Adding music to a video can enhance the overall viewing experience and create a more engaging and dynamic content. Whether you are a content creator, social media enthusiast, or simply want to personalize your videos, knowing how to add music to a video is a valuable skill to have. In this blog post, we will explore various methods you can use to add music to your videos online for free. We will cover step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to help you achieve the desired results.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add Music to Your Videos
There are several reasons why adding music to your videos can greatly benefit your content. Here are a few key reasons:
1. Enhance the Mood: Music has the power to evoke emotions and set the mood for your video. Whether you want to create a romantic atmosphere or a lively and exciting vibe, adding the right music can help you achieve that.
2. Engage your Audience: Music can captivate your viewers and make your video more enjoyable to watch. It keeps the audience engaged and can help convey your message more effectively.
3. Personalization: Adding music to your videos allows you to inject your own style and creativity into your content. You can choose music that reflects your personality or matches the theme of your video.
4. Grab Viewer’s Attention: In a crowded online space, grabbing your viewer’s attention within the first few seconds is crucial. Well-selected and well-timed music can help you achieve that and make your video stand out from the rest.
Now that we understand the importance of adding music to videos let’s explore some methods you can use to accomplish this.
Method 1 – Using Online Video Editors
Online video editors provide an easy and convenient way to add music to your videos without the need for expensive software or technical expertise. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Choose an online video editor: There are several online video editors available, such as Adobe Spark, Kapwing, and Clipchamp. Choose one that suits your needs and sign up for an account if required.
Step 2: Upload your video: Once you’re logged in, upload the video you want to add music to. Most online video editors allow you to upload videos from your computer or import them from cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Step 3: Select the music track: Online video editors often provide a library of royalty-free music tracks that you can choose from. Browse through the options and select a track that complements your video.
Step 4: Adjust volume and timing: Once you’ve selected the music track, you can adjust the volume and timing to ensure it aligns perfectly with your video. Most editors provide options to fade in/out the music, trim or shorten the track, and adjust the volume levels.
Step 5: Preview and save: After making the necessary adjustments, preview your video with the added music to ensure it meets your expectations. Once you’re satisfied, save the video to your computer or share it directly on social media platforms.
Pros:
1. Easy to use and beginner-friendly.
2. No need to install any software.
3. Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
4. Provides a library of royalty-free music tracks.
5. Allows customization of volume and timing.
Cons:
1. Limited options compared to professional video editing software.
2. May have a watermark or branding on the video unless you opt for a paid version.
3. Processing times may vary depending on the size of the video and the speed of your internet connection.
Method 2 – Using Video Hosting Platforms
Many video hosting platforms, such as YouTube and Vimeo, provide built-in tools to add music to your videos. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Create an account: Sign up for an account on the video hosting platform of your choice if you don’t already have one.
Step 2: Upload your video: Once you’re logged in, upload your video to the platform. Most platforms allow you to upload videos directly from your computer.
Step 3: Access the video editor: After uploading your video, locate the video editor tool provided by the hosting platform. Different platforms have different names for this feature, such as YouTube Studio or Video Manager.
Step 4: Add the music track: Within the video editor, look for the option to add music or audio to your video. You can either select a track from the platform’s library or upload your own audio file.
Step 5: Adjust volume and timing: Similar to online video editors, video hosting platforms also offer options to adjust the volume and timing of the music track. Ensure the music aligns perfectly with your video by making necessary adjustments.
Step 6: Save and publish: After you’re satisfied with the changes, save your video edits and publish the video on the hosting platform. You can choose to make it public or keep it unlisted/private.
Pros:
1. Available on popular video hosting platforms.
2. No need to use external software or online editors.
3. Can reach a wide audience if you choose to publish your video publicly.
4. Provides options to adjust volume and timing.
5. Familiar interface for users already active on the hosting platform.
Cons:
1. Limited editing capabilities compared to dedicated video editors.
2. May require you to have an account on the hosting platform.
3. Video may require additional processing time after saving the edits.
Method 3 – Using Online Audio Mixing Tools
If you want more control over the audio editing process, using online audio mixing tools might be the right choice for you. These tools allow you to mix multiple audio tracks, including music and dialogue, to create a professional-sounding video. Here’s how you can use them:
Step 1: Choose an online audio mixing tool: There are various online audio mixing tools available, such as Audacity, Incredibox, and Soundation. Select one that suits your needs and sign up or log in if required.
Step 2: Import your video and music track: After logging in, import your video and the music track you want to add. Most audio mixing tools allow you to import audio files directly from your computer or from cloud storage services.
Step 3: Arrange the audio tracks: Once imported, arrange the video and music tracks in the audio mixing tool’s interface. Ensure that the music track starts at the desired time and aligns with your video.
Step 4: Adjust volume and effects: Use the mixing tool’s controls to adjust the volume levels of the video and music tracks. You may also have various audio effects at your disposal, such as equalization, panning, or adding reverb.
Step 5: Export the mixed audio: After making the necessary adjustments, export the mixed audio as a new file. Most audio mixing tools allow you to save the audio in various formats, such as MP3 or WAV.
