Google Slides lets you add audio files directly to slides, but the process depends on what you're trying to do

You can embed audio in Google Slides in two main ways: upload an audio file to play during a specific slide, or insert a YouTube video that has music or sound. Google Slides does not let you record audio directly in the app the way some presentation tools do. The file must already exist — either as an MP3, WAV, or OGG file on your computer, or as a video on YouTube.

The most straightforward route is uploading an audio file. You'll need the file itself saved on your device, and the file size must be under 100 MB. Once uploaded, the audio plays when you click it during your presentation, or you can set it to play automatically when the slide appears.

Key Takeaways

  • Audio files must be MP3, WAV, or OGG format and under 100 MB to upload directly to a slide.
  • You insert audio through the Insert menu, then choose "Audio" and upload from your computer.
  • During a presentation, you click the audio icon to play the sound, or set it to autoplay in the slide settings.
  • YouTube videos with music or sound can be embedded as an alternative if you don't have a local audio file.
  • Audio files are stored with your presentation, so the file stays available even if you move or share the slide deck.

How to upload an audio file to a single slide

Open your presentation in Google Slides and navigate to the slide where you want the audio to play. Click the Insert menu at the top, then select Audio. A dialog box will open asking you to choose a file from your computer.

Find the audio file on your device — it must be in MP3, WAV, or OGG format. Click it and then click Select. Google Slides will upload the file and place a small speaker icon on your slide. You can drag this icon to reposition it, or resize it by dragging the corners.

The audio file is now part of your presentation. When you're in presentation mode (full-screen view), click the speaker icon to play the sound. The audio will play through your device's speakers or headphones.

Setting audio to play automatically when a slide appears

If you want the audio to start playing the moment someone views the slide, rather than requiring a click, you can set it to autoplay. Right-click the speaker icon on your slide and select Autoplay when presenting. A checkmark will appear next to this option.

When you present the slide deck, that audio will begin playing as soon as the slide appears on screen. This is useful for background music during a title slide or for ensuring a sound effect plays at the right moment without you having to remember to click it.

You can turn off autoplay the same way — right-click the speaker icon and click Autoplay when presenting again to uncheck it.

Embedding a YouTube video with music or sound instead

If you don't have an audio file but want to include music or sound from YouTube, you can embed a video instead. Click Insert, then Video. You can search YouTube directly or paste a YouTube URL.

When you embed a YouTube video, the video player appears on your slide. During presentation mode, you can click the play button to start the video. This works well if you want to show a music video, a clip with dialogue, or any other video content alongside your slides.

Keep in mind that embedding a YouTube video requires an internet connection during your presentation. If you're presenting offline, a local audio file is more reliable.

File format and size limits to know

Google Slides accepts three audio formats: MP3, WAV, and OGG. If your audio file is in a different format — like M4A, FLAC, or WMA — you'll need to convert it first. Free online converters like CloudConvert or Zamzar can handle this, or you can use audio software like Audacity (which is free and open-source).

The file size limit is 100 MB. Most audio files stay well under this, but if you're uploading a long recording or high-quality audio, check the file size before you try to upload. Right-click the file on your computer and select Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac) to see the size.

What happens to audio when you share or download your presentation

Audio files are stored inside your Google Slides presentation, not linked from an external source. This means the audio stays with the file when you share it with others, download it, or move it to a different folder. Anyone you share the presentation with will be able to hear the audio.

If you download your presentation as a PowerPoint file (.pptx), the audio will be included in that file as well. However, if you download as a PDF, audio will not be preserved — PDFs don't support embedded audio.

Troubleshooting audio that won't play

If you uploaded an audio file but it won't play during your presentation, first check that you're in presentation mode (full-screen view). Audio playback only works when you're actually presenting, not when you're editing the slide.

If the audio still won't play, verify that the file format is one of the three supported types: MP3, WAV, or OGG. If it's a different format, you'll need to convert it. Also check that your device's volume is turned up and that your speakers or headphones are connected and working.

If you're presenting over a video call or screen share, audio may not come through clearly depending on your internet connection and the platform you're using. Test the audio before your presentation begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add different audio to multiple slides?

Yes. Each slide can have its own audio file. Go to each slide, insert audio through the Insert menu, and upload a different file. You can set each one to autoplay or require a click independently.

What if my audio file is too large to upload?

Google Slides has a 100 MB limit per file. If your audio is larger, you can compress it using free tools like Audacity or an online audio compressor. Reducing the bitrate or sample rate will make the file smaller without removing content.

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

No. Google Slides doesn't have built-in audio editing. If you need to trim or edit the audio, do that before uploading using free software like Audacity, then upload the edited version to your slide.

Will the audio play if I present offline?

Yes, as long as you're using the Google Slides app on your device and the presentation is downloaded. Audio files are stored with the presentation, so they'll play without an internet connection. YouTube videos will not play offline.

Can I control the volume of the audio during my presentation?

Volume is controlled by your device's system volume, not by Google Slides. Adjust your computer or phone's volume before or during your presentation to control how loud the audio plays.