Slides Timer: A Great Alternative to Embedding YouTube Video Timers in Google Slides

I always look for unique ways to keep students on-task, organized, and engaged. One helpful strategy I learned is embedding a timer in Google Slides. Sometimes, students must work on a task in pairs or individually, which creates the need for embedding a timer on specific slides. 



In the past, I have embedded YouTube videos; however, I recently came across a great Chrome Extension called Slides Timer that can create a personalized timer for your needs!

How Does It Work? 

Check out my video or read the instructions below: 


First, install the Chrome Extension in your Chrome Browser. 

Next, identify the slide that you want to add a timer to. Add the following text <<amount of time you want>>. For example, if I wanted a five-minute timer <<5:00>>

Finally, put your presentation in full-screen presentation mode. The timer will automatically work! 


Additional Features

Want to do more with your timer? Here are some powerful keyboard shortcuts and additional features! 

  • Use d key to pause timers. e key to reset timers. Timers will start pause with at the end.
  • <<5:00->> will count down starting at 5 minutes.
  • <<2:00+>> will count up starting at 2 minutes.
  • <<time>> will display the current time in AM/PM format.
  • <<date>> will display the date in 00/00/00 format.
  • <<date>> will display the date in shortened word format.
  • <<date>> will display the date in word format.
  • When using countdown trigger advancing to the previous slide with an extra - <<00:10-->> will move to the previous slide after 10 seconds.
  • When using countdown trigger advancing to the next slide by adding + <<00:10-+>> will move to the next slide after 10 seconds.
  • When using countdown trigger audio inserted on the slide by adding @ <<00:10-@>>.
  • When using countdown trigger video inserted on the slide by adding ! <<00:10-!>>.
  • <<time>> and <<date>> can be customized by adding | and formatting. <<date|MM/dd/yyyy>>





Matt Bergman (2023)





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