YouTube's built-in audio library is the fastest way to add music

You can add music directly inside YouTube Studio without downloading anything or using a separate editor. YouTube provides a free library of thousands of songs and sound effects that you can use in your videos without copyright strikes. The music stays attached to your video, and you can swap it out, adjust the volume, or remove it anytime after upload.

This method works best if your video is already on YouTube. If you want to add music before uploading, you'll need to edit the video file itself using video editing software on your computer — YouTube Studio only lets you add or change audio after the video is live or in draft form.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube Studio's Audio Library has thousands of free songs you can add to any video without copyright problems.
  • You can only add music through YouTube Studio after your video is uploaded; to add music before uploading, use video editing software on your computer.
  • Music added in YouTube Studio can be removed, replaced, or have its volume adjusted at any time without re-uploading.
  • Some music in the library requires you to credit the artist in your video description, while other tracks have no restrictions.
  • If you use music from outside YouTube's library, you risk copyright strikes that can mute your audio or remove your video.

Adding music to a video already on YouTube

Open YouTube Studio and go to your Videos list. Find the video you want to add music to and click on it. On the left side menu, click Editor, then click Audio. You'll see your current audio track and a button to add music.

Click Select Music to open the Audio Library. Browse by mood, genre, or instrument, or search for a specific type of sound. When you find a track you like, click the preview button to hear it. Once you've decided, click Select next to the track name.

The music will appear as a new track below your original video audio. You can now adjust the volume of each track separately — turn down your original audio if you want the music louder, or keep both at full volume if you're adding background music to talking. Click Publish when you're done, and the changes go live immediately.

Replacing music you've already added

If you've already added music and want to swap it for something else, go back to the Audio section in YouTube Studio. Click the three dots next to the music track and select Replace. You'll return to the Audio Library to pick a new track. The old music disappears and the new one takes its place.

You can replace music as many times as you want without affecting your video's view count or upload date. This is useful if you realize a track doesn't fit the mood or if YouTube flags it for copyright issues later.

Removing music from your video

To remove music you've added, go to the Audio section in YouTube Studio and click the three dots next to the music track. Select Remove. Your original video audio stays intact — you're only deleting the added music layer.

If you want to remove your original audio and keep only the added music, click the three dots next to your original audio track instead and select Remove. This leaves just the music playing over your video.

Adding music before you upload to YouTube

If your video file is still on your computer and you want to add music before uploading, you need to use video editing software. Windows comes with a free app called Photos that can add music to videos. On Mac, iMovie is free and built in. Both let you import your video, add a music track from your computer or their music libraries, and export the finished file.

After you've added the music and exported the video file, upload it to YouTube as normal. Once it's on YouTube, you can still use YouTube Studio's Audio Library to add more music, adjust volumes, or make changes without re-uploading.

If you use music from a source outside YouTube's library — whether from your computer, a music website, or another service — check whether you have the right to use it. Using copyrighted music you don't own can result in YouTube muting your audio, blocking your video in certain countries, or removing it entirely.

Understanding copyright and music credits

All music in YouTube's Audio Library is cleared for use in your videos. Some tracks are completely free with no strings attached. Others require you to credit the artist — YouTube will tell you which ones when you select them, and you'll see a note saying "Credit required in description."

When credit is required, copy the artist name and track title that YouTube provides and paste it into your video description. This takes 30 seconds and keeps you in the clear. YouTube's system checks whether you've added the credit, and if you haven't, the video won't be penalized, but it's the right thing to do.

Music from outside YouTube's library — even if it's a famous song you like — can trigger a copyright claim. YouTube's system will detect it automatically. The copyright holder can choose to mute your audio, claim the video as theirs (and take any ad revenue), or block the video in some or all countries. Using YouTube's library avoids this problem entirely.

Adjusting volume and timing of music

After you add music in YouTube Studio, click on the music track to see volume controls. You can drag a slider to make the music louder or quieter. If you want your original audio (like talking or background noise) to be heard too, lower the music volume so both can play together.

You can't trim or cut the music track to start or stop at a specific moment using YouTube Studio. If you need the music to begin partway through the video or end before the video ends, you'll need to edit the video file itself using video editing software before uploading. YouTube Studio is designed to add full-length music tracks, not to edit them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use music from Spotify or Apple Music in my YouTube video?

No. Music from streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music is protected by copyright, and YouTube will detect it and either mute your audio or block your video. Use only music from YouTube's Audio Library or music you have explicit permission to use.

What happens if I add music but don't credit the artist when it's required?

YouTube won't automatically remove your video or penalize you, but you're not following the terms. The artist or copyright holder could file a claim later. Adding the credit takes seconds and is the right approach — just paste the artist name and track title into your description.

Can I add music to a video that's already been watched thousands of times?

Yes. Adding, removing, or changing music in YouTube Studio doesn't affect your view count, upload date, or any statistics. Your video stays live the whole time, and viewers see the updated version immediately.

Do I need to download music from YouTube's Audio Library before adding it?

No. The music is added directly through YouTube Studio without downloading anything to your computer. It's stored on YouTube's servers and attached to your video file.

What if the Audio Library doesn't have the type of music I want?

YouTube's library has thousands of tracks across many genres and moods, but it's not every song ever made. If you can't find what you need, you can edit your video file with desktop software before uploading, or search for royalty-free music from other sources that allow YouTube use. Always check the license before using music from outside YouTube's library.