In this blog post, we\u2019ll show you exactly how to add audio to your Google Slides in a step-by-step guide and share a few clever workarounds to make the process smoother. Time to roll!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Why You Should Add Audio to Google Slides?<\/a><\/li>
- Preparing Audio Files for Google Slides<\/a><\/li>
- How to Add Audio to Google Slides?\u00a0<\/a>
- 1. Uploading existing audio to Google Slides<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Add audio to Google Slides using a URL\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Add a YouTube video to Google Slides<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Use original audio in Google Slides\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Recording Your Own Audio for Google Slides<\/a>
- 1. Create a script\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Choose the right recording platform\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Use smartphones and dictation machines<\/a><\/li>
- Record and edit your audio\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Troubleshooting Audio Issues in Google Slides<\/a><\/li>
- Additional Tips and Best Practices<\/a><\/li>
- Create Dynamic Presentations With ClickUp\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n\u23f0 60-Second Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how to add audio to Google Slides:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Add audio in various forms\u2014your narration, YouTube videos, background tracks via URLs, or uploaded files<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add audio files to Google Slides using different steps\n
- \n
- Upload the audio file to Google Drive and then Click Insert<\/strong> in the menu bar of Google Slides to upload the audio<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Copy the link of the audio file from music platforms like Spotify or SoundCloud and add the file by clicking Insert <\/strong>and then Link<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Insert <\/strong>and then choose Video <\/strong>to insert YouTube videos into the Google Slides presentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Record your own narration of original content using online voice recorders and include them in Google Slides by clicking Insert <\/strong>and then Audio\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Record voiceovers easily with online recording platforms for professional audio<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Audio elements in presentations help grab attention and keep readers engaged. More than that, they are likely to remember the text more with narration sounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Streamline the entire presentation creation process with ClickUp<\/a>. Use ClickUp Clips, Whiteboards, Brain, Docs, and templates to create excellent presentations in no-time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Try ClickUp for Free<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy You Should Add Audio to Google Slides?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These days, text-only presentations are the bare minimum. Adding audio elements<\/strong> like background music, voiceovers, or sound effects makes your presentation worth watching. <\/p>\n\n\n
\nHere\u2019s why it\u2019s worth it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Grab attention and keep it<\/strong>: Audio helps you hook your audience immediately. Whether it\u2019s background music setting the mood or a voiceover guiding them through, it keeps them engaged from start to finish<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make it accessible<\/strong>: Audio narration opens your presentation to a broader audience. It\u2019s great for those who prefer listening over reading or may have trouble with the language on your slides. Plus, it\u2019s a thoughtful touch for people with reading challenges or visual impairments<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Boost professional appeal<\/strong>: A presentation with audio elements<\/strong> looks and sounds professional. It\u2019s the kind of upgrade that makes your work polished and impressive, whether it\u2019s for a classroom, boardroom, or marketing pitch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n
\nBonus:<\/strong> Free Google Slides Templates For Impactful Presentations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Preparing Audio Files for Google Slides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before you add music or voiceovers to Google Slides, here are two things you must get ready with: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Google Slides supports limited audio formats<\/strong>, so stick to specific format options<\/strong> like MP3, MPEG, OGG, Opus, and WAV files<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Also, keep your audio files under 100 MB to avoid performance issues on the platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udd0d Did You Know?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong>Google\u2019s original name was BackRub<\/a>? It might sound odd now, but it made sense at the time\u2014the program analyzed the web\u2019s \u2018backlinks\u2019 to figure out how important a website was and what it connected to. Pretty clever, right?<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
How to Add Audio to Google Slides? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alright, let\u2019s get to the heart of the discussion\u2014how to add sound to Google Slides! Regardless of the type of sound or music, there are a few ways to do it, depending on the vibe you\u2019re going for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s have a look \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Uploading existing audio to Google Slides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you’re ready with the audio or sound effects and just want to add them to Google Slides, then this method is for you: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Upload the audio to Google Drive<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you want to add a new audio file to your Google Slides, the first step is uploading it to your Google Drive account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you can easily upload files to Google Drive in two steps: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Navigate to Google Drive<\/strong> and click on the New<\/strong> button located at the top left corner of the page<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Google-Drive.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Select the File Upload <\/strong>button to upload relevant audio tracks from your mobile device or computer to Google Drive <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"File](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/File-Upload.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStep 2: Insert the audio into Google Slides<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Now it’s time to add music to Google Slides. Here’s what you must do: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Go to the Google Slides tab and select the presentation in which you want to add audio <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tap on the Insert <\/strong>button in the menu option given there<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"innsert](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/INSERT.