How to Add Audio to Google Slides: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Google Slides?Google Slides is a free, cloud-based presentation tool developed by Google as part of the Google Docs suite, which also includes...

What is Google Slides?

Google Slides is a free, cloud-based presentation tool developed by Google as part of the Google Docs suite, which also includes Google Sheets and Google Docs. Similar to Microsoft's PowerPoint, Google Slides allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on presentations in real-time, making it a convenient tool for both personal and professional use.

Can You Upload an MP3 File to Google Slides?

Yes, you certainly can add audio to your Google Slides presentations. This is a handy feature that enables you to incorporate voiceovers, sound effects, background music, or any audio file that can enhance your slideshow. This tutorial will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to add audio from various sources, including your computer, Spotify, YouTube, and AppleMusic.

How to Add Audio to Google Slides?

Adding Audio to Google Slides from Your Computer

1. Prepare your audio file: Make sure your audio file is in a compatible format, such as MP3 or WAV file, and is saved to your Google Drive account. If you haven't already, click on the 'New' button in Google Drive to upload your file.
2. Open your Google Slides presentation: Navigate to your Google Slides presentation, select the slide you want to add audio to.
3. Insert audio: In the menu bar at the top, click on 'Insert', then select 'Audio' from the drop-down menu. This will open a sidebar on the right side of your screen.
4. Select audio: Click on 'My Drive' and find the audio file you uploaded earlier. Select the audio file and click on the 'Select' button at the bottom of the pop up.
5. Format options: Once the audio is inserted, you will see a speaker icon on the slide. Right-click on the audio icon, select 'Format options' in the pop-up menu. Here you can customize audio playback options, such as start playing 'On click', 'Automatically', or 'Stop on slide change'.
6. Hide icon when presenting: If you don't want the audio icon to appear during your presentation, you can select 'Hide icon when presenting' under the 'Format options'.

Adding Audio to Google Slides from Spotify

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there's no direct way to insert Spotify music into Google Slides. However, you can provide a link to the Spotify audio track in your slide, which viewers can click to listen to the music. It's always a good idea to check Spotify and Google Slides' latest features and updates, as this could change.

Adding Audio to Google Slides from YouTube

1. Insert Video: Instead of adding an audio file, you can insert a YouTube video. Click 'Insert' in the menu bar, then select 'Video'.
2. Search for a video or paste a URL: You can directly paste the YouTube video URL or search for it in the pop-up window, then click the 'Select' button.
3. Format video: Right-click on the video and select 'Format options'. You can choose when the YouTube video will start and stop playing, allowing you to use only the desired audio portion.

Adding Audio to Google Slides from AppleMusic

Unfortunately, as of my last update in September 2021, AppleMusic songs cannot be directly added to Google Slides due to digital rights management (DRM). But, similar to Spotify, you can add a link to the song on AppleMusic.

Speechify Voice Over

Speechify Voice Over is an online app that allows you to convert text into audio. You can upload your script or type it in and add a unique voice to every paragraph. Add royalty free background music and download the audio recording in various audio formats to use in either your personal or commercial projects

You can create custom voice overs for your powerpoint presentations or Google Slides and impress your audience with professional sounding voice overs.

Best Place to Find Royalty-Free Music for Google Slides

There are numerous platforms to find royalty-free music. Websites like Bens Sound, Free Music Archive, and Incompetech offer a broad selection of music across genres that can be downloaded in MP3 format and used in your Google Slides presentations. Please ensure to adhere to the licensing agreements, as some tracks may require attribution.

Adding audio to Google Slides can be a significant enhancement to your presentation, whether it's a voiceover, sound effects, or background music. Remember that for the smoothest audio playback, it's best to have a stable internet connection, especially if you're presenting directly from your browser on a Chromebook, Mac, Android, or iOS device.

Also, bear in mind that audio files in Google Slides start playing when you click the play button in presentation mode, and they will stop on slide change unless you adjust your playback options accordingly.

I hope this tutorial has been helpful in guiding you through adding audio to your Google Slides presentation. Whether you're creating a tutorial, a school project, a business presentation, or just wanting to spice up your slideshow, embedding audio can bring your Google Slides to life.