Songs for a Birthday Slideshow or Video
Songs for a birthday slideshow
A birthday slideshow lives or dies on two things: the length and the song. Four minutes is the ceiling, and the song needs a clear build so the photos have somewhere to go.
Here are the songs that work, split by the mood you want, plus the practical timings.
We don't sell music - we make cards, pin badges and prints in house, printed in the UK. So this is a straight guide to the songs, and the card that goes with the day.
Milestone birthday cards
Big birthday cards, designed in house and printed in the UK.
Warm and sentimental
- Forever Young - Bob Dylan or Alphaville, depending on the age of the room.
- In My Life - The Beatles.
- Landslide - Fleetwood Mac.
- The Best Day - Taylor Swift, for a parent.
- Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.
Upbeat and celebratory
- Best Day Of My Life - American Authors.
- Good Life - OneRepublic.
- Lovely Day - Bill Withers.
- Young At Heart - Frank Sinatra, especially for a 70th or 80th.
- Walking On Sunshine, if the photos are funny rather than touching.
Funny slideshows
- Pick something slightly too dramatic for the photos. The mismatch is the joke.
- Eye Of The Tiger, I Will Survive or Eye In The Sky all work for a run of bad haircuts.
- Keep funny slideshows under two minutes. The joke has a shelf life.
Matching the song to the decade
- For a 40th, use a song from the year they turned 18, not the year they were born.
- For a 60th or 70th, the number one from their birthday works as an opener before switching to the main track.
- For a first birthday, keep it instrumental - the photos are the whole thing.
Timing and practical bits
- Three to four minutes maximum, which is around 40 to 60 photos at four seconds each.
- Hold on the important photos for six seconds and speed through the filler.
- Put the oldest photos first and finish on a recent one of everyone in the room.
- Test the sound on the actual TV or projector - laptop speakers lie to you.
- Export the file and bring it on a USB stick. Don't rely on streaming at the venue.
Never miss the birthday again
Pop in the date and we'll email you a reminder two weeks before, with a link to the right cards. No spam, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Prints and party bits
Something to keep after the slideshow finishes.
Rainbow Happy Birthday Banner
£4.95
Pastel Daisy Happy Birthday Banner
£3.30
Gold And Pink Happy Birthday Banner
£3.30
Gold And White Happy Birthday Banner
£3.30
How to write it so it lands
- Collect photos from family two weeks ahead, not two days.
- Fade the music down for any video clips with sound in them.
- Show it before the speeches, while people are still seated.
- Send the file to the birthday person afterwards - it's half the present.
Where to shop next
- Wedding playlist songs
- Most popular first dance songs
- Funeral songs
- Birthday party playlist
- Christmas party playlist
- Songs to cheer someone up
- Karaoke songs for a party
- Songs about friendship
- Party planning guides
- All guides
- Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
- Birthday badges & party pins
- How to make a balloon arch
- Photo booth prop ideas
- Party bag ideas for adults
- How much helium do you need for balloons?
- Pin badges
Frequently asked questions
How long should a birthday slideshow be?
Three to four minutes, which is roughly 40 to 60 photos. Anything longer and the room starts talking over it.
What is a good song for a 50th birthday slideshow?
Forever Young, In My Life or Good Life all work. A song from the year they turned 18 lands better than one from the year they were born.
How many photos should a slideshow have?
About 15 photos per minute at four seconds each. Hold the important ones a little longer and cut anything that needs explaining.