How to Make a Slideshow with Music

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Knowing how to make a slideshow with music can be an important skill to have. Whether it's for a special event, presentation, or just to remember the good times, adding music to a video can make it more interesting for the audience.

In this article, we will provide you with 4 user-friendly services for creating a slideshow. With just some photos, music, and a simple slideshow creator, anyone can make a great-looking video presentation for any occasion!

how we test products

How we picked tools to create a slideshow with music

Selecting the right tools is a critical step in creating memorable presentations. Our choice was guided by these criteria:

  • Intuitive use. We considered the simplicity of the interface and the learning curve for each slideshow creator.
  • Compatibility. We made sure that users of all operating systems can find a slideshow maker for themselves.
  • Cost. We included services that allow you to create a slideshow for free.
Program Platform Editing features System requirements Rating
Icecream Slideshow Maker
Windows
Yes
Windows 11, 10, 8.1, or 7
5.0
iMovie
MacOS
iOS
Yes
MacOS 13.4 or later
iOS 16.0 or later
4.5
Kapwing
Online
Yes
Internet access
3.5
Clideo
Online
No
Internet access
4.0

Method 1. Icecream Slideshow Maker

Icecream Slideshow Maker is an easy-to-use software for Windows that makes creating a slideshow with music easier than ever. Follow these steps to make a slideshow:

  1. Download and install free slideshow creator on your computer.
  2. Click "Add Photo" or "Add Folder" to import images. You can also drag and drop all files to the working area.
  3. Press the "Add Audio" button to add music to your slideshow. You can also add and rearrange them using the drag-and-drop mechanism. Enable the "Loop Audio" feature if the slideshow is longer than the song.
  4. Now select transitions, add captions, and set a time for each slide. Use "Audio Fade" to create a smooth intro and outro for the slideshow.
  5. Finally, click "Create" and your slideshow will be ready in no time!

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface. Working in this free slideshow maker is incredibly easy even if don't you have any experience with video editing software.
  • Format support. The software supports MP3, M4A, WAV, WMA, OGG, and FLAC audio files.
  • Transitions. There are various transition effects to choose from. You can select a transition for each slide or leave a random option.
  • Customization. The program offers many options for customizing your slideshows, including adding captions and colors or setting time for the slides.
  • Output options. You can export the photo slideshow in different video formats (MP4, MOV, AVI, and WebM). It makes it easy to share on social media and websites or send to friends and family.
  • Quality settings. The slideshow creator gives control over the output resolution and FPS to ensure the final product meets your requirements.
  • Cost-efficiency. The service is free to download and use.

With Icecream Slideshow Maker, creating an engaging slideshow presentations has never been simpler. All it takes is a few clicks and you'll be ready to send a stunning slideshow with music to your family and friends in no time at all!

Method 2. iMovie

iMovie is a video editing application designed for iOS and macOS devices. Making a photo slideshow with music using this program is easy and simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open iMovie and choose "Create Movie" from the "Projects" menu.
  2. Click "Import" in the "My Media" tab to add photos and videos. Place them on the timeline in the order you like.
  3. Add transitions in the "Transitions" tab and captions in "Titles".
  4. To add music, import a file from your device or go to "Audio & Video" and select a song from the iTunes library.
  5. Once you're done editing your photo slideshow, click "Share" in the top menu bar to export your movie as a video file.
iMovie

Pros:

  • Free to use. The video editor is completely free for all Apple users.
  • Available on iOS. The app is available on both macOS and iOS platforms, allowing users to create a slideshow on Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads.
  • Editing. While it is not a professional video editing software, it offers a range of features, including trimming, transitions, audio editing, and text overlays.
  • Integration. The program seamlessly integrates with other Apple applications and services, such as iCloud. It allows you to access the photo slideshows on various devices.

Cons:

  • Resource intensive. Editing large picture slideshows on older Mac computers and iOS devices may lead to performance issues.

In general, iMovie is a straightforward program that allows both beginners and professionals to make a slideshow with music.

