How to Make a Slideshow for YouTube

Paul Skidmore
Co-authored with Paul Skidmore
16,384 views

Creating a YouTube slideshow is a great way to share your content. For example, you can make a video slideshow out of wedding photos or produce reels with images of your small business products.

To do so, you need a reliable program that will meet your needs and produce content compatible with YouTube requirements.

In this article, we will talk about 3 tools that can serve as a slideshow maker for YouTube.

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How we picked and tested slideshow makers

To write this article, we chose 3 methods: a free slideshow maker for Windows, a video slideshow maker for Mac, and an online slideshow maker.

Each of them is free to use, offers a variety of transitions, and allows to addition of background music. Additionally, all slideshow creators have their unique characteristics that we will discuss in detail later.

Make a slideshow video on Windows

Icecream Slideshow Maker is a simple tool for creating good-looking presentations. It offers a bunch of transitions and other customization options that help create a photo slideshow for YouTube. The good news is the program is free and very easy to install and use.

Free YouTube slideshow maker

To learn more about the actual process, read below how to make a slideshow for YouTube:

Step 1. Download free slideshow maker for Windows. Install and open the program.

Step 2. To import images, click the "Add photo" button or "Add Folder" to upload in bulk. File formats supported are JPG/JPEG, PNG, BMP, and GIF.

Step 3. With the "Add audio" functionality, upload the background music for your slideshow. The file can be in MP3, WAV, or M4A format.

Step 4. Begin making your YouTube slideshow one of a kind:

  • Connect your slides with "Transitions";
  • Add "Motion" and "Text";
  • Set the "Time" for each pictures;
  • "Blur background" of your images;
  • Choose the "FPS";
  • "Loop Audio" if needed;
  • "Shuffle Photos" to randomize the order;
  • And more!

Step 5. Name your project and choose the "Output format" - MP4, WebM, AVI, and MOV.

Step 6. Once you are done customizing, you can "Preview" your slideshow. When satisfied, hit "Create".

Step 7. When the presentation is created, you will see a popup window with the "YouTube" button that will allow you to upload your slideshow to your channel right away.

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Make a photo slideshow on Mac

Although this built-in program is designed for video editing, generating a YouTube slideshow with iMovie is a straightforward task. With the same tools, you will be capable of crafting a great-looking video in no time.

Slideshow maker for YouTube

Follow these steps to utilize this app as a slideshow maker:

Step 1. Open iMovie. Hit "Create New" in the menu "Projects". Pick the option "Movie".

Step 2. In the project window, click the "Import Media" button. Select all of your photos and music that you want to add to your slideshow. Then click "Import Selected" or "Import All" if you want to use every single file in the folder.

Step 3. To add files to the timeline, simply drag them there or add them by clicking the "+" button that appears when hovering over the image in the media library.

Step 4. Move the slides around to have them in the desired order. Adjust their length by clicking and dragging the edges of each photo or song.

Step 5. To add "Titles", "Backgrounds", or "Transitions", click the corresponding menus at the top toolbar. All effects can be added by dragging and dropping them directly to the timeline.

Step 6. Export your slideshow by clicking the "Share" button at the top right corner. Choose the option "YouTube & Facebook". Give the name, add descriptions, choose the resolution, and hit "Next...". Click "Export" and wait for the export to finish. The resulting file will be a MOV video.

And there you have it - a quick guide on creating a YouTube slideshow on your Mac! With these steps, you should be able to create great-looking slideshows in no time!

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G2crowd 4.3
Capterra 4.5

Make a slideshow for YouTube online

Creating a stunning slideshow for YouTube is easy with Canva. This simple design platform enables you to craft attractive video slideshows in no time at all.

Online YouTube slideshow maker

Here's how you can craft a presentation for YouTube with this online slideshow maker:

Step 1. Go to the Canva website and create an account if you don't have it.

