Adding PowerPoint as an MP4 Video

Owned by Luc Richard
Last updated: May 30, 2024
2 min read

Microsoft PowerPoint is generally used to accompany a presenter during a live presentation. Ideally, if the PowerPoint is to be uploaded to the learning environment so that a learner can view it anytime from anywhere, it would contain the audio from the presenter. This ensures that the learner experience is similar whether they attend a live instructor-led session or they view the pre-recorded presentation after the fact via the learning environment.

Microsoft PowerPoint allows a presenter to record their audio for each and every slide. After doing so, the instructor can export the PowerPoint to an MP4 format so that it can include both the slides and the audio.

Step-by-step Guide

  1. Using Microsoft PowerPoint, open the file

  2. Go to a slide where you want to record audio

  3. Click on the “Record” tab in Microsoft PowerPoints' top menu

  4. Click on the “Audio” button. A “Record Sound” modal window should appear

  5. Click on the record button and start recording your audio

  6. When you are done recording your audio for this slide, click on the stop button

  7. Repeat the procedure above for all slides where you want to incorporate audio

  8. Once you are done recording your audio, click on File > Save As

  9. Select the “MPEG-4 Video (*.mp4)” option for the file type

  10. Click on the “Save” button

  11. In the learning environment, go to the course in question

  12. Turn editing on

  13. Drag and drop your file in the main content of the course

  14. A modal window will ask you to make a selection. Generally speaking, our recommendation is to use the “Create file resource” option

    1. The “Add media to course page” option will embed your presentation directly in the course outline

    2. The “Create file resource” will add a hyperlink in the course outline. When they user clicks on this link, they are brought to a page that shows them the video.

Your PowerPoint file (in MP4 format) is now part of your course and your learners can access it simply by clicking on it.

Pros:

  • Best user experience

  • Will work on any modern browser, including mobile devices, without the need for any additional software or plugins

Cons:

  • Requires the presenter to record their audio, which takes more time

  • Results in large files

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