Adding audio to your CapCut video in three ways

CapCut lets you add audio in three main ways: upload a file from your device, record your own voice, or choose from CapCut's built-in music library. The method you pick depends on what you're working with — if you have an existing audio file, you'll upload it; if you want to narrate over your video, you'll record directly in the app; if you want background music without copyright issues, you'll browse the library.

The steps are the same whether you're using CapCut on your phone (iOS or Android) or on desktop. The audio will sit on its own track below your video, so you can adjust its volume, trim it, or move it around without touching the video itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You can upload audio files you already own, record voice-overs directly in CapCut, or pick from the app's free music library.
  • Audio appears on its own track below your video, so you can adjust volume and timing without affecting the video.
  • Imported audio files work best when they're in MP3, WAV, or M4A format, though CapCut accepts most common audio types.
  • You can layer multiple audio tracks on top of each other — one for music, one for voiceover, one for sound effects.
  • Trimming audio is done the same way as trimming video: tap and drag the edges of the audio block on the timeline.

How to upload an audio file you already have

Start with your video already open in a CapCut project. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see the timeline with your video clip. Look for a button labeled "Audio" — on mobile it's usually at the bottom menu bar, and on desktop it's in the left sidebar. Tap or click it.

A menu will open with options. Select "Upload" or "Import" (the exact wording varies by device). Navigate to the audio file on your phone or computer — it can be a voice memo, a song, a podcast clip, or any audio file you've saved. Select the file and confirm. CapCut will add it to a new audio track below your video on the timeline.

Once the audio is imported, you'll see it as a colored block on the timeline. If the audio is longer than your video, it will extend past the end — that's normal. You can trim it by tapping and dragging the right edge of the audio block to shorten it, or drag the left edge to move where it starts.

How to record a voiceover directly in CapCut

Open your project and tap the "Audio" button at the bottom (mobile) or left sidebar (desktop). This time, select "Record" instead of "Upload." CapCut will ask for permission to use your microphone — allow it. You'll see a red record button and a timer showing how long you've been recording.

Hit the record button and speak. Your voice will be captured in real time. When you're done, tap the stop button (usually a square icon). CapCut will add your recording as a new audio track on the timeline, positioned at the point where you started recording. If you want to re-record, you can delete this track and try again — just tap the audio block and select delete or remove.

One thing to watch: if your video has background music or other audio already, you'll hear it while you're recording. This helps you time your voiceover, but it also means your microphone might pick up sound from your device's speaker. Record in a quiet space and keep your device's volume low to avoid this.

How to add music from CapCut's library

Tap the "Audio" button and select "Music" or "Sounds" (depending on your version). You'll see a list of categories — background music, sound effects, transitions, and more. Browse or search for what you need. When you find a track you like, tap it to preview it, then tap "Add" or the plus icon to add it to your timeline.

CapCut's library music is royalty-free, which means you can use it in videos you upload to YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or anywhere else without copyright strikes. This is the safest option if you're posting your video publicly. The downside is the selection is smaller than what you'd find on a music streaming service, and some tracks are only available if you have CapCut's paid subscription.

Library music will be added as a new audio track. If you already have voiceover or other audio, the library track will layer on top of it. You can adjust the volume of each track separately so they blend together.

Adjusting volume, timing, and layering multiple audio tracks

Once audio is on the timeline, you can control it without touching your video. To adjust volume, tap the audio block and look for a volume slider — usually shown as a speaker icon with a line next to it. Drag the slider left to make it quieter, right to make it louder. You can set different volumes for different audio tracks, so your voiceover can be loud and your background music soft.

To move audio around, tap and hold the audio block and drag it left or right on the timeline. This shifts when the audio starts and stops relative to your video. To trim it, tap the block and drag the left or right edge inward. The part you drag over will be cut off.

You can add as many audio tracks as you want. If you have background music, a voiceover, and a sound effect, each one gets its own track stacked vertically on the timeline. Adjust each one's volume so they don't drown each other out. A common setup is background music at 30–40% volume, voiceover at 100%, and sound effects at 50–70%.

Fixing common audio problems

If your audio is out of sync with your video — meaning the sound doesn't match what's happening on screen — you can shift it. Tap the audio block and drag it left or right until it lines up. This is easier if you tap the play button and watch the video while you adjust.

If your audio file didn't import, check that it's in a format CapCut recognizes. MP3, WAV, M4A, and AAC work on all devices. If you have a file in a less common format (like FLAC or OGG), you may need to convert it first using a free online tool or a desktop app. If the file is very large, CapCut might take a while to import it — wait a few seconds before assuming it failed.

If you recorded a voiceover and it sounds too quiet or too loud, you can re-record it. Delete the audio track, tap "Audio" again, select "Record," and try once more. Speak closer to your microphone if it's too quiet, or step back if it's too loud. You can also adjust the volume slider after recording, but re-recording usually gives better results.

Exporting your video with audio

When you're happy with your video and audio, tap the "Export" button (usually at the top right on mobile, or in the File menu on desktop). CapCut will show you export options — resolution, frame rate, and format. The audio will be included automatically; you don't need to do anything special. Select your settings and tap "Export" or "Save."

CapCut will process your video, which can take a few minutes depending on the length and resolution. When it's done, your video with audio will be saved to your device. You can then upload it to social media, send it to someone, or edit it further in another app if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Technically you can import it, but you shouldn't post the video publicly. Spotify and Apple Music music is protected by copyright, and uploading a video with that music to YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram will likely trigger a copyright claim. The platform may mute the audio, block the video, or claim the revenue. Use CapCut's library music or music labeled as royalty-free instead.

Why is my audio playing but I can't see it on the timeline?

The audio track might be collapsed or hidden. On mobile, scroll down on the timeline to see if there are more tracks below. On desktop, check if there's a small arrow or collapse button next to the audio section. Click or tap it to expand the view. If the audio is still invisible, try scrolling the timeline horizontally to see if it's positioned off-screen.

Can I fade audio in or out instead of cutting it off abruptly?

Yes. Tap the audio block and look for fade options — usually shown as small icons at the corners of the audio block. Drag the fade handle inward to create a fade-in at the start or fade-out at the end. This makes the audio gradually get louder or quieter instead of starting or stopping suddenly.

What if I want to use the same audio track twice in one video?

Import or record the audio once, then duplicate it. Tap the audio block, look for a duplicate or copy option, and select it. CapCut will create a second copy of the same audio on a new track. You can then move, trim, or adjust the volume of each copy independently.

Does CapCut keep the original audio from my video if I add new audio on top?

Yes, unless you delete it. When you import a video clip, its original sound stays on the timeline. If you add music or voiceover, they layer on top. You can mute the original audio by setting its volume to zero, or delete the original audio track entirely if you don't want it. Tap the original audio block and select mute or delete.