Visual Storytelling: A Guide to the Top Presentation Tools

Presentations: they’re the bread and butter of the professional world, the secret sauce of academia, and occasionally, the unexpected guest at personal shindigs. In 2023, over 29 million people in the UK alone have crafted their stories into slides . Whether you’re a slide-slinging executive or a student trying to make your thesis look less terrifying, choosing the right presentation app is as crucial as the content itself.

But before we get to the nitty gritty of each app, let’s dive into the statistics for each presentation app usage in 2023 and 2024:

PowerPoint

In 2024, Microsoft PowerPoint continued to dominate the presentation scene with over 650 million active monthly users worldwide1. It held a 2.44% market share in the office productivity space1. In the UK, a significant number of young individuals, around 3.4 million 16-to-24-year-olds , have created presentations using PowerPoint.

Keynote

While specific global statistics for Apple’s Keynote in 2024 are not readily available, we know that the digital adoption in the UK has been significant, with a 97.8% internet penetration rate, which could suggest a proportionate use of digital tools like Keynote.

Google Slides

Google Slides saw a massive surge in usage with over 800 million people using it each month as of 2024. This growth is indicative of Google Workspace’s popularity, which includes Google Slides among its applications.

Canva

Canva has shown remarkable growth, with the number of active monthly users reaching 180 million worldwide in 20245. It has become a significant player in the graphics market with a 9.72% market share , and its valuation soared to $40 billion.

These statistics reflect the global trend towards more visually engaging and collaborative presentation tools, with each platform catering to different user needs and preferences. Whether it’s the comprehensive features of PowerPoint, the design-centric approach of Keynote, the collaborative nature of Google Slides, or the user-friendly interface of Canva, the choice of tool often aligns with the specific requirements of the task at hand and the user’s comfort with the technology.        

And now that you’ve got the stats, let’s get a closer look at the pros and cons of each app.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint , the granddaddy of presentation software, has been the go-to for over 20.3 million Brits . It’s like that reliable old car: it may not have all the fancy bells and whistles, but it’ll get you from point A to B without a fuss. Pros? It’s familiar, versatile, and has more templates than you can shake a stick at. Cons? Well, let’s just say it’s not winning any innovation awards lately.

Keynote

Keynote is the sleek, design-forward cousin from the Apple family. It’s got style, it’s got grace, and it’s used by over 4 million in the UK . Pros include its stunning animations and the ability to make your data look like it should be in a gallery. The downside? It’s a bit of an exclusive club – if you’re not part of the Apple ecosystem, you’re not getting in.

Google Slides

Then there’s Google Slides, the cool, collaborative kid on the block. With over 7.2 million users in the UK1 and a whopping 800 million monthly users globally , it’s the app of choice for those who love real-time collaboration and have a Google account glued to their hip. Pros? It’s free and cloud-based. Cons? It might not have the depth of features its older siblings boast.

Canva

And let’s not forget Canva, the new artist in town. It’s not just for presentations; it’s a one-stop-shop for all things design. In 2023, Canva reported a staggering 135 million active monthly users , with a design created every hour that could fill a small country’s art museum. Pros? Beautiful templates and ease of use. Cons? It might be too simple for the PowerPoint power-user.

Key Takeaways

Whether you’re a statistician making charts or a storyteller weaving narratives, there’s a platform waiting to frame your ideas. PowerPoint is the tried and true, Keynote is the designer’s dream, Google Slides is the collaborator’s canvas, and Canva is the digital artist’s ally.

In the end, it’s not about the slides; it’s about the stories they tell and the audience they captivate. So, pick your potion, craft your narrative, and remember: a great presentation can change the world – or at least make that Monday meeting a little less mundane.