Recording audio narratives is necessary when creating Google Slides presentations, if you plan to use it in the Internet and if the user would like to hear your comments on the content. It is also a great option for teachers who want to create visual manuals and presentations for their students. It is easier for students to understand the material with audio commentary. However, Google Slides does not have an inbuilt tool for audio recording, which is why, in this post, I am going to tell you which free online tools can be used to record your voice.
Preparation of audio files for narratives
- Audio files that you can use in Google Slides. Google Slides supports several file formats: MP3, MPEG, WAV, .OGG, and .OPUS. We recommend using voice MP3 for your narratives.
- Saving files on Google Drive. Save all your audio files in one folder with the presentation itself. If you use a large number of audio files, create a folder named “Audio files” or “Narrations” for them.
- Access to audio files. Open the access to audio files in “View” mode. If you don’t do that, your narratives might not be able to be played by users who do not have access to the audio files.
Review of web services for audio recording
Now, let us look into services that you can use to record voice free. You can use online services that work in browsers, browser expansions for Google Chrome, smartphone record voice app like “Voice Recording,” or record audio on computer (Windows or MAC). But the simplest way is via web services since they do not require software installation, can be used on different devices (personal computers, tablets, smartphones), and often do not require signing up.
Rev.com
Price: free audio recorder, no sign up.
Support: Google Chrome (Desktop, Android), Safari (iPhone, iPad). You can use not only computers, but also smartphones for this web service without any app.
File Format: MP3
Security and Privacy: yes
Features: The service earns money by converting audio and video files into text.
Operation Manual: Click the link. You might need to allow the website access to your microphone. Click the “Record” button and record your message. In the process of recording, you can pause. When you are done, press “Pause” > “Preview.” In order to download your audio file, click the icon with the arrow pointing down (download icon). The service has editing features: you can fix your audio before downloading it, by cutting a part from the beginning or end.
Downsides: You can find negative reviews on them, but they all refer to audio and video conversion into text, and virtually all of these comments are from ex-employees and freelancers complaining about their low wages.
Speak Pipe
Price: free up to 90 seconds per recording, no sign up. Paid version costs $15 per month with a free trial of 30 days.
Support: Google Chrome (Desktop, Android), Safari (iPhone, iPad). You can use not only computers, but also smartphones for this web service without any app.
File Format: MP3
Security and Privacy: yes
Features: The service earns money from recording and storing audio files. The paid version allows you to create widgets for websites.
Operation Manual: Give your browser access to your microphone. Click the “Start Recording” button. Keep in mind that the free version audio should be less than 90 seconds. When you’re done, click the “Stop” button. Click “Get a link.” Type in an opened window the name of your audio > “Get a link.” Click the link “Open in a new window,” and click “Download” in the opened window. The file will be downloaded to your computer.
Downsides: The free version has limited tools, with a 90-second limit. You can download your file in two ways: send a link to an email or open the link in another window, which is not convenient. The free version does not allow you to edit your files.
123Apps
Price: free online audio recorder, no sign up, 35 files per day limit. Paid version starts at $5 per month.
Support: Google Chrome, Firefox (Desktop, Android), Safari (iPhone, iPad). You can use not only computers, but also smartphones for this web service without any app.
File Format: MP3
Security and Privacy: yes
Features: The service earns money from expanded functions of audio recording, file convector, and video editing.
Operation Manual: Click the red button that has a microphone icon. If it requires access to your microphone, allow it. After this, it will start recording your voice. When you’re finished, press the “Stop” recording button with a square in the middle. You will have an opportunity to cut extra fragments from the end and listen to your audio beforehand. Click the “Save” button to save your result to your computer.
Downsides: The service has limitations on its free version of only 35 files per day, but for most users that is enough.
Resonate
Price: free online voice recording, no sign up
Support: Google Chrome (Desktop, Android), Safari (iPhone, iPad). You can use not only computers, but also smartphones for this web service without any app.
File Format: WAV
Security and Privacy: yes
Features: The service earns money from creating and hosting audio podcasts.
Operation Manual: Click the “Record Now” button and give the website access to your microphone. When you are finished speaking, press the red square (“Stop” button). You will be asked to insert your email and then to download the file. You can click the “Skip joining the list” button and immediately download your file. The file will be downloaded to your computer.
Downsides: There is an extra step to download the file to your computer.
Vocaroo
Price: free, no sign up
Support: Google Chrome (Desktop, Android), Safari (iPhone, iPad). You can use not only computers, but also smartphones for this web service without any app.
File Format: MP3
Security and Privacy: yes, but there is some nuance. You need to delete your files manually each time after downloading.
Features: Easy voice recorder and completely free service.
Operation manual: To start recording, click the red button with a microphone icon. Give your browser access to your microphone. Record the audio and when you are done, press the blinking red square icon. At this stage, you can listen to the output, and if you are satisfied with it, you can click the “Save & Share” button. In the opened tab, you can click the “Download” button and download your MP3 file to your computer. Or you can share your audio another way, for example, on social media or messenger, or via a built-in code to a website or QR code.
Downsides: Warning! After downloading the files, don’t forget to delete them from the Vocaroo service. To do that, click the red “Delete” button.
Best free audio recording software: comparative table of online services
I have created a table with an illustrative comparison of the main features of these services. Each of them has their own pros, and may be more or less useful for audio recording depending on your goals. The choice is yours.
Conclusion
A good quality presentation involves not only a pretty design, but also a confident material presentation. Using narratives in presentations will let you achieve the effect of presence and will provide you with an additional tool to influence your audience. Although Google Slides does not have an inbuilt voice recording tool, narratives can still be easily created: there is a large number of free services with instant access for that. Pay attention to the technical features of using narratives in Google Slides, and it will drastically increase the effectiveness of your demonstration.