How to Create Multiple Picture in Picture Using iMovie

In this tutorial, I show you how to create multiple picture in picture (PIP) overlays in iMovie. I am focusing on creating mulitple video thumbnails for a YouTube endcard.

This tutorial on creating mulitple picture in picture video overlays is for iMovie Mac version 10.1.1. You cannot add more than one picture in picture to a specific timeframe in iMovie so here’s your workaround.

It’s simple to create multiple picture in picture overlays in iMovie, however it’s a multi-step process. I recommend that you decide if this will add real value to your video or not. It’s pretty cool though!

Preparation for Creating iMovie Multiple PIP

Do some preparation first to make the other steps easier.

1. Create a File Folder on the Desktop to make it easy to locate the files you will use.
2. Add the elements to the file folder that you’ll need (endcard image, other video clips etc.)

Create the Video Clip with the Multiple Picture in Picture Thumbnail Videos

1. Create a separate iMovie project for the clip that you want to play multiple thumbnail videos.
2. Import the video that you want to add as a thumbnail PIP.
3. Add it to the timeline. Delete the audio track if you don’t want audio to play for that video.
4. Add it as a picture in picture to the video clip in the timeline, then output to a file.
5. Delete the clip in the timeline.
6. Import the new file and then repeat the steps, adding the second picture in picture to the video and then output the file.

Do this until you have all the picture in picture videos added to the clip. This may be an endcard (outtro). Once the final clip is done, then add it back to your original video. If this multiple picture in picture is for a YouTube endcard, then add it to the end of the that video.

Video: iMovie Tutorial: Creating Multiple PIP

If you want the thumbnail videos to be clickable, create your Annotation links after you upload the video to YouTube.