Step 2. Under design options, select "Presentation". Pick a "Template" if you want or make a photo slideshow from scratch. With the template, you can select only slides with the layout you like or add all suggested pages.

Step 3. To import files, use the "Upload" tab on the toolbar on the left. You can add photos, videos, and audio files in various formats.

Step 4. Begin creating your YouTube slideshow. Manually place images and other elements on the slide. You can "Animate" your photos, add stock "Elements" and "Text", set "Duration", etc.

Step 5. When done, hit the "Share" button at the top right corner and select the option "MP4 Video". Click "Download".

Generating a slideshow for YouTube is effortless with Canva. With its easy-to-use website and wide selection of templates, you can create eye-catching visuals in no time. So go ahead and start making yours today!

Rating

Trustpilot 2.7
G2crowd 4.7
Capterra 4.7

FAQ

How do I create a slideshow with music?
When making your slideshow, you can easily add background music. The majority of YouTube slideshow creators allow you to add audio to your slides. Just make sure it is in the format supported by the program.
Is it feasible to include narration on my YouTube slideshow?
Yes, it's possible. You can easily record your voiceover and then add it to your slideshow the same way you would import a song.
Can I add transitions between slides in my slideshow?
Yes, you can! Various transition effects can give your slideshows a more professional look. Just select the transition from the offered options and apply it between slides.
How do I insert text into each slide of my YouTube slideshow?
You can quickly incorporate captions and other text elements into all frames of your video. Usually, slideshow makers have it under the icon "Text" or "Titles".
Is it possible to preview my slideshow before publishing it?
Absolutely! You can preview your video at any time during the editing process by clicking on the "Preview" or "Play" button. This will give you a chance to check how everything looks before publishing.
Can I add videos to my YouTube slideshow?
If you need to incorporate video parts into your slideshow, simply find a slideshow maker that supports uploading such file types. Also, check the formats supported and convert your videos if needed.
How do I upload a slideshow to YouTube?
Some software will allow you to upload your video slideshow right to the hosting website. However, some may require you to download the resulting film to your device first. In such case, you will need to go to your channel and use the "Create" option.

Tips

  1. Plan ahead. Make sure you know what points you want to cover and how much time you will need for each slide.
  2. Choose a theme. Pick a style that works for your content, like bold colors or muted tones.
  3. Keep slides concise. Present one idea per slide and avoid long paragraphs of text.
  4. Include visuals. Use photos, videos, infographics, text, charts, or other visuals to supplement your presentation and keep the audience engaged.
  5. Create a slideshow with music. Choose a soundtrack to set the tone of your slideshow, and consider adding narration for key points.
  6. Check the timing. Go through the slideshow several times to make sure it flows well and that it doesn't exceed the allotted time limit on YouTube (15 minutes).
  7. Edit and review. Carefully review all slides for typos or errors before uploading to YouTube.
  8. Optimize your video description. Include keywords relevant to your topic in the title, tags, and description of your video for improved search engine visibility on YouTube and other platforms.
  9. Promote your video. Share the link to your video on social media channels or embed it into a blog post or website page for maximum engagement with your audience.
  10. Analyze analytics data. Track how many views, likes, subscribers, etc., your video has received over time using YouTube's analytics tool to measure success and adjust strategy as needed.

Conclusion

Learning how to make a slideshow on YouTube should not be challenging if you follow the steps outlined in this guide.

It's important to have a clear idea of what you want the slideshow to look like before you begin. Pay attention to the length of your video. Additionally, make sure to include an intro and conclusion, as well as captions and music, to make your slideshow more engaging.

Once you've completed all these steps, click publish and you're done! With a bit of styling and creativity, you can create an impressive slideshow that will captivate your audience. So, what are you waiting for? Get started now and create your own unique YouTube slideshow.

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.

Co-authors

Paul Skidmore

Paul Skidmore

Tech Writer and Photography Aficionado

5 min read
Paul Skidmore
Co-authored with Paul Skidmore
16,384 views
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