How to Record a Presentation on Google Slides

Published On - January 17, 2026

ivan Blogging

Creating an engaging presentation today often means more than just crafting great slides — it’s about delivering your message in a format that’s accessible and impactful. Whether you’re preparing an online lecture, sharing updates with your team, or creating an educational video, recording your presentation directly from Google Slides is an efficient way to communicate clearly and confidently. This guide will walk you step-by-step through the best ways to record a presentation using Google Slides, from preparation to sharing your final product.

TL;DR

Recording a presentation on Google Slides isn’t built-in, but it’s entirely possible using third-party tools like screen recording software. You’ll need to present your slides in full screen and simultaneously record audio narration using tools like Loom, Screencastify, or OBS Studio. Make sure to prepare your microphone, practice your script, and test your setup before recording. When you’re done, you can export the final video and share it with your audience easily.

1. Understand the Basics

Google Slides on its own does not offer native tools to record audio or video narration directly within the app. However, Google Slides is compatible with many video and screen recording tools that can be used to create high-quality presentations with voiceovers.

You have two main categories for screen recording software:

  • Online screen recorders: Tools like Loom and Screencastify, which work directly in your browser and offer easy sharing options.
  • Desktop-based software: More robust tools such as OBS Studio or Camtasia, offering advanced editing features and more customization options.

2. Choose the Right Recording Tool

The recording tool you choose depends on your goals. Here are some popular options and what they’re best for:

  • Loom: Great for quick recordings, Chrome extension available, easy link sharing. Free tier includes limited video time.
  • Screencastify: Ideal for educators and Chrome users, supports webcam and microphone input, simple UI.
  • OBS Studio: Open-source and advanced. Recommended if you’re familiar with video editing or need multi-scene support.
  • Camtasia: Professional-grade editing capabilities, not free, ideal for corporate or polished presentation videos.

Regardless of which tool you use, the method will broadly follow the same steps.

3. Prepare Your Google Slides Presentation

Before recording, make sure your slides are fully ready and polished. Here are some preparation tips:

  • Consistent Design: Use a clean, branded template with readable fonts and clear visuals.
  • Script or Notes: Write a script or at least speaking notes for each slide using the Speaker Notes section in Google Slides.
  • Practice Runs: Go through your presentation a few times to check flow and timing.
  • Presentation Mode: Become familiar with how your slides look in full-screen (Present mode) – that’s what you’ll be recording.

4. Set Up Audio and Video Sources

Recording a presentation means capturing both your screen and your voice – optionally, your webcam video as well.

  • Microphone: Use an external microphone or headset for clear audio quality. Avoid using your built-in computer microphone if possible.
  • Webcam: If you’d like to appear in the corner while presenting, ensure your webcam is enabled in the recording tool you use.
  • Quiet Environment: Reduce background noise and interrupting sounds for a clean recording.

Test all your gear before beginning the actual recording. Most platforms offer pre-checks for audio and camera settings.

5. Start the Recording

Here’s a general process to follow, using Google Slides in full-screen mode with a recording app:

  1. Open your presentation in Google Slides.
  2. Open your chosen screen recording tool.
  3. Select the option to record your entire screen or just the browser tab showing your presentation.
  4. Enable microphone and (optionally) webcam input in your recording tool.
  5. Click “Present” in Google Slides to enter fullscreen presenting mode.
  6. Start the screen recording.
  7. Narrate as you move through your slides. Use Arrow keys to advance backward or forward.
  8. When finished, stop the recording using your screen recorder.

6. Review and Edit

Once you’ve finished recording, it’s important to review your video before sharing it. Here’s what to look for:

  • Audio clarity: Ensure your narration is free from static and background noise.
  • Slide transitions: Remove long pauses or mistakes using basic editing tools if needed.
  • Camera frame: If you used a webcam, check if your video positioning and lighting were appropriate.

Many screen recording platforms allow simple edits like trimming the start and end of your video. If further editing is needed, consider exporting the video and using a video editor like iMovie (Mac), Windows Video Editor, or Kapwing (online).

7. Export and Share

Now it’s time to share your recorded presentation. Depending on the tool you chose, here’s how:

  • Loom and Screencastify: Automatically generate a video link you can copy and share. Videos are stored in the cloud (with download options).
  • OBS Studio and others: Exports to a video file like MP4. Upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive for easy distribution.
  • Embed in Slides: You can include a YouTube link or a video from Google Drive directly back into your Google Slides for future reference.

8. Tips for an Effective Presentation Recording

To make sure your presentation is both informative and professional, keep the following best-practice tips in mind:

  • Stay on script: Use speaker notes or bullet points to avoid rambling.
  • Maintain eye contact: If you’re using a webcam, look into the lens, not your screen.
  • Keep it concise: Aim for concise explanations and try not to exceed 10–15 minutes unless absolutely necessary.
  • Use visuals: Visual diagrams and callouts help emphasize key ideas.
  • Speak slowly and clearly: Your audience may watch the video in non-native languages or with auto-generated captions.

Conclusion

Although Google Slides does not include built-in video recording features, it is easy to integrate with third-party tools to deliver a polished, narrated presentation. With clear scripting, a quality microphone, and a little practice, you can record compelling slide decks that inform, educate, and persuade viewers effectively across a wide range of platforms. Whether you’re a teacher, corporate professional, or content creator, mastering this process will elevate your ability to communicate in the digital world.

By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to producing seamless presentations with voiceover narration that can be shared, saved, and revisited as many times as needed.