However, creating a slideshow on less powerful devices might not be as smooth. Users should consider the power of their devices when choosing a slideshow creator.

It's essential to use licensed or royalty-free music in your slideshows if they're shared publicly.

Method 3. Kapwing

Kapwing is an online editing platform that provides a wide range of features for creating and sharing content directly in your browser. With its user-friendly interface, you can quickly add music to your slideshow. Here's how to create a slideshow with music:

  1. Go to the Kapwing website and press "Create New Project".
  2. Select a blank canvas and click "Add Media" to choose photos, videos, and audio from the device.
  3. Select any video and place all your photos and a music track on the timeline. You can later delete the video if you don't need it.
  4. Adjust the settings in the "Edit", "Effects" and "Transitions" tabs.
  5. Click "Export Project" when you're done editing to download your photo slideshow.
Kapwing

Pros:

  • Multimedia editing. The slideshow maker supports various forms of media. It allows you to edit images, videos, GIFs, and audio, providing a comprehensive toolset for content creation and editing.
  • Templates. The platform provides slideshow templates and presets for different social media platforms. This simplifies the process of creating content optimized for specific channels.
  • Collaboration. The service enables multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, helping with teamwork and efficiency.

Cons:

  • Paid features. While the slideshow creator offers a free version, some advanced features like AI tools are available only with a paid subscription.
  • Watermark. The free version includes a watermark on all exported videos.

Overall, Kapwing is a versatile and accessible online editing platform, particularly suitable for creating a slideshow with accompanying music. However, it's important to consider free version limitations, especially for users seeking advanced editing capabilities.

Method 4. Clideo

Clideo is a web-based multimedia editing platform that has an online slideshow creator. Here's a guide on making a slideshow:

  1. Go to Clideo and click "Choose files" to add photos.
  2. Arrange the photos in the desired order. Select crop options and image duration.
  3. Click "Add Audio" to choose a song from your device's storage.
  4. Once the picture slideshow is ready, click "Export" to save the video onto your computer.
Clideo

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface. This free slideshow creator has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. This makes it accessible to users with different levels of technical expertise.
  • Versatile tools. The service provides a range of multimedia editing tools, including video trimming, image editing, text overlay, and more.
  • Accessibility. The online slideshow maker is accessible from various devices and operating systems, making it a convenient choice for users on different platforms.

Cons:

  • Limited features. While the platform allows you to make a slideshow with music, it lacks some features like adding text or transitions.

In summary, Clideo is an excellent service for making a slideshow quickly and easily. It is perfect for sharing special moments with friends and family, but if you need more advanced features, consider other tools.

FAQ

1. Can I add music to an existing slideshow?
Yes, you can add music to a slideshow in most video editing programs.
2. What format should I use for my slideshow?
Slideshow creators usually save your slideshow as an MP4 file, which can be played on most devices and computers. However, you can always use a video converter if you need your slideshow to be in a different format.
3. What resolution should I use for my slideshow?
The clarity of your photo slideshow depends upon where it is seen. If it will be displayed on a computer or TV screen, then 1080p or 4K is recommended. If viewed on a mobile device, you can save it in lower resolution such as 720p.
4. How long should my slideshow be?
Generally speaking, it should be no longer than 5-10 minutes in length for maximum engagement and comprehension from your audience. Trim the video if your slideshow with music is too long.

Make a slideshow with music: Conclusion

Using music is an ideal way to make your picture slideshow more entertaining. Creating a slideshow with music may sound complicated at first, but using the services from this article will help you get started.

Now you know how to add music to any slideshow and leave a lasting impression on the audience. So get creative and start making your stunning slideshow today!

Alexandra Meyer

Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps

With experience spanning over several years, Alexandra Meyer holds the esteemed position of editor-in-chief at Icecream Apps. Originally involved in the website's establishment in 2014, Alexandra now ensures the maintenance of the company's exceptional content standards across their various projects. Specializing in technology, software, online services, and human resources, she has extensively written and edited numerous articles on these subjects.
5 min read
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