PowerDirector

20 Best Free Slideshow Makers With Music in 2024

Last Updated on Mar. 8, 2024 – by David Morgan
Add to My Favorites
Best Slideshow Maker Apps for all platforms

Everyone adores sharing memorable moments with their loved ones. You can amplify the thrill of special events from weddings to corporate meetings by crafting a captivating slideshow.

However, it can be time-consuming to make a slideshow without drag-and-drop templates, sophisticated formatting options, and seamless transitions. 

Fret not! We've done the legwork, exploring and reviewing the best free slideshow makers available to make your experience a breeze.


Snapshot of Our Top 3 Free Slideshow Makers

PowerDirector Logo

1. PowerDirector - Best Overall

PowerDirector is the best free slideshow maker for both Windows and Mac users, catering to everyone from novices to seasoned slideshow enthusiasts with user-friendly templates and abundant customization options. Detailed Review >

PixTeller Logo

2. FlexClip

Flexclip is the best free slideshow maker for beginners to make short videos and slideshows from beautifully designed templates. Detailed Review >

Animoto Logo

3. ThunderSoft Slideshow Factory

ThunderSoft is the best free slideshow maker for creating photo albums and thumbnail galleries. It offers support for both video and photo slideshows. Detailed Review >

How to Choose the Best Free Slideshow Maker?

You may be wondering how to choose the best free slideshow maker for your needs. Here are some things to look out for in slideshow software. 

Skill Level - The best free slideshow makers will be easy to use with advanced features to cover a wide range of users.  

Compatibility - Make sure web-based slideshow software will work with your preferred browser, and that downloadable options work with your OS. Also, check system requirements to ensure your device can handle the storage. 

Music - If you plan to upload your slideshows to YouTube, you will need slideshow software with a royalty-free background music library. If you want to add a popular song to a slideshow for an event, make sure your slideshow software supports adding music from an outside source like iTunes. 

Features - The best free slideshow makers allow customization of slides, such as setting the duration, adding motion effects, customizing the text, and changing colors/backgrounds. Or you can drop photos into a template and call it a day. Decide how much creative control you want before choosing the best free slideshow maker for your needs. 

20 Best Free Slideshow Makers With Music in 2024

1. PowerDirector

Best For: Creating a wide range of projects, from family slideshows to cinematic masterpieces

PowerDirector is our pick for the best free slideshow maker because it is easy to use, but offers many customizations. The Slideshow Creator plug-in lets beginners quickly drag photos into a template while guiding them through the entire process, while those with editing experience can use traditional timeline editing to make a slideshow worthy of Hollywood.

With this slideshow software, you can change all your slides at once with the click of a button, or use the Slideshow Designer to personalize individual slides. You can also choose background music from the extensive stock library, or upload your favorite track.

Pros
  • Seamless user experience for beginners and experts alike
  • Fast slideshow creation using user-friendly templates and tools
  • Comprehensive AI-powered features
  • Versatile plug-ins like a Video Collage Designer
Cons
  • May offer more options than necessary for basic slideshows

Key Features:

  • Thousands of royalty-free background music tracks from Meta Sound Collection
  • Automatically fit your slideshow to match the length of a song, or fit your song to match the length of your slideshow
  • Make a slideshow with photos and videos from your library or built-in stock; you can also use Generative AI tools to create unique images
  • Detect Faces feature will zoom in on faces in your videos and photos

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


PCMag Rating: 5/5


Beginner-Friendly: 5/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $4.58/month for PowerDirector 365


Bottom Line

This slideshow software is packed with an extensive selection of transitions, video effects, and themed templates to suit your creative needs.

Professionals can also leverage PowerDirector's capabilities to craft captivating business slideshows for meetings, presentations, and trade shows, replacing mundane slides and bland text with dynamic visuals.

Click the link below and download the only slideshow software on our list to consistently earn the prestigious title of PCMag Editor's Choice, year after year

Download PowerDirector today by clicking the link below make unique and professional-looking slideshows.

