How to Add Audio to Google Slides

Want to make your presentations more engaging? Adding audio to Google Slides is an easy way to grab your audience’s attention, explain key points, or simply make things more memorable. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or business professional, here’s how you can add audio to your Google Slides in just a few steps.

What You’ll Need

• A Google Account
• Google Slides presentation
• An audio file (MP3 or WAV format) stored in Google Drive

Step 1: Upload Your Audio File to Google Drive

Before you add audio to your slides, you need to upload your audio file to Google Drive.

1. Go to Google Drive.
2. Click the New button on the left, then select File upload.
3. Find and upload your audio file (MP3 or WAV).
4. Once uploaded, right-click the audio file and select Get link.
5. Make sure the sharing settings are set to Anyone with the link can view.

Step 2: Insert Audio into Your Google Slides

1. Open your Google Slides presentation.
2. Select the slide where you want to add the audio.
3. Click on Insert in the top menu, then select Audio.
4. A sidebar will appear showing all the audio files in your Google Drive. Choose the file you uploaded.
5. Click Select. A speaker icon will appear on your slide.

Step 3: Customize Audio Playback (Optional)

Once you’ve inserted the audio, you’ll see a format options panel on the right:

• Start playing: Choose whether the audio plays automatically when you present the slide, or only when clicked.
• Loop audio: Decide if the audio should loop until you move to the next slide.
• Hide icon when presenting: If you want the icon invisible during your presentation, check this box.

Step 4: Test and Share

Always play your presentation from the beginning to make sure the audio works the way you want. Share your presentation as usual.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Keep audio files short and relevant.
• Test sharing permissions before presenting.
• Use clear file names so you can find your audio easily in Google Drive.

Troubleshooting

• Audio file not showing up? Make sure it’s in your Google Drive and in MP3 or WAV format.
• Can’t play the audio? Double-check sharing permissions—set to “Anyone with the link can view.”
• Audio won’t play automatically? You may need to adjust your presentation settings or browser permissions.

Ready to try it out? Adding audio is a simple way to give your presentations more impact. Give it a shot and see how your next slideshow stands out!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!