Movavi Slideshow Maker
An easy-to-use, yet efficient slideshow making program
25 Best Free Slideshow Makers of 2024 (Desktop, Online & Apps)
Do you love taking a lot of photographs? Is videography one of your hobbies of choice? Are you seeking an excellent way to highlight your work? Whatever you require, the best slideshow maker allows you to restore your video and photo memories for a lifetime. What’s more, most of the software available today is free.
Fortunately, you will find many best free slideshow makers with music available today, running on Mac, Windows, mobile devices, and web. In this blog post, we will present everything you need to create the best photo slideshow software you can find in the market these days.
Are you now ready? Let’s dive in!
Desktop software – Windows & Mac:
Movavi Slideshow Maker, ThunderSoft Free Slideshow Maker, Free Bolide Slideshow Creator, Apple iMovie, NCH PhotoStage, Focusky Presentation Maker, Freemake Video Converter, DaVinci Resolve, Microsoft PowerPoint, Icecream Slideshow Maker
Online Tools:
Fastreel, Renderforest, PixTeller Slideshow Maker, Adobe Spark, InVideo, Kizoa Slideshow Maker, Kapwing, Promo, Smilebox
Android Apps:
iOS Apps [iPhone & iPad]:
Best free photo slideshow software for desktop – Windows & Mac
The best free photo slideshow software is no doubt a vital tool for most people. No matter if you are putting together a photo collection for family, a business presentation, or just a simple slideshow with music. Whatever you require, the best slideshow maker which offers high-quality and professional results will be something you’ll wish to use.
Let’s take a look at the best desktop choice for Windows and Mac.
OS: Windows, macOS
Licensing: free 7-day trial, paid subscription or lifetime version
Size: 58.2 MB
Our rating: 10/10
First on our list is Movavi Slideshow Maker. If you want to make a stunning slideshow from pictures or videos and add some music, this software is the easiest solution. Its intuitive interface allows you to use a large number of editing features and over 150 effects and filters. With this program, you can create amazing movies, even if you are a complete beginner.
Movavi’s slideshow maker software allows you to save your photo or video slideshow in all popular video formats and enables uploading it straight to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive. This program has a trial version that you can download for free.
Key Features:
Pros:
Sleek design and intuitive interface
Automatic slideshow creation
Plenty of editing features
Cons:
Some features behind a paywall
OS: Windows
Licensing: free version, paid extended version
Size: 31.4 MB
Our rating: 7/10
ThunderSoft Free Slideshow Maker is an excellently simple-to-use software package that allows you to create slideshow from your videos and pictures. You can include transition effects, play music, apply captions, use clip art, and so much more.
Key Features:
Pros:
Export as ready-to-use HTML code
Multilanguage support
Wide range of ready-made templates
Cons:
Some features behind a paywall
Outdated design
OS: Windows
Licensing: free
Size: 8.6 MB
Our rating: 6/10
This one of the best slideshow makers with music provides different customization features that include effects, tunes, and transitions. The good thing about this software is that you can easily drag images on the timeline at the bottom of the page. You can also customize the preferred way by clicking on the “effects,” “transitions,” and “audio files” tab on top.
Key Features:
Pros:
Speed adjustment
HD resolution support
Video stabilization
Cons:
Only basic features
Old-fashioned design
4. iMovie
OS: macOS
Licensing: free
Size: 466 MB
Our rating: 10/10
This famous photo slideshow maker with music from Apple has been around for quite a long time, and it has focused only on its one philosophy: ease of use in an elegant and clean interface. It’s a perfect place to begin if you prefer to learn to edit videos. That’s because the basic workflow of the software is the same as that of more sophisticated software.
Key Features:
Pros:
Excellent design
4K-resolution support
Available for mobile devices
Cons:
Not available for Windows
OS: Windows, macOS
Licensing: free version, paid home and pro versions
Size: 5.5 MB
Our rating: 6/10
The optimal slideshow software is NCH PhotoStage, for its easy operations and strong functionality. It has a very user-friendly interface that allows you to grasp the employing tricks within a few glances even if you are not computer savvy. What’s more, you can easily personalize your slideshow by including background music, transitions, as well as a time interval between each picture.
Key Features:
Pros:
Real-time preview
Video formats support
Audio editing features
Cons:
Some features behind a paywall
Old-fashioned design
OS: Windows, macOS
Licensing: free version, paid subscription or lifetime version
Size: 273.54 MB
Our rating: 8/10
On the other hand, Focusky is a fully-featured best free slideshow maker with music made to help you make captivating offline and online documents for work or study. These files can be shared through Windows, Mac, or online. Therefore, the software allows you to make dynamic presentations that can be distributed to a vast number of users. That’s true irrespective of the operating system they use.
Key Features:
Pros:
Customizable templates
Built-in media library
Excellent web work environment
Cons:
Some features behind a paywall
The full version may seem a little bit expensive
OS: Windows
Licensing: free version, paid pro version
Size: 50 MB
Our rating: 7/10
Freemake Video Converter is another software that enables businesses and individuals to make broadcast-quality videos and professional logos. You see, it’s a rather simple video creator that helps you create beautiful and powerful videos swiftly and effortlessly.
