How-to & Tips

How to Add Background Music to PowerPoint for a Presentation?

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How to Add Background Music to PowerPoint for a Presentation

Your PowerPoint slides can be more engaging and practiced when we add music to them? A right background music can set the mood and make your content more impressive. So, let us teach you how to add music to PowerPoint on different devices like Windows, Mac and Android ones. Stand out your slides with the perfect soundtrack and enjoy a captivating multimedia experience with our guide!

 

Adding Music in PowerPoint for Desktop

Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation

Install Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer and locate the application icon. Insert background music into a single slide or set it to play continuously throughout your entire presentation.

Step 1 Open Your PowerPoint Presentation.png

Step 2: Select the Insert Tab

Tap to the top toolbar and click on the Insert tab. There are all the tools needed to add multimedia elements to your presentation including audios.

Step 2 Select the Insert Tab.png

Step 3: Choose Your Audio File

Go to Audio and select Audio on My PC in Windows or Audio from File in Mac.

Step 3 Choose Your Audio File.png

Locate file browser and select the music file you want to add to your slideshow.

Locate file browser and select the music file you want to add to your slideshow..png

Step 4: Adjust Playback Settings

Decide music to play automatically or only when clicked once inserted. Select Play in Background from the playback options for background music.

Step 4 Adjust Playback Settings.png

Step 5: Trim and Edit Your Audio

Use the built-in audio editing tools to refine your music clip. Trim the length, adjust volume levels and add fade in or fade out effects under the Playback option.

Step 5 Trim and Edit Your Audio.png

Step 6: Customize the Audio Icon

By default, PowerPoint displays a speaker icon for your audio file. Go to the Audio Format tab and select Change Picture option. Replace it with a custom image, icon or stock photo to better match your presentation theme.

Step 6 Customize the Audio Icon.png

Final Step: Test Your Presentation

Preview your slideshow to ensure the music plays properly. Must check the volume levels and transitions to guarantee your audience experience.

 

Method 2: Adding Music from Online Videos (Desktop)

Step 1: Install Your PowerPoint Presentation

Go to Microsoft PowerPoint and tap to open.

Step 1 Install Your PowerPoint Presentation.png

It allows you to embed music from supported platforms like YouTube, Vimeo or other streaming services directly into your presentation.

Step 2: Find Your Desired Video

Scroll a web video containing the music you want to use in slides. Your video should be publicly available and you have the correct copied URL.

Step 2 Find Your Desired Video.png

Step 3: Copy the URL of Video 

First, highlight the full web address from your browser's address bar and right click to select Copy. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C for Windows or Cmd+C for Mac for link saving.

Step 3 Copy the URL of Video.png

Step 4: Access the Insert Tab in PowerPoint

Tap to the Insert tab located in the top toolbar between Home and Draw icons. It contains options for adding multimedia content to your PPTs.

Step 4 Access the Insert Tab in PowerPoint.png

Step 5: Select Online Video Option

Click on Video and choose Online Videos (Windows) or Online Movie (Mac). Enter the video URL in the dialog box.

Step 5 Select Online Video Option.png

Step 6: Paste the Video Link

Now, paste the copied URL into the provided field using Ctrl+V for Windows or Cmd+V for Mac. A preview of the video will display, confirming successful embedding.

Step 6 Paste the Video Link.png

Step 7: Insert the Video into Your Slide

Tap to the Insert button at the bottom-right corner of the window. Now, the video will appear on your slide and ready for playback.

Step 8: Customize the Video Thumbnail (Optional)

Step 8 Customize the Video Thumbnail (Optional).png

By default, the video will show the creator's thumbnail image. To change this: 
1. Select the video to activate the Video Format tab
2. Click Poster Frame in the toolbar. 
3. Choose Image from File… and select a new image from your device, stock photos, or online sources.

 

Method 3: Adding Music Using the Android PowerPoint App

Step 1: Open Your Presentation in the PowerPoint App

Open Microsoft PowerPoint application on your Android phone. Download it from the Google Play Store if you don't have installed it.

Step 1 Open Your Presentation in the PowerPoint App.png

Step 2: Access the Editing Menu

Click on the pencil and A icon in the top toolbar. It will reveal additional options for modifying your slides.

Step 2 Access the Editing Menu.png

Step 3: Click on the Home Tab

Select Home from the expanded menu to display all available editing tools. This tab contains essential functions for slide management.

Step 3 Click on the Home Tab.png

Step 4: Open the Insert Menu

Tap Insert, located directly below the Home option. You can add various media elements to your slides here.

Step 4 Open the Insert Menu.png

Step 5: Choose the Audio Option

Scroll down if needed and tap Audio to open your device's file browser. This will let you choose a music file to embed in your presentation.

Step 5 Choose the Audio Option.png

Step 6: Select Your Music File

Now, browse your device storage and select an audio file in MP3, WAV, MID, or MIDI format. The audio will be automatically inserted into your current presentation.

Step 6 Select Your Music File.png

The audio file will appear as a speaker icon on your slide. You can move or resize it. Click the icon to access playback controls and adjust settings like volume or time to start.

 

Method 4: Adding Background Music in PowerPoint 2003/2007

Step 1: Open Your PowerPoint Presentation

Install PowerPoint 2003 or 2007 and open the presentation file where you want to add background music. Go to the specific slide where to play music.

Step 1 Open Your PowerPoint Presentation (2).png

Step 2: Insert the Audio File

First, click the Insert menu and then select Movies and Sounds followed by Sound from File  
Browse and select your audio file.

Step 2 Insert the Audio File.png

Step 3: Choose Playback Options

When prompted, select whether you want the music to play automatically when the slide appears or only when clicked. For background music, choose "Automatically" and check the "Hide During Show" box to conceal the sound icon.

Step 3 Choose Playback Options.png

Step 4: Extend Music Across Slides

Right click the sound icon and select Custom Animation.

Step 4 Extend Music Across Slides.png

In the Multimedia Settings tab, choose "Continue slide show" and set the number of slides for the music to play.

In the Multimedia Settings tab, choose Continue slide show and set the number of slides for the music to play..png

Enter the total slide count for continuous playback.

Enter the total slide count for continuous playback..png

Step 5: Package the Presentation

Since older PowerPoint versions don't embed MP3 files properly, click the Office button, and select “Publish, “then” Package for CD. Name your package, ensure "Include linked files" is checked, and click "Copy to Folder" to create a portable version with all audio files.

Step 5 Package the Presentation.png

This method ensures your PowerPoint 2003/2007 presentation plays background music correctly on any computer. Always test the packaged files before your actual presentation.

 

Conclusion

Captivating background music to your PowerPoint presentations can transform them from ordinary to extraordinary ppts. It creates a more immersive and memorable experience for your viewers. Always test your audio beforehand to ensure smooth playback for best results while presenting. Adjust volume levels to maintain clarity between your narration and music in background. High quality audio files will maintain a professional standard for your ppts. Check out PDF Agile's tips for valuable insights on mastering spreadsheets and streamlining your workflow and boost your productivity beyond PowerPoint.

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