How to Put Music on YouTube Videos: The Definitive Guide

So, you’re ready to take your YouTube content to the next level by adding music? Excellent choice! Music can drastically improve viewer engagement, set the mood, and elevate your overall production value. The key, however, is doing it legally and effectively. Let’s dive into the how-to, ensuring you navigate the sometimes-tricky world of music licensing like a pro.

The most direct way to put music on YouTube videos is through your video editing software or directly through the YouTube Studio platform. Choose royalty-free music from a reputable library, obtain the necessary licenses for copyrighted tracks, or utilize YouTube’s built-in Audio Library. Remember, using copyrighted music without permission can lead to copyright strikes and the dreaded video takedown.

Step-by-Step: Adding Music Like a Pro

Here’s a breakdown of the process, covering various scenarios:

1. Choosing Your Music Source

This is arguably the most crucial step. You have a few options:

• Royalty-Free Music Libraries: Sites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, PremiumBeat, and Envato Elements offer subscription-based or per-track licenses that grant you the right to use their music in your videos without ongoing royalty payments. This is generally the safest and most cost-effective option for consistent content creators. Be sure to read the license agreement carefully to understand the terms of use (e.g., whether you need to credit the artist).

• Creative Commons Music: Platforms like the Free Music Archive and Jamendo offer music under Creative Commons licenses. These licenses allow you to use music for free, often with attribution required. Pay close attention to the specific Creative Commons license attached to each track (e.g., CC BY, CC BY-SA) to understand the conditions of use.

• YouTube Audio Library: YouTube provides a library of free music and sound effects that you can use in your videos. It’s easily accessible within YouTube Studio and is a great starting point for beginners. However, the selection can be limited, and many creators find themselves seeking more unique options elsewhere.

• Licensed Music (The Hard Way): If you want to use a popular song by a mainstream artist, you’ll need to obtain the necessary licenses from the copyright holders (usually the record label and the music publisher). This can be a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process. We generally advise against this unless you have a substantial budget and legal expertise.

2. Editing the Music into Your Video

Regardless of your music source, you’ll need to integrate it into your video using video editing software. Here’s how the process generally works:

• Import Your Video and Music: Open your video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Filmora, iMovie). Import your video footage and the music track(s) you’ve chosen.

• Place the Music on the Timeline: Drag the music track onto the audio timeline. Ensure it aligns with the appropriate parts of your video.

• Adjust Volume Levels: This is critical for achieving a professional sound. The music should complement, not overwhelm, your dialogue or narration. Adjust the music volume so that it’s lower than your voiceover or primary audio. Consider using audio ducking, which automatically lowers the music volume when dialogue is present.

• Edit the Music: Cut, trim, and fade the music to fit the length of your video segments. Use fades at the beginning and end of the music track for a smooth transition.

• Export Your Video: Once you’re satisfied with the audio and video, export the final video file in a YouTube-compatible format (e.g., MP4).

3. Adding Music Directly in YouTube Studio (Alternative)

YouTube Studio offers basic audio editing capabilities, allowing you to add music directly to your videos after uploading.

• Upload Your Video: Upload your video to YouTube Studio.

• Go to the Editor: Once the video is processed, navigate to the “Editor” tab.

• Add Music: Click on the “Audio” tab. You can browse the YouTube Audio Library or upload your own licensed music (ensure you have the rights!).

• Adjust Volume and Timing: Adjust the volume levels of the music and position it within the video timeline.

• Save Your Changes: Save your changes to apply the music to your video.

4. Best Practices for Music Integration

• Consider the Mood: Choose music that complements the overall tone and message of your video. Upbeat music might be suitable for vlogs, while more dramatic music could be used for cinematic content.

• Avoid Copyright Infringement: This is paramount. Always verify that you have the necessary rights to use the music in your video. YouTube’s Content ID system is very effective at detecting copyrighted music, and violations can lead to serious consequences.

• Credit the Artist (When Required): If your license agreement requires attribution, include the artist’s name and song title in your video description. Some Creative Commons licenses mandate this.

• Test Your Audio: Before publishing your video, listen to it on different devices (e.g., headphones, speakers) to ensure the audio levels are balanced and the music sounds good.

• Keep it Legal: Ignorance is not a defense against copyright infringement. Always err on the side of caution and obtain the necessary licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

YouTube has a system called Content ID that scans uploaded videos for copyrighted material. If you use copyrighted music without permission, you may receive a copyright claim. This could result in your video being monetized by the copyright holder (they get the ad revenue), your video being muted, or, in severe cases, your video being taken down. Multiple copyright strikes can lead to the termination of your YouTube channel.

2. Can I use a short clip of a copyrighted song under “fair use”?

While “fair use” exists, it’s a complex legal doctrine and is often misunderstood. Simply using a short clip doesn’t automatically qualify as fair use. Fair use typically applies to commentary, criticism, news reporting, education, or parody. If your use doesn’t fall into one of these categories, it’s unlikely to be considered fair use. It’s best to avoid relying on fair use unless you have a strong legal basis.

3. Where can I find free music for my YouTube videos?

The YouTube Audio Library is a good starting point. Other options include Creative Commons music platforms like the Free Music Archive and Jamendo. However, always double-check the license terms before using any free music.

4. Do I need to credit the artist even if I purchased a royalty-free license?

It depends on the terms of the license agreement. Some royalty-free licenses require attribution, while others don’t. Always read the license carefully to understand your obligations. If attribution is required, provide the artist’s name and song title in your video description.

5. What is the difference between a royalty-free license and a Creative Commons license?

A royalty-free license grants you the right to use music without paying ongoing royalties for each use. You typically pay a one-time fee or subscribe to a service. Creative Commons licenses offer music for free under specific conditions, such as attribution or non-commercial use. The key difference is that royalty-free licenses usually involve a payment (either one-time or subscription-based), while Creative Commons licenses are typically free, but with usage restrictions.

6. How do I know if a song is copyrighted?

If the song is commercially available (e.g., on Spotify, Apple Music), it’s almost certainly copyrighted. Unless the artist has explicitly released the song under a Creative Commons license or it’s in the public domain, you’ll need to obtain permission to use it.

7. Can I use music I created myself?

Yes, if you created the music yourself and own all the rights to it, you can use it in your videos without any copyright issues. Just be sure you can prove ownership if challenged.

8. What is YouTube’s Content ID system?

Content ID is YouTube’s system for identifying and managing copyrighted content. It scans uploaded videos for copyrighted material, including music. If a match is found, the copyright holder can choose to monetize the video, mute it, or take it down.

9. How do I appeal a copyright claim on YouTube?

If you believe you have the right to use the music in your video (e.g., you have a valid license or you believe it falls under fair use), you can dispute the copyright claim through YouTube’s system. You’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim.

10. Is it legal to use music I purchased on iTunes in my YouTube videos?

Generally, no. Purchasing music on iTunes typically grants you a license for personal listening only, not for commercial use in videos. You’ll need to obtain a separate license to use the music in your YouTube videos.

11. What are some good royalty-free music libraries for YouTube creators?

Some popular and reputable royalty-free music libraries include:

• Epidemic Sound
• Artlist
• PremiumBeat
• Envato Elements
• AudioJungle

12. Can I use music from video games in my YouTube videos?

The rules regarding music from video games vary. Some game developers allow you to use their music in your videos, while others don’t. Check the game developer’s terms of service or contact them directly to inquire about their policy. Many games now offer “streamer-friendly” music options to avoid copyright issues.

By following these steps and being mindful of copyright laws, you can effectively add music to your YouTube videos and elevate your content to new heights. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to music licensing! Good luck, and happy creating!