Steam How To Equip Startup Movie

Rose

2 min read

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17-03-2025

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Want to add a personal touch to your Steam experience? Adding a custom startup movie is a fun way to personalize your gaming environment. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to equip your own startup movie on Steam.

Understanding Steam Startup Movies

Steam's startup movie is the short video clip that plays when you launch the Steam client. By default, it's a brief animation showcasing the Steam logo. However, you can replace this with your own video file, provided it meets certain specifications.

Choosing the Right Video File

Before you get started, it's crucial to understand the requirements for your custom startup movie:

• File Format: Steam supports .webm video files. This is a crucial detail, and using any other format will result in failure. Don't try to force it; convert your video to .webm first.
• Video Dimensions: The ideal dimensions are 1920x1080 pixels (1080p). While Steam might handle other resolutions, 1080p will provide the best visual quality.
• File Size: Keep your video file relatively small. A larger file size may lead to longer load times for your Steam client. Aim for a short video (5-10 seconds is ideal) to keep the file size manageable.
• Video Codec: Ensure your .webm video uses a compatible video codec. Experimentation might be needed depending on your video editing software.

How to Equip Your Startup Movie on Steam

The process is surprisingly straightforward:

1. Find Your Steam Directory: Locate your Steam installation directory. This is usually found in:

   • Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam (or C:\Program Files\Steam if you installed it in a different location)
   • macOS: /Applications/Steam.app/Contents/Resources
   • Linux: /home/[YourUsername]/.steam/steam

2. Navigate to the Right Folder: Inside your Steam directory, navigate to the config folder.

3. Place Your Video File: Copy your prepared .webm video file into this config folder.

4. Rename the File: Rename your video file to startup_movie.webm. This is the exact filename Steam expects, and it's case-sensitive, so ensure it's all lowercase.

5. Restart Steam: Close and restart your Steam client. Upon launch, your custom startup movie should now play!

Troubleshooting:

• If your video doesn't play: Double-check the file name, format, and resolution. Ensure it's correctly placed within the config folder.
• Black screen: Your .webm file might have encoding issues. Try re-encoding it with different settings or using a different video editor.
• Steam doesn't recognize the change: Try restarting your computer after restarting Steam.

Beyond the Basics: Creating Your Startup Movie

You'll need video editing software (like DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Express, or even simpler options like Kapwing) to create your .webm video. Remember to keep it short and visually appealing. Many online resources provide tutorials on converting video files to .webm format.

This method allows for a simple yet effective way to personalize your Steam experience. So, dive in, create your startup movie, and enjoy a unique touch to your gaming setup! Let us know in the comments what kind of startup movies you’ve created!