Add Audio to PowerPoint Presentations

Want to learn how to add audio to PowerPoint? There are more features than you might expect. Learn them all and how to insert audio in PPT with this tutorial.

Introduction to Adding Audio in PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint offers a variety of options for incorporating music and audio into your slides. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to effectively add sound effects and music to enhance your presentation. Think of audio as a powerful complement to your slide content. Let’s dive in!

Why You Should Use Audio in PowerPoint

As you explore how to insert audio in PPT, you might wonder about its benefits. Here are some key reasons why adding audio can elevate your presentations:

• Enhances Transitions: Sound can signal a shift to a new topic, helping your presentation flow more seamlessly. Use audio to transition between PowerPoint designs and introduce new ideas engagingly.
• Incorporates Diverse Voices: Including audio clips from different speakers can broaden the perspectives in your presentation. This feature also allows you to give your voice a break when narrating.
• Facilitates Future Sharing: With recorded narration, you can prepare your slides for later sharing, allowing your audience to experience your presentation even when you’re not there.
• Showcases Your Work: For audiovisual creators or musicians, PowerPoint can serve as a platform to present your portfolio, thanks to its audio integration capabilities.

With the right approach, adding audio to PowerPoint can become an integral part of your presentation toolkit.

How to Add Audio to PowerPoint

Now, let’s explore how to seamlessly integrate audio into your PowerPoint slide decks. Start by launching the Almanac template from Envato Elements. This template provides a beautiful foundation for your presentation.

Note: The following instructions apply to Windows and Office 365. Steps may differ if you are using a different operating system or version of PowerPoint.

1. Insert Audio from Your Computer

To begin, you can insert an audio file saved on your computer, such as a voiceover or music clip. PowerPoint supports various audio formats including .mp3 and .aiff. If you’re unsure about compatibility, check Microsoft’s audio format guide.

To add audio:

• Navigate to the Insert tab in PowerPoint’s ribbon.
• Click on the Audio drop-down arrow in the Media group and select Audio on My PC.

• A file browser will open. Select your audio file and click Insert.

Once imported, a speaker icon with playback controls will appear on your slide.

You can move the audio thumbnail anywhere on the slide as needed.

2. Find the Best PowerPoint Audio for 2023

If you lack audio files, Envato Elements provides access to a vast selection of sound effects—over 600,000 options! This includes various categories such as nature sounds and transitions, all fully licensed for your use.

In addition to sound effects, you can find royalty-free music suitable for your presentations. This ensures you can enhance your slide designs while respecting copyright laws.

3. Record Audio for a Slide

If you prefer to record your own audio, PowerPoint allows for both single slide recordings and full slide deck narrations.

To record audio for a single slide:

• Navigate to the desired slide, go back to Insert > Audio, and select Record Audio.

A recording interface will open where you can name your recording, click Record to start capturing audio, and click it again to stop.

After finishing, click OK to add the sound to your slide.

For a full presentation narration:

• Go to the Record tab in PowerPoint’s ribbon and click From Beginning to start recording.

This feature allows you to record audio as you navigate through your slides, creating a comprehensive narration.

Audio Playback in PowerPoint

After inserting audio, you can customize how it plays. Here’s how to manage audio settings effectively:

1. Edit Audio in PowerPoint

To edit audio:

• Select the slide with the audio and click on the speaker icon. The Playback tab will appear in the ribbon.

From here, you can trim the audio by accessing the Trim Audio option. Adjust the start and end points to capture the desired segment.

You can also add Fade In and Fade Out effects to create a more polished audio experience.

2. Audio Options and Styles

In the Playback tab, you’ll find options to control how audio starts during your presentation:

• Adjust the Start setting to choose between In Click Sequence, Automatically, or When Clicked On.

You can also enable options like Play Across Slides and Loop until Stopped to suit your presentation style.

Envato Elements (Design Without Limits)

Discover the vast library of resources at Envato Elements, where you can access PowerPoint templates, audio tracks, and more for a flat-rate subscription. This is an excellent way to enhance your presentations without incurring additional costs.

Conclusion

You’ve learned how to add audio to PowerPoint presentations and customize playback settings. Now it’s your turn! Download a template, practice adding sound, and engage your audience more effectively.

Editorial Note: This post was originally written by Bob Flisser in April 2014 and has been completely revised for accuracy and relevancy.