No, Google Forms has no built-in audio recorder or voice question. You can collect a recording link, accept an uploaded audio file or use an extension such as Mote. For recording directly in a form without an extension, you need a form builder with a voice question.
A rating tells you how someone felt. “Talk me through what happened” can tell you why. But Google’s question types (opens in a new tab) stop short of a record button, so collecting that spoken answer takes a few extra steps.
Here are the three workarounds, when each makes sense, and a template you can try below.
Your options at a glance
| Approach | What the respondent does | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Vocaroo link | Records elsewhere, then pastes a link | Leaves the form to make the recording |
| File upload | Records first, then uploads the audio file | Requires a Google account |
| Mote extension | Records through Mote within Google Forms | Needs the extension enabled and an account |
| A whatayarn voice question | Records and submits in the form | Uses a separate form builder |
1. Paste a Vocaroo recording link
Add a Short answer question and ask people to record in Vocaroo (opens in a new tab), copy the share link and paste it into your form. Give them a clear instruction:
Tell us about one thing we could improve. Record up to a minute in Vocaroo, then paste your recording link here.
This suits a few occasional recordings, especially from a group that knows the routine. The catch is the handoff: respondents leave your form and return with a link to audio hosted elsewhere.
Download recordings you need to keep. Vocaroo’s FAQ (opens in a new tab) does not guarantee permanent storage; our guide to how long Vocaroo recordings last explains why saving a link is not a backup.
2. Upload an audio file
Add a File upload question, allow audio files and set the file size and count limits. Respondents record elsewhere, save the file and upload it. Google lists Audio as a supported upload category (opens in a new tab).
File uploads require a Google account. The files go into the form owner’s Google Drive. This is a good fit for finished recordings, such as a speaking assignment, but adds steps for a spontaneous answer on a phone.
Tell people how long to record and check that your file restrictions accept their recording. Google’s upload troubleshooting guide (opens in a new tab) also notes that files cannot be uploaded from a shared drive.
3. Record with the Mote extension
Mote adds spoken responses to Google Forms. Its setup guidance (opens in a new tab) says respondents need Mote enabled in their browser and must be logged into an account. For speaking activities, students need the Chrome extension installed (opens in a new tab).
That can work well in a classroom already using Mote. Test as a student on the actual device and account they will use. For a public survey, consider whether everyone will install an extension to answer one question.
Listening is a separate feature: recipients without the extension follow a link to hear Mote audio (opens in a new tab). Adding a spoken prompt does not give everyone a recorder.
Can an add-on put a recorder in the form?
Google’s Forms add-on documentation (opens in a new tab) says editor add-ons cannot extend the form shown to respondents. A recorder in the editor’s sidebar therefore does not add a record button for people answering your form.
Chrome extensions such as Mote run in the respondent’s browser. Before choosing an integration, check whether it requires an extension or sends people to a separate recording page.
Build and preview before signing up. An account is needed to publish.
When is a voice answer useful?
Voice works best when you want an explanation, story or spoken exercise. Keep ratings and contact details in their usual fields, and give people one focused thing to talk about.
| Situation | Example prompt |
|---|---|
| Customer feedback | “What were you trying to do when you got stuck? Talk us through that moment.” |
| Language practice | “Describe your weekend in Spanish for up to a minute.” |
| Podcast questions | “What would you like us to explain in the next episode?” |
The research gives a useful caution. In a 2026 US smartphone survey (opens in a new tab) with 1,461 completers, spoken answers were significantly longer for five of nine open questions. The voice group also had more dropouts and unanswered questions. Longer answers did not mean more people answered.
A 2024 Spanish survey (opens in a new tab) with 1,001 completes found that surroundings and difficulty answering aloud were among the reasons people avoided voice input. These studies did not test whatayarn or Google Forms. Our practical takeaway: offer a typed alternative. Someone with a good story may be on a busy train.
Build a form with a voice question
With whatayarn, people record in their browser, listen back and submit alongside other answers. They need microphone permission, but no app, extension or whatayarn account. You’ll share a new form link; earlier Google Forms responses stay in your existing setup.
The voice message template below includes a one-minute voice question, upload and typed alternatives, optional name and email fields, and a thank-you page.
Voice message template
Try it here. Nothing is sent or saved.
To make it your own:
- Write a specific prompt. Replace “Your message” with the question you want answered.
- Keep the answer short. Free allows up to one minute; Creator allows up to ten. Keep upload and typing available for people who cannot record. See voice question settings.
- Preview, publish and test. Keep only the contact fields you need. You can build and preview before signing up; an account is needed to publish and share.
Free includes unlimited forms and responses with 100 MB of storage; Creator includes 50 GB. Storage covers recordings, uploaded files and form images. See Free vs Creator.
Test once before you share
Try the complete journey on a phone, using the browser and account your audience will use.
Before you send the link
Record, listen back and submit. Check for unexpected sign-in or extension steps.
Try the alternative: a recording link, file upload or typed answer.
Find the answer and download the audio. Open the saved file to check it plays.
For whatayarn, test the published link after Preview: preview answers are not saved in Responses. The response review guide covers playback and downloads. A CSV recording link is separate from the audio file itself.
Budget listening time, too. 100 answers averaging 30 seconds means 50 minutes of audio, before notes or replies. A focused prompt and short limit keep that task manageable.
Other questions about Google Forms audio
Can I add an audio clip for people to listen to?
You can link to hosted audio or use an extension. Google’s native media controls (opens in a new tab) support images and YouTube videos, but no audio-file player. A YouTube video containing your audio can work for a listening exercise.
Does keyboard dictation record an audio response?
No. Dictation, such as Gboard voice typing (opens in a new tab), turns speech into text. Google Forms receives the words, not a recording of the person’s voice.
Can people send audio without signing in to Google?
File uploads require sign-in. A pasted recording link avoids the upload requirement, but check the form’s settings: Google’s one-response limit (opens in a new tab) also requires sign-in. Respondents can answer a whatayarn voice question without a whatayarn account.