How to Add Background Video on Android Studio

Are you interested in creating an app that captures users’ attention right at the beginning? One way to do that is by adding a background video to your Android app. It not only makes your app look better, but it also provides a more immersive and engaging experience for the users. In this blog post, we will explain some methods on how to add a background video on Android Studio.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Add Background Video on Android Studio

Adding a background video to your Android app has several benefits.

Firstly, it can be a great way to showcase your brand. The background video can be used to display your company’s logo or other promotional content. It can leave an excellent first impression on the users, increasing the chance of conversions.

Secondly, a background video can make your app look more professional and visually appealing. It adds to the overall aesthetic of your app, making it more engaging and exciting for users to explore.

Lastly, a background video can also convey a message or tell a story that static images cannot do. You can add a video related to your app’s purpose, giving users a better understanding of what your app can do.

Method 1: Using VideoView Component

The first method we recommend for adding a background video on Android Studio is by using the VideoView component. The VideoView is a UI component that displays videos. Here’s how you can use it.

1. Create a new project in Android Studio by clicking File > New > New Project.
2. In the ‘New Project’ window, select ‘Empty Activity’ and click ‘Next.’
3. In the next window, enter the ‘Application Name’ and ‘Company Domain.’
4. Set language to Java then click ‘Finish’.
5. Import your video files, preferably in the MP4 format, into the res/raw folder in your project.
6. Open your activity_main.xml file and add the following code:

“`

“`

7. Open your MainActivity.java file and add the following code:

“`
public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

VideoView videoView;

@Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
getWindow().setFlags(WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_FULLSCREEN, WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_FULLSCREEN);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);
getSupportActionBar().hide();
videoView = findViewById(R.id.videoview);
Uri uri = Uri.parse(“android.resource://” +getPackageName() + “/” + R.raw.yourvideo);
videoView.setVideoURI(uri);
videoView.start();
videoView.setOnPreparedListener(new MediaPlayer.OnPreparedListener() {
@Override
public void onPrepared(MediaPlayer mp) {
mp.setLooping(true);
}
});
}
}

“`

8. Replace the ‘R.raw.yourvideo’ with your own video file’s name.
9. Run the app and you should see the video playing on the background.

Pros:
– Simple and straightforward to implement.
– No external libraries or APIs needed.
– Can play videos from resources, the network, or locally.

Cons:
– Limited customizability.
– Limited functionality compared to other methods.

Method 2: Using VideoDrawable from Glide Library

Method 2 on how to add a background video on Android Studio is by using the VideoDrawable from the Glide Library. Here’s how you can use it.

1. Open your build.gradle file and add the following dependencies under dependencies:

“`
dependencies {
implementation ‘com.github.bumptech.glide:glide:4.11.0’
annotationProcessor ‘com.github.bumptech.glide:compiler:4.11.0’
}

“`

2. Import your video file to the assets folder in your project.
3. Open your activity_main.xml file and add the following code:

“`

“`

4. Open your MainActivity.java file and add the following code:

“`
public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

ImageView imageView;

@Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
getWindow().setFlags(WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_FULLSCREEN, WindowManager.LayoutParams.FLAG_FULLSCREEN);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);
getSupportActionBar().hide();
imageView = findViewById(R.id.imageview);
VideoDecoder decoder = new FileDescriptorVideoDecoder(new AssetFileDescriptor(getAssets().openFd(“yourvideo.mp4”);
VideoDrawable drawable = new VideoDrawable(decoder);
imageView.setImageDrawable(drawable);
}
}

“`

5. Replace ‘yourvideo.mp4’ with your own video file’s name.
6. Run the app and you should see the video playing on the background.

Pros:
– High customizability and functionality.
– Can play videos from the local, resources, or network.
– High resolution and performance.

Cons:
– Requires Glide Library dependency.
– Implementation can be more complex than the VideoView component.

Method 3: Using ExoPlayer Library

The third method we recommend for adding a background video on Android Studio is by using the ExoPlayer Library. Exoplayer is an open-source media player library that provides extensive functionality and controls for playing videos. Here’s how you can use the ExoPlayer Library.

1. Open your build.gradle file and add the following dependencies under dependencies:

“`
dependencies {
implementation ‘com.google.android.exoplayer:exoplayer:2.13.3’
}

“`

2. Import your video file to the raw folder in your project.
3. Open your activity_main.xml file and add the following code:

“`

“`

4. Open your MainActivity.java file and add the following code:

“`
public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity {
private SimpleExoPlayer player;
private PlayerView playerView;

@Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);

playerView = findViewById(R.id.player_view);

player = ExoPlayerFactory.newSimpleInstance(this);
playerView.setPlayer(player);

Uri uri = Uri.parse(“android.resource://” + getPackageName() + “/” + R.raw.yourvideo);

MediaSource mediaSource = buildMediaSource(uri);
player.setPlayWhenReady(true);
player.prepare(mediaSource, false, false);
}

private MediaSource buildMediaSource(Uri uri) {
DefaultDataSourceFactory dataSourceFactory = new DefaultDataSourceFactory(this, “exoplayer-codelab”);
return new ProgressiveMediaSource.Factory(dataSourceFactory).createMediaSource(uri);
}
}

“`

5. Replace ‘R.raw.yourvideo’ with your own video file’s name.
6. Run the app and you should see the video playing on the background.

Pros:
– High customizability and functionality.
– Supports almost all media formats.
– High performance and resolution.

Cons:
– Requires ExoPlayer Library dependency.
– Implementation can be more complex than the VideoView component.

Method 4: Using VideoLiveWallpaper

Method 4 on how to add a background video on Android Studio is by using the VideoLivewallpaper. With VideoLiveWallpaper, you can set a video as a live wallpaper for your device. Here’s how you can use it.

1. Create a new package named “wallpaper” in your project.
2. Create a new class named “VideoWallpaperService” under the “wallpaper” package. Copy and paste the following code:

“`
public class VideoWallpaperService extends WallpaperService {
public Engine onCreateEngine() {
VideoEngine engine = new VideoEngine();
engine.onCreate();
return engine;
}

private class VideoEngine extends Engine {
private MediaPlayer mediaPlayer;

@Override
public void onCreate(SurfaceHolder surfaceHolder) {
super.onCreate(surfaceHolder);
mediaPlayer = MediaPlayer.create(getApplicationContext(), R.raw.yourvideo);
mediaPlayer.setSurface(surfaceHolder.getSurface());
mediaPlayer.setLooping(true);
}

@Override
public void onDestroy() {
super.onDestroy();
mediaPlayer.stop();
mediaPlayer.release();
}
}
}

“`

3. Import your video file to the raw folder in your project.
4. Open your AndroidManifest.xml file and add the following code:

“`






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