Are you an aspiring filmmaker or content creator who wants to add a music component to your videos? Music is an essential element of any video production as it sets the mood and pace of your film. Incorporating the right music can elevate the tone and message of your content, making it more compelling and engaging for your audience. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of filming a video with music by discussing several methods and tips on how to do it right.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Film A Video With Music
There are many reasons why you would want to add music to your video. Here are some of the most significant ones:
- Music sets the tone and mood of your video. A song can instantly change the atmosphere of your footage, making it more emotional, dramatic, or upbeat.
- Music enhances the visual experience. Adding music can elevate the visuals of your footage and makes it more dynamic and engaging.
- Music can convey the message and story of your video. The lyrics or melody of the song can add new layers of meaning to your content, making it more relatable and impactful.
- Music helps you stand out. By adding music to your content, you make it more memorable and unique. Your videos will be more distinguishable from others, increasing the chances of it being shared and viewed.
Method 1: Using Video Editing Software
The first method to film a video with music involves using video editing software. You can add music to an existing video or build a new video from scratch, accompanied by music. Here are the steps to add music to your video using Adobe Premiere Pro:
- Launch Adobe Premiere Pro and create a new project.
- Import your video and audio track(s) into the project by selecting "File" > "Import" and navigating to the files.
- Drag the video clip to the timeline, followed by the audio track.
- Adjust the audio levels to ensure that it doesn’t overpower the dialogue or visuals of the video.
- Trim or cut the audio track to match the length of your video.
- Choose a music track and import it into the project, placing it on a new audio track on the timeline.
- Adjust the volume of the music track to your preference. It is advisable to start on a low volume and gradually increase it to avoid overpowering the audio or dialogue.
- Trim or cut the music track to match the length of your video.
- Save and export your video with the newly added music, and you’re done!
Pros:
- Allows you to fine-tune the audio levels of your video
- You can have full control over the placement and timing of your music track
- You can add multiple tracks and sounds to your video, not just music
Cons:
- Requires a significant learning curve to master.
- It can be expensive to use advanced editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro
- It can be time-consuming to create a video from scratch.
Method 2: Using Video-Sharing Platforms
Another straightforward method to add music to your video is through video-sharing platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. These platforms provide integrated audio libraries containing royalty-free tracks that you can use for free. Here are the steps to add music to your video using YouTube:
- Create a YouTube account and upload your video on the platform.
- Click on the "Audio" tab (located on the video editing page) to access the YouTube Audio Library.
- Browse the available audio tracks and click on the play button to listen.
- Select a track that matches your video’s mood and message by clicking on the download icon or the "+ Add" button.
- Drag and drop the selected track onto the video timeline and adjust the volume according to your preference.
- Trim the music track to match the length of your video
- Save and export your video with the newly added music, and you’re done!
Pros:
- Free and easy to use, ideal for beginners and casual video makers.
- Offers access to a vast audio library of free royalty tracks to choose from.
- You can monetize your videos with ad revenue, provided that you follow YouTube’s guidelines and copyright policies.
Cons:
- Limited control over the music track’s timing and audio levels.
- You’re limited to YouTube’s audio library unless you have your music or purchase rights to use a specific track.
- You risk having your video taken down if you infringe on YouTube’s copyright policies.
Method 3: Using Mobile Apps
If you’re on the move or prefer filming videos using your smartphone, several mobile applications enable you to add music to your video. Some of the most popular applications include iMovie for iOS and PowerDirector for Android. Here are the steps to add music to your video using iMovie:
- Launch the iMovie application and create a new project.
- Import your video clips and audio track(s) into the project. You can select a track from your device’s music library or use iMovie’s built-in audio tracks.
- Drag the video clips and audio tracks onto the timeline, placing them in the intended order.
- Use the audio editor tools to adjust the volume, fading, and trimming of your audio tracks.
- Save and export your video with the newly added music, and you’re done!
Pros:
- You can add music to your video from your device, making it a more convenient option.
- Simple and easy to use, with intuitive user interfaces.
- Most apps are free or relatively affordable compared to desktop editing software.
Cons:
- Less control over the audio levels and timing of your music track compared to desktop editing software.
- Less sophisticated editing features compared to desktop applications.
- You may have to pay to unlock advanced features or access copyright-free tracks.
What to Do If You Can’t Film A Video With Music
There may be times when you can’t add music to your footage. Here are some fixes to common issues:
- If you cannot find any suitable music tracks, consider creating original music scores. You can hire a composer or use music-making software like FL studio or Ableton to produce your music.
- If you’re on a tight budget, consider using free or affordable music libraries such as Free Music Archive, Archive.org, or SoundCloud’s Creative Commons.
- If you’re having technical issues, seek help from manufacturers’ online support or user forums. You can also hire a freelance video editor or sound engineer to help you with your video.
- If you’re facing legal issues regarding copyright infringement, seek legal advice from a lawyer or refer to the relevant copyright laws in your country.
Bonus Tip: Choosing the Right Music for Your Video
Now that you know how to add music to your video, it’s essential to pick the right music to make your content more impactful. Here are some essential tips to help you choose the right song:
- Match the beat and tempo of the music to your video’s pace. Fast-paced music works well with action scenes, while slow-paced music is better suited for emotional or dramatic footage.
- Consider the lyrics of the song and how it aligns with your video’s message or story. Ensure that the lyrics don’t detract from the visuals or audio of your video.
- Find music that fits the mood and personality of your brand or your intended audience. It would be best if you aimed for a cohesive or harmonious balance between your video and music.
- Look for music that is legally cleared to use in your video. Ensure that you respect copyright laws and intellectual property rights when using music in your content.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I use any song in my video?
A: No. You must have permission or a license to use copyrighted music in your video. You can use royalty-free or creative commons music or get legal permission to use copyrighted music from its owner.
Q2: How do I prevent the music from drowning out my audio or dialogue?
A: Ensure that you adjust the audio levels of the music track to match the volume of your video’s dialogue or audio. Use audio editing tools to reduce or remove frequencies that clash with your dialogue, such as bass.
Q3: Can I use any video editing software to add music to my video?
A: Yes, most video editing software allows you to add music to your video. However, some applications have more features and capabilities than others, and you may need to pay for them.
Q4: How do I choose the right music track for my video?
A: Consider the mood, pace, and message of your video and look for a track that aligns with those qualities. Choose a track that fits the brand or identity of your content and is legally cleared to use.
Q5: Can I monetize my video if I use copyrighted music?
A: It depends. Some video-sharing platforms allow you to monetize your video if you use copyrighted music. Others may require you to have permission or license beforehand. Be sure to check the platforms guidelines and rules before publishing.
Final Thoughts
Adding music to your video can turn it into a more engaging, dynamic, and memorable piece of content. Whether you choose to use video editing software, mobile apps, or online music libraries, we hope this guide helped you learn how to film a video with music. Remember to choose the right music for your brand and content, respect copyright laws and intellectual property rights, and balance the audio levels to avoid overpowering your audio and dialogue. Good luck and happy filming!