How to Have Music Playing in the Background of Google Slides: A Symphony of Slides and Sound

In the realm of presentations, the integration of music can transform a mundane slideshow into an engaging and memorable experience. Google Slides, a widely used tool for creating presentations, does not natively support background music. However, with a few creative workarounds, you can infuse your slides with the perfect soundtrack. This article explores various methods to achieve this, ensuring your audience is not only informed but also entertained.

1. Using External Tools to Embed Music

One of the most straightforward methods to add music to your Google Slides is by using external tools. Platforms like Audacity or Online Audio Converter allow you to edit and convert audio files into formats compatible with Google Slides. Once you have your audio file ready, you can upload it to a cloud storage service like Google Drive and then insert it into your presentation.

Steps:

1. Prepare Your Audio File: Use an audio editing tool to trim and adjust your music file.
2. Upload to Google Drive: Save the file in a format like MP3 or WAV and upload it to your Google Drive.
3. Insert Audio into Slides: In Google Slides, go to Insert > Audio and select the file from your Drive.

2. Linking to Online Music Services

Another innovative approach is to link your Google Slides to online music services such as Spotify or YouTube. While this method doesn’t embed the music directly into the slides, it allows you to control the playback during your presentation.

Steps:

1. Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist on Spotify or YouTube with the desired tracks.
2. Share the Link: Copy the link to your playlist and paste it into a slide in your presentation.
3. Control Playback: During your presentation, open the link in a new tab and play the music as needed.

3. Using Browser Extensions for Background Music

Browser extensions can be a game-changer when it comes to adding background music to Google Slides. Extensions like AudioPlayer for Google Slides allow you to play audio files directly within your presentation.

Steps:

1. Install the Extension: Add the AudioPlayer extension to your browser.
2. Upload Your Music: Use the extension to upload your audio files.
3. Sync with Slides: The extension will sync the music with your slides, allowing for seamless playback.

4. Recording a Voiceover with Background Music

For a more integrated approach, consider recording a voiceover with background music. This method ensures that the music is perfectly timed with your slides and narration.

Steps:

1. Record Your Narration: Use a tool like Audacity to record your voiceover.
2. Add Background Music: Mix your narration with the background music in Audacity.
3. Export and Insert: Export the combined audio file and insert it into your Google Slides.

5. Using Google Slides Add-ons

Google Slides offers various add-ons that can enhance your presentation experience. Add-ons like Pear Deck or Slides Carnival provide additional features, including the ability to add background music.

Steps:

1. Install the Add-on: Go to Add-ons > Get add-ons and search for the desired add-on.
2. Configure Music Settings: Follow the add-on’s instructions to configure the music settings.
3. Play During Presentation: The add-on will handle the music playback during your presentation.

6. Creating a Video with Background Music

If you want complete control over the music and visuals, consider creating a video with your slides and background music. Tools like Camtasia or Adobe Premiere Pro can help you achieve this.

Steps:

1. Export Your Slides: Save your Google Slides as images or a PDF.
2. Create a Video: Import the slides into a video editing tool and add your background music.
3. Upload to Google Drive: Once the video is ready, upload it to Google Drive and insert it into your presentation.

7. Using Google Slides’ Built-in Audio Features

While Google Slides doesn’t support background music natively, it does offer some basic audio features. You can insert audio clips into specific slides, which can serve as a makeshift background music solution.

Steps:

1. Insert Audio Clips: Go to Insert > Audio and select the audio file you want to add.
2. Adjust Playback Settings: Set the audio to play automatically and loop if necessary.
3. Sync with Slides: Ensure the audio clips are timed correctly with your slides.

8. Collaborating with Musicians for Custom Tracks

For a truly unique presentation, consider collaborating with musicians to create custom background music. This approach not only adds a personal touch but also ensures that the music aligns perfectly with your content.

Steps:

1. Find a Musician: Reach out to a musician or composer who can create custom tracks.
2. Provide Guidelines: Share your presentation content and desired mood with the musician.
3. Integrate the Music: Once the tracks are ready, follow the steps above to insert them into your slides.

9. Using AI Tools for Music Generation

AI-powered tools like Amper Music or AIVA can generate custom background music based on your preferences. These tools are particularly useful if you need music quickly and don’t have access to a musician.

Steps:

1. Choose a Tool: Select an AI music generation tool that suits your needs.
2. Generate Music: Input your preferences and let the AI create the music.
3. Download and Insert: Download the generated music and insert it into your Google Slides.

10. Experimenting with Sound Effects

In addition to background music, consider adding sound effects to enhance specific points in your presentation. This can make your slides more dynamic and engaging.

Steps:

1. Find Sound Effects: Use platforms like Freesound or AudioJungle to find suitable sound effects.
2. Insert into Slides: Add the sound effects to specific slides where they will have the most impact.
3. Adjust Timing: Ensure the sound effects are timed correctly with your content.

FAQs

Q: Can I add background music to Google Slides without using external tools? A: While Google Slides doesn’t natively support background music, you can use its built-in audio features to insert audio clips into specific slides.

Q: How do I ensure the music plays continuously throughout the presentation? A: You can use browser extensions or video editing tools to create a seamless audio experience that plays continuously across all slides.

Q: Are there any copyright issues with using music in Google Slides? A: Yes, it’s important to use royalty-free music or obtain the necessary licenses to avoid copyright infringement.

Q: Can I control the volume of the background music during the presentation? A: Yes, most tools and methods allow you to adjust the volume of the background music to ensure it doesn’t overpower your narration.

Q: What formats are supported for audio files in Google Slides? A: Google Slides supports audio files in formats like MP3 and WAV. Ensure your audio files are in one of these formats before inserting them into your presentation.

By exploring these methods, you can elevate your Google Slides presentations with the perfect background music, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for your audience.