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- Select the Audio <\/strong>option in the dropdown menu to insert the uploaded audio file <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Audio](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Audio.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Navigate through the different folders and click on the audio file you want<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"different](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/different-folders.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n2. Add audio to Google Slides using a URL <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What if you wanted to add a trending online audio file or insert music from external sites? Unfortunately, Google Slides doesn’t allow adding audio from external platforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, you can use a URL and create a clickable element to access this online audio content. Let\u2019s look at how you can do that \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Locate your audio <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Locate the relevant file you want to use from YouTube Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, or any other platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Locate](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Locate-your-audio.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Note that the audio you choose must offer rights for the public to use the audio in your presentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Copy the audio URL <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Click Copy Link <\/strong>to copy the URL of the audio from the options given below the video <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Copy](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Copy-the-audio-URL.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStep 3: Add the URL in Google Slides<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Revisit the Google Slides\u2019 existing presentation where you want to use the music file (or absolutely anything else)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Insert<\/strong> on the menu options and navigate to Link<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Click](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Click-Insert.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Now, a dialog box will pop up. Paste the copied URL and click Apply<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"click](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/click-Apply.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYou\u2019re almost there! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The next step is to create a text box and add the link. Give it a name like Click here to access audio<\/em> or something that makes sense for your presentation. Just like that, you\u2019re good to go<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Click-here-to-access-audio.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWith this method, you can click the link and access the audio content in a new browser tab. Remember that you can\u2019t embed the audio directly into a single slide or across multiple slides.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1Pro Tip:<\/strong> Before uploading audio files to Google Drive, compress them to MP3 format with a bitrate of around 128-192 kbps to get the best balance between audio quality and file size!<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
3. Add a YouTube video to Google Slides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Embedding a YouTube video is another option to add audio to your Google Slides. It\u2019s a handy trick, and here\u2019s how you can do it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Find the link to the YouTube video<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Go to YouTube, search for the video you need to use, and locate it <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"YouTube](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/YouTube.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Jot down the start and end timestamps so you can include just the specific part you need in your presentation <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Click Share <\/strong>and then click Copy <\/strong>to <\/strong>copy the link to the YouTube video <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Click](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Click-Share-and-then-click-Copy.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStep 2: Add the link to Google Slides<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Go to Google Slides and head to the existing presentation document where you want to embed the video<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choosing the slide, select Insert <\/strong>from the menu and click on Video<\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"click](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/click-on-Video.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- With YouTube as an option, you’ll see a dialog box stating Insert video<\/strong>. Paste the copied link over there<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Insert](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Insert-video.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Once you select the video, it\u2019ll pop up again. All you need to do is click on it to insert it into your slide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"pop](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/pop-up.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Now you’ll see a thumbnail preview of the YouTube video<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"thumbnail](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/thumbnail-preview.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- You can either hide the video playback behind a picture, move it to a preferable location, or resize it to play audio with an enhanced view of the content <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"video](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/video-playback.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n4. Use original audio in Google Slides <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With relevant audio tracks, online content, and even YouTube videos, you can also add voiceovers and original audio files to Google Slides. Let\u2019s take a quick walkthrough: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Get ready with the narration <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Record the audio clips using any online audio recorder platform <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Get](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Get-ready-with-the-narration.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStep 2: Add the original audio to Google Slides<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Upload the file to Google Drive, just like you did in the first method<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Then, head to the slide where you want the audio, click on Insert<\/strong>,<\/em> and select Audio<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Add](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Audio-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Select the audio file from your Drive and then click Insert <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"click](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/click-Insert-.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Now, a speaker icon will be visible to you, denoting that the voiceover has been added
