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How To Add Music To A Video On YouTube: A Complete Guide

Adding music to your YouTube videos is a fantastic way to enhance viewer engagement, evoke emotion, and generally level up your content. There are several methods available, each offering different degrees of control and complexity.

The simplest way to add music to a YouTube video is directly through the YouTube Studio editor. You can access the YouTube Audio Library, which is a royalty-free collection of tracks that you can add to your video without worrying about copyright strikes. Alternatively, you can use third-party video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even free options like DaVinci Resolve to add more sophisticated sound design, layering, and mixing before uploading the video to YouTube. Finally, for mobile editing, various apps like iMovie or CapCut are available to add music to videos on the go.

Understanding Your Options

Before diving into the “how,” it’s crucial to understand the landscape. You’re not just slapping any old song onto your video. Copyright is a real concern, and navigating it correctly can save you from headaches down the line.

YouTube Audio Library: This is YouTube’s own collection of free music and sound effects. It’s safe, easy to use, and perfect for beginners. The library contains music that YouTube has already licensed for creators to use.
Royalty-Free Music Websites: Many websites offer music that you can license for a fee. These licenses grant you the right to use the music in your videos, typically based on specific terms and conditions. Ensure you understand these conditions before using any music. Some popular options include Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Soundstripe.
Creative Commons Music: This music is licensed under Creative Commons licenses, which allow you to use the music for free, but often with certain conditions like attribution (giving credit to the artist). Always read the license carefully.
Third-Party Video Editing Software: This option allows you to work with the audio on your computer, before uploading the video.

Adding Music Using the YouTube Studio Editor

This is the easiest and safest way to add music, especially for beginners. Here’s the step-by-step:

Log in to YouTube Studio: Go to studio.youtube.com and sign in with your Google account.
Select the Video: In the left-hand menu, click “Content” and select the video you want to edit.
Open the Editor: Click on the “Editor” option in the left-hand menu of the video details page.
Add Music: Click the “+” icon labelled “Audio”. This will open the YouTube Audio Library.
Browse the Audio Library: Explore the vast selection of music by genre, mood, instrument, duration, or using the search bar.
Preview Tracks: Click the “Play” button to preview a track.
Add the Track: Once you find a track you like, click “Add” next to it. The track will be added to the timeline below your video.
Adjust the Audio: Drag the edges of the audio clip to trim it. You can also adjust the volume of the track using the volume slider.
Save Your Changes: Click the “Save” button in the top right corner to apply your changes. YouTube will process your video with the new audio.

Using Video Editing Software for Greater Control

For those seeking more advanced control and customization, video editing software is the way to go. Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and even free options like OpenShot or HitFilm Express offer powerful audio editing capabilities.

Import Your Video and Audio: Import your video footage and the music track into your chosen editing software.
Place the Audio on the Timeline: Drag and drop both the video and audio onto the timeline.
Adjust Audio Levels: Adjust the volume levels of both the video’s original audio and the music to create a balanced mix. Remember that the music should enhance the video, not drown out the dialogue.
Trim and Edit the Audio: Cut, trim, and move the audio track to align with specific moments in your video. You can also add fades, crossfades, and other audio effects.
Export Your Video: Once you’re happy with the results, export the video in a YouTube-compatible format (MP4 is recommended) with appropriate settings.

Mobile Editing with Apps

For quick edits on the go, mobile video editing apps offer a convenient solution. Apps like iMovie (iOS) and CapCut (iOS and Android) allow you to add music to your videos directly from your phone or tablet.

Import Your Video: Open the app and import the video you want to edit.
Add Audio: Look for the “Audio” or “Music” option within the app.
Choose Your Music: Select a track from the app’s built-in library or import your own music.
Adjust the Audio: Adjust the volume and trim the audio to fit your video.
Export Your Video: Save the edited video to your device and upload it to YouTube.

FAQs: All Your Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to provide even more information about adding music to YouTube videos:

1. What happens if I use copyrighted music without permission?

Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to a copyright strike on your YouTube channel. This can result in your video being taken down, your channel being demonetized, or even legal action. Always obtain the necessary licenses or use royalty-free music.

2. How do I find royalty-free music for YouTube videos?

There are several royalty-free music websites that offer music for YouTube videos. Some popular options include Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Soundstripe, and PremiumBeat. YouTube Audio Library is a free and very good alternative.

3. Is the YouTube Audio Library really free to use?

Yes, the YouTube Audio Library is completely free to use for your YouTube videos. However, some tracks may require attribution (giving credit to the artist in your video description). Always check the license information for each track before using it.

4. How do I give credit to the artist if required by the license?

If a track requires attribution, the license information will specify how to give credit. Typically, you’ll need to include the artist’s name, the track title, and a link to their website or social media profile in your video description.

5. Can I use music from Creative Commons?

Yes, you can use music from Creative Commons, but be sure to read the license carefully. Some Creative Commons licenses require attribution, while others may have restrictions on commercial use.

6. What is the best audio format for YouTube videos?

The best audio format for YouTube videos is AAC (Advanced Audio Coding). YouTube also supports MP3, but AAC generally offers better audio quality at a lower file size.

7. What is the ideal audio bitrate for YouTube videos?

The ideal audio bitrate for YouTube videos is 128kbps for mono and 384kbps for stereo. This provides a good balance between audio quality and file size.

8. How do I adjust the volume of the music so it doesn’t overpower my voice?

Use your video editing software or the YouTube Studio editor to adjust the volume levels of both the music and your voiceover. A good rule of thumb is to keep the music volume slightly lower than your voiceover.

9. Can I use music I purchased on iTunes or Spotify in my YouTube videos?

No, music purchased on iTunes or Spotify is typically licensed for personal listening only, not for commercial use in YouTube videos. You need to obtain a separate license to use this music in your videos.

10. How do I avoid copyright claims on YouTube?

To avoid copyright claims, always use royalty-free music, obtain the necessary licenses for copyrighted music, or use music from the YouTube Audio Library. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and don’t use the music.

11. How can I tell if a song is copyrighted?

It can be tricky to definitively tell if a song is copyrighted. However, if the song is commercially available on platforms like iTunes or Spotify, it’s almost certainly copyrighted. Always assume that music is copyrighted unless you have explicit permission to use it.

12. What are some tips for choosing the right music for my YouTube video?

Consider the mood and tone of your video when choosing music. The music should complement the visuals and enhance the overall viewing experience. Also, think about your target audience and their musical preferences. Choose music that will appeal to them and keep them engaged. Finally, remember that sometimes silence is golden. Don’t be afraid to let certain moments in your video play without music to create emphasis or allow viewers to focus on the visuals.