Step 6: Combine video and audio: Once you have the mixed audio file, combine it with your video using a video editing software or an online video editor. Import the mixed audio and sync it with the video using the editing tool’s timeline.
Pros:
1. Provides more control and flexibility in audio mixing.
2. Can mix multiple audio tracks apart from music.
3. Offers various audio effects for customization.
4. Export the mixed audio as a separate file for further editing.
5. Compatible with a wide range of audio file formats.
Cons:
1. Requires familiarity with audio mixing techniques.
2. May require additional software or video editing tools to combine the mixed audio with the video.
3. Interface and controls may be more complex compared to online video editors.
Method 4 – Using Smartphone Apps
If you prefer the convenience of editing videos directly on your smartphone, there are various apps available that allow you to add music to your videos. Here’s how you can use them:
Step 1: Choose a video editing app: Look for video editing apps on your smartphone’s app store. Some popular options include iMovie for iOS, FilmoraGo for Android and iOS, and KineMaster for Android and iOS.
Step 2: Install and open the app: Once you’ve chosen an app, install it on your smartphone and open it.
Step 3: Import your video: Within the app, select the option to import video and choose the video you want to add music to. Most apps allow you to import videos from your phone’s gallery or cloud storage services.
Step 4: Add the music track: Look for the option or tool within the app to add music or audio. It may be labeled as "audio track" or "music." Select the track you want to add from the app’s library or import your own audio file.
Step 5: Adjust volume and timing: Once you’ve added the music track, you can adjust its volume and timing using the app’s controls. Ensure that the music aligns perfectly with your video by making necessary adjustments.
Step 6: Preview and export: After making the necessary edits, preview your video with the added music. Once you’re satisfied, export the video to your phone’s gallery or share it directly on social media platforms.
Pros:
1. Convenient and accessible on your smartphone.
2. No need for additional software or online editing platforms.
3. Provides options to adjust volume and timing.
4. Offers various editing features beyond adding music.
5. Allows you to edit videos on the go.
Cons:
1. May have limitations compared to computer-based video editing software.
2. Interface and controls may vary between different apps.
3. Some features and effects may be available only in premium versions or require in-app purchases.
What to Do If You Can’t Add Music to your Videos
If you encounter difficulties or limitations in adding music to your videos using the methods mentioned above, here are some possible fixes:
1. Check the file format: Ensure that both your video file and music file are in compatible formats. If they are not, use a video conversion tool to convert them to compatible formats.
2. Update your software: If you are using video editing software or apps, make sure they are up to date. Outdated software may lack certain features or compatibility with audio formats.
3. Clear cache and restart: If you’re using an online video editor or audio mixing tool, clear your browser cache and restart the browser. This can help resolve any temporary issues or glitches.
4. Use a different platform: If you’re facing difficulties on one online video editor or hosting platform, try using a different one. Different platforms may offer various features and compatibility options.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to enhance your video editing and music adding experience:
1. Use royalty-free music: To avoid copyright issues, use royalty-free music from platforms like YouTube Audio Library or SoundCloud’s Creative Commons section. This ensures you have the necessary rights to use the music in your videos.
2. Consider the video’s narrative: When selecting music, consider the story or narrative of your video. Choose music that complements the visuals and helps convey the intended message.
3. Experiment with mixing and fading: Instead of playing the music track continuously throughout the video, consider experimenting with mixing and fading effects. This can create a more dynamic and engaging audio experience.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I use any music track in my videos?
A: No, not all music tracks can be used freely in videos. Copyright laws protect musicians and artists, so it’s essential to use royalty-free or properly licensed music to avoid legal issues.
Q2: How can I find royalty-free music for my videos?
A: Several platforms provide royalty-free music, such as YouTube Audio Library, SoundCloud’s Creative Commons section, or even dedicated websites like Epidemic Sound or Artlist. These platforms offer a wide range of music genres that you can use in your videos.
Q3: What is the ideal volume level for background music in videos?
A: The ideal volume level for background music in videos varies depending on the context and the other audio elements in your video. It’s generally recommended to keep the music at a level that is audible but not overpowering the main audio or dialogue.
Q4: Can I monetize videos with music added from online editors?
A: Many online video editors provide royalty-free music that is cleared for monetization. However, it’s essential to read the terms of use and license agreements of the specific music tracks you use to ensure they can be monetized.
Q5: Can I remove the music from a video?
A: Yes, if you want to remove the music from a video, you can use video editing software or online editors to mute or delete the audio track. This allows you to keep the visuals while removing the music.
Final Thoughts
Adding music to your videos can significantly enhance the viewing experience and make your content more engaging. With the methods and tips mentioned in this blog post, you now have the necessary knowledge to add music to your videos effortlessly. Whether you choose online video editors, video hosting platforms, audio mixing tools, or smartphone apps, find the method that suits your needs and creativity. Remember to consider copyright laws and use royalty-free music to avoid any legal issues. Now, go ahead and experiment with adding music to your videos to create captivating content!