A slideshow video combines your photos into a moving story. It adds music and transitions between images. People use slideshow videos for weddings, birthdays, and family gatherings. They also work great for business presentations and social media posts. Making a slideshow video is easier than you think.
Let’s explore three simple methods to turn your photos into videos.
Method 1: Make a Slideshow Using PowerPoint
PowerPoint is more than just a presentation tool. It can create beautiful slideshow videos too. Most people already have it on their computers. This makes it a convenient choice for beginners.
How to Add Photos and Background Music
- Open PowerPoint and create a new presentation.
- Click on “Insert” in the top menu. Select “Pictures” and choose your photos from your computer. Add one photo per slide for the best results.
- Drag the corners of each photo to fit the slide. Make sure your images fill the entire screen. This creates a professional look.
- Now add music to bring your slideshow to life. Click “Insert” again and select “Audio.” Choose “Audio on My PC” to upload your music file. The audio icon will appear on your slide.
- Click the audio icon and go to “Playback” in the toolbar. Check “Play Across Slides” so your music plays throughout the video. Also check “Loop until Stopped” if your music is shorter than your slideshow.
How to Add Transitions
Transitions make your slideshow flow smoothly. Click on the “Transitions” tab at the top. You’ll see many transition options like Fade, Push, and Wipe.
- Select a slide and click your preferred transition. Apply the same transition to all slides by clicking “Apply to All.” This keeps your video consistent.
- Set the timing for each slide. Click “Advance Slide” and uncheck “On Mouse Click.” Check “After” and set the duration to 3-5 seconds per photo.
- Save your slideshow as a video. Go to “File,” then “Export,” and choose “Create a Video.” Select your video quality and click “Create Video.” PowerPoint will convert your slides into a video file.
Method 2: Leawo Video Converter
Leawo Video Converter offers powerful features for making slideshow videos. It supports many photo formats and editing options. The software works on both Windows and Mac computers.
How to Add Pictures and Background Music
- Download and install Leawo Video Converter on your computer. Open the program and look for the “Convert” feature.
- Click “Add Photo” to import your images. You can select multiple photos at once. The software will arrange them in the order you choose. Drag and drop photos to reorder them as needed.
- Add your background music by clicking the “Audio” icon. Browse your computer and select your audio file. The software supports MP3, WAV, and other popular formats.
- Customize your slideshow settings in the editing panel. You can adjust the duration for each photo. Most people find 3-4 seconds per photo works well. This gives viewers enough time to appreciate each image.
- Choose transition effects between photos. The software offers various options like fade, slide, and zoom. Preview your slideshow to see how it looks. Make adjustments until you’re satisfied with the result.
- Export your video when you’re ready. Select your preferred video format and quality. Click “Convert” and the software will create your slideshow video. The process usually takes just a few minutes.
Method 3: Canva
Canva is a popular online design platform. It offers slideshow video creation without downloading software. You can access it from any device with internet. The free version includes many useful features.
How to Make a Slideshow Video Online
- Visit the Canva website and create a free account. Search for “video” in the templates section. You’ll find many pre-designed slideshow templates. Choose one that matches your theme or start from scratch.
- Click “Uploads” to add your photos. Canva lets you upload images directly from your device. You can also connect to Google Drive or Dropbox. Drag your photos onto the canvas in your desired order.
- Each photo appears on a separate page in Canva. This functions like slides in your video. Adjust the display time for each page by clicking on it. The default is usually 5 seconds but you can change this.
- Add text overlays to make your slideshow more engaging. Click “Text” and choose from various font styles. Type captions or dates to give context to your photos. Keep text simple and easy to read.
- Canva offers a built-in audio library. Click “Audio” to browse free music tracks. You can search by mood like “happy” or “romantic.” Upload your own music if you prefer something specific.
- Apply transitions by clicking the animation button between pages. Choose from options like fade, slide, or pan. Keep transitions subtle so they don’t distract from your photos.
- Preview your video before downloading. Click the play button at the top of the screen. Watch the entire slideshow to check timing and transitions. Make any final adjustments as needed.
- Download your finished video by clicking “Share” then “Download.” Select MP4 video format for the best compatibility. Canva will process your video and provide a download link. This usually takes a minute or two depending on video length.
Tips to Make Your Slideshow Shine
Use Clear Photos
Quality matters when creating slideshow videos. Choose photos with good lighting and sharp focus. Blurry or dark images will make your video look unprofessional.
Check that all photos have similar resolution. Mixing low and high-quality images creates an inconsistent viewing experience. Edit photos before adding them if needed. Simple adjustments to brightness and contrast can help.
Keep It Concise
Too many photos can make your slideshow boring. Most people lose interest after 3-5 minutes. Select only your best images that tell a clear story. Quality beats quantity every time.
Aim for 15-30 photos for most projects. This creates a video that’s 1-3 minutes long. Special occasions like weddings might warrant longer videos. But even then, try to stay under 10 minutes.
Have a Clear Theme
Your slideshow should tell a story or share a specific message. Choose photos that work together thematically. For example, a birthday slideshow might show growth from baby photos to present day.
Arrange photos in chronological order when possible. This helps viewers follow the story naturally. Group similar photos together for themed sections. This creates a more organized and professional result.
Balance Music Tempo with Photo Display Timing
Match your music choice to your photos and message. Happy occasions call for upbeat music. Sentimental moments work better with slower songs. The mood of your music sets the tone for the entire video.
Sync photo timing with your music’s rhythm. Fast-paced songs need quicker transitions between photos. Slower music allows more time per image. Test different timing options until it feels right.
Consider the music’s volume too. Background music shouldn’t overpower your message. If you add voiceover or text, make sure music supports but doesn’t compete with it.
Sharing Your Slideshow Video
Share on Social Media Platforms
Social media is perfect for sharing slideshow videos. Like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or other platforms, you can gather people to enjoy the same happiness or feelings as you. Add descriptions and tags to improve searchability.
Cast to TV and Watch with Friends and Family
Big screens create a better viewing experience. Use Chromecast, Apple TV, or smart TV features to cast your video. Gather everyone in the living room for a special viewing party.
Connect your laptop to the TV using an HDMI cable. This provides a direct connection with high quality. Make sure your slideshow plays in full screen mode for the best effect.
Streaming devices make casting simple. Most smart TVs have built-in casting features. Follow your device’s instructions to mirror your phone or computer screen.
Convert to Blu-ray for Collection
Physical copies provide lasting memories. Blu-ray discs offer high-quality video storage. They won’t get lost like digital files sometimes do. Use Leawo Blu-ray Creator to burn your slideshow to disc.
Create multiple copies for family members. Blu-ray discs make meaningful gifts for special occasions. They’re more tangible than sending a digital file. Recipients can watch them on any Blu-ray player.
Store your Blu-ray discs properly to preserve them. Keep them in cases away from heat and sunlight. They can last for decades with proper care. This ensures your memories remain safe for future generations.
Conclusion
Creating a slideshow video is a rewarding project. You’ve learned three different methods to make videos from photos. PowerPoint works well if you already use Microsoft Office. Leawo Video Converter offers professional features and flexibility. Canva provides a quick online solution with beautiful templates.
Remember to use high-quality photos and keep your video concise. Choose music that matches your theme and timing. Preview your work before finalizing it.
Share your finished slideshow with the world or keep it personal. Whether you post it online or create a Blu-ray disc, your memories will come to life. Start creating your first slideshow video today. Your photos deserve to be more than files on a device.