Check out these related topics for editing:

2. FlexClip

flexclip-screenshot

Best For: Beginners making short slideshows and videos


Pros
  • Includes simple video editing tools
  • Huge selection of beautiful, well-organized templates
Cons
  • Free version caps exports at 720p
  • Can lag or glitch

Key Features:

  • 200+ preset transitions including colorful overlays
  • Wide selection of text styles and animations
  • Audio editing tools help match your music length to your slideshow

Compatibility: Web Browser


TechRadar Rating: 4.5/5


Beginner-Friendly: 5/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $9.99/month for Plus and $19.99/month for Business


Bottom Line

Flexclip has recently added a slew of AI-powered features to make video creation more efficient. However, this is not the best free slideshow maker for videos longer than a couple of minutes. The site can be glitchy, and the longer the video, the worse it gets.

3. ThunderSoft Free Slideshow Maker

ThunderSoft Free Slideshow Maker Interface

Best For: Creating photo and video slideshows in a variety of formats


ThunderSoft Slideshow Factory is one of the best free slideshow makers thanks to wide format support for both import and export. You can make a photo album with more than 500 images or create a thumbnail photo gallery.


Pros
  • Beginner-Friendly with animated templates
  • Excellent export options including direct uploads to YouTube
Cons
  • Limited tools for editing photos and videos
  • Not ideal for business presentations

Key Features:

  • Add visual interest with over 70 transition effects
  • Customize templates with music, captions, and clipart
  • Support for HD video and photo slideshows

Compatibility: Windows


Download.com Rating: 4.5/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium version available for $39.95 for ThunderSoft Slideshow Factory


Bottom Line

ThunderSoft Slideshow Factory is one of the best free slideshow makers for anyone on a budget. It offers a completely free version and is one of the only slideshow software on our list that has decreased in price since our last review.

4. Aiseesoft Slideshow Creator

Aiseesoft Slideshow Creator Interface

Best For: Video, photo, and music adjustments

Aiseesoft Slideshow Creator is on our list of the best free slideshow makers thanks to its many editing tools and customization options. Add videos, photos, and music, and edit all of your media. With this free slideshow maker, you can also add filters and overlays, and adjust brightness, hue, and saturation.

Pros
  • Offers simple and advanced interfaces
  • Comes with editing tools for photos and videos
Cons
  • No dedicated free version, only a free trial
  • Does not offer a background music library

Key Features:

  • Extract original background music from videos
  • Supports video in 4K UHD and 1080p HD resolution
  • Includes customizable slideshow templates

Compatibility: Windows


G2 Rating: 4.2/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4.5/5


Price: 15-Day free trial, then $24.95/month or $49.95 for a Lifetime License


Bottom Line

Aiseesoft Slideshow Creator allows beginners to create a slideshow in just 5 easy steps and has customization options for experienced users. Unlike our choice for the best free slideshow maker, PowerDirector, Aiseesoft doesn’t have a royalty-free background music library. This can be problematic with sites like YouTube that will remove videos with copyrighted music.

5. Invideo AI

invideo-screenshot

Best For: Creating presentations from a text prompt

Invideo AI is one of the best free slideshow makers for school presentations because it will make a slideshow from a text prompt. Simply enter an idea and the AI slideshow software will create a script read by a realistic AI-generated voice, find the proper images/footage, apply text for chapter names, and add background music.

Pros
  • Make a slideshow from your own media, stock media, or a text prompt
  • All slideshow options are beginner-friendly
Cons
  • Only works on Chrome or Edge browser
  • Free version has watermarks and weekly export limits, and Premium versions are expensive

Key Features:

  • Employs realistic, AI-generated voices as slideshow narrator
  • 1,000s of professionally-designed slideshow templates
  • Edit generated slideshows by swapping media, text, and transitions

Compatibility: Web Browser


TechRadar Rating: 4/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $20/month for Plus or $48/month for Max


Bottom Line

We moved Invideo AI up to #5 on our list of the best free slideshow makers because it has a video editor to make a slideshow from scratch, a large number of well-designed slideshow templates, and the unique AI-generated slideshow feature. Our one irritation was that after waiting 10 minutes for a generated slideshow (you wait about a minute per minute of generated content), we were told we couldn’t view it on our current browser.

