Google Slides is a lifesaver if you’re in a rush to make a presentation. It’s versatile, powerful, and easily accessible so almost anyone with a Google account can use it. However, there is one feature that Google hasn’t implemented: built-in audio and voice recording. Fortunately, you can still insert audio files to make your presentations engaging. You just need to understand how to record audio on Google Slides to make it work. Here’s how.
If you are looking for more programs, here are the best audio editing software today!
How To Record Audio On Google Slides
Step 1: Record Your Audio File
First Option: Create Your Own Audio Using Third-Party Apps
Unfortunately, there’s no way you can learn how to audio record on Google Slides directly. Hence, you’ll need to rely on third-party programs to record your voice or audio.
What third-party app can you use to record your Google speech? There are multiple choices you can select from. Some of these include desktop apps like Wondershare DemoCreator (Windows and macOS) or web apps like Online Voice Recorder.
The former is great if you want to know how to record audio on Google Slides on Mac or PC. Meanwhile, the latter is preferable if you’re learning how to record audio on Google Slides on a Chromebook. Regardless, they can both record the audio you need for your Google presentation.
However, remember that each program will work differently so there’s a different learning curve for each. For this example, we’ll use Wondershare DemoCreator to demonstrate how to record your audio file. Follow the directions below for a detailed guide:
- Download Wondershare DemoCreator
- Register an account
- Restart Wondershare DemoCreator
- Select “New Recording” and begin recording your audio
- Note: you will need a microphone or a computer with a built-in microphone to do this
- Choose the recording parameters you want including the region and audio settings
- Press the red circular icon to begin and again to stop the recording
- Export the file as an MP3 and save
If you dislike both Wondershare DemoCreator or Online Voice Recorder, we’ve also included other audio-recording software recommendations further below.
Second Option: Use A Screen Recording Plugin
How do you record voice-overs on Slides? While the first option is great for adding simple audio, it’s not ideal for recording live presentations. That’s where this second option of using a plugin comes in.
More specifically, we’re going to recommend a screen recording plugin called Loom. With it, you can learn how to audio record on Google Slides while presenting actual slides. It’s designed for recording live presentations, allowing you to share a video instead of just adding audio to a slide.
Simply install the Loom plugin to begin. Once that’s done, you can start recording yourself and your screen simultaneously. Afterward, you can share the video automatically using a link. With that, you’ve learned how to record audio on Google Slides if you’re aiming to record a live presentation.
Third Option: Use Your Phone’s Voice Recorder
Finally, you can also learn how to record audio on Google Slides by using your smartphone’s voice recording app. A majority of modern phones will come with a default voice recording app. However, you can use more robust apps like GarageBand (iOS) or BandLab (Web, Android, and iOS).
With these apps, you can easily record yourself and even add music if you so desire. They’re great for audio recording and are free on the platforms they come in. However, remember that some of these apps only export to certain file types.
For example, BandLab’s smartphone app can only export m4a files. Hence, you’ll have to convert the file to MP3 or WAV for it to run smoothly on Google Slides. Alternatively, you can also use BandLab’s web app if you want more exporting options.
The web app is more versatile and easily accessible. It’s an excellent choice if you’re aiming to learn how to record on Google Slides on a Chromebook. Regardless of which app you use, you should be able to export the file to your computer for Google Slides.
On the other hand, if you’re recording from a mobile device, saving the file is a little trickier. That’s because you’ll have to transfer the file to your computer via a cable first. Alternatively, you may also upload it directly through a cloud service like iCloud or OneDrive.
With that said, we recommend using Google Drive if you want to save time. This is because you will have to save the file to Google Drive anyway. It’s a crucial step when you’re learning how to record audio on Google Slides. Nonetheless, getting the file to your computer is the most important thing after you finish recording.
Step 1.5 (Optional): Sync The Narration With The Presentation
Learning how to record audio on Google Slides is simple if only one slide requires audio. However, if you want the presentation to play continually with an accompanying narration, you must sync your voice and slides. You may accomplish this by detailing a script that showcases your entire presentation. Make sure to write a script that follows along with the slides and their transitions.
Afterward, you can play the narration and count how many seconds or minutes each slide takes. Then you’ll have to add a timer on each slide to let the whole presentation run without clicking next. Remember to match the timing of each slide to the narration.
With that said, this process is the trickiest part to get right. That’s because getting the timing and visuals right and in sync will require some trial and error. Moreover, you might have to re-record some parts of the narration multiple times if you want to edit anything.
If you want to make things easier, you can also chop the recording into smaller chunks that match each slide. Through this, the viewer can just manually click next once the audio recording and presentation for each slide are over.
Step 2: Upload The Audio Files With Google Drive
Once you’ve exported the file to your computer, we recommend uploading it to Google Drive. Every Google account gets a free allotment of 15 GB of storage. As a result, you should be able to upload your audio file there provided the storage isn’t full.
Simply head to https://drive.google.com to begin. Afterward, click the “New” button and choose “File Upload.” Then simply locate the file you just saved from your audio recording program.
Afterward, you must share the audio file with others before you insert it in your PowerPoint Google presentation. Otherwise, even if you successfully insert the file, others won’t be able to listen to the audio because it’s private.
How do you share the audio recording? Simply right-click on the file within Google Drive after it has finished uploading. Afterward, choose “Share” and select “Anyone with the link can view.” This should allow strangers to at least hear the file as it plays in your presentation.
Step 3: Insert The Audio Files Into Google Slides
Finally, the last step of learning how to record audio on Google Slides is inserting the file. Once it has been uploaded and shared, you’ll need to navigate to the specific presentation file you want.
