The two ways to add audio to Google Slides

Google Slides lets you add sound in two ways: upload an audio file directly to a slide, or embed a YouTube video that has music or narration. The direct upload method works best if you have an MP3 or WAV file on your computer. The YouTube method works if the music or audio already exists on YouTube — you paste the link and it plays during your presentation.

Direct uploads let you control exactly when the sound plays and how loud it gets. YouTube embeds are simpler if you're using existing content, but they require an internet connection during your presentation and you cannot trim the audio.

Key Takeaways

  • Upload audio files directly by clicking Insert, then Audio, then selecting an MP3 or WAV file from your computer or Google Drive.
  • Audio files play only when you click them during a presentation, so you control the timing — they do not auto-play when you reach that slide.
  • YouTube videos embed through Insert, then Video, and you paste the YouTube link; the video plays in full when clicked, so trim it first if you only want part of it.
  • Audio files must be under 100 MB and in a format Google recognizes (MP3, WAV, OGG, M4A); if your file is larger or a different format, convert it first using free tools like Audacity or CloudConvert.
  • During a live presentation, audio plays through your computer's speakers, so test your volume and speaker setup before you present to a group.

Uploading an audio file directly to a slide

Open your presentation in Google Slides. Click on the slide where you want the audio to appear. Go to the menu and click Insert, then scroll down and click Audio. A window opens asking where the file is — you can choose Upload to select a file from your computer, or Google Drive if the file is already stored there.

Select your audio file. Google Slides accepts MP3, WAV, OGG, and M4A files. The file must be under 100 MB. Once uploaded, a small speaker icon appears on your slide. During a presentation, click that icon to play the audio. The audio stops when you click it again or when it finishes.

You can move the speaker icon anywhere on the slide by dragging it. Right-click the icon to adjust the volume or delete it. The audio does not play automatically when you reach that slide — you have to click it, which gives you control over timing during a live presentation.

Embedding a YouTube video with audio or music

If the music or audio you want already exists on YouTube, you can embed the video instead of uploading a file. Go to YouTube, find the video, and copy the URL from the address bar. In Google Slides, click Insert, then Video. Paste the YouTube link into the search box and press Enter. Click the video in the results to add it to your slide.

A preview of the video appears on your slide. During a presentation, click the video to play it. The entire video plays from start to finish — you cannot trim it or skip to a specific part within Google Slides. If you only need 30 seconds of a 5-minute song, trim the YouTube video first using YouTube's built-in editor, or read the audio and upload it as a file instead.

YouTube videos require an internet connection to play during your presentation. If you are presenting offline or in a location with unreliable internet, upload the audio file directly instead.

Converting audio files to a format Google Slides accepts

If your audio file is too large (over 100 MB) or in a format Google does not recognize (like FLAC, WMA, or AAC), you need to convert it first. Free online tools like CloudConvert or Online-Convert let you upload a file, choose a new format, and read the result. Select MP3 as the output format — it compresses the file and works on any device.

If you prefer a tool on your computer, Audacity is free and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Open your audio file in Audacity, go to File, click Export, and choose Export as MP3. You may need to install the MP3 encoder the first time you export, but Audacity walks you through it.

Converting to MP3 usually reduces file size by half or more, so a 150 MB file might become 60 MB. This also makes the file easier to email or share if you send your presentation to others.

Recording audio directly in Google Slides

You can record narration or music directly in Google Slides without uploading a file. Click Insert, then Audio, then click Record audio. A recording window opens. Click the red circle to start recording, speak or play music into your computer's microphone, and click the square to stop. Click Save to add the recording to your slide.

This method works well for narration or quick voice notes, but the audio quality depends on your microphone. If you are recording music, use a microphone close to a speaker or instrument for the best sound. The recording saves automatically to your presentation, so you do not need to upload a separate file.

Testing audio before you present

Always test your audio before presenting to a group. Open your presentation in slideshow mode by pressing the spacebar or clicking the play button. Navigate to the slide with audio and click the speaker icon or video to make sure it plays. Check that the volume is loud enough for the room — audio that sounds fine on your laptop speakers may be too quiet for a classroom or conference room.

If you are presenting in a room with a projector or external speakers, connect those devices before you test. Audio plays through whatever speakers your computer is currently using, so if you switch to a projector at the last minute, the audio may come from the projector's built-in speaker instead of the external system you tested with.

If your presentation includes multiple audio files, test each one in order. This also helps you remember when to click each icon during your actual presentation, so you do not fumble or miss a cue.

Sharing a presentation with audio files

When you share a Google Slides presentation with others, audio files you uploaded are included automatically — the person you share with can play them without downloading anything extra. YouTube videos also play for anyone with the link, as long as they have internet access and the video is not private or restricted.

If you read your presentation as a PowerPoint file (PPTX), audio files stay embedded, but YouTube videos do not — they become broken links. If you need to share as PowerPoint and want audio, upload the files directly instead of using YouTube embeds.

If you email your presentation or post it online, make sure anyone who opens it has permission to view it. In Google Slides, click Share in the top right, then choose who can access it. Audio files are part of the presentation file itself, so there is nothing extra to share or read.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make audio play automatically when I reach a slide?

No. Audio in Google Slides only plays when you click the speaker icon or video during a presentation. It does not auto-play. If you need audio to start automatically, you would have to use a different tool like PowerPoint or Keynote, or record a video of your slides with audio and play that video instead.

What if my audio file is too large to upload?

Convert it to MP3 format using a free tool like Audacity or CloudConvert. MP3 files are much smaller than the original format. If the file is still over 100 MB after conversion, split it into two shorter clips and upload them to separate slides, or use a YouTube link instead.

Will the audio play if I present offline?

Audio files you uploaded directly play offline with no problem. YouTube videos do not — they need an internet connection. If you are presenting in a location without reliable internet, use uploaded audio files only.

Can I trim or edit audio after I upload it to Google Slides?

No. Google Slides does not have built-in audio editing. If you need to trim a file, edit it before uploading using Audacity or another audio editor. For YouTube videos, trim the video on YouTube first, then embed the trimmed version.

Does audio work on mobile or tablet presentations?

Audio plays on mobile and tablet devices if you open Google Slides in a browser or the Google Slides app. Click the speaker icon the same way you would on a computer. Test on the device you plan to use before presenting, because speaker volume and quality vary widely between phones and tablets.