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Slideshow Content - Display Visual Content from Any Source

Slideshows are BrandCast's most flexible content type, letting you display images, presentations, and graphics from multiple sources in a unified, professional display.

The Power of Slideshows​

One Content Type. Unlimited Sources.

Unlike traditional digital signage that locks you into one content source, BrandCast Slideshows can display content from:

  • 📊 Google Slides - Live-synced presentations
  • 🎨 Canva Designs - Professional marketing graphics (Premium)
  • 📸 Direct Upload - Your own images and videos
  • 🔗 URL Import - Hosted images from any URL
  • 📷 Google Photos - Family photo albums (FamilyCast)

Mix and match sources in the same display - use Google Slides for dynamic product catalogs, Canva for promotional graphics, and direct uploads for local event photos. All displayed seamlessly.

Slideshow Sources

Import Sources Overview​

Google Slides Integration (All Plans)​

Best For: Live presentations, frequently updated content, collaborative editing

How It Works:

  • Connect your Google account
  • Select presentations from Google Drive
  • BrandCast syncs updates automatically
  • Changes appear on displays within minutes

Use Cases:

  • Product catalogs updated by marketing team
  • Menu boards edited in Google Slides
  • Training presentations
  • Corporate announcements
  • Event schedules

Key Benefits:

  • ✅ Live sync - updates automatically
  • ✅ Collaborative editing in Google
  • ✅ Familiar interface (Google Slides)
  • ✅ Version history in Google Drive
  • ✅ Works with existing presentations

Setup: Google Slides Integration Guide

Canva Import (Standard Feature)​

Best For: Professional marketing graphics, branded content, design-heavy displays

How It Works:

  • Connect Canva account (OAuth)
  • Browse your Canva designs
  • Import designs to Media Library
  • Add to slideshow layouts

Use Cases:

  • Sale and promotion graphics
  • Seasonal campaigns
  • Menu boards designed in Canva
  • Event posters
  • Brand-consistent content

Key Benefits:

  • ✅ Professional design tools in Canva
  • ✅ Brand kit integration
  • ✅ Template library access
  • ✅ High-quality PNG export
  • ✅ Design at exact display resolution

Availability: Included in all accounts

Setup: Canva Import Guide

Direct Upload (All Plans)​

Best For: Local photos, one-off graphics, custom imagery, quick updates

How It Works:

  • Drag and drop files to Media Library
  • Supports images (JPG, PNG, GIF) and videos (MP4)
  • Instant availability in slideshow
  • Organize with tags and folders

Use Cases:

  • Store-specific photos
  • Local event images
  • Product photography
  • Staff photos
  • Community content
  • User-generated content

Key Benefits:

  • ✅ Fastest method (drag & drop)
  • ✅ No external account needed
  • ✅ Full control over content
  • ✅ Works offline (after upload)
  • ✅ Supports video content

Supported Formats:

  • Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
  • Video: MP4, WebM
  • Max size: 50MB per file

Setup: Direct Upload Guide

URL Import (All Plans)​

Best For: Externally hosted images, CDN content, dynamic image URLs

How It Works:

  • Provide URL to image
  • BrandCast fetches and caches image
  • Display in slideshow
  • Optional auto-refresh

Use Cases:

  • Product images from ecommerce platform
  • User-generated content from website
  • Real-time graphics from external systems
  • Dynamic content from APIs
  • Shared assets across multiple systems

Key Benefits:

  • ✅ No file upload needed
  • ✅ Link to existing assets
  • ✅ Update at source
  • ✅ Reduce storage usage
  • ✅ Integration flexibility

Requirements:

  • Publicly accessible URL
  • Direct link to image file
  • HTTPS recommended
  • Stable hosting required

Setup: URL Import Guide

Creating a Slideshow​

Step 1: Choose Your Sources​

Single Source Slideshow:

Example: Google Slides Product Catalog
- Source: Google Slides integration
- Content: Live-synced presentation
- Updates: Automatic from Google
- Best for: Frequently changing content

Mixed Source Slideshow:

Example: Retail Store Display
- Slide 1-5: Google Slides product catalog (live)
- Slide 6-8: Canva promotional graphics (imported)
- Slide 9-10: Direct uploaded store photos
- Duration: 15 seconds per slide
- Transition: Fade

Multi-Content Slideshow:

Example: Community Board
- Main area: Slideshow (70% screen)
  - Community event photos (direct upload)
  - Canva announcements (imported)
  - Google Slides schedule (live)
- Sidebar: Weather + Calendar (30% screen)

Step 2: Import Your Content​

From Google Slides:

  1. Go to Integrations → Google Slides
  2. Click Connect Google Account
  3. Select presentation
  4. Configure auto-sync settings

From Canva (Premium):

  1. Go to Content Library → Import from Canva
  2. Click Connect Canva Account
  3. Browse your designs
  4. Click Import Design