You can do this by looking through your Google Drive folders or heading to https://slides.google.com. Within this link, you should find all your recently created presentations.
You may also make a new file by pressing the plus (+) button on the lower edge of the website. Alternatively, you can also type “slides.new” on a browser to create a new slide.
Afterward, choose the slide where the audio file is supposed to play. Once you’re in the slide, choose “Insert” in the menu bar at the top. Then choose “Audio” and look for the file in your Google Drive. Pick the file you need and press the “Select” button.
Once you’ve inserted the file, a speaker icon should show up within the slide. Simply click it to play the audio. You can also move the audio to any other area within the slide to make it look more presentable.
Step 4: Adjust The Audio Settings
Most people who learn how to record audio on Google Slides don’t stop at simply inserting the file. That’s because, like most elements of the presentation, you’ll have to make adjustments to get things working just right. This includes everything from the volume to dictating when the audio begins and ends.
Fortunately, the editing process is fairly straightforward. You must only select the audio object (speaker icon) and choose “Format Options” in the menu. Afterward, you should see a variety of settings you can tinker with.
One of the most important adjustments that can make or break your presentation is how loud the audio will be. Thankfully, Google Slides provides a handy volume slider you can adjust to ensure it sounds just right.
Moreover, you can even decide when the audio starts playing. The two options here are “On click” or “Automatically.” If you choose the former, you’ll have to manually click to let the audio start the playback. Meanwhile, the latter option will play the audio automatically once the presentation transitions to the chosen slide.
Furthermore, you can even choose to loop the audio once it finishes. You can also check the “Stop on slide change” option if you want the recording to stop upon changing slides. On the other hand, you can uncheck this option if the audio should play continuously (perfect for long narrations).
Once you’re finished making adjustments, you can also preview the audio by pressing the speaker icon. Then hit the “Play” button to listen and assess how it sounds.
Programs That Can Help Record Audio On Google Slides
Unfortunately, learning how to record audio on Google Slides requires you to depend on third-party platforms. These can range from mobile apps to full-fledged desktop programs to web-based tools. Fortunately, many apps can assist you when you’re learning how to record audio on Google Slides. We’ve compiled a handful of the best ones you can find on various platforms.
Audacity
Audacity is a powerful tool that’s free, open-source, and accessible on various platforms. You can use it whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or even Linux. What distinguishes it from the rest is how much you can do with the app.
This is because the app not only lets you record your voice but it also allows you to mix music. You can also easily edit your file, make cuts and loops, and even add effects for better fine-tuning and polishing. Moreover, it’s a decent tool for musicians as you can even record live audio through mixers and digital recording platforms.
BandLab
Can you record in Google Slides using a mobile app? In the past, we may not have had the technology to do so. However, high-quality recording apps have been abundant in recent years. One of which is BandLab, an audio recording app accessible on the web, Android, and iOS.
It’s one of the best ways you can record audio for Google Slides for free. Simply install the app on your device and you can easily begin. The app’s features and interface are also quite intuitive, so you can start recording in no time.
However, remember that BandLab’s mobile app doesn’t support exporting in multiple file formats. It only supports m4a. Thus, we recommend using the web app for easy exporting. If you insist on using a mobile device, you may also convert the file through a converter.
GarageBand
GarageBand is Apple’s Mac and iOS-only version of BandLab. With it, you can record audio, make music, adjust sounds, make cuts, and more. It’s a versatile tool that’s powerful but slightly lighter than Audacity.
What makes it a good option is how seamless it is to use if you’re within the Apple ecosystem. It’s certainly recommended if you’re learning how to add audio to Google Slides on an iPhone. The app is powerful, intuitive, and free so you can easily begin recording. It probably already exists as a default app on most Apple devices.
Online Voice Recorder
Online Voice Recorder is a convenient web-based platform to use if you’re learning how to record audio on Google Drive. You can easily access it from a web browser.
The platform has a built-in microphone so you can record your voice straight away. Moreover, what distinguishes it from alternatives is that it’s free. The website doesn’t ask you to make hidden payments for premium use.
In addition, the app has a handy adjustment tool that lets you tweak your microphone settings. It also automatically detects and cuts out silence at the start and end of every recording. Hence, you can save time on making minor cuts and adjustments post-recording.
Wondershare DemoCreator
How do you record your voice on Google Slides? One of the best ways is by using a reliable desktop application like Wondershare DemoCreator. The app is versatile and intuitive to use, making it great for beginners.
It’s also versatile as it not only has voice recording features but video editing and screen recording capabilities as well. The app is also accessible on both Windows and macOS so nearly anyone can use them. However, you cannot export the files directly to Google Drive. Hence, you must save them to your computer before you can upload them to Google’s storage for inserting into Slides.
Why Should You Record Audio For Google Slides?
Learning how to record audio on Google Slides is necessary if you want to make engaging presentations. This is especially true if you must present something to someone with accompanying narration or instructions.
With it, you can incorporate everything from interviews to music and add a personal touch to your presentation. It’s also a great way to present information without overloading viewers with too many visuals that are better expressed verbally.
Furthermore, learning how to record audio on Google Slides is essential if your main aim is to automate a presentation. This can lift the burden off of the presenter so they don’t have to talk about the same topic twice.
FAQs
The Final Word
Unfortunately, learning how to record audio on Google Slides isn’t as easy as it is on Microsoft PowerPoint. That’s because you cannot upload files directly to Slides unless they’re uploaded on Google Drive first. Nonetheless, while the feature isn’t exactly perfect, it’s still useful. That’s especially true if you don’t have an Office 365 subscription and can only access Google’s free online suite.
