Google is my go-to for classroom tech! Delivering lessons and assignments on Google Slides is so simple, but it’s important to give verbal instruction for our auditory lucky little learners. Of course, it's also nice for your distance learners to hear your voice when they're away from you in the physical classroom. In addition, adding audio to Google Slides also helps with accessibility for visually impaired students. Learn how to add audio to Google Slides with these simple steps!

Step 1: Install the Cloud Audio Recorder

The extension I use to add audio to Google Slides is called Cloud Audio Recorder. It’s free and so easy to use and install! Here are the simple steps to install the Cloud Audio Recorder to your Google Drive.

1. Log on to your Google Drive.

2. Go to the Waffle. These are the nine squares in the corner of your browser for Drive.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the waffle menu.

4. Choose “More from (G Suite) Marketplace”. If you are not a G Suite user, it may just say Marketplace. 

5. Search for Cloud Audio Recorder (Chrome Extension). Install and add to your Google Drive.

6. Open the Cloud Audio Recorder in your Chrome Browser. It is available in the waffle.

Step 2: Recording Audio in Cloud Audio Recorder

Next, you’ll want to record audio in the Cloud Audio Recorder extension. Adding audio to Google Slides is important if you want to read the instructions, give examples, or even tell a story. Your students will appreciate the auditory element to your instruction. 

1. Open up the Google Slides you want to add audio to in a separate window or split your screen. This will make it easy to read while you control the recorder.

2. Go to the Cloud Audio Recorder and push start.

3. Begin reading and recording your voice. 

4. Push stop on the Cloud Audio Recorder.

5. Click “Export as MP3”.

6. Click Save to Google Drive. If this is your first time using the extension, it will have you authorize your Google Drive.

7. Choose the folder you want to save the audio file to in your Google Drive.

8. Click save to Google Drive.

9. You’ll get a green “Uploaded to Drive” as a confirmation.

Step 3: Add Audio to Google Slides

Finally, you are ready to add audio to Google Slides! These steps are simple and will have your lucky little learners hearing your voice in no time.

1. Go back to your Google Slides presentation.

2. Go to the menu and click Insert – Audio.

3. From Drive, choose your recording and click select.

4. Adjust the audio icon size so your students see it when they view the slides. They’ll be able to play the audio directly from the Slides.

That’s it! You’ve learned how to add audio to Google Slides with a simple Cloud Audio Recorder extension. Try adding audio to Google Slides in literacy centers for instructions or to demonstrate fluency. Digital math centers are also a great place to add audio instructions for your students!

Digital Math Centers

Digital Literacy Centers

Get started adding audio to Google Slides to help in-person and distance learners this school year!