New Recording Feature in Google Slides – Record your Presentation

As February begins, we’re buzzing with excitement as Google Slides unveils a ground-breaking feature, promising to revolutionise the way presentations are created and delivered. In this first look, we delve into the intricate details of the newly introduced video recording function, exploring its functionalities, access points and potential use cases for presenters who could be using external software.

The new function rolls out today, so if you can’t see it just yet, it’ll be available very soon.

Video Recording in Google Slides

The anticipated video recording function is gradually rolling out in scheduled release environments, promising to improve the presentation experience for Google Workspace users. This feature allows users to create video recordings of their presentations, complete with an optional embedded camera view. With a generous 30-minute footage capture limit and the ability to create multiple recordings, this function goes some way to replacing  subscription services such as Loom, for light users making short, onetake recordings. Consolidating your software is a big topic under discussion in most organisations, so limiting the requirement for programs outside of Google Workspace is a big plus for us here.

Recording and Accessing

To access this feature, users must access the Google Slides using the Google Chrome browser and must possess editing permissions for the document. The inclusion of the “Record” icon on the toolbar acts as the gateway to a user-friendly interface. This interface empowers users with granular controls, enabling adjustments to microphone and camera settings, as well as providing options for picture-in-picture size and position. Intuitive directional arrows allow for smooth navigation through slides, ensuring a seamless recording experience.

During the recording process, users can dynamically adjust the picture-in-picture position and size to enhance engagement. Another feature is the ability to access speaker notes in the presenter view without having them appear in the final recording. This flexibility ensures that presenters can maintain eye contact with the camera while referencing notes.

The recording itself is initiated with a click on the red record button, triggering a permissions confirmation pop-up. Users can choose to mute the microphone for specific segments, turn the camera on or off as needed, and customise the picture-in-picture display. The three-second countdown precedes the recording, during which the user can engage speaker notes for additional support.

The recording can be temporarily paused using the central record button, and users can click again to resume. In the case of an unsatisfactory recording, the re-record button allows users to start afresh. Once complete, the recording can be saved directly to Google Drive, initiating an upload process while the user seamlessly returns to the editing interface of the file.

Saving and Sharing

The recording is conveniently saved in a designated "Slides Recordings" folder in the user's My Drive. From this point, users can share the recording within the Google Drive ecosystem, either by moving the file to a shared drive or sharing it with specific collaborators. This seamless integration with the Google Workspace ecosystem, gives the user significant collaboration options, including sharing with project teams, departments, or even external collaborators.

While only editors can utilise the recording function, anyone with access to the file can view and navigate through the recordings. Editors also have the flexibility to rename the recording within the file or in Google Drive, allowing for easy differentiation between multiple recordings of the same presentation.

Additional Functionalities

The versatility of the new recording feature becomes evident when combined with existing functionalities. For instance, users can utilise the approval function, accessible from the “More” menu at the top of the recording window. This allows users to request managerial reviews and approvals before finalising and sharing a recording. Once approved, the recording is labelled with an approved banner, clearly indicating the correct version of a presentation.

In a separate update from January, users can now share a video with collaborators, providing a link that directs them to a specific timestamp within the video. This feature proves invaluable for users who wish to guide colleagues to precise moments in a video whether for technical support, policy clarification, or informational reminders.

To conclude…

As we explore the intricacies of the latest features in Google Slides for Google Workspace, it becomes apparent that these enhancements go beyond mere convenience; they signify a fundamental shift in the way users approach presentations. The video recording function, coupled with other existing capabilities, empower users to craft engaging, personalised presentations that can be delivered to diverse audiences, regardless of timezone, shift pattern or schedule.

The possibilities are endless – from team briefings and training sessions to company wide announcements and remote updates. Google Workspace continues to evolve as a comprehensive platform, providing users with tools that not only streamline their workflow but also elevate the quality of collaborative work within teams and organisations. The continued development of Google Slides allows those who use it frequently to consistently improve their presentations and with this feature it provides users with an easier, more accessible way of presenting to their audiences. 

Until next week, embrace the potential of these features, and happy presenting!