Try Keynote's Live Video Feature

At an Apple event last fall, new versions of the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook grabbed the headlines. But Apple also announced new features for their existing software that didn’t get the same widespread attention.

One such feature was the addition of a live video option in Keynote. Keynote version 11.2 allows users to embed a live video feed directly into a Keynote presentation. Keynote recognizes this as an object, allowing the user to change the shape, size, and position of the video, as well as use animation features like Magic Move.

Insert a Live Video Feed into a Keynote Presentation in macOS

1. Open a Keynote presentation.

2. Tap Media in the toolbar.

3. Select Live Video from the dropdown menu.

4. Move, resize, and change the shape of the video box to fit your preferences.

Insert a Live Video Feed into a Keynote Presentation Using iPadOS

1. Open a Keynote presentation.

2. Tap the plus button (+) in the toolbar.

3. Select Live Video from the menu.

4. Move, resize, and change the shape of the video box to fit your preferences.

The live video feed will only appear on the slides on which you place it. This allows you to have it when you need it, and remove it when you don’t want it to appear.

By connecting your iPad, or another external camera to your laptop, you have the option to place multiple live shots on the same slide. You could have one camera on the presenter, and another camera on the workspace to demonstrate what the presenter is doing. iPads can also be used for multiple views at the same time.

When might you use this?

1. Use your iPad as the camera to screencast an app or website live on your Keynote slides without ever leaving Keynote. You don’t have to switch mirroring or displays to switch from one device to another.
2. Create a dynamic video presentation. Using a laptop or iPad, you can screen record a Keynote presentation that displays your slide content, a small window of you talking, and a demonstration of the activity about which you are teaching. 
3. Use the iPad as a document camera to show a book or document while presenting. Or, project a closeup demonstration of you or a student modeling something without ever leaving your presentation. 
4. Open the Apple Numbers app or Jamboard on iPad to have a live whiteboard embedded in your Keynote slide.
5. On an iPad, conduct an interview with the front camera facing the interviewer and the rear camera facing the interviewee. Record the interview, then create an engaging video by using iMovie or Clips to edit, add music, introductions, and captions.

Don’t forget, your students can do all of these things too! Having students explore this feature can lead to many creative projects, assessments, or other demonstrations of knowledge.