6. Canva

canva-screenshot

Best For: Highly customizable graphic designs

Canva is the best free slideshow maker for adding graphic design elements. This slideshow software allows non-designers to feel like professionals, by giving them matching colors, graphics, fonts, etc. to mix and match into a cohesive slideshow.

Pros
  • Very robust free version
  • Huge selection of beautifully designed templates
Cons
  • More difficult than necessary to add images and swap out music
  • Magic Resize, Beat Sync, and Brand Kits are only available with a subscription

Key Features:

  • Every design element on a template can be edited
  • Easily find graphics that match your chosen template
  • Includes photo filters and effects

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Web Browser


PCMag Rating: 4.7/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $119.99


Bottom Line

Canva is one of the best free slideshow makers because every design element can be moved, resized, animated, deleted, replaced, and duplicated. However, if you don’t ungroup elements before adding photos, there are multiple complications. It’s an added step we didn’t find in other slideshow software.

7. PixTeller

PixTeller Interface

Best For: Editing photos before adding to a template

PixTeller is a photo editor, so you can perfect your photos before adding them to your slideshow.With this slideshow software, you can use a pre-made slideshow template or start from scratch. Add music, transitions, and text to make a slideshow in minutes.

Pros
  • User-Friendly interface
  • Includes content management features
Cons
  • Few slideshow-specific templates and features
  • No video slideshow support

Key Features:

  • Smart resize fits photos into any template without cropping
  • Pixelate and blur photos for privacy
  • Includes over 1 million free photos and illustrations

Compatibility: Web Browser


Capterra Rating: 4.5/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $84/year for $7/month for Pro or $12/month for Diamond


Bottom Line

While PixTeller is a highly rated photo editor, in a recent test, we found its dedicated slideshow features are minimal, which is why we moved it from #3 to #7 on our list of the best free slideshow makers. When you click on the button to make a slideshow, it gives you tons of great templates for social media ads, but very few true slideshow templates. We don’t think it’s the best free slideshow maker if you need a video for a big event, it’s simply for quick photo collages or photo slideshow for TikTok.

8. Icecream Slideshow Maker

Icecream Slideshow Maker Interface

Best For: Creating presentations quickly or in bulk

Icecream Slideshow Maker is one of the best free slideshow makers for busy professionals because of a simple layout, easy-to-use drag-and-drop tools, and bulk settings you can customize. Make a slideshow with text, background music, and transitions, then upload your slideshow directly to YouTube, Dropbox, or Google Drive. 

Pros
  • Premium version is affordable and available for 2 PCs
  • Quick and easy to use for beginners
Cons
  • No background music library
  • Free version is limited to 10 slides

Key Features:

  • Make a slideshow in seconds with automated Random feature
  • Set slide duration with presets or enter a custom value
  • Add a solid color or gradient slide with text in between photos

Compatibility: Windows


Capterra Rating: 4/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium version available for $19.95/year or $39.95 for a Lifetime License


Bottom Line

Icecream Slideshow Maker has a dedicated free version, but it is limited to 10 slides and will only export in .webm format. Although the price recently changed from $19.95 for life to $19.95 per year, it’s still much cheaper than other slideshow software. 

9. Adobe Express

Adobe Express Interface

Best For: Marketing presentations for work or social media

Adobe Express is a web-based graphic design tool and one of the best free slideshow makers for short slideshows intended for social media. The slideshow software comes with thousands of professionally-designed background templates for sales presentations, school projects, speeches, and personal projects. Every detail is fully customizable and can be duplicated or updated for every slide. 

