Adding background music to your videos can significantly enhance the overall viewing experience. It brings life to your content and sets the tone for the emotions you want to convey. While there are various video editing software available, iMovie on iPhone stands out as a popular choice for beginners and experienced video creators alike. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to add background music to your videos using iMovie on iPhone. Whether you want to create a montage, a vlog, or a promotional video, iMovie provides intuitive tools to help you achieve your desired results.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add Background Music on iMovie iPhone
Background music plays a crucial role in videos by creating a captivating atmosphere. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding background music to your iMovie videos:
1. Setting the Mood: Music has the power to evoke emotions in viewers. By carefully selecting background music that aligns with the message and theme of your video, you can enhance the overall mood and impact of your content.
2. Creating Engagement: A well-chosen soundtrack can help to captivate your audience and keep them engaged throughout the video. It adds an additional layer of interest and makes the viewing experience more enjoyable.
3. Adding Professionalism: Background music can make your videos sound more polished and professional. It helps to elevate the quality of your content and gives your videos a more cohesive and immersive feel.
4. Enhancing Storytelling: Just like in movies, background music can enhance the storytelling aspect of your videos. By selecting the right music that complements the narrative, you can effectively convey your message and keep viewers invested.
Now that we understand the importance of background music, let’s dive into the various methods of adding it to your iMovie videos on iPhone.
Method 1: Via iMovie’s Built-in Music Library
Adding background music using iMovie’s built-in music library is a straightforward and convenient option. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open iMovie on your iPhone and create a new project or open an existing one.
Step 2: Tap on the "Audio" icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Select "Soundtracks" to access iMovie’s pre-loaded music library.
Step 4: Browse through the available soundtracks or use the search function to find a specific genre or mood.
Step 5: Tap on a soundtrack to preview it. Once you find the one you like, tap the "+" button to add it to your project.
Step 6: Adjust the volume of the background music by dragging the volume slider in the "Audio" tab.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers a wide selection of pre-loaded soundtracks. | 1. Limited customization options for the soundtracks. |
| 2. Easy to browse and preview different genres and moods. | 2. May not have the perfect soundtrack for your specific needs. |
| 3. Automatically adjusts the length of the soundtrack to match your video. | 3. May not always find a soundtrack that perfectly fits your video’s timing. |
Method 2: Using Your Own Music Library
If you have specific music tracks that you want to use as background music, iMovie allows you to import them from your iPhone’s music library. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open iMovie and create a new project or open an existing one.
Step 2: Tap on the "Audio" icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Select "My Music" to access your iPhone’s music library.
Step 4: Browse through your music library and select the track you want to use as background music.
Step 5: Tap the "+" button to add the selected track to your project timeline.
Step 6: Adjust the volume and duration of the background music as needed in the "Audio" tab.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to use your own music tracks. | 1. Requires prior download and organization of the desired music on your iPhone. |
| 2. Provides flexibility in choosing tracks that perfectly match your video’s theme. | 2. You need to ensure that you have the necessary rights to use the music in your video. |
| 3. Can create a personalized touch by using your favorite songs or original compositions. | 3. Lack of auto-adjustment for the length of the music track, requiring manual trimming. |
Method 3: Through Third-Party Music Apps
Another way to add background music to your iMovie videos is by utilizing third-party music apps. These apps offer a vast collection of licensed tracks that you can easily import into your iMovie project. Follow these steps to achieve this:
Step 1: Download and install a reputable third-party music app that is compatible with iMovie on your iPhone.
Step 2: Open iMovie and create a new project or open an existing one.
Step 3: Switch to the third-party music app and select the track you want to use as background music.
Step 4: Look for an "Export" or "Share" option within the music app and choose to export the track to iMovie.
Step 5: Switch back to iMovie and the imported track will appear in your project library.
Step 6: Drag the track to the desired section of your video timeline and adjust its volume as needed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Access to a wide range of licensed music tracks. | 1. Requires downloading and navigating through a separate app. |
| 2. Offers more customization options compared to iMovie’s built-in music library. | 2. Some third-party music apps may have subscription fees or in-app purchases. |
| 3. Ability to find unique and niche tracks that may not be available in iMovie’s library. | 3. Importing tracks from third-party apps may add extra steps to the editing process. |
Method 4: Using Copyright-Free Music Websites
For those who are concerned about copyright issues or have specific licensing requirements, using copyright-free music websites can be a great solution. These websites offer a vast collection of music tracks that are free to use for personal and commercial purposes. Here’s how you can incorporate copyright-free music into your iMovie videos:
Step 1: Go to a reputable copyright-free music website such as YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, or Incompetech.
Step 2: Browse through the available tracks and find the one that suits your video.
Step 3: Download the selected track to your iPhone.
Step 4: Open iMovie and create a new project or open an existing one.
Step 5: Tap on the "Audio" icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
Step 6: Select "My Music" and locate the downloaded copyright-free track.
Step 7: Add the track to your project timeline and adjust its volume and duration as needed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Access to a wide range of copyright-free music tracks. | 1. Requires manual search and download of tracks from separate websites. |
| 2. Can be used for both personal and commercial use without infringing on copyright laws. | 2. Limited customization options compared to other methods. |
| 3. Ideal for projects with specific licensing requirements or where copyright compliance is crucial. | 3. Some websites may require attribution or credits for certain tracks. |
What to Do If You Can’t Find Suitable Background Music
If you’re unable to find the perfect background music for your video, here are a few alternative options to consider:
1. Edit Existing Music: You can trim or modify existing songs to fit your video’s timing and theme using audio editing software like Audacity.
2. Create Original Music: If you have musical talent or know someone who does, consider creating your own original music to add a unique touch to your videos.
3. Hire a Composer: If budget allows, you can hire a professional composer to create custom-made background music tailored to your video’s specific needs.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your background music in iMovie on iPhone:
1. Consider Volume Levels: Ensure that the background music doesn’t overpower the dialogue or other important audio elements in your video. Adjust the volume levels accordingly to achieve a balanced mix.
2. Use Fade-in and Fade-out Effects: Adding fade-in and fade-out effects to your background music can create smooth transitions and prevent abrupt starts or endings.
3. Experiment with Multiple Tracks: Don’t be afraid to layer multiple tracks or mix different genres to create a unique and dynamic soundtrack that suits your video’s narrative.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I use copyrighted songs as background music in iMovie videos?
A: It is generally not recommended to use copyrighted songs without proper permissions. Copyright infringement can result in legal consequences or your videos being removed from online platforms. It is best to use royalty-free music or obtain the necessary licenses for copyrighted songs.
Q2: How can I adjust the volume of the background music in iMovie?
A: In iMovie, you can adjust the volume of the background music by dragging the volume slider in the "Audio" tab. This allows you to control the level of the music relative to other audio elements in your video.
Q3: Can I edit the length of the background music in iMovie?
A: Yes, iMovie provides tools to trim or extend the length of the background music. Simply select the music clip in the timeline and use the trimming handles to adjust its duration.
Q4: Are there any restrictions on using music from third-party apps in iMovie?
A: It depends on the terms and conditions set by the specific third-party music app. Some apps may require attribution or have limitations on commercial use. It is important to review the app’s policies and ensure that you comply with any relevant restrictions.
Q5: Can I use multiple background music tracks in iMovie?
A: Yes, iMovie allows you to add multiple background music tracks to your video. You can layer different tracks, adjust their volumes individually, or create unique combinations for different sections of your video.
Final Thoughts
Adding background music to your iMovie videos can make a significant difference in the overall quality and impact of your content. Whether you choose to use iMovie’s built-in music library, import tracks from your own music library, utilize third-party music apps, or explore the world of copyright-free music, there are various methods to experiment with. Each method has its own pros and cons, so consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision. Remember to follow copyright laws and ensure that the background music complements the visuals and enhances the message of your video. With iMovie on iPhone, you have a powerful tool at your fingertips to create compelling videos with captivating soundtracks.