button at the bottom of the video. 

Adjust the volume by clicking the speaker icon and dragging the volume slider. 

Use the timeline to fast-forward or rewind by clicking and dragging the progress bar.

5. Verify Video Compatibility if Playback Fails

If the video doesn’t play, check the file type by right-clicking the file and selecting “Properties.”

Chrome supports formats like MP4 and WebM. If it’s unsupported, use a video converter tool to change the file format. In our example, the video is in MP4 format.

We hope that you now have a better understanding of opening a video file in Google Chrome. If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check our articles on how to make links open in Edge instead of Chrome and how to make Teams open links in Chrome.