how to insert music in google slides and why you should consider using different genres of music for various sections of your presentation

how to insert music in google slides and why you should consider using different genres of music for various sections of your presentation

In the realm of digital presentations, Google Slides has emerged as a powerful tool for delivering information efficiently. With its versatility and ease of use, it’s no wonder that many presenters opt for this platform. However, one aspect often overlooked is the inclusion of music. While integrating music might seem like an insignificant detail, it can significantly enhance the overall experience of your presentation. In this article, we will explore how to insert music into Google Slides and discuss why incorporating different genres of music can be advantageous depending on the section or mood you wish to convey.

Why Should You Consider Adding Music to Your Google Slides Presentation?

Adding music to your Google Slides presentation can serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it can help capture the audience’s attention and keep them engaged throughout the duration of your presentation. Music has the power to evoke emotions and create a certain atmosphere that can complement your message. For instance, if you’re presenting about a historical event, a somber piece of classical music could set the tone perfectly. On the other hand, if you’re sharing a motivational speech, upbeat and energetic music can boost morale and inspire action.

Moreover, music can break up the monotony of text-heavy slides, making your presentation more visually appealing. A well-chosen piece of music can act as a visual cue, signaling to the audience when to shift their focus from one slide to another. This not only enhances the user experience but also aids in better retention of information.

Lastly, the right music can make your presentation stand out from the crowd. In a competitive environment, a unique and engaging audio track can leave a lasting impression on your audience. It adds a personal touch to your presentation, making it memorable and impactful.

How to Insert Music in Google Slides

Inserting music into Google Slides is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Accessing Google Slides

Ensure you have access to your Google Slides account. If you don’t have one, sign up for a free account at https://docs.google.com.

Step 2: Preparing Your Music File

Before you start inserting music, ensure that your music file is in a format supported by Google Slides (e.g., MP3, WAV). If your music file is not in a supported format, you can convert it using online tools like https://www.online-convert.com/convert-file.

Step 3: Adding Background Music

  1. Open Your Slide: Open the Google Slides document where you want to add background music.
  2. Navigate to Insert Menu: Click on the “Insert” tab located at the top of the screen.
  3. Choose Background Image: From the drop-down menu, select “Background Image.” This will open a panel with options for adding a background image.
  4. Select Music File: In the panel, click on “Add Image” and then choose your music file. The file should now appear in the background.
  5. Adjust Volume: To control the volume, click on the music icon in the top-right corner of the slide. You can adjust the slider to change the volume accordingly.

Step 4: Customizing the Audio Track

To customize the audio track further, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Music Icon: Locate the music icon in the top-right corner of your slide.
  2. Edit Settings: Click on the music icon to open settings. Here, you can adjust the playback speed, fade-in and fade-out effects, and even choose whether the music plays continuously or stops after each slide.
  3. Play Test: After making adjustments, play test your audio to ensure everything sounds as intended.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate music into your Google Slides presentations, enhancing both the engagement and memorability of your content.

Q: What are some tips for choosing the right music genre for my Google Slides presentation? A: The choice of music genre depends largely on the theme and mood of your presentation. For instance, classical music is ideal for historical presentations, while electronic or ambient music works well for futuristic or tech-focused talks. Consider the purpose of each slide and choose music that complements the message and creates the desired emotional response.

Q: Can I use copyrighted music in my Google Slides presentation? A: Google Slides does not allow the embedding of copyrighted music directly. Instead, you can purchase royalty-free music tracks from platforms like Pond5 (https://www.pond5.com) or Adobe Stock (https://stock.adobe.com/). These platforms offer a wide range of music tracks suitable for various purposes without violating copyright laws.

Q: How do I remove music from a Google Slides presentation? A: Unfortunately, there is no direct way to remove music from a Google Slides presentation once it has been added. However, you can create a new slide with the music removed and replace the old slide with the new one. Alternatively, you can export your presentation as an image and remove the music manually, though this approach may not preserve the original layout and design.


This concludes our detailed guide on how to insert music into Google Slides and the benefits of doing so. By leveraging the power of music, you can elevate your presentation game and captivate your audience.