Source: https://mindstamp.com/help/how-can-i-edit-a-video-to-make-it-interactive
Generated from the Help Center records: 2026-10-06

# How do I edit a video to make it interactive?

Topic: [Getting started and account](https://mindstamp.com/help/getting-started) · Updated: 2026-09-25

## Short answer

Bring a finished video into Mindstamp, then add questions, buttons, hotspots, text, images, and branching on its timeline. Mindstamp adds an interactive layer on top of the video; cutting, combining, color, and audio edits happen in a video editor first.

## Steps

1. Finish the edit in your video editor and export a web-ready MP4.
2. Select **New video** in the side menu and upload the file or choose it from a supported host.
3. Watch the video once and note the moments where a question, choice, or action helps the viewer.
4. In the editor, move the playhead to the first moment and add the interaction. Timing is precise to one tenth of a second.
5. Set the click action for each button or hotspot, and the answer options for each question.
6. Use **Design** for colors and fonts, and **Settings** for player controls, privacy, and viewer identity.
7. Select **Preview**, test every path, then publish and share the video.

![Mindstamp video editor with the editor menu, the add-interaction bar (Button, Hotspot, Question, Text, Image, More) and the timeline highlighted](https://cdn.mindstamp.com/website2026/help/editor-overview.webp)

_The editor: the menu on the left, the interaction bar under the player, and the timeline below it._

## The source file does not change

Interactions sit on top of the video. You can move, edit, or delete them at any time without re-exporting the footage. If you use a host such as Vimeo or Wistia, the file stays on that host.

If you must change the footage later, you can replace the video file and keep the interactions, settings, and share link. Check the timing of each interaction after the change, because a new edit can move the moments they point to.

## What the editor adds

- **Interactions**: buttons, hotspots, questions, text, and images at exact times.
- **Chapters**, **Captions**, and **Transcript** for navigation and access.
- **Lead capture**, **End screen**, and **Magic Menu** for the start, the end, and resources.
- **Translate** and **Genie AI** for other languages and viewer questions.

## What Mindstamp does not edit

Mindstamp does not trim footage, join clips into one file, or change color and audio. Do those edits first, or split a long video into parts and connect them with branching.

## Go further

- [Add interactions](https://mindstamp.com/tutorials/interactions)
- [Click actions](https://mindstamp.com/tutorials/click-actions)
- [Create a new video](https://mindstamp.com/tutorials/new-video)

## Related answers

- [How do I get started with interactive video?](https://mindstamp.com/help/getting-started-using-interactive-video)
- [How do I replace the video file without losing my interactions?](https://mindstamp.com/help/replace-video-file)
- [Can I trim a video or combine clips in Mindstamp?](https://mindstamp.com/help/trim-or-combine-video-clips)
- [What kinds of video can I use in Mindstamp?](https://mindstamp.com/help/what-kind-of-videos-can-i-use-in-mindstamp)

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