Pros
  • Includes simple photo and video editing tools
  • Some Adobe Stock images included in free version
Cons
  • Uses a lot of computer power
  • No slideshow-specific templates

Key Features:

  • Generate AI images, templates, and text effects
  • Crop/Resize images and videos
  • Over 1,000 slide backgrounds for presentations

Compatibility: Web Browser


TechRadar Rating: 4/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium version available for $9.99/month


Bottom Line

Since our last review,Adobe Express has added some new generative AI tools - including a template generator (still in Beta). It’s also added more video creation tools and has free background music available. However, we discovered it’s not the best free slideshow maker for anyone who wants to make a slideshow quickly because it lacks dedicated slideshow templates. 

10. Kizoa

Kizoa Interface

Best For: Optimizing slideshows for any device or platform

Kizoa is one of the best free slideshow makers for displaying your slideshow on a TV, projector, computer, or phone. This slideshow software allows you to share your slideshow online, download it in multiple formats (MP4, AVI, MOV, MPEG2, GIF), or burn it onto a DVD.

Pros
  • Intelligent cropping tool allows your slideshow to fit any device
  • Upload directly to social media, save to USB, or burn to a disc
Cons
  • Free version limits slideshows to 1 minute
  • Users complain of poor customer service

Key Features:

  • Add animations to photos like bounce and spin
  • Use multiple images per slide with Picture-in-Picture and Collage grids
  • Customizable slideshow templates in a variety of themes

Compatibility: Web Browser


Sitejabber Rating: 4.5/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4/5


Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $29.99 for Starter, $49.99 for Creator, $99.99 for Professional, and $299.99 for Business


Bottom Line

No previous editing experience is needed to make a slideshow with Kizoa. However, the UI is pretty outdated, and the free version will limit your video slideshow to 1 minuteand and add a watermark. 

11. Fastreel

Fastreel Interface

Best For: Editing videos and quickly turning them into a slideshow

This free slideshow maker is an easy way for beginners to make quality slideshows, video collages, and screen recordings in just a few clicks. You can customize everything from slide duration (1 to 10 seconds) to text (color, size, font, etc.). You can also add music from the free background music library, or use your favorite song.

Pros
  • Quick to learn for first-time users
  • Includes photo and video editing tools
Cons
  • If you make a slideshow with the free version, it will be watermarked and low-resolution
  • Videos are only available to edit for 24 hours

Key Features:

  • Automatically resize your slideshows wfor social media
  • Includes a library of slideshow templates including Wedding and Graduation
  • Change the speed of your slideshow with timed presets

Compatibility: Web Browser


Fix the Photo Rating: 4/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $9.95/video or $9.95/month for Unlimited Premium


Bottom Line

Fastreel has an intuitive user interface and allows you to make a slideshow in no time at all. However, the free version only has settings to crop, adjust volume, and fade in/out. We were frustrated that settings such as volume control could only be applied to each individual clip instead of the whole slideshow at once. 

12. MiniTool Movie Maker

MiniTool Movie Maker Interface

Best For: Beginners looking to make a slideshow in minutes

MiniTool Movie Maker is a video editor and one of the best free slideshow makers for beginners using Windows. There are customizable templates, animated elements, creative filters, and over 100 transitions. You can also add music to your slideshow and easily share it on YouTube or Facebook.

Pros
  • Make edits to multiple slides at once with batch processing
  • Very easy to use
Cons
  • Lacks features found in other slideshow software
  • Not for those with any editing experience

Key Features:

  • Speed up or slow down video using time presets
  • Add motion to static images with pan and zoom
  • Customizable text and animated elements

Compatibility: Windows


TechRadar Rating: 3.5/5


Beginner-Friendly: 5/5


Price: Free
*Premium version available for $59.99/year


Bottom Line

Most users find MiniTool Movie Maker lacking in tools and control over effects. It is one of the best free slideshow makers for someone making their first-ever slideshow, but not for anyone with the slightest bit of experience.   

13. SmartSHOW3D

SmartSHOW 3D Interface

Best For: Creating 3D collages

SmartSHOW 3D is one of the best free slideshow makers for creating quality photo and video slideshows with effects. You can put multiple layers on slides, apply animations to selected layers, add motion to still images, and add transitions. If you lack the time or skill for all this customization, simply place your photos and videos in a template and let the slideshow software do the rest.

Pros
  • Huge selection of professionally-designed slideshow templates
  • Automatic and manual slideshow creation for users of any skill level
Cons
  • Lacks video and photo editing tools
  • No dedicated free version, only a free trial

Key Features:

  • Complete control over slide animation including layers, keyframes, and motion settings
  • Automatically add transitions or manually choose from 180+ options
  • Add sound with 200+ background music tracks

Compatibility: Windows


Capterra Rating: 4.4/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4/5


Price: Price: 10-day free trial, then $29.95/year for Standard Edition, $49.95/year for Deluxe Edition, and a one-time payment of $99.90 for Gold Edition


Bottom Line

With SmartSHOW 3D, you can produce professional slideshows even if you’re not tech-savvy. We love the new additions to this slideshow software, including Face Recognition and Animated Travel Maps for vacation slideshows.

14. Focusky Presentation Maker

Focusky Presentation Maker Interface

Best For: Animated presentations for businesses

We think Focusky is one of the best free slideshow makers because of its 3D transition effects. 3D zooming, panning, and rotating make it feel like a 3D movie and less like a traditional slide presentation. There are over 300 animation effects and animation paths so you can move any elements on a slide and add visual interest.  

Pros
  • You can make a slideshow with customizable animations and 3D effects
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Free version has limited features
  • Full version is pricey

Key Features:

  • Online template library that includes 3D backgrounds
  • Customize the play order, delay time, and transition time of each slide
  • Includes over 1,000 animated Flash, PNG, and GIF characters

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


G2 Rating: 4.1/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $9.90/month for Standard and $99/year for Professional


Bottom Line

Focusky Presentation Maker is one of the best free slideshow makers for making unique slideshow presentations for your business. Although the slideshow software has a free version, we found it wasn’t practical for regular or professional use. 

15. iMovie

iMovie Interface

Best For: Apple enthusiasts on a budget

iMovie is a video editor and the best free slideshow maker for Mac users. With this slideshow software, you can seamlessly go between photos and videos. Add music from your iTunes account or choose a background track from the stock library.

Pros
  • Lots of tools and effects for video editing
  • Completely free on all Apple devices
Cons
  • No dedicated slideshow tools or templates
  • It is not regularly updated

Key Features:

  • Give your slideshow the same look throughout with color tools and filters
  • Change the duration of each photo with speed adjustment tools
  • Create a theme with background templates

Compatibility: Mac


App Store Rating: 4/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4/5


Price: Free


Bottom Line

As a video editor,iMovie is easy to use, however, as a slideshow software, it is harder to figure out. It does not have dedicated templates or tools to help you make a slideshow. In light of these facts, we decided the Beginner-Friendly Tools rating was too high, dropping iMovie from #6 to #15.

16. Animoto - Best for Templates

Animoto Interface

Best For: Automatic slideshow creation using a themed template

This is one of the best free slideshow makers for beginners because it has a friendly user interface and lets you drag and drop videos and photos from many different sources. With this slideshow software, you can choose a storyboard template based on a theme (like birthday or graduation), then customize it with colors, text, and music.  

Pros
  • Some stock assets are available in the free version
  • Beginner-Friendly drag-and-drop interface
Cons
  • You can’t edit video clips
  • Slideshow software offers limited creative control

Key Features:

  • Royalty-free photos, videos, and music stock libraries
  • Record and add voice-over for a personal touch
  • Upload custom fonts for your brand

Compatibility: Web Browser


TechRadar Rating: 3/5


Beginner-Friendly: 5/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $15/month for Basic, $24/month for Professional, and $65/month for Teams


Bottom Line

Themed templates mean you can make a slideshow with Animoto in no time at all, with no previous experience. However, seasoned content creators won’t like that creative options are limited and you can’t edit individual clips. The free version watermarks videos, and since our last writing, the prices for paid versions have doubled. This is why it fell from #4 to #16 on our list of best free slideshow makers.

17. Aquasoft

Aquasoft Interface

Best For: Adding motion to still images

Aquasoft is one of the best free slideshow makers for Windows and it comes with many different options to make a slideshow, at varying price points.You can choose a camera pan, zoom, or animated transition to bring your images to life. You can even add a parallax effect, motion blur, and 3D effects.

Pros
  • Slideshow software for any price point or skill level
  • Includes advanced features and 3D effects
Cons
  • Only offers a free trial
  • Top tier versions have a learning curve

Key Features:

  • Color adjustment and LUTs for photos and videos
  • Hundreds of finely adjustable transitions
  • Display images full size or as part of a collage

Compatibility: Windows


Softpedia Rating: 4/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4/5


Price: 30-Day free trial, then $27 for Slideshow Easy, $59.90 for Photo Vision, $99.90 for Video Vision, and $250 for Aquasoft Stages


Bottom Line

We choseAquasoft as one of our best free slideshow makers because it has options for anyone from beginners to pros to make a slideshow. However, it only offers a free trial of its products, and if you want all the amazing tools this slideshow software has to offer, you need to pay for the top-tier editions (which also come with a steep learning curve). 

18. Movavi Slideshow Maker

movavi-screenshot

Best For: Photo or video slideshows for social media

Movavi has a dedicated Slideshow Maker that includes tons of fun design elements that are perfect for social media. We think it’s one of the best free slideshow makers for beginners becausethey can make a slideshow in 3 easy steps using the Slideshow Wizard. There’s also a Manual Mode to customize the selection of unique stickers, titles, and effects.

Pros
  • Offers automatic and manual modes
  • Very intuitive and easy to use
Cons
  • Only 1-week free trial, and output is watermarked
  • Slideshow Maker is separate from Video Editor

Key Features:

  • Includes artistic photo filters, animated titles, and stickers
  • Over 100 unique transitions
  • Built-In background music tracks

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


Product Hunt Rating: 3/5


Beginner-Friendly: 4.5/5


Price: 7-day free trial, then $44.95/year or $64.95 for a Lifetime License


Bottom Line

Movavi Slideshow Maker is a quick and easy choice for beginners, while still offering creative freedom with some fun animated design elements. However, it lacks a free version, and the free trial is limited to one week with watermarked content.  

19. PhotoStage Slideshow Software

PhotoStage Slideshow Interface

Best For: Quick slideshow creation for those with a large number of photos and videos

PhotoStage is one of the best free slideshow makers because you can make a slideshow with thousands of photos and video clips. Easily add text, effects, music, and voice-over. Edit your photos' brightness, saturation, and color, then, burn your slideshow to a disc, upload online, or save it.

Pros
  • Most tools are completely free for home use
  • Choose to make a slideshow automatically, or customize each slide
Cons
  • Users may experience glitches with some effects
  • Customer support is only available for an additional fee

Key Features:

  • Use Quick Create to make a slideshow instantly with pans, zooms, and fades
  • Add animated graphic overlays to your slides
  • Audio tools including a background music library, audio effects, and sound mixing

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


TopTenReviews Rating: 4/5


Beginner-Friendly: 3.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $60 for Home Edition and $80 for Pro Edition


Bottom Line

PhotoStage is an excellent choice if you need to make a slideshow in a hurry. However, we found it lacked the polish of other slideshow software, and we came across a few glitches during our test.

20. Photopia

Photopia Interface

Best For: Professionals

Photopia is the best free slideshow maker for professionals and advanced users. You can make a slideshow with a combination of photos, videos, and even illustrations. This slideshow software has over 700 effects, plus support for motion filters, keyframing, layer editing, and masking.

Pros
  • Lots of advanced features offering maximum creative control
  • Includes a Slideshow Wizard for automatic slideshow creation
Cons
  • Only offers a free trial and the paid versions are expensive
  • Not beginner-friendly

Key Features:

  • Advanced audio tools like music auto-sync, music blending, and voice-over
  • 50+ publishing and sharing options
  • 16 different layer compositing modes

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


Fix the Photo Rating: 4/5


Beginner-Friendly: 2/5


Price: 21-Day free trial, then $9.95/month for Creator or $24.95/month for Director


Bottom Line

Photopia is not the best free slideshow maker if you are on a budget - it’s pretty pricey and only offers a free trial. The good news is that almost all the advanced features found in the Director version are available in the moderately-priced Creator version.

Best Free Slideshow Makers Comparison Chart

Software OS Beginner-friendly Slideshow Features Free Stock Music and Photo Library Video Editing Tools Free Download
PowerDirector Windows, Mac Yes Photo and Video slideshow support, dedicated Slideshow Creator with templates Yes Yes
Free Download
Secure Download
FlexClip Web Browser Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates Music stock only Yes Download
ThunderSoft Free Slideshow Maker Web Browser Yes Photo slideshow support, slideshow templates Photo stock only No Download
Aiseesoft Slideshow Creator Web Browser Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates Yes No Download
Invideo AI Windows Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates No No Download
Canva Mac Yes Create a slideshow on editing timeline with photo or video. No dedicated slideshow templates Yes Yes Download
PixTeller Windows, Mac, Web Browser Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates Yes Yes Download
Icecream Slideshow Maker Windows Yes Photo slideshow support No No Download
Adobe Express Windows Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow themes, Easy Mode and Storyboard mode No Yes Download
Kizoa Web Browser Yes Photo and video slideshow support, AI-generated slideshows, slideshow templates Yes Yes Download
Fastreel Web Browser Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates Photo stock only Yes Download
MiniTool Movie Maker Web Browser Yes Photo slideshow support, slideshow templates Yes No Download
SmartSHOW 3D Web Browser Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates Music Stock only Yes Download
Focusky Windows Yes Photo and video sideshow support, slideshow wizard tool and templates No Yes Download
iMovie Windows Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates Yes No Download
Animoto Windows, Mac Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates No No Download
Aquasoft Windows Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates No Yes Download
Movavi Slideshow Maker Windows, Mac Yes Photo and video slideshow support, slideshow templates, Slideshow Wizard Music stock only No Download
PhotoStage Slideshow Software Windows, Mac Yes Photo and video slideshow support, Quick Create Slideshow Wizard tool Yes No Download
Photopia Windows, Mac No Photo and video slideshow support, Slideshow Wizard tool No Yes Download

PowerDirector vs

OS

Windows, Mac

-

Beginner-friendly

Yes

-

Slideshow Features

Photo and Video slideshow support, dedicated Slideshow Creator with templates

-

Free Stock Music and Photo Library

Yes

-

Video Editing Tools

Yes

-

How to Make a Slideshow on Windows and Mac

The easiest way to make a slideshow is with PowerDirector. Simply download it by clicking the link and follow the steps below.


  1. Choose an Aspect Ratio on the launch screen, then click New Project.
  2. Click Pluginsand chooseSlideshow Creator.
  3. PowerDirector - Next Slideshow
  4. Click Import your Photos and choose the images you want to use in your slideshow.
  5. Select a style and background music. The background music can be imported from your computer or selected from the stock library.
  6. PowerDirector - Add Music
  7. Customize your style with Slideshow Preferences.
  8. PowerDirector - Slideshow Preferences
  9. Click Next and preview your slideshow.
  10. Click Next and choose Produce Video, Create Disc, or Advanced Editing.

For more information on how to make a slideshow with with the best free slideshow maker, watch this video tutorial

Download the Best Slideshow Maker for Free

Whether you're highlighting a recent vacation, motivating your colleagues, or sharing cherished memories, PowerDirector's Slideshow Creator is all you need.

PowerDirector delivers unmatched creative freedom, editing capabilities, and stunning visual effects to produce awe-inspiring slideshow videos. Its beginner-friendly design doesn't compromise on advanced editing tools, allowing seasoned users to achieve cinema-worthy results with every project.

Embrace boundless creativity by downloading PowerDirector using the link below and start crafting personalized slideshows today.

Best Free Slideshow Maker FAQ

1. What is a slideshow?

A slideshow is a series of still images or videos in a prearranged sequence typically linked through a common theme, topic, or event. They are a fun way to mark a special occasion or add visuals to data for business presentations.

2. What features should I look for in a free slideshow maker?

The top features you should look for in the best free slideshow makers are:

  1. Transitions
  2. Titles
  3. Smart fit background music
  4. Motion Graphics or Animated Stickers
  5. Royalty-free music and image stock library
  6. Photo and video slideshow support
  7. Themed slideshow templates
  8. Control video speed and duration
  9. Filters
  10. Video editing tools

If you’re looking for the best free slideshow maker that checks all of these boxes, we recommend PowerDirector. Try it for free by clicking the link below.

3. What is the best slideshow maker for free?

PowerDirector is our choice for the best free slideshow maker. It has a dedicated free version you can use as long as you want, plus affordable premium features. It is beginner-friendly but has the advanced tools and the creative control that professionals will love.

To try the best free slideshow maker, click the link below.

4. Is there a free slideshow maker?

We recommend PowerDirector as the best free slideshow maker. The free version never expires, and you can try out all the premium features for free for 30 days. 

To try the best free slideshow maker for yourself, click the link below.

5. Where can I make slideshows with music and pictures free?

PowerDirector is the best free slideshow maker to make a slideshow with music and pictures. Not only can you upload your own music, but it offers a library of royalty-free background music. It has beginner-friendly automatic options, and a full suite of video editing tools to maximize creativity.

Click the link below to try PowerDirector and make a slideshow keepsake for friends and family today.

6. How many pictures do I need for a 20 minute slideshow?

A good rule of thumb is to allow about 7 seconds per photo (5 seconds to properly take in a photo and 2 for the transition), or about 8-9 photos a minute. That means 160-180 photos is a good amount for a 20-minute slideshow.

7. How many photos do I need for a 10 minute slideshow?

We recommend 80-90 photos for a 10-minute slideshow. However, if you plan to use more than one photo on each slide, the number could go up.

8. How many photos do I need for a 5 minute slideshow?

You need around 40-45 photos to make a slideshow that lasts 5 minutes.

9. How many slides do I need for a 15 minute slideshow?

If each slide is a photo, you will need around 120-144 slides, since photos only need to stay up an average of 7 seconds. However, professional presentations with lots of text, graphs, and sales figures need to stay up significantly longer. We recommend around 10-30 slides for a 15-minute presentation.

10. How do I make my own slideshow?

Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to make a slideshow with PowerDirector. 

Then click the button below to download PowerDirector for yourself and make a slideshow with no experience necessary.

11. How do I make a video slideshow?

You can make a video slideshow using PowerDirector.

Download PowerDirector with the below link, then click here for a complete tutorial on using PowerDirector’s Slideshow Creator, and here for a guide on how to make a video collage.

12. What is the best size image for a slideshow?

First and foremost, your slides should be the same width and height. 2880 pixels x 1620 pixels is our recommended size.

13. What is the 10 20 30 rule for slideshow?

The 10-20-30 rule states that a PowerPoint or business presentation should have a maximum of 10 slides, be no longer than 20 minutes, and use a minimum font size of 30.

14. What makes a good photo slideshow?

The right music can make or break a photo slideshow. Choose a song or background music that conveys the mood of your images. We also recommend adding text when appropriate and varying the transitions you use. Add visual interest with pan and zoom effects to add motion to static images.

Was this article helpful?

You May Also Like:

Recommended Products: