How to Add Background Music in Google Slides: A Symphony of Possibilities

Adding background music to your Google Slides presentation can transform a mundane slideshow into an engaging and memorable experience. Whether you’re presenting a business proposal, a school project, or a personal photo album, the right music can set the tone and captivate your audience. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to add background music to your Google Slides, discuss the benefits, and provide tips for choosing the perfect soundtrack.

Why Add Background Music?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s consider the “why.” Background music can:

1. Enhance Emotional Impact: Music has the power to evoke emotions. A well-chosen track can make your audience feel excited, nostalgic, or even inspired.
2. Maintain Audience Engagement: Music can keep your audience engaged, especially during longer presentations.
3. Create a Professional Atmosphere: Background music can add a layer of professionalism to your presentation, making it feel more polished and thought-out.
4. Mask Awkward Silences: If there are pauses or transitions between slides, music can fill the silence, making the presentation flow more smoothly.

Methods to Add Background Music in Google Slides

1. Embedding Audio Files Directly

Google Slides allows you to embed audio files directly into your presentation. Here’s how:

1. Upload Your Audio File: First, upload your audio file to Google Drive. Ensure the file is in a supported format (MP3 or WAV).
2. Insert Audio: In Google Slides, go to Insert > Audio. Select the audio file from your Google Drive.
3. Adjust Playback Settings: Once inserted, you can adjust the playback settings. You can choose to have the audio play automatically when the slide appears, or you can set it to play on click.

Pros:

• Simple and straightforward.
• The audio is embedded directly into the slide, so there’s no need for external links.

Cons:

• Limited to MP3 and WAV formats.
• The audio file size can increase the overall size of your presentation.

2. Using YouTube Videos

Another method is to use YouTube videos as your background music. Here’s how:

1. Find a YouTube Video: Search for a YouTube video that contains the music you want to use.
2. Insert Video: In Google Slides, go to Insert > Video. Paste the YouTube video URL.
3. Adjust Video Settings: You can set the video to play automatically and loop if needed. You can also hide the video by dragging it off the slide, so only the audio plays.

Pros:

• Access to a vast library of music.
• No need to upload audio files.

Cons:

• Requires an internet connection to play the video.
• The video may have visual elements that you don’t want to display.

3. Using Third-Party Tools

There are several third-party tools and add-ons that can help you add background music to your Google Slides. Some popular options include:

• Audionotes: This add-on allows you to add audio notes to your slides, which can be used as background music.
• Slides Carnival: Offers templates that include background music options.

Pros:

• Additional features and customization options.
• Can simplify the process of adding music.

Cons:

• May require a subscription or payment.
• Some tools may have a learning curve.

4. Using Google Slides Add-ons

Google Slides has a variety of add-ons that can enhance your presentation, including those that allow you to add background music. Here’s how to use them:

1. Install an Add-on: Go to Add-ons > Get add-ons and search for a music-related add-on.
2. Follow the Instructions: Each add-on will have its own set of instructions for adding music to your slides.

Pros:

• Easy to use once installed.
• Often come with additional features.

Cons:

• Limited selection of add-ons.
• May require additional setup.

Tips for Choosing the Right Background Music

1. Match the Mood: Choose music that matches the tone of your presentation. For example, upbeat music for a motivational talk, or soft, calming music for a reflective presentation.
2. Consider Your Audience: Think about the preferences and cultural background of your audience. What might be appealing to one group could be off-putting to another.
3. Avoid Distractions: The music should enhance your presentation, not distract from it. Avoid songs with lyrics that might compete with your spoken words.
4. Check Copyright: Ensure that the music you use is either royalty-free or that you have the necessary permissions to use it.

Conclusion

Adding background music to your Google Slides presentation can elevate your content and create a more immersive experience for your audience. Whether you choose to embed audio files, use YouTube videos, or leverage third-party tools, the key is to select music that complements your message and enhances the overall impact of your presentation. With the right soundtrack, your slideshow can become a symphony of ideas that resonates with your audience long after the final slide.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I add background music to only one slide in Google Slides? A: Yes, you can add background music to a specific slide by inserting the audio file or YouTube video on that slide and adjusting the playback settings accordingly.

Q: What audio formats are supported in Google Slides? A: Google Slides supports MP3 and WAV audio formats for direct embedding.

Q: Can I loop background music throughout the entire presentation? A: Yes, you can set the audio to loop by adjusting the playback settings. However, this may require using a YouTube video or a third-party tool, as Google Slides’ native audio embedding has limited looping options.

Q: How do I ensure the music doesn’t play over my voice during the presentation? A: You can adjust the volume of the background music to a lower level so that it doesn’t overpower your voice. Additionally, you can use the “Play on click” option to control when the music starts and stops.

Q: Are there any copyright issues with using background music in Google Slides? A: Yes, you should ensure that the music you use is either royalty-free or that you have the necessary permissions to use it. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to legal issues.