Adding music to your slideshow

You can add background music or sound effects to a slideshow in both PowerPoint and Google Slides. The process is straightforward: you insert an audio file, choose which slide it starts on, and decide whether it plays across multiple slides or just one. Both programs let you control the volume and timing, so the music doesn't drown out your speaking or run past the end of your presentation.

The main difference is where you find the audio tools. PowerPoint groups them under the Insert menu, while Google Slides puts them in the Insert menu as well but with slightly different options. Either way, you'll need an audio file already saved on your computer or access to one online.

Key Takeaways

  • In PowerPoint, go to Insert > Audio to add a music file, then use the Playback tab to set when it starts and stops.
  • In Google Slides, use Insert > Audio to upload or select a file from your computer or Google Drive.
  • You can make music play across multiple slides by adjusting the timing settings so it doesn't stop between slides.
  • Lower the volume of background music so it doesn't overpower your voice during the presentation.
  • Test the audio before presenting to make sure it plays at the right time and volume level.

Adding music in PowerPoint

Open your presentation and click on the slide where you want the music to start. Go to the Insert tab at the top, then click Audio. A dropdown menu appears with two choices: Audio on My Device or Online Audio. Choose Audio on My Device if the file is saved on your computer.

A file browser window opens. Navigate to the folder where your audio file is stored, select it, and click Insert. The audio icon appears on your slide as a small speaker symbol. You can drag it to a corner where it won't block your content, or you can move it off the slide entirely during the presentation by adjusting its position.

Once the audio is inserted, the Playback tab appears at the top of the screen. Here you control how the music behaves. Under Start, you can choose "On Click" (music plays when you click during the presentation) or "Automatically" (music plays as soon as the slide appears). If you want the music to play across multiple slides, set the duration under the audio properties so it doesn't stop between slides. You can also adjust the volume slider to make sure the music doesn't overpower your voice.

Adding music in Google Slides

Open your presentation and click on the slide where you want to add music. Go to Insert at the top, then click Audio. A dialog box opens with options to upload from your computer or select from Google Drive.

If you're uploading from your computer, click Upload and select the audio file. If the file is already in your Google Drive, click My Drive and find it in the list. Once you select the file, it uploads and appears on your slide as a speaker icon. Like PowerPoint, you can drag this icon to a corner or position it where it won't interfere with your slide content.

Google Slides doesn't offer as many playback controls as PowerPoint. The audio will play when clicked during the presentation by default. To adjust volume, right-click the speaker icon and look for audio options, though these are more limited than in PowerPoint. If you need the music to play automatically or across multiple slides, Google Slides has fewer built-in options, so you may need to use a workaround like inserting the same audio on multiple consecutive slides.

Choosing the right audio file format

Both PowerPoint and Google Slides accept common audio formats like MP3, WAV, and M4A. MP3 is the most widely supported and usually the safest choice. If you have a file in a different format, you can convert it using free online tools or audio software before inserting it into your presentation.

Keep file size in mind. Large audio files can make your presentation file bigger and slower to share or upload. If you're using Google Slides, the file size limit is typically generous, but PowerPoint presentations with large audio files can become unwieldy. Compress your audio if possible without losing quality you actually need.

Making music play across multiple slides

In PowerPoint, insert the audio on the first slide where you want it to play. In the Playback tab, set the Start option to Automatically. Then adjust the duration so the audio doesn't stop between slides. You can see the total length of your audio in the properties panel. If your music is three minutes long and you want it to play across five slides, make sure those five slides are set to advance automatically or that you click through them quickly enough that the audio doesn't cut off.

In Google Slides, the easiest workaround is to insert the same audio file on each slide where you want it to play. This isn't elegant, but it ensures continuous playback. Alternatively, if your audio is short, you can insert it once on the first slide and manually advance through your slides at a pace that keeps the audio playing.

Another option in both programs is to use a video file instead of audio. You can create a silent video with just an audio track, which sometimes gives you more control over playback across slides. This is more advanced and usually unnecessary for simple presentations.

Controlling volume and timing

In PowerPoint, right-click the speaker icon and select Edit Audio. The Playback tab opens with a volume slider. Drag it to the left to lower the volume or to the right to increase it. A good rule of thumb is to set background music at about 30 to 50 percent volume so it doesn't compete with your voice. Test it before you present.

You can also trim the audio if you don't want the entire file to play. In the Playback tab, look for Trim Audio. A timeline appears showing the full length of the file. Drag the handles at the beginning and end to select only the portion you want to play. This is useful if you have a long song but only want the first minute or two.

In Google Slides, volume control is more limited. Right-click the speaker icon to see what options are available in your version. If volume controls aren't visible, the audio will play at whatever level is set on your device. Always test the audio in the presentation view before you present to an audience.

Testing before you present

Always run through your presentation in slideshow mode before presenting to others. Click the Play button or press F5 in PowerPoint to start the slideshow from the beginning. In Google Slides, click the Present button in the top right. Listen for the audio at the point where you inserted it. Check that the volume is appropriate, that it starts at the right time, and that it doesn't play longer than you want.

Pay attention to whether the audio plays smoothly or if there are any delays or stuttering. If you're presenting on a different computer, test the file on that machine too. Sometimes audio files behave differently depending on the device or the version of the software. If you're presenting online using Zoom or another platform, test the audio through that platform as well to make sure your audience can hear it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add music that plays during the entire presentation?

In PowerPoint, insert the audio on your first slide and set it to play automatically. Adjust the duration so it covers all your slides. In Google Slides, you'll need to insert the audio on multiple slides or use a very long audio file. Test the timing carefully so the music doesn't end abruptly in the middle of your presentation.

What if the audio file won't insert?

Check that the file format is supported (MP3, WAV, or M4A work best). If the file is very large, try compressing it first. In Google Slides, make sure the file is in a format Google supports and that you have enough storage space. If you're using PowerPoint offline, the file must be on your computer; online audio insertion may not work without an internet connection.

Can I add sound effects to individual slides instead of background music?

Yes, the process is identical. Insert the audio file on the slide where you want the sound effect, set it to play on click, and adjust the volume. You can add different sound effects to different slides this way. Just make sure the volume is appropriate so sound effects don't startle your audience.

Will the audio play if I share the presentation with someone else?

In PowerPoint, the audio file is embedded in the presentation, so it will play for anyone who opens the file. In Google Slides, the audio is also embedded, so it will play when others view or present the slideshow. Always test the shared file to confirm the audio works on the recipient's device.

How do I remove audio from a slide?

Click the speaker icon on the slide and press Delete. The audio is removed immediately. If you want to keep the audio but just mute it for one presentation, you can lower the volume to zero instead of deleting it.