Are you looking to add background music to your videos on Windows Movie Maker? Adding audio can enhance the overall quality of your video and make it that much more engaging for your audience. However, integrating audio in a video editing software can be intimidating, especially for beginners. In this blog, we will guide you through the different methods and tips for adding background music to your movie using Windows Movie Maker.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Adding Background Music to Windows Movie Maker
Windows Movie Maker is relatively simple and straightforward to use, but for first-time users, adding music to your video can be challenging. It can get overwhelming and frustrating if you aren’t familiar with the software, even for professionals.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before starting, make sure to gather and prepare the necessary files, including the audio file, video file, and the software itself. Choose an audio file that matches your video’s theme, tone, and mood.
Method 1: Adding Background Music via Windows Movie Maker’s Music Library
Step 1: Launch the Windows Movie Maker software, then click on the "Add videos and photos" icon to import the video footage.
Step 2: Click on the "Add music" icon located in the "Home" tab of the ribbon.
Step 3: Choose an option: "Add music from PC," "Add music from the current project," or "Add music provided by Windows."
Step 4: Select the audio file you’d like to add and click on "Open."
Step 5: After selecting, the music file will be added to the Movie Maker timeline. Drag the music file to adjust it to the corresponding video.
Step 6: Once completed, use the "Project" tab and click on the "Save movie" option to export and save the video.
Pros: 1) Easy to access and use. 2) No need to leave the software. 3) Free music options available.
Cons: 1) Limited music library. 2) Audio quality may not be suitable.
Method 2: Adding Background Music via the Music Track Option
Step 1: Open the Windows Movie Maker software and import the video footage.
Step 2: From the "Home" tab, click on "Add music" again, then select "Add music at the current point."
Step 3: Place your cursor at the beginning of the timeline where you’d like to add the music.
Step 4: Click on the "Music track" button at the bottom of the timeline.
Step 5: In the pop-up dialog box, select the audio file you want to add and click on "Open."
Step 6: Drag the audio track to adjust its length as needed and make sure it is aligned to match your video timeline.
Step 7: Use the "Project" tab and click on the "Save movie" option to export and save the video.
Pros: 1) More control over the audio track. 2) Customizable start and end times.
Cons: 1) Audio syncing can be difficult. 2) Limited editing options.
Method 3: Adding Background Music via Third-Party Software
Step 1: Download and install a third-party audio editing software such as Audacity or Adobe Audition.
Step 2: Import the video footage and audio file into the software.
Step 3: Adjust the volume and editing as desired.
Step 4: Save the audio file as an MP3 file to your computer.
Step 5: Open the Windows Movie Maker software and import the video footage.
Step 6: Follow the steps for method one or method two to add the audio file to the video timeline.
Step 7: Use the "Project" tab and click on the "Save movie" option to export and save the video.
Pros: 1) Provides better audio editing options. 2) Better audio quality.
Cons: 1) Additional software must be installed. 2) More time-consuming.
Why Can’t I Add Background Music to My Movie?
1. "The audio file is in the wrong format." Solution: Convert the file to an MP3.
2. "The audio file is too long or too short." Solution: Edit the length of the audio track in a third-party software.
3. "The video and audio files aren’t synced." Solution: Use precise editing tools to align the tracks to match each other.
Additional Tips
– Make sure the audio file is free of background noise and fits the video theme and tone.
– Use different audio tracks for different parts of your video, such as intro, outro, and background music.
– Test the audio levels to make sure it balances with the video’s sound effects and voice-over.
5 FAQs about Adding Background Music to Movie Maker
Q1: How do I adjust the audio volume in Windows Movie Maker?
A: You can adjust the volume of the audio track in the volume icon located in the column underneath the audio track.
Q2: How do I select a smaller section of a long audio track?
A: You can adjust the length of the audio track by dragging the endpoints of the audio clip in Windows Movie Maker.
Q3: How do I check the audio Quality before adding it to my movie?
A: Play the audio file in a media player before importing it into Windows Movie Maker to ensure the audio quality is suitable for your video.
Q4: Can I mix different audio files?
A: Yes, you can use different audio tracks for different parts of your movie in Windows Movie Maker.
Q5: How do I improve the audio quality in Windows Movie Maker?
A: Adjust the audio levels, use noise reduction, and use equalizers in a third-party audio software to improve the audio quality.
In Conclusion
Adding background music to Windows Movie Maker can be daunting for first-time users. However, following these methods and tips will make the process more efficient and straightforward. Make sure to be creative and experiment with different audio tracks. Remember to balance the audio levels, and you’ll be sure to create a captivating video for your audience.