Adding music to your PowerPoint presentations can make them more engaging and memorable for your audience. The right background music sets the mood, emphasizes important points, and makes the presentation more dynamic.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to add music to PowerPoint using different methods. We’ll cover:
- Supported audio formats
- Inserting music from your computer
- Downloading royalty-free tunes
- Recording your own audio
- Adjusting playback options
- Adding sound effects
Follow these steps to enhance your next PowerPoint deck.
Step 1: Check PowerPoint’s Supported Audio Formats
Before adding music files, check that PowerPoint supports the file type. Most versions work with common formats like:
- MP3
- WAV
- M4A
- MP4
- AAC
For older versions, [convert files][1] if needed to a compatible format.
Step 2: Add Music from Your Computer
Uploading songs stored locally on your PC makes adding music quick and easy:
- Open PowerPoint and select the slide to add music to.
- Click Insert > Audio > Audio on My PC.
- Browse to and select your music file.
- Click Insert to add it to the slide.
You’ll see a speaker icon where the audio is placed.
Step 3: Download Royalty-Free Music
Don’t have suitable songs saved already? Download royalty-free tunes from sites like:
- [Bensound][2]
- [Free Music Archive][3]
- [Incompetech][4]
- [YouTube Audio Library][5]
Just be sure to check licensing terms before using such songs commercially.
Step 4: Record Audio in PowerPoint
To make customized music or narration, use PowerPoint’s built-in recording tools:
- Click Insert > Audio > Record Audio.
- Click the Record button and start recording via your mic.
- Click Stop when finished and insert the recording onto your slide.
Step 5: Adjust Playback Options
Once inserted, music files can be tweaked via the Playback tab:
- Select Play Across Slides for background audio.
- Choose Start and End behaviors.
- Adjust the Volume.
PowerPoint Audio Playback Options. Source: [Microsoft][6]
Use options like Fade In and Fade Out for smoother transitions.
Step 6: Add Sound Effects
For more impact, use built-in sound effects like applause and keyboard clicks:
- Go to Insert > Media > Sound Effects.
- Browse the available options.
- Select a sound effect to add to the slide.
Experiment by combining music and sounds.
Step 7: Check Compatibility Before Sharing
Before presenting or sharing your PowerPoint file, confirm embedded audio plays properly:
- Check file formats – Ensure inserted music uses widely compatible formats.
- Review on multiple devices – Test the presentation on the laptop, tablet, or projector used for presenting.
- Compress media – Use PowerPoint tools like Optimize Compatibility to compress media files and improve playback.
By following these seven steps, you can make your next PowerPoint presentation more engaging and impactful with the addition of background music, custom audio, sound effects and careful playback adjustments.
The right soundtrack makes a memorable difference.
