Have you ever wanted to add background music from Apple Music to your iMovie projects, only to find out that it’s not as simple as dragging and dropping? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many iMovie users face the challenge of getting Apple Music into their projects due to digital rights management (DRM) restrictions. But fear not, as there are several methods available to help you overcome this obstacle and seamlessly incorporate Apple Music tracks into your iMovie projects.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Getting Apple Music Into iMovie
iMovie is a powerful video editing software that allows users to create stunning movies with ease. It offers a wide range of features, including the ability to add background music to enhance the overall viewing experience. However, when it comes to using Apple Music tracks, things can get a bit tricky.
Apple Music, like other streaming services, uses DRM to protect the rights of music creators and prevent unauthorized distribution of their content. This means that the songs you stream on Apple Music are locked and cannot be directly imported into iMovie. If you try to add an Apple Music track to your iMovie project, you’ll likely receive an error message stating that the song is protected and cannot be used.
The reason behind this challenge is that Apple Music tracks are encoded in a proprietary format that is only playable within the Apple Music app or authorized devices. iMovie, on the other hand, requires music files in a compatible format, such as MP3 or WAV. So, in order to add Apple Music to iMovie, you need to find a way to remove the DRM protection and convert the tracks into a suitable format.
Now that we understand the challenge at hand, let’s explore some methods that can help you overcome this obstacle and successfully get Apple Music into iMovie.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into the different methods, there are a few things you should prepare beforehand to ensure a smooth process.
1. A Mac or Windows computer: iMovie is only available for Mac, so you’ll need a Mac computer to use iMovie. However, some of the methods mentioned in this article can also be applied to Windows computers.
2. iMovie installed: Make sure you have the latest version of iMovie installed on your Mac. You can download iMovie from the Mac App Store if you haven’t done so already.
3. Apple Music subscription: In order to access and download Apple Music tracks, you’ll need an active Apple Music subscription. If you don’t have a subscription yet, you can sign up for one on the Apple Music website or through the Apple Music app on your iOS device.
4. Third-party software: Since Apple Music tracks are protected by DRM, you’ll need third-party software to remove the DRM and convert the tracks into a suitable format for iMovie. There are several software options available, and we’ll discuss them in detail later in this article.
Now that you have everything prepared, let’s explore the methods to get Apple Music into iMovie.
Method 1: How to Get Apple Music into iMovie via Apple Music Converter
Apple Music Converter is a professional tool designed specifically to remove DRM protection from Apple Music tracks and convert them into various audio formats, including MP3 and WAV. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, Apple Music Converter makes it easy to get Apple Music into iMovie. Here’s how:
Step 1: Download and install Apple Music Converter on your computer.
Step 2: Launch the software and click on the "Add Files" button to import the Apple Music tracks you want to use in iMovie.
Step 3: Select the output format as MP3 or WAV, which are compatible with iMovie.
Step 4: Choose the output folder where you want to save the converted files.
Step 5: Click on the "Convert" button to start the conversion process.
Step 6: Once the conversion is complete, you can locate the converted files in the output folder and import them into iMovie.
Pros:
1. User-friendly interface.
2. Supports batch conversion, allowing you to convert multiple Apple Music tracks at once.
3. Preserves the original audio quality of the Apple Music tracks.
4. Works at a faster conversion speed.
5. Supports both Mac and Windows computers.
Cons:
1. Requires a separate installation of third-party software.
2. May take some time for the conversion process, especially for large music libraries.
FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I directly import Apple Music tracks into iMovie?
A: Apple Music tracks are protected by DRM, which restricts their usage outside of the Apple Music app. iMovie requires music files in a compatible format, such as MP3 or WAV, which is why you cannot directly import Apple Music tracks into iMovie.
Q2: Can I use Apple Music tracks in iMovie without removing DRM?
A: No, you cannot use Apple Music tracks in iMovie without removing DRM. DRM protection prevents unauthorized usage of the tracks in external applications like iMovie. Therefore, you need to remove the DRM before using Apple Music tracks in iMovie.
Q3: Is it legal to remove DRM from Apple Music tracks?
A: It is legal to remove DRM from Apple Music tracks for personal use. However, it is important to note that distributing or sharing the converted tracks may violate copyright laws.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to consider when using Apple Music tracks in iMovie:
1. Use shorter segments: If you’re using a lengthy Apple Music track in your iMovie project, consider trimming it to fit the desired duration. This will not only help maintain the viewer’s interest but also avoid potential copyright issues.
2. Customize the volume: Sometimes, Apple Music tracks may have varying volumes throughout the song. To ensure a consistent audio experience in your iMovie project, you can adjust the volume levels using iMovie’s built-in audio controls.
3. Explore royalty-free music: If dealing with DRM-protected tracks seems too cumbersome or time-consuming, you can explore royalty-free music options. There are numerous websites and platforms that offer high-quality royalty-free music for use in videos, including iMovie.
5 FAQs about Getting Apple Music into iMovie
Q1: Can I use Apple Music tracks in iMovie on my iPhone or iPad?
A: No, Apple Music tracks cannot be directly imported into iMovie on iOS devices. However, you can follow the methods mentioned in this article on a Mac computer and then transfer the converted tracks to your iPhone or iPad for use in iMovie.
Q2: Are there any free methods to get Apple Music into iMovie?
A: While there are free methods available, such as recording Apple Music with audio recording software, they may result in loss of audio quality and may not be as reliable as using dedicated software.
Q3: Can I use the converted Apple Music tracks in iMovie on multiple devices?
A: Yes, once you have converted Apple Music tracks into a compatible format, such as MP3 or WAV, you can use them in iMovie on multiple devices as long as the devices support the respective audio format.
Q4: Do I need an active Apple Music subscription to use the converted tracks in iMovie?
A: No, once you have converted Apple Music tracks into a compatible format, you don’t need an active Apple Music subscription to use them in iMovie. The converted tracks are no longer protected by DRM.
Q5: Can I use Apple Music tracks in iMovie for commercial purposes?
A: No, you cannot use Apple Music tracks in iMovie for commercial purposes. Apple Music tracks are subject to copyright restrictions, and using them without appropriate licenses or permissions may violate copyright laws.
In Conclusion
Adding Apple Music tracks to your iMovie projects can significantly enhance the overall viewing experience. While the challenge of DRM protection may initially seem daunting, using methods like Apple Music Converter or exploring royalty-free music options can help you overcome this obstacle. Remember to respect copyright laws and only use Apple Music tracks in iMovie for personal or non-commercial purposes. With the right tools and techniques, you can now unleash your creativity and bring your iMovie projects to life with the power of Apple Music.