What is Microsoft Stream? How does it work with SharePoint?

Last Updated on April 23, 2024

Do you use a lot of videos in your organization?

If that’s the case, then you need to look at Microsoft Stream and how it can help with your video needs.

In this article, I’ll explain what I know about Microsoft Stream and how it works with SharePoint and other Microsoft apps.

Let’s get started.

What is Microsoft Stream?

You’re familiar with YouTube, right? Well, Microsoft Stream is a little similar — but more private and less flashy.

Basically, Microsoft Stream is a video service that’s part of Office 365. It’s designed to help organizations share and manage videos.

However, in the confusion of others, there are actually two types of Microsoft Stream that exist right now:

1. Microsoft Stream Classic
2. Stream on SharePoint

The classic version is the video service that works as a separate hub where people upload, manage, and watch videos.

The new version, from the name itself, is integrating into SharePoint. Videos are now a separate content type equal to other content types in Microsoft 365.

Videos and audios will be stored on the SharePoint files platform and will offer the same management in terms of sharing, compliance, governance, and experiences.

How does Microsoft Stream help?

Well, whether we’re talking about the classic version or the new one, Microsoft Stream will make it easy to manage and organize videos and audio.

In fact, using Microsoft Stream can be as constrained as possible or democratized depending on how you use it.

Here are examples:

• For simple video sharing among the team and the organization, users can use the Stream web app or watch videos through OneDrive.
• If you want anyone in the organization to watch videos while limiting who can upload files, you can embed videos using a SharePoint communication site.
• For sharing videos with team members only (and allowing them to add videos), you can use a team site or group.
• For anyone in the organization to watch and upload videos, you can set up a public communication site in SharePoint.

Basically, the way you share videos is now the same as how you share files and documents through SharePoint.

How does Microsoft Stream integrate with SharePoint and other apps?

Okay, this might get somewhat confusing. But believe me, once you read what I wrote here at least twice, you will understand it better.

Now, for all other apps except SharePoint, the way Microsoft Stream integrates is the same as how the other apps handle other files.

For example, if you want to attach a video to Yammer that’s already uploaded to OneDrive or SharePoint:

• All you need to do is click the button for attaching files
• Then select the videos that you want to attach

Now, on SharePoint, it matters whether or not you’re using the classic version or the new version.

For the classic version, you can use the “Stream” web part to include videos on a SharePoint page:

However, if you’re using the new version, then you need to use the “File viewer” web part to embed a video to a page:

Using links and the “Highlighted content” web part will allow you to display a list of videos on a page while showing thumbnails at the same time.

Personally, I will recommend that you start using the new version of Microsoft Stream since it seems that it’s going to be the future of videos in Microsoft 365.

What do you think of the new Microsoft Stream? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

For inquiries and other concerns, please use the site’s contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.