The basic way to add music to a video

To add background music to a video, you import both the video and an audio file into your editing software, then place the audio track below the video track on the timeline. The audio plays while the video plays. Most video editors let you drag the audio file directly onto the timeline, adjust its volume so it does not drown out any dialogue or sound effects in the video, and trim it to match the length you need.

The specific steps change depending on which editor you use — DaVinci Resolve works differently from CapCut, which works differently from Adobe Premiere — but the principle is the same across all of them. You will need an audio file in a common format like MP3, WAV, or AAC. If you do not have music yet, you can record your own, download royalty-free music from sites like Pixabay or Freepik, or purchase a license from services like Epidemic Sound.

Key Takeaways

  • Import your video and audio file into your editor, then drag the audio onto the timeline below your video track.
  • Use the volume slider to lower the music so dialogue or existing sound in your video stays clear.
  • Trim the audio to end when your video ends by dragging the edge of the audio clip on the timeline.
  • Royalty-free music sites like Pixabay and Freepik let you download music legally without paying per video.
  • Always check the license terms of any music you use to confirm you can use it in your video.

Finding the right music file to use

Before you can add music to your video, you need an audio file. The easiest source is a royalty-free music library. Pixabay, Freepik, and YouTube Audio Library (built into YouTube Studio) all offer music you can download and use without paying per video or asking permission. Each site has a search function where you type the mood or genre you want — "upbeat", "cinematic", "lo-fi" — and download the MP3 file to your computer.

If you want to use music from a commercial artist or a song you already own, you need a license that covers video use. Spotify and Apple Music do not include video rights, so using those songs in a video you share publicly can get your video removed or claimed by the copyright holder. If you want to use a specific song, services like Epidemic Sound or Artlist charge a monthly fee and let you use their entire catalog in videos. Check the license terms carefully — some allow personal use only, while others allow commercial use.

You can also record your own music or hire someone to compose it. If you record audio on your phone or computer, save it as an MP3 or WAV file so your editor can read it.

Importing audio into your editing software

The import process depends on your editor. In DaVinci Resolve, click the Media Pool on the left, then click the folder icon and navigate to your audio file. In CapCut on a phone, tap the plus icon, select Audio, and choose your file from your device. In Adobe Premiere, go to File > Import and select your audio file. Once imported, the file appears in your media library or project panel.

After importing, drag the audio file onto the timeline. It should land on an audio track below your video track. If your editor does not have an audio track yet, right-click the timeline and select Add Audio Track or similar. The audio file now appears as a colored bar on the timeline, usually showing a waveform — the visual representation of the sound.

Adjusting volume so dialogue stays clear

Background music should not overpower any dialogue, narration, or important sound effects in your video. To lower the music volume, click the audio clip on the timeline and look for a volume slider or level control. In most editors, you can drag a line across the top of the audio waveform downward to reduce volume, or you can right-click the clip and select Audio Levels or Volume.

A good starting point is around 40 to 60 percent of the music's original volume, depending on how loud your dialogue is. Play back a section of your video to hear how it sounds. If you still cannot hear the dialogue clearly, lower the music more. If the music disappears, raise it. You can also create a fade-in at the start and fade-out at the end so the music does not start or stop abruptly — most editors let you drag the corners of the audio clip inward to create these fades.

Trimming the audio to match your video length

Your audio file might be longer or shorter than your video. To trim it, click and drag the right edge of the audio clip on the timeline to shorten it, or drag the left edge to move where it starts. The audio will stop playing when the clip ends. If your music is much longer than your video, you can trim it to the exact frame where your video ends, or you can let it fade out gradually using the fade-out tool.

If your music is too short, you have a few options. You can loop it — most editors let you right-click the audio clip and select Repeat or Loop to play it again from the start when it finishes. You can also add a second copy of the same audio file after the first one ends, or you can find a different piece of music that is longer. Looping works best for ambient or repetitive music; for songs with a clear structure, looping can sound jarring.

Handling multiple audio tracks

If your video already has sound — dialogue, footsteps, background noise — your editor will place that on one audio track and your music on another. This is normal and useful. You can adjust each track separately. Lower the music track while keeping the original sound at full volume, or vice versa. Some editors let you mute an entire track by clicking a speaker icon, which is helpful when you want to hear only the music or only the dialogue while you work.

If your original audio is too quiet or too loud compared to the music, adjust its volume the same way you adjusted the music. Click the original audio clip and drag its volume slider. Aim for a balance where you can hear both clearly. If the original audio has unwanted background noise, some editors include a noise reduction tool — look in the audio effects menu — though this works better on some recordings than others.

Exporting your video with the music included

Once you have added and adjusted your music, export your video to save it as a finished file. In DaVinci Resolve, click File > Export and choose your format. In CapCut, tap Export and select your quality. In Adobe Premiere, go to File > Export > Media. The export process combines your video track, your music track, and any other audio into a single file. Make sure both your video and audio tracks are visible (not hidden) before you export, or the music will not be included in the final file.

Choose a format like MP4 or MOV for most uses. The export may take several minutes depending on your video length and your computer speed. Once it finishes, play the exported file in a media player to confirm the music is there and sounds the way you want it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not without a license. YouTube and Spotify music is protected by copyright. