Table of Contents

How to Add Music to a YouTube Video on Your Phone: A Definitive Guide

Adding music to your YouTube videos can significantly enhance their appeal and viewer engagement. Fortunately, you can accomplish this directly on your phone using various apps and tools, making the process incredibly convenient. This article breaks down the process step-by-step and answers all your burning questions.

The Quick Answer: Adding Music to Your YouTube Videos on Mobile

Adding music to your YouTube videos on your phone generally involves using a video editing app. The specific steps vary slightly depending on the app, but the core process remains the same. Here’s a general outline:

Choose a Video Editing App: Popular options include iMovie (for iOS), Kinemaster, PowerDirector, and the YouTube Studio app itself. Each app has its strengths and weaknesses, so experiment to find one that suits your needs.
Import Your Video: Open your chosen video editing app and import the video you want to add music to.
Add Your Music: Look for an “audio” or “music” button/icon within the app. This will allow you to browse your device’s music library, access royalty-free music libraries provided by the app, or even import music from cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Adjust the Music: Once you’ve added the music, you’ll likely want to adjust the volume, trim the length, or fade the music in and out. Most apps offer tools for these adjustments. Consider lowering the music volume so that your voice is clearly heard in the videos.
Export and Upload: After you’re satisfied with the music placement and volume, export the edited video from the app. Then, upload the finished video to your YouTube channel through the YouTube app. The YouTube Studio app provides options to edit your video post-upload.

Diving Deeper: Choosing the Right App

The success of adding music hinges on selecting the right app. Here’s a closer look at a few popular choices:

iMovie (iOS)

iMovie is a user-friendly option for iOS users and is known for its straightforward interface and ease of use. It provides basic editing tools and allows you to add music from your iTunes library. It also offers royalty-free music and sound effects. Its biggest strength is its integration within the Apple ecosystem.

Kinemaster (Android & iOS)

Kinemaster is a powerful mobile video editor with a wide range of features, including multi-layer editing, chroma keying (green screen), and precise audio control. It allows you to add multiple audio tracks and adjust their volumes independently. Kinemaster offers both free and paid versions with varying features. The free version includes a watermark.

PowerDirector (Android & iOS)

PowerDirector is another robust video editing app packed with features like multi-track editing, motion tracking, and video stabilization. It offers a vast library of royalty-free music and sound effects. PowerDirector offers a subscription-based model that unlocks premium features and content.

YouTube Studio (Android & iOS)

The YouTube Studio app primarily focuses on managing your YouTube channel, but it also offers basic editing capabilities, including the ability to add royalty-free music. While its editing features are less extensive than dedicated video editing apps, it’s a convenient option for quick edits and adding music directly within the YouTube ecosystem. This is the safest option because all the music offered is fully licensed for use on YouTube.

Fine-Tuning Your Audio: Making it Sound Professional

Adding music is one thing, but making it sound professional requires careful attention to detail:

Volume Levels: The most common mistake is having music that’s too loud. Lower the music volume so that it complements your voice or the primary audio of your video. Aim for the music to be background support and not the main thing that viewers hear.
Fading: Use fade-in and fade-out effects at the beginning and end of your music clips to create a smoother, more professional transition.
Trimming: Ensure the music fits the length of your video. Trim unnecessary parts of the song to keep viewers engaged.
Copyright Considerations: Always use royalty-free music or obtain the necessary licenses for copyrighted music. YouTube’s copyright detection system is highly sophisticated, and using unlicensed music can result in your video being taken down or monetized by the copyright holder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 commonly asked questions about adding music to YouTube videos on your phone:

Is it legal to use any song I want in my YouTube video? No. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to copyright strikes and video removal. Always use royalty-free music or obtain the proper licenses.
Where can I find royalty-free music for my YouTube videos? There are several websites offering royalty-free music, including YouTube Audio Library, Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Bensound, and PremiumBeat. Do your research and ensure the license covers your intended use.
How can I avoid copyright claims when using music in my videos? Use royalty-free music, purchase a license for copyrighted music, or obtain permission from the copyright holder. Additionally, credit the music creator in your video description. The safest choice is the YouTube Audio Library.
Can I use music from my iTunes or Spotify library in my YouTube videos? Generally, no. Music from streaming services like Spotify and iTunes is licensed for personal listening only and not for commercial use in your YouTube videos.
What is the best video editing app for adding music on an Android phone? Several excellent options exist, including Kinemaster, PowerDirector, FilmoraGo, and Adobe Premiere Rush. The “best” app depends on your specific needs and skill level.
How do I add music to a YouTube Short on my phone? YouTube Shorts has a built-in music library that you can access directly within the YouTube app while creating your Short. This is the easiest and safest way to add music.
How can I adjust the volume of the music and my voice in a video editing app? Most video editing apps allow you to adjust the volume of each audio track independently. Look for volume sliders or gain controls for each track.
Can I add multiple music tracks to my YouTube video on my phone? Yes, many video editing apps, like Kinemaster and PowerDirector, support multi-track audio editing, allowing you to add multiple music tracks and sound effects.
How do I trim the music to fit my video’s length? Most video editing apps have a trimming tool that allows you to cut the beginning and end of audio clips to match the length of your video. Simply drag the edges of the audio clip to shorten it.
What does “royalty-free” mean? Royalty-free music means that you pay a one-time fee to use the music without having to pay ongoing royalties for each use. However, there might be restrictions on how you can use the music, so always read the license agreement carefully.
How do I give credit to the music creator in my video description? Include the artist’s name, song title, and a link to their website or social media profile in your video description. Check the license agreement for the specific crediting requirements.
Is the YouTube Audio Library free to use? Yes, the YouTube Audio Library is completely free to use for any YouTube video. The music available is specifically licensed for use on YouTube, making it a safe and reliable source.

By following these guidelines and answering these frequently asked questions, you can effectively add music to your YouTube videos on your phone and create engaging content for your audience, all while staying within the bounds of copyright law. Remember to experiment with different apps and techniques to find what works best for you and your unique style. Good luck and happy creating!