How To Easily Set Any Video As Your Wallpaper On Windows And Mac

Transforming your desktop into a dynamic visual experience doesn’t require advanced technical skills or expensive software. Whether you want to showcase a favorite travel clip, loop a calming nature scene, or display an animated artwork, setting a video as your wallpaper is a simple way to personalize your workspace. Both Windows and macOS offer reliable methods—some native, others through third-party tools—to bring motion to your screen. This guide walks through practical, tested approaches that work across different system versions, ensuring smooth performance without draining resources.

Why Use a Video Wallpaper?

A static image rarely captures the mood or energy you might want from your digital environment. Video wallpapers add depth, movement, and immersion. They can boost motivation with inspiring visuals, reduce stress with ocean waves or forest scenes, or simply reflect your personal style with cinematic clips or animations.

While some may assume video wallpapers are resource-heavy, modern tools optimize playback to minimize CPU usage. When done correctly, the impact on system performance is negligible—even on mid-tier machines. The key lies in choosing the right tool and properly formatted video.

“Dynamic wallpapers create a more engaging user interface and can subtly influence focus and mood throughout the workday.” — Dr. Alan Reyes, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher

How to Set a Video Wallpaper on Windows

Windows does not natively support video wallpapers, but several lightweight applications make the process seamless. The most trusted option is Wallpaper Engine, available via Steam. It supports local videos, YouTube streams (via browser), and community-created animations.

Step-by-Step: Using Wallpaper Engine on Windows

1. Purchase and install Steam if you don’t already have it.
2. Buy and download Wallpaper Engine from the Steam store (~$4).
3. Launch the app and click “Add Wallpaper”.
4. Select “Browse local files” and choose your MP4, MOV, or WebM video.
5. Adjust settings like volume (set to 0 if desired), playback speed, and stretch mode.
6. Click “Apply”—your video will now play in the background.

Tip: Convert long videos to short loops (10–30 seconds) using free tools like HandBrake or Clipchamp to reduce file size and improve efficiency.

Wallpaper Engine runs efficiently in the background and allows multiple video wallpapers across virtual desktops. It also supports 4K and HDR content, making it ideal for high-resolution monitors.

Alternative: Lively Wallpaper (Free)

If you prefer open-source and free software, Lively Wallpaper is a strong alternative. It supports video, GIFs, web pages, and even Unity apps as wallpapers.

• Download from GitHub or Microsoft Store.
• Import your video file under the “Local” tab.
• Preview and apply with one click.
• Use the scheduler to change wallpapers at specific times.

Lively is less polished than Wallpaper Engine but offers excellent customization and zero cost.

How to Set a Video Wallpaper on Mac

macOS has built-in support for dynamic and video wallpapers starting with macOS Mojave (10.14). Apple introduced **Dynamic Desktops** that change based on time of day, but users can also set custom video backgrounds using simple workarounds.

Method 1: Use Built-In Dynamic Wallpaper Support

Apple includes a few default HEVC video wallpapers (e.g., desert, clouds) that subtly shift with ambient light. To use them:

1. Go to System Settings > Desktop & Screen Saver.
2. Select “Dynamic” from the sidebar.
3. Choose a preloaded video wallpaper like “Solar Gradients” or “Desert”.
4. The wallpaper automatically adjusts appearance based on time.

These are limited in selection, but they run flawlessly with no performance hit.

Method 2: Install a Third-Party App (Recommended for Custom Videos)

To use your own video files, such as MP4s or MOVs, you’ll need a dedicated app. The best option is Irvue or MyDecks.

Using Irvue (Free, Open Source)

• Download Irvue from its official site or GitHub repository.
• Add your video folder under “Sources”.
• Enable “Play videos as wallpapers” in preferences.
• Irvue will randomly rotate between images and videos from your collection.

Using MyDecks (Paid, User-Friendly)

• Purchase MyDecks from the Mac App Store (~$8).
• Drag and drop your video file directly into the app.
• Click “Set as Wallpaper” — it instantly applies full-screen.
• Supports scheduling, audio toggle, and pause/resume controls.

Both apps are optimized for energy efficiency and integrate smoothly with macOS dark mode and Mission Control.

Tip: For best results, encode custom videos in H.264 or HEVC at 30fps or lower. High frame rates increase GPU load unnecessarily.

Comparison Table: Tools for Video Wallpapers

Tool	Platform	Cost	Video Format Support	Performance Impact
Wallpaper Engine	Windows	$3.99	MP4, MOV, WebM, AVI	Low (optimized rendering)
Lively Wallpaper	Windows	Free	MP4, GIF, Web, APK	Low to Medium
MyDecks	Mac	$7.99	MP4, MOV, M4V	Low
Irvue	Mac	Free	MP4, MOV (limited)	Low
Native macOS	Mac	Free	HEVC only (preloaded)	Negligible

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

Not all videos are suitable for desktop backgrounds. Poorly chosen clips can distract, consume excessive power, or cause visual fatigue.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do	Don't
Use subtle motion (e.g., drifting clouds, slow water)	Choose fast-paced action or flashing lights
Keep resolution matched to your display	Use 4K videos on a 1080p screen
Disable audio unless intentional	Allow sound to play unexpectedly
Optimize file size below 100MB when possible	Use multi-minute clips as loops
Test performance before daily use	Run video wallpapers on older or low-power devices without testing

Mini Case Study: A Designer’s Creative Workspace

Jessica Lin, a UI/UX designer in Vancouver, wanted her workspace to inspire creativity. She replaced her static mountain image with a looping timelapse of northern lights using Wallpaper Engine. After two weeks, she reported improved focus during morning sessions and fewer distractions compared to music or podcasts. “It’s calming but not boring,” she said. “The gentle movement keeps my mind relaxed without pulling attention away from design tasks.” She uses a 15-second loop encoded at 720p to ensure smooth performance on her laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a video wallpaper slow down my computer?

Generally, no—if you use optimized tools and properly encoded videos. Apps like Wallpaper Engine and MyDecks use hardware acceleration and minimal CPU/GPU overhead. However, avoid high-bitrate 4K videos on older systems.

Can I use YouTube videos as my wallpaper?

Yes, but not directly. Some apps like Wallpaper Engine allow you to add YouTube URLs, which then stream the video in the background. Be mindful of data usage and copyright restrictions when using online content.

Is it safe to use third-party wallpaper apps?

Most reputable apps are safe. Stick to well-reviewed tools from official sources (Steam, Mac App Store, GitHub). Avoid cracked versions or unknown downloads that may contain malware.

Final Checklist Before You Start

1. ✅ Choose a short, visually calm video (10–30 seconds ideal).
2. ✅ Convert to MP4 (H.264) format for broad compatibility.
3. ✅ Reduce brightness or add a tint layer if the video is too vibrant.
4. ✅ Pick a trusted app: Wallpaper Engine (Windows), MyDecks (Mac).
5. ✅ Test performance with the video running for 10 minutes while working.
6. ✅ Disable audio and enable loop mode.

Bring Your Desktop to Life

Setting a video as your wallpaper is more than a novelty—it’s a way to make your digital space feel alive and uniquely yours. With the right tools and a thoughtful choice of content, you can enjoy an immersive desktop experience without compromising system stability. Whether you're on Windows or Mac, the process takes just minutes and opens up creative possibilities far beyond static images. Try a serene ocean loop, a city timelapse, or even a personal home video. Your desktop should reflect who you are—now, it can move with you.

🚀 Ready to transform your desktop? Download a supported app today, pick your favorite clip, and set your screen in motion.