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n![\"voiceover](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/voiceover-has-been-added.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Check if the voiceover gets played by clicking Slideshow
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Recording Your Own Audio for Google Slides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We know how difficult it can be to record your own audio clips. Part of the reason is feeling overwhelmed\u2014where do you even start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But don\u2019t worry; it\u2019s easier than you think. With a little planning, you can record audio and add narration to your slides like a pro. Here\u2019s how: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Create a script <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Start by writing out your entire presentation script and breaking it down into sections like introduction, key points, and sub-ideas to keep ideas easy to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decide on the tone you want (formal or conversational), and prepare the script by jotting it down on paper or typing it on your desktop. This way, when it\u2019s time to record your audio, you\u2019ll have everything ready!<\/p>\n\n\n
\nUse the Rule of 3 when writing your script. This classic structure makes it easier for you and your audience to follow along while keeping the flow smooth and engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Introduction<\/strong>: Start with a hook, provide some context, and preview what\u2019s coming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Body<\/strong>: Cover three main arguments or ideas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Conclusion<\/strong>: Wrap it up with a summary, a call to action, and a memorable closing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
2. Choose the right recording platform <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Next, choose the right recording software to create high-quality audio files. Look for one that is easy to use, packed with recording features, integrates with your setup, and offers good access controls. <\/p>\n\n\n
\nSome recording platforms you can try\u2b07\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Audacity<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- GarageBand<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Descript<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
If you want to go a step further and schedule and track your recordings, use ClickUp<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ClickUp Clips supports recording, scheduling, and tracking high-quality video files for your presentations through ClickUp Clips<\/a>. You can video record yourself<\/a>, embed clips on ClickUp, and share it with team members to provide feedback. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- GarageBand<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Body<\/strong>: Cover three main arguments or ideas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Introduction<\/strong>: Start with a hook, provide some context, and preview what\u2019s coming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check if the voiceover gets played by clicking Slideshow
- Now, a speaker icon will be visible to you, denoting that the voiceover has been added
- Select the audio file from your Drive and then click Insert <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Record the audio clips using any online audio recorder platform <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- You can either hide the video playback behind a picture, move it to a preferable location, or resize it to play audio with an enhanced view of the content <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Now you’ll see a thumbnail preview of the YouTube video<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Once you select the video, it\u2019ll pop up again. All you need to do is click on it to insert it into your slide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- With YouTube as an option, you’ll see a dialog box stating Insert video<\/strong>. Paste the copied link over there<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Click Share <\/strong>and then click Copy <\/strong>to <\/strong>copy the link to the YouTube video <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Jot down the start and end timestamps so you can include just the specific part you need in your presentation <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Go to YouTube, search for the video you need to use, and locate it <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- The next step is to create a text box and add the link. Give it a name like Click here to access audio<\/em> or something that makes sense for your presentation. Just like that, you\u2019re good to go<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Now, a dialog box will pop up. Paste the copied URL and click Apply<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Click Copy Link <\/strong>to copy the URL of the audio from the options given below the video <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Note that the audio you choose must offer rights for the public to use the audio in your presentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Locate the relevant file you want to use from YouTube Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, or any other platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Navigate through the different folders and click on the audio file you want<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Select the Audio <\/strong>option in the dropdown menu to insert the uploaded audio file <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Select the File Upload <\/strong>button to upload relevant audio tracks from your mobile device or computer to Google Drive <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Also, keep your audio files under 100 MB to avoid performance issues on the platform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Make it accessible<\/strong>: Audio narration opens your presentation to a broader audience. It\u2019s great for those who prefer listening over reading or may have trouble with the language on your slides. Plus, it\u2019s a thoughtful touch for people with reading challenges or visual impairments<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Copy the link of the audio file from music platforms like Spotify or SoundCloud and add the file by clicking Insert <\/strong>and then Link<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Upload the audio file to Google Drive and then Click Insert<\/strong> in the menu bar of Google Slides to upload the audio<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2. Choose the right recording platform\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Add audio to Google Slides using a URL\u00a0<\/a><\/li>
- Preparing Audio Files for Google Slides<\/a><\/li>