Direct Upload:

  1. Go to Content Library
  2. Click Upload Media
  3. Drag and drop files
  4. Add tags for organization

From URL:

  1. Go to Content Library
  2. Click Add from URL
  3. Paste image URL
  4. Configure caching options

Step 3: Create Layout with Slideshow​

  1. Open Layouts → Create New Layout

  2. Add Image/Slideshow area to canvas

  3. Configure area settings:

    • Content Type: Slideshow
    • Source: Select imported content
    • Duration: Seconds per slide (5-30 recommended)
    • Transition: Fade, Slide, or None
    • Auto-advance: Enable for automatic rotation
    • Loop: Enable to repeat slideshow

  4. Add multiple content items to slideshow queue

  5. Drag to reorder slides

  6. Set individual durations per slide (optional)

Step 4: Configure Slideshow Settings​

Timing:

  • Slide Duration: 5-30 seconds per slide
    • Quick updates: 5-10 seconds
    • Detailed content: 15-20 seconds
    • Image galleries: 10-15 seconds
    • Text-heavy: 20-30 seconds

Transitions:

  • Fade: Smooth, professional (recommended)
  • Slide: Directional movement
  • None: Instant change
  • Custom: CSS animations (advanced)

Behavior:

  • Auto-advance: Automatically move to next slide
  • Loop: Restart from beginning when finished
  • Shuffle: Random slide order
  • Pause on hover: For interactive displays

Step 5: Assign to Display​

  1. Go to Displays
  2. Select target display
  3. Choose Active Layout → Your slideshow layout
  4. Slideshow begins playing immediately

Slideshow Best Practices​

Content Strategy​

Mix Dynamic and Static:

70% Static Content (imported/uploaded)
- Evergreen promotional content
- Brand imagery
- Standard messaging

30% Dynamic Content (live integrations)
- Google Slides for product updates
- Real-time pricing
- Event schedules

Content Rotation Planning:

Time of Day Scheduling:
- Morning: Breakfast menu (Google Slides)
- Lunch: Lunch specials (Canva graphics)
- Evening: Dinner menu (Google Slides)
- Overnight: Brand content (direct upload)

Update Frequency:

  • Live content (Google Slides): Auto-updates
  • Imported content (Canva): Update when designs change
  • Static content (uploads): Update as needed
  • Seasonal content: Replace quarterly

Design Guidelines​

Image Specifications:

For 1920×1080 Displays (16:9):

  • Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels (Full HD)
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • File format: JPG or PNG
  • Color space: sRGB
  • DPI: 72 (screen optimized)

For 1080×1920 Displays (Portrait):

  • Resolution: 1080×1920 pixels
  • Aspect ratio: 9:16
  • Same format/color requirements

Design Principles:

  • Large, readable text (minimum 24pt)
  • High contrast colors
  • Important content in center 80%
  • Safe margins (10% from edges)
  • Single focal point per slide
  • Minimal text (6-8 words max for quick reads)

File Optimization:

  • Compress images before upload
  • Target: 500KB - 2MB per image
  • Balance quality vs. file size
  • Use appropriate format (JPG for photos, PNG for graphics)

Performance Optimization​

Slide Count:

  • Optimal: 5-15 slides per slideshow
  • Maximum: 50 slides (performance considerations)
  • More slides = longer cache time

File Sizes:

  • Keep individual files under 5MB
  • Total slideshow under 100MB
  • Larger files = slower transitions

Caching:

  • Preloaded: Next 3 slides
  • Cached: All slides after first play
  • Refresh: On layout change or manual refresh

Network Efficiency:

  • Use locally cached content (uploads) for reliability
  • Use integrations (Google Slides) for dynamic content
  • Mix sources for optimal balance

Advanced Slideshow Techniques​

Multi-Source Playlists​

Combine Multiple Slideshows:

Playlist: "Daily Content Rotation"

  Layout 1: Morning Slideshow (15 min)
    - Google Slides breakfast menu
    - Canva morning promotions
    - Direct upload staff photos

  Layout 2: Midday Slideshow (15 min)
    - Google Slides lunch menu
    - URL imported product images
    - Canva sale graphics

  Layout 3: Evening Slideshow (15 min)
    - Google Slides dinner menu
    - Direct upload event photos
    - Canva closing announcements

Dynamic Content Zones​

Split Screen with Slideshow:

Layout: "Information Hub"

  Main Area (70%): Slideshow
    - Rotating content from all sources
    - 15 seconds per slide
    - Fade transitions

  Top Bar (10%): Live Data
    - Current time + date
    - Weather widget

  Sidebar (20%): Integration Feed
    - RSS news ticker
    - Calendar events
    - Social media feed

Scheduled Content Swapping​

Day-Part Scheduling:

Monday-Friday:
  6am-11am: Breakfast Content
  11am-2pm: Lunch Content
  2pm-5pm: Afternoon Specials
  5pm-close: Dinner Content

Weekend:
  All Day: Weekend Special Menu

Seasonal Rotation:

Winter: Holiday-themed slideshows
Spring: Spring sale graphics
Summer: Outdoor dining promotions
Fall: Back-to-school content

A/B Testing Slideshows​

Compare Performance:

  1. Create two versions of slideshow
  2. Schedule each to different displays
  3. Track engagement metrics
  4. Deploy winning version to all displays

Test Variables:

  • Slide duration
  • Content order
  • Transition types
  • Content sources (Google Slides vs Canva)
  • Text vs. image-heavy slides

Troubleshooting​

Slideshow Not Playing​

Check:

  • Is content imported to Media Library?
  • Is layout assigned to display?
  • Is display online and connected?
  • Are slides in correct order?

Solutions:

  • Verify content in Media Library
  • Re-assign layout to display
  • Check display connection
  • Reorder slides in layout editor

Slides Displaying Incorrectly​

Common Issues:

  • Wrong aspect ratio (16:9 vs 9:16)
  • Low resolution images appear pixelated
  • Content cut off at edges
  • Transitions stuttering

Solutions:

  • Match slide dimensions to display resolution
  • Use high-resolution source images
  • Add safe margins to slide designs
  • Reduce file sizes for smoother transitions

Google Slides Not Updating​

Check:

  • Is Google account still connected?
  • Is presentation still accessible?
  • What's the refresh interval?
  • Has presentation actually changed?

Solutions:

  • Reconnect Google account
  • Verify sharing settings
  • Manually trigger refresh
  • Check Google Slides for updates

Canva Import Failing​

Check:

  • Is Canva account connected?
  • Do you own the design?
  • Is design too complex?
  • Storage quota available?

Solutions:

  • Reconnect Canva OAuth
  • Verify design ownership
  • Simplify design in Canva
  • Clear space in Media Library

Use Cases by Industry​

Retail Stores​

Setup:

  • Google Slides: Product catalogs (live updates)
  • Canva: Sale graphics and promotions
  • Direct Upload: Store event photos

Example Slideshow:

1. Current sale (Canva graphic) - 15 sec
2. Product showcase (Google Slides) - 20 sec
3. Customer testimonials (Direct upload) - 15 sec
4. Upcoming events (Canva design) - 15 sec
5. Store hours (Google Slides) - 10 sec

Restaurants & QSR​

Setup:

  • Google Slides: Dynamic menu boards
  • Canva: Daily specials graphics
  • Direct Upload: Food photography

Example Slideshow:

Morning: Breakfast menu (Google Slides live)
Midday: Lunch specials (Canva graphics)
Evening: Dinner menu (Google Slides live)
All Day: Rotating food photos (Direct upload)

Corporate Offices​

Setup:

  • Google Slides: Department updates
  • Canva: HR announcements
  • Direct Upload: Team photos and events

Example Slideshow:

1. Company news (Google Slides) - 20 sec
2. Employee recognition (Canva) - 15 sec
3. Team events (Direct upload) - 15 sec
4. Policy updates (Google Slides) - 20 sec
5. Wellness tips (Canva) - 15 sec

Event Venues​

Setup:

  • Google Slides: Event schedules
  • Canva: Sponsor graphics
  • Direct Upload: Event photos

Example Slideshow:

1. Today's schedule (Google Slides live) - 20 sec
2. Sponsor logos (Canva) - 10 sec
3. Session highlights (Direct upload) - 15 sec
4. Upcoming events (Google Slides) - 15 sec
5. Venue map (Canva) - 15 sec

Integration with Other Features​

Combine with Live Widgets​

Slideshow + Dynamic Data:

Main Content Area: Slideshow (60%)
  - Product images from all sources

Sidebar Widgets (40%):
  - Weather forecast
  - Calendar events
  - RSS news feed
  - Social media feed

Playlist Integration​

Multiple Slideshows in Rotation:

Playlist Schedule:
  8am-12pm: Morning slideshow
  12pm-5pm: Afternoon slideshow
  5pm-close: Evening slideshow

Each slideshow: Different content sources
Transition: Fade between playlists

Emergency Override​

Priority Content:

  • Normal operation: Standard slideshow
  • Emergency alert: Override with urgent message
  • Storm warning: Display weather alerts
  • Store closing: Show closing announcement

Next Steps​

Get Started:

  1. Google Slides Integration - Connect presentations
  2. Content Import Guide - Upload and import content
  3. Layout Editor - Create slideshow layouts
  4. Display Management - Deploy to screens

Advanced Topics:

Related Features:

Ready to create your first slideshow? Start by importing content from your preferred source, then build a layout to showcase it beautifully on your displays.