How to Add a Timer to Google Slides: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

In professional presentations, timing is crucial. Adding a timer to your Google Slides can keep you on track and your audience engaged. In this guide, we’ll explore simple ways to integrate timers, like embedding YouTube countdowns or using timer add-ons. These techniques ensure your presentation flows smoothly and captivates your audience from start to finish.

How Does a Timer Work in Google Slides Presentations? 

1. Google Slides doesn’t have a built-in timer, but you can include a timer video in your slides.
2. Once you add the timer video, you can adjust how it looks to match your presentation.
3. Both you and your audience can see the timer ticking down during your presentation.
4. You can move the timer around and place it next to your text and pictures, or make it the main focus on a slide.

Two Effective Methods to Add a Timer to Your Google Slides Presentation

Method 1: Embedding YouTube Videos as Countdown Timers in Google Slides Presentation:

Step 1: Open Your Google Slides Presentation:

• Go to slides.google.com on your computer.
• Open an existing presentation or create a new one.

Step 2: Select the Desired Slide:

• Choose the slide where you want to embed the timer.

Step 3: Insert the Video:

• Navigate to the top toolbar, click on “Insert,” then select “Video.”

Step 4: Search for the Timer Video:

• In the “Insert video” window, you have multiple options:
• Search directly on YouTube for a countdown timer (e.g., “five-minute timer”).
• Paste a URL of a specific YouTube timer video.
• Use a video from your Google Drive.
• Consider using specific keywords or desired timer lengths for more accurate results.

Step 5: Select and Insert the Timer Video:

• Click on the desired video from the search results or paste the URL.
• Click “Select” to insert it into your slide.

Step 6: Resize and Reposition the Video:

• Click and drag the corners of the video to adjust its size.
• Move the video to the desired position on the slide.
• For precise dimensions and placement, right-click the video, select “Format options,” and then adjust under “Size & Rotation.”

Step 7: Set Video Playback Options:

• Right-click the video and select “Format options.”
• In the “Video playback” section, choose your preferred playback mode:
• “Play (on click)” – to start the video when clicked.
• “Play (automatically)” – for the video to start automatically when the slide appears.
• “Play (manual)” – to control the play manually during the presentation.
• Optional settings include muting the audio and setting specific start and end times.

Step 8: Repeat for Additional Slides (If Necessary):

• If you need the timer on multiple slides, repeat the process for each slide.

Step 9: Adjust as Needed:

• Ensure the timer fits well with your slide’s content and presentation style.

By following these steps, you can effectively embed a YouTube video as a countdown timer in your Google Slides presentation, enhancing its functionality and audience engagement.

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Method 2: Using the Timer Extension for Google Slides:

Step 1: Install the Slides Timer Extension:

• Open Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
• Search for “Slides Timer Chrome extension” in the browser’s address bar.
• Click on the “Slides Timer extension” in the search results.
• In the Chrome Web Store, select “Add to Chrome” and then “Add extension” in the notification pop-up. 

Step 2: Restart Your Browser:

• After installation, restart your browser to activate the extension.

Step 3: Using Slides Timer in Google Slides:

• Open your Google Slides presentation.
• Click on a slide where you want to add a timer.
• Create a new text box or use an existing one on the slide.
• To set a countdown timer, use the format <<mm:ss>> (e.g., <<05:00>> for a five-minute timer). This will count down to zero.
• For a count-up timer, use the format <<mm:ss+>> (e.g., <<00:00+>> to start counting from zero).
• Advanced timing formats like <<hh:mm:ss>> can also be used for longer durations.
• Place the formatted text within the text box on your slide.

Step 4: Check the Timer Functionality:

• Start the slideshow to see the timer in action.
• During the presentation, you can pause the timer by pressing ‘d’ or reset it by pressing ‘e’.

By following these steps, you can easily incorporate a functional timer into your Google Slides presentations using the Slides Timer extension.

Benefits of Adding a Timer to Your Google Slides Presentation:

• Managing Your Pace: Ensures you cover all points within the allotted time, avoiding rushing or overextending on certain slides.
• Timing Breaks Efficiently: Setting specific times for breaks, helps maintain engagement and focus.
• Optimizing Quiz Duration: Allows precise timing for quizzes, making the session interactive and well-paced.
• Cue for Slide Transitions: This acts as a visual reminder to move to the next slide, ensuring a smooth flow in your presentation.
• Anxiety Relief: Reduces the stress of time management, as the timer visually tracks progress.
• Respectful Timing: Demonstrates consideration for the audience’s time, keeping the presentation concise and on point.
• Enhanced Activities: Improves the efficiency and effectiveness of in-presentation activities through timed visual aids.
• Organized Confidence: Builds presenter confidence with a well-structured and timely managed presentation.

Closing Thoughts

Adding a timer to Google Slides presentations is more than just a technical feature – it boosts professionalism and keeps the audience interested.

While there are some limits to how much you can customize it, the advantages of better time management and focused content delivery are clear.

Practicing with the timer helps you deliver a smooth, well-paced presentation, so it’s a great tool to use for any impactful Google Slides presentation.