If you ever felt the desire to make steam more personalized, changing its start up movie is an excellent way to do it. The startup movie in Steam is what you get to watch when the platform has been launched or opened.
Although Steam doesn’t offer an option for changing this easily. Through a few minutes you can put a custom startup movie in yourself. This beginner-friendly guide will show you exactly how to equip Steam startup movie so you can make your gaming setup uniquely yours.
What is a Steam Startup Movie?
Steam startup movie refers to a scene or a trailer that will be shown whenever a person opens the Steam client. Steam uses the logo and a minimalistic animation as a default, but did you know that you can put your own video there?
This step contributes to the game and personality to STEAM, besides it is fun starting up the platform with a customized movie. Regardless of the intro that you want to include, be it the intro to a favorite game or animated logo that has been created to order, it is a simpler option than you may expect.
Why Customize the Steam Startup Movie?
Some people might think that changing Steam startup movies is a function of aesthetics, but it is much more than that; it is about making Steam as personal as possible. Here are a few reasons why you might want to customize it:
- Express Yourself: Add current favorites games, movies or memes to Steam?
- Enhance Your Mood: The custom startup movie can make you extremely woke before engaging yourself in your gaming session.
- Stand Out: To amaze your friends or fellow gamers, play with a remarkable animation.
Having established your motivation let‘s move to another tutorial on how to equip a Steam startup movie.
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Preparing Your Custom Startup Movie
Before you place your custom startup movie, you will have to make arrangements for your video file. To be quite specific, Steam has some specific requirements to the file formats and sizes in order to work properly with startup movies.
File Format
For casual users of Steam, the start-up movie must be in WebM format. If your video is in another format, you will need to transcode a bit to fit. It is even easier if one uses a cloud-base option like CloudConvert; if not, there are also local interfaces like HandBrake.
Resolution and Length
In order to also reduce the loading times of the video, set its quality – or the number of pixels per inch – to a moderate level. It can start with 720p resolution which is 1280 by 720. The video length is best kept short and should not exceed 5 – 10 seconds to prevent any delay when opening Steam.
Name the File
Its name should be valve_intro.webm, which describes that it is a custom startup movie file for the startup of the launching company. This is the name of the video Steam uses by default for launching the application and the logo; thus, you need to replace it.
Locating the Steam Startup Movie Folder
Before you try to replace the file with your own, it helps to know where Steam keeps the default intro file, for your custom Steam startup movie. Follow these steps to locate it:
Navigate to Steam’s Installation Directory:
- By default, Steam is installed in the following directory:
- Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam
- macOS: /Applications/Steam
- Linux: /home/username/.steam/steam
Find the movies Folder:
- Now, go to additional directory subfolders in the main Steam directory, and you will find a folder titled movies. This is the format of the startup movie file.
Locate valve_intro.webm:
- Within the folder you’ll see the movies folder that contains the default startup movie file titled valve_intro.webm.
- First, make a copy of this file and move it to another directory or just create a copy by using the copy and paste method. This will also enable you to reset default startup movie in case it is needed.
Replacing the Default Startup Movie
Once your custom video is prepared and converted to the correct format, it’s time to replace the default startup movie with your own.
- Copy Your Custom Video:
Move your custom valve_intro.webm file into the movies folder you located earlier. - Replace the Existing File:
When prompted, confirm that you want to replace the existing file. - Restart Steam:
Close Steam if it’s running and relaunch the application. Your custom startup movie should now play when Steam starts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, your custom startup movie might not work as expected. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them:
Video Doesn’t Play
- Cause: The file may not be in the correct format or named correctly.
- Solution: Ensure the file is in WebM format and named exactly valve_intro.webm.
Steam Skips the Intro
- Cause: The video length or resolution may be too high.
- Solution: Shorten the video to under 10 seconds and use a resolution no higher than 720p.
Want to Restore the Default Movie
- Solution: Replace your custom file with the original valve_intro.webm file you backed up earlier.
Tips for Creating a Great Startup Movie
While the technical process is straightforward, making a startup movie that stands out requires some creativity. Here are a few tips:
- Choose High-Quality Content: Use crisp visuals and clear audio to ensure your startup movie looks professional.
- Keep It Short and Sweet: A brief, engaging clip will leave a positive impression without delaying your gaming session.
- Match Your Gaming Theme: Use clips or animations that resonate with the games you love most.
- Experiment with Styles: Test different videos to see what works best. You can always change it later!
Is It Safe to Equip a Custom Steam Startup Movie?
Yes, equipping a custom startup movie is safe as long as you follow the steps carefully. Since this process only involves replacing a video file, it won’t affect Steam’s core functionality or compromise your account. Always back up the original file, and avoid downloading videos from untrustworthy sources to ensure your system remains secure.
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Why Customize Your Steam Startup Movie?
Beyond personalization, a custom startup movie can make using Steam more enjoyable. It’s a small detail, but it reflects your style and preferences. Whether you’re adding a clip from your favorite game or showcasing a unique animation, it’s a way to turn a routine task into something exciting.
Customizing the startup movie also allows you to experiment with video editing and explore your creative side. The possibilities are endless, making it a fun project for gamers of all skill levels.
Conclusion: How to Equip Steam Startup Movie
Learning how to equip Steam startup movie is a simple and rewarding way to personalize your gaming experience. By following this guide, you can prepare a custom video, locate Steam’s movie folder, and replace the default intro with something uniquely yours.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, a customized startup movie adds a personal touch to your setup. So, grab your favorite clip, convert it to WebM format, and give your Steam a fresh new look today!