Key Features:
Pros:
Simple interface
Mobile screen support
Blu-ray support
Cons:
Outdated design
Watermark in the free version
OS: macOS, Windows, Linux
Licensing: free version, paid extended version
Size: 1.6 GB
Our rating: 9/10
You can make videos for different uses within a few minutes, ranging from commercials, infographics, slideshows, and a lot more. With this platform, your imagination is only the limit. DaVinci Resolve has a vast video template catalog too, where you can pick your desired preset and begin your work from there.
Key Features:
Pros:
High-quality visual effects
Audio mixing
Professional video editor
Cons:
Some features behind a paywall
OS: Windows, macOS
Licensing: free trial, paid home and business licenses
Size: 700 MB
Our rating: 10/10
In case you didn’t know yet, PowerPoint functions by automating the process of making presentations by just automating the slideshow making procedure. If you are a user, all you need to do is upload images and choose a template of your choice, and the software does the rest.
Key Features:
Pros:
Animation and transitions
Customizable themes
3D object support
Cons:
Limited functionality
No video export
OS: Windows
Licensing: free version, paid pro version
Size: 20.8 MB
Our rating: 8/10
Icecream’s slideshow maker with music is another software where you can make a slideshow with any choice of music. It’s a flexible platform that enables you to create, collaborate, share, and present presentations and documents. Along with editing and drag-and-drop features, this photo slideshow maker is undoubtedly a responsive and flexible video creator.
Key Features:
Pros:
Simple interface
Various export formats
High-quality video processing
Cons:
No multiplatform
Trial limitations
Free online slideshow makers do not fundamentally differ from each other and many desktop applications. Anyway, we'll point out some general information and their features.
11. Fastreel
Licensing: free version, subscription to the premium version
Our rating: 6/10
Fastreel is a simple online editor from Movavi. With its help, you can edit and cut videos and slideshows right in your browser. Registration is not required. The website has two options: online editing tools and ready-made templates.
Key Features:
Pros:
Free-to-use with unlimited functionality
No previous experience needed
Wide range of video editing options
Cons:
Watermark in the free version
12. Renderforest
Licensing: free version, subscription plans
Our rating: 8/10
Renderforest offers pretty good online tools to create high-quality videos, logos, mockups, and websites with minimal investment of time and effort. Use easily customizable scenes to create engaging videos in just minutes.
Key Features:
Pros:
Modern design
Easy-to-edit templates
2D and 3D animation
Cons:
Inability to create square videos
Watermark in the free version
Licensing: free version, premium subscription plans
Our rating: 9/10
PixTeller is incredibly simple and straightforward to use. There are no ads; it starts quickly and works with no freezes. There is no limit for photos to upload. You can add beautiful transitions between photos, as well as music.
Key Features:
Pros:
Simple interface
Automated publishing
Content management
Cons:
No official tutorials are available
Watermark in the free version
14. Adobe® Spark®
Licensing: free version, paid subscription
Our rating: 10/10
Adobe® Spark® is an integrated suite of multimedia content creation applications for mobile and web applications developed by Adobe®. It consists of three separate design apps: Spark Page, Spark Post, and Spark Video.
Key Features:
Pros:
Share on social media
Easily adaptable layouts
Beautiful designs
Cons:
Lack of available customizations
Difficult registration
15. InVideo
Licensing: free version, paid subscription
Our rating: 9/10
InVideo aims at the business and any other people who make presentations for professional purposes. It offers all the basic features you need to create an amazing video, from small intros to a full-fledged promotion video.
Key Features:
Pros:
Privacy options
Text overlay
Video capture
Cons:
Registration required
Licensing: free and paid versions
Our rating: 8/10
This online software offers a solution for the biggest challenges for photography experts, which is storing and managing RAW files. The business version gives you unlimited storage space for RAW files, regardless of file type.
Key Features:
Pros:
Rich export options
Full HD video processing
Pay once, no annual/monthly payments
Cons:
Limited functionality in basic and starter packs
Duration limitations
17. Kapwing
Licensing: free version, paid subscription
Our rating: 8/10
Kapwing offers many tools for online video editing – and they are outstanding. One of the best features is Subtitler, which allows you to autogenerate subtitles for video in almost any language. And this is really useful!
Key Features:
Pros:
AI auto-generated subtitles
Free version available
HD support
Cons:
No music library
No social sharing
18. Promo
Licensing: free version, paid subscription
Our rating: 8/10
Promo is a web-based visual content creation platform. This powerful web slideshow creator is a perfect choice if you don’t have much free time. What is more, it has a trial version, but you can also purchase a premium version.
Key Features:
Pros:
Easy sharing of slideshows
Large collection of templates
Cons:
No ability to download created videos in the free version
Certain features can be a little tricky to use
19. Smilebox
Licensing: free version, paid subscription
Our rating: 7/10
Smilebox offers an easy way to create animated slideshows and offers a variety of templates for doing so. Although Smilebox has a free version, many features require a subscription. Apart from the web version, Smilebox offers separate installers for Windows and Mac.
