How to Add Background Music to Videos
Music transforms video. The right track can turn a simple clip into an emotional experience, make a tutorial more engaging, or give your content that professional polish. But adding music to videos has traditionally meant navigating complex timelines and worrying about copyright.
In this guide, we'll show you how to add background music to your videos easily, and how to avoid copyright strikes that could get your content taken down.
Why Background Music Matters
Music isn't just decoration. It serves crucial functions:
- Sets the mood - Happy, sad, exciting, calm
- Covers awkward silence - Fills gaps in dialogue or action
- Creates energy - Upbeat music keeps viewers watching
- Signals transitions - Music changes can indicate new sections
- Increases shareability - Catchy music makes content more memorable
The Copyright Problem
Here's the thing most creators learn the hard way: you can't just use any song you like. Using copyrighted music without permission can result in:
- Video takedowns - Platforms will remove your content
- Muted audio - Your video plays with no sound
- Demonetization - Revenue goes to the music owner instead of you
- Account strikes - Multiple violations can get you banned
- Legal action - In extreme cases, actual lawsuits
The solution? Use royalty-free music or tracks licensed for commercial use.
Where to Find Safe Music
Several options exist for copyright-safe music:
- Platform libraries - YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have built-in music
- Royalty-free sites - Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Musicbed (paid)
- Free options - YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay, Free Music Archive
- AI-generated music - New tools create unique, copyright-free tracks
How to Add Music with Editly
Editly makes adding background music simple. You can either:
- Search for music - Ask Editly to find music that fits your video's mood
- Add your own track - Use music you've licensed or created
"Add upbeat background music"
"Add calm, ambient music to this video"
Balancing Music with Other Audio
When your video has dialogue or voiceover, getting the music volume right is crucial:
- Music should support, not compete - Keep it quieter than speech
- Duck during talking - Lower music volume when someone speaks
- Bring it up during pauses - Music can fill gaps between speech
- Match energy levels - Intense music with calm narration is jarring
Editly can automatically balance your music with existing audio, lowering the track when speech is detected.
Music Selection Tips
- Match the energy - Fast cuts = fast music, slow B-roll = ambient tracks
- Consider your brand - Consistent music style builds recognition
- Think about your audience - Gen Z loves trending sounds, professionals prefer subtle
- Less is more - Not every moment needs music
- End strong - Music should resolve, not just stop
Elevate Your Videos with the Right Music
Background music is one of the easiest ways to make your videos feel more professional. With royalty-free options and AI tools, you don't have to worry about copyright issues or complex editing software.
Try adding music to your next video with Editly - just describe the vibe you want, and let the AI find the perfect track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use popular songs in my videos?
Generally no, unless you have a license. Popular songs are copyrighted, and using them can result in takedowns or demonetization. Use royalty-free music or platform-provided audio libraries instead.
Will music make my video file larger?
Adding music has minimal impact on file size. Audio tracks are much smaller than video data, so you won't notice a significant increase.
Can I adjust the music volume after adding it?
Yes, you can ask Editly to adjust the music volume, make it quieter during speech, or balance it with your existing audio.
