how do you add music to google slides and why does it enhance presentations?

how do you add music to google slides and why does it enhance presentations?

When you’re preparing a presentation in Google Slides, the addition of music can be a delightful touch that enhances the overall experience for your audience. However, integrating music into your presentation requires careful consideration of its purpose and impact on your message. In this article, we will explore various methods to add music to Google Slides and discuss the reasons behind each approach.

Embedding Background Music Using YouTube

One of the most straightforward ways to add music to Google Slides is by embedding YouTube videos directly within your slides. This method allows you to choose from a vast library of songs, ensuring that you have a variety of options to match your presentation’s theme or mood. To embed YouTube music, follow these steps:

  1. Open your Google Slides presentation and navigate to the slide where you want to add the music.
  2. Click on the Insert tab in the top menu bar.
  3. Select YouTube Video from the dropdown menu.
  4. Search for the desired song on YouTube and click Embed.
  5. Copy the HTML code provided and paste it into the slide using the Code option under the Insert tab.
  6. Customize the settings as needed (e.g., volume control, fade-in/fade-out duration) before publishing your presentation.

While embedding YouTube music offers convenience and a wide range of choices, it might not always be the best fit for every presentation. For example, copyrighted songs may require payment or licensing fees, and the quality of embedded videos can sometimes be inconsistent.

Using Google’s Audio Library

Another option for adding music to Google Slides is by utilizing Google’s own audio library. This collection includes royalty-free music tracks that are specifically designed for educational and non-commercial purposes. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Visit the Google Slides Audio Library page at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XKlqGyZz9v7QVcRiFpYkWjxLrB7fC6o0D3s7bUg9mE/edit#slide=id.p
  2. Browse through the available tracks and select one that aligns with your presentation’s theme.
  3. Click on the Add to Slide button.
  4. The selected track will now play automatically when you advance to the corresponding slide. You can also customize playback settings such as start time, loop duration, and volume.

Using Google’s audio library is advantageous because all tracks are royalty-free, making it suitable for both personal and professional use without worrying about licensing issues. However, the selection might be limited compared to the extensive library available on YouTube.

Adding External Music Files

For more intricate presentations, you might prefer to upload external music files directly into your Google Slides presentation. This method gives you full control over the audio file format and ensures consistent playback across different devices. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Upload the audio file to your Google Drive and download it to your computer.
  2. Open your Google Slides presentation and navigate to the desired slide.
  3. Go to the Insert tab and select Audio.
  4. Choose From File and select the downloaded audio file.
  5. Adjust the playback settings as needed (e.g., start time, loop duration, volume).

This approach is particularly useful if you have a custom sound effect or need to integrate an audio file with specific properties. However, ensure that the file format is compatible with Google Slides, which typically supports MP3 and WAV formats.

Conclusion

Adding music to Google Slides can significantly enhance your presentation’s appeal and engagement. By considering the type of music, its source, and the intended audience, you can make informed decisions about the best approach. Whether you opt for embedding YouTube videos, using Google’s audio library, or uploading external audio files, the goal remains to create a cohesive and memorable presentation experience.