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How to Add Audio to Google Slides: Enhancing Presentations with Sound

October 28th 2023
Home > Blog > How to Add Audio to Google Slides: Enhancing Presentations with Sound
The Google logo made out of play dough.

Ah, the art of presentations! We’ve all been there, sitting through a presentation that’s just… well, a bit dull. But what if I told you there’s a way to jazz up your google slides presentation? Enter the world of audio. Whether it’s a podcast snippet, a catchy jingle, or even a voiceover, adding audio can make your presentation pop. Let’s dive into the step by step guide on how to add audio to google slides.

audio recording file upload audio google slides wav file audio plays google slides presentations add audio files audio clips audio loop play audio select file upload slide change wav files google slides

Google Slides icon

The Power of Audio in Presentations

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why you’d want to add audio in the first place. Remember that time you watched a YouTube short and the background music just made it ten times better? Or when you listened to a podcast and the sound effects made the content come alive? That’s the power of audio content. It’s not just about the visuals; sound can evoke emotions, set the mood, and even clarify complex topics.

For instance, imagine you’re presenting a slide about the roaring twenties. Instead of just showing images, you could play a snippet of jazz music to transport your audience back in time. Or, if you’re discussing a famous speech, why not play a part of it? The possibilities are endless!

Let’s Get Started: Adding Audio to Your Google Slides

Black headphones with a glittering background

Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get to the main event. Here’s how to add audio to google slides:

  1. Prepping Your Audio File: Before anything else, ensure your audio file is saved to your Google Drive. Ideally, it should be in MP3 format. If you’re looking to edit your audio content to perfection, check out this blog post for some handy tips.
  2. Opening Your Presentation: Fire up your google slides presentation or, if you’re feeling adventurous, create a new one.
  3. Selecting the Right Slide: Navigate to the slide where you want your audio magic to happen.
  4. Inserting the Audio: Here’s where the magic begins. Click on “Insert” in the top menu bar and select “Audio” from the dropdown menu. Feeling lost? Look towards the top left of your screen.
  5. Choosing Your File: Under the “Insert audio” tab, choose “My Drive” and select the audio file you’ve prepped. Once you hit “Select,” a speaker icon will pop up on your slide. This is your audio icon, your gateway to audio playback.
  6. Adjusting the Audio: Want to make your audio icon blend seamlessly with your presentation? Click on the icon and play around with the format options on the right. Adjust the reflection, shadow, volume level, and more to make it just right.

Remember, if you’re thinking of downloading your google slides presentation to share, the audio won’t tag along if it’s not web-hosted. So, always keep a backup of your audio files.

Pro Tips for Audio Playback

  • Auto-Play: Want your audio to play automatically when you switch to a slide? Click on the audio icon, head to the playback options, and select “play automatically.”
  • Looping: If you’re adding background music and want it to loop, there’s an option for that too. Just select “loop audio” in the playback options.
  • Hiding the Icon: Don’t want the speaker button to be visible during presentation mode? You can hide the icon but still have the audio play. Just drag the speaker icon off the slide, and voila!
  • Volume Control: Adjust the volume slider to ensure your audio isn’t too loud or too soft. Remember, you want to enhance, not overpower.

Converting Audio File Formats to MP3: A Comprehensive Guide

An audio cassette

In today’s digital age, audio plays a pivotal role in various platforms, from enhancing google slides presentations to creating engaging content for online platforms. However, with the plethora of audio file formats available, it’s essential to understand how to convert them into the universally accepted MP3 format. Whether you’re dealing with a wav file from an audio recording or trying to add audio files to your presentation, this guide will walk you through the process.

Why Convert to MP3?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s address the why. MP3 is one of the most popular audio formats due to its compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms. It compresses the audio without a significant loss in quality, making it ideal for sharing and embedding, like in google slides presentations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Audio Files to MP3

A lady working with audio files on a software program

1. Choose Your Audio File:

Begin by selecting the file you wish to convert. This could be an audio recording, a wav file, or other audio clips you have on hand.

2. File Upload to a Conversion Tool:

There are numerous online tools and software available for audio conversion. Once you’ve chosen your preferred tool, proceed with the file upload. Typically, there’s a ‘Select File’ or ‘Upload’ button on these platforms. Click on it and choose the audio file from your device.

3. Select the Desired Output Format:

While the tool might offer various output formats, for our purpose, choose ‘MP3’ as the desired format.

4. Conversion:

Once you’ve selected the output format, initiate the conversion process. Most tools have a ‘Convert’ button. Click on it and wait for the process to complete.

5. Download and Check:

After conversion, download the MP3 file to your device. It’s always a good practice to play audio and ensure the quality hasn’t been compromised during the conversion.

Top Software for Converting Audio Files: From MP3 to WAV and Beyond

A laptop with an audio software program on it.

In the realm of digital audio, versatility is key. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a budding podcaster, or a professional sound engineer, there will come a time when you need to convert audio files into different formats.

The reasons can range from compatibility issues to quality preservation. Fortunately, there’s a plethora of software available to make this task a breeze. Let’s dive into some of the best tools available for audio conversion.

1. Audacity

  • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Supported Formats: MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, and more
  • Features: Audacity is a free, open-source, cross-platform audio software that is not only great for audio recording but also excels in converting audio files. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily import your audio, edit it if necessary, and then export it into your desired format.

2. Freemake Audio Converter

  • Platform: Windows
  • Supported Formats: MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, M4A, OGG, and more
  • Features: Freemake Audio Converter is a versatile tool that supports over 50 audio formats. It’s user-friendly and allows for batch conversion, which is a time-saver if you have multiple files to convert.

3. Any Audio Converter

  • Platform: Windows
  • Supported Formats: MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, AAC, and more
  • Features: Beyond its conversion capabilities, Any Audio Converter stands out for its ability to extract audio from CDs and video files. It also supports batch conversion and has a built-in player to preview the tracks before conversion.

4. Switch Audio File Converter

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Supported Formats: MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, AAC, and more
  • Features: Switch is a professional-grade tool that’s suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It offers batch conversion, can extract audio from DVDs and videos, and even has a feature to convert audio from streaming platforms.

5. Zamzar

  • Platform: Web-based
  • Supported Formats: MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG, and more
  • Features: If you’re looking for a quick online solution without downloading any software, Zamzar is a reliable choice. It’s a web-based tool where you simply upload your file, choose your desired format, and let the tool handle the rest. The converted file is then sent to your email.

6. dBpoweramp Music Converter

  • Platform: Windows, macOS
  • Supported Formats: MP3, WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless, and more
  • Features: dBpoweramp is a premium tool known for its accuracy and speed. It offers batch conversion, CD ripping, and even integrates into Windows Explorer for easy right-click conversions.

7. Online Audio Converter

  • Platform: Web-based
  • Supported Formats: MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG, and more
  • Features: Another online tool, Online Audio Converter is free and supports a wide range of formats. It also offers advanced settings like changing the bitrate or frequency. Plus, it can save converted files directly to your Google Drive or Dropbox.

Tips for Audio Conversion:

  1. Quality Preservation: Always ensure that the software you choose preserves the quality of the audio during conversion. Opt for lossless formats like FLAC or WAV when quality is a priority.
  2. Batch Conversion: If you frequently deal with multiple files, choose software that supports batch conversion to save time.
  3. Compatibility: Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system and supports the audio formats you typically work with.
  4. Additional Features: Some tools offer added features like audio editing, CD ripping, or integration with cloud storage. Depending on your needs, these can be beneficial.

Whether you’re converting a collection of old WAV files to MP3 for compatibility or preserving the quality of a studio recording in FLAC, having the right software is crucial. With the tools listed above, you’re equipped to handle any audio conversion task with ease.

Tips for Enhancing Your Audio Experience

  • Audio Loop: If you’re embedding the MP3 file into presentations and want it to play continuously, look for the ‘audio loop’ option in your playback settings. This ensures the audio plays in a loop, providing a seamless experience for your audience.
  • Google Slides Integration: For those looking to enhance their google slides presentations, MP3 is the ideal format. Once converted, you can easily integrate the audio into your slides. Remember, audio google slides integration can elevate the overall impact of your presentation.
  • Changing WAV Files for Google Slides: If you initially tried to add a wav file to your google slides and faced compatibility issues, converting it to MP3 is the solution. Once converted, you can re-upload the slide with the new MP3 file.

Audio plays a significant role in today’s content-driven world. Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or just someone looking to add audio files to their google slides presentations, understanding how to convert various audio formats to MP3 is crucial. With this guide, you’re now equipped to make those conversions seamlessly and enhance your audio experience.

Wrapping Up

A brick wall with the words "you are what you listen to" written in lights

There you have it, folks! A comprehensive guide on how to add audio to google slides. Whether it’s a voiceover, background music, or a sound effect, audio can elevate your presentation to new heights. So, the next time you’re working on a google slides presentation, remember to add a touch of sound. Your audience will thank you for it!

Remember, presentations are all about engaging your audience. And with the power of audio, you can create a memorable experience. So, go on, add that jazz snippet, play that famous speech, or even insert that sound effect. Make your slides come alive with sound!

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