Adding audio to your Google Slides presentation can turn a good presentation into a great one. It could be a piece of background music to set the mood, a sound effect to emphasize a point, or a voiceover to explain complex slides. Whatever the reason, inserting audio into Google Slides is simple enough, and this article will show you how to do it.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Insert Audio into Google Slides
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. By following these steps, you’ll be able to add an audio file from your Google Drive into a Google Slides presentation, making your slides more engaging and effective.
Step 1: Open your Google Slides presentation
First things first, you need to have your Google Slides presentation open and ready to go.
When you open your Google Slides presentation, make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account, especially if you have multiple accounts. This will save you from any confusion later on when you’re trying to locate your audio file.
Step 2: Click on the slide where you want to add the audio
You need to decide where in your presentation you want the audio to play.
Think about the timing of your audio. Do you want it to start right away when the slide appears, or would you prefer to trigger it with a click? This will influence where you place your audio icon on the slide.
Step 3: Click "Insert" in the top menu, then "Audio"
Now you’re ready to actually insert the audio into your slide.
Remember, the audio file needs to be stored in your Google Drive. If it’s not there yet, you’ll need to upload it to Google Drive first.
Step 4: Select your audio file from Google Drive and click "Select"
Choose the audio file you want to add to your slide.
Make sure your audio file is in a supported format. Google Slides can play .mp3 and .wav files, so if your audio file is in a different format, you’ll need to convert it first.
Step 5: Adjust the audio options as needed
After you’ve inserted the audio file, you can adjust its settings, like autoplay and hide icon when presenting.
Play around with the audio options to find what works best for your presentation. You can have the audio loop, stop on slide change, or start playing only when clicked.
Once you complete these steps, your audio will be nicely embedded into your Google Slides presentation. It will play according to the settings you’ve chosen, and you’ll be able to present your slides with a new, dynamic element that grabs your audience’s attention.
Tips for Inserting Audio into Google Slides
- Keep your audio file ready in your Google Drive for easy access.
- Use high-quality audio files to ensure clear sound for your audience.
- Preview your audio before presenting to make sure it plays correctly.
- Balance the volume of your audio file so it’s neither too loud nor too soft.
- Consider the timing of your audio within your presentation for the best impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I upload an audio file to Google Drive?
To upload an audio file to Google Drive, go to drive.google.com, click on the "+ New" button, and select "File upload". Then, choose your audio file from your computer and wait for it to upload.
Can I add audio from YouTube to my Google Slides?
No, Google Slides does not directly support inserting audio from YouTube. However, you can use a YouTube video with the portion of audio you want, or convert the YouTube audio to an mp3 file and upload it to Google Drive.
What audio file formats are supported in Google Slides?
Google Slides supports .mp3 and .wav audio file formats.
Can I record audio directly into Google Slides?
No, you cannot record audio directly into Google Slides. You’ll need to record your audio separately, upload it to Google Drive, and then insert it into your slides.
How can I make my audio autoplay in Google Slides?
To make your audio autoplay, click on the audio icon on your slide, go to "Format options", and under "Audio playback", check the "Autoplay when presenting" box.
Summary
- Open your Google Slides presentation.
- Click on the slide where you want to add the audio.
- Click "Insert" in the top menu, then "Audio".
- Select your audio file from Google Drive and click "Select".
- Adjust the audio options as needed.
Conclusion
Inserting audio into Google Slides is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your presentation. Whether you’re looking to add a professional touch with background music, emphasize key points with sound effects, or provide additional information through voiceovers, audio can make your presentations more engaging and memorable. Just remember to keep your audio files ready in Google Drive, use supported formats, and adjust the settings to suit your needs. With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create a compelling Google Slides presentation that resonates with your audience. Now, go ahead and give it a try – your listeners will thank you!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.