How to Make a Video Play on an iPod Touch

The iPod Touch took the iPod's primary function of digital music playback and expanded it with several more functions. One strength is its ability to play videos on its 3.5 inch, 24-bit color display. To watch videos on your Touch, you must first select video files that are compatible and optimized for the Touch. Then you can sync them from your computer to your iPod using iTunes. After syncing, the videos are available for viewing.

Add Video Files to iTunes

Step 1

Download iTunes from the Apple website and install it on your computer, if necessary.

Step 2

Click the "Movies" item in the left navigation pane, under Library.

Step 3

Click the "File" menu and then click "Add File to Library" or "Add Folder to Library." The "Add File to Library" option allows you to select individual video files to add to your iTunes library, while "Add Folder to Library" enables you to select a folder and have all video files within that folder added to the iTunes library.

Step 4

Select the files or folders for the videos you want to add to the library and click "Open." The videos are added to your iTunes library.

Sync Videos to your iPod Touch

Step 1

Connect your Touch to your computer. When iTunes recognizes your iPod the device will appear in the navigation menu to the left in iTunes

Step 2

Select your Touch in the left navigation pane under "Devices."

Step 3

Ensure that your iPod has enough storage space to accommodate the videos you are uploading.

Step 4

Click "Music" in the menu bar of the main iTunes window.

Step 5

Select the "Include Music Videos" option.

Step 6

Click "Movies" in the menu bar of the main iTunes window.

Step 7

Select the "Sync Movies" and the "Automatically Include All Movies" options and then click "Apply." Both iTunes and your iPod will indicate that syncing is in process. Do not turn off the computer or iPod or disconnect them from each other until the sync process is complete. When syncing is complete, the videos are available for viewing on your iPod Touch.

References

• Apple Support: Syncing Videos to iPod

About the Author

Alan Bradford began his career as a technical writer and editor in 2000. He has worked in a variety of fields, including medical devices, military applications and PC/console game development. Bradford specializes in such topics as computers, PC gaming and family and spiritual life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from San Diego State University.

Photo Credits

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