Key Features:
Pros:
Wide range of templates
Easy to save and share slideshows
Cons:
The interface can be confusing sometimes
Most of the features and templates require a subscription
20. Movavi Clips
Licensing: free version and paid versions
Size: 74 MB
Our rating: 7/10
Movavi Clips is an easy-to-use picture slideshow maker available for both Android and iOS. With this app, you can quickly turn your pictures into a slideshow video: upload your photographs to the app, add filters and effects, add transitions and music. You can also share the results with your friends on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Key Features:
Pros:
Excellent design
Free to use slideshow software
Fast performance
Cons:
Some features behind a paywall
21. Pixgram
Licensing: free version and paid versions
Size: 10 MB
Our rating: 5/10
With Pixgram, you can create a slideshow in three simple steps. It has all the same features as any online slideshow maker: mix pictures and videos into a collage, add music and video filters, and others. Developers claim that you can export the resulting video in HD quality.
Key Features:
Pros:
Modern design
User-friendly interface
Music adding
Cons:
Restrictions in the free version
22. MoShow
Licensing: free and paid versions
Size: 100 MB
Our rating: 7/10
Developed by Picadelic, this online alternative to the best free slideshow-making apps is a good choice if you plan to post your slideshow on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. The app has a variety of different cinematic effects for your slideshow. Note that if you’re using a free version of this app, you can save videos up to 30 seconds long.
Key Features:
Pros:
Slick design
Good performance
Reliability of work
Cons:
Limited functionality in the free version
Poor export video quality
23. SlideLab
Licensing: free with in-app purchases
Size: 205.2 MB
Our rating: 6/10
SlideLab offers many useful features – you can touch up pictures using filters, add transitions and background soundtrack, and many more. Save a slideshow on your phone or easily share it on social media.
Key Features:
Pros:
Pretty good design
Easy-to-use
Fast performance
Cons:
Main features behind a paywall
24. Slide Maker
Licensing: free with in-app purchases
Size: 54.9 MB
Our rating: 5/10
With Slide Maker, you can enhance your photographs with filters, add free built-in or your own soundtracks to a slideshow, crop, and rotate pictures. This free slideshow-making app also adjusts the length of your slideshow for Instagram.
Key Features:
Pros:
Pretty good video edits
A free-to-use app
Reliable performance
Cons:
Strict limitations unless you pay
No import from iCloud
25. Videoshop
Licensing: free with in-app purchases
Size: 147.6 MB
Our rating: 9/10
Videoshop is a powerful video editor that you can also use as a picture slideshow maker. It has a wide range of features: add music and sound effects, trim and rotate, apply filters and stickers. Additionally, the app provides advanced options, such as tilt-shift, distort effect, and screen capturing.
Key Features:
Pros:
High-tech design
Video-editing tools
Fast performance
Cons:
Some features behind a paywall
There are many so-called best slideshow makers for different devices with different capabilities. But if you’re seeking not a really reliable solution for your PC instead of any mobile or online slideshow makers – we recommend you to opt for Movavi’s video slideshow maker. It’s the best value for money mixed with a sleek design, fast performance, and a wide range of functionality. Check all the benefits you can get from this app right now!
Here are some of the easiest slideshow makers:
Movavi Slideshow Maker
NCH PhotoStage
Renderforest
Smilebox
SlideLab
You can use any slideshow maker that supports adding music to the slideshow. Check out the list below for possible options:
Movavi Slideshow Maker
ThunderSoft Free Slideshow Maker
Free Bolide Slideshow Creator
Icecream Slideshow Maker
PixTeller Slideshow Maker
Pixgram
SlideLab
Videoshop
It depends on the tools and functions you are looking for. You can choose yourself which program from the list below is the best slideshow maker:
Movavi Slideshow Maker
NCH PhotoStage
Free Bolide Slideshow Creator
Focusky Presentation Maker
Freemake Video Converter
DaVinci Resolve
Microsoft PowerPoint
Icecream Slideshow Maker
Slideshow makers usually support popular video, audio, and image formats.
Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, MPEG, MOV, WebM, and others
Audio: MP3, AAC, AIFF, FLAC, WAV, and others
Image: JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, and others
To create a well-made slideshow follow the tips below:
Think about the purpose of your slideshow beforehand and choose photos and music accordingly
Use only high-quality photos and music
Keep the slideshow short to engage the audience
Add text, animation, video clips, and transitions to spice up the slideshow
Choose a user-friendly slideshow maker
There are several features that you should look for in a slideshow maker:
Usability – the program shouldn’t be too hard to use.
Available tools – choose software that has a sufficient number of editing tools and special effects.
Licensing – if you don’t create slideshows for commercial purposes, there’s no need to buy an expensive program, you can use free tools. Conversely, you might want to use expensive sophisticated software for creating ads or promo videos.
Support – check out what support is available – for example live chat, online, or email support.
To find out what's the easiest way to make a slideshow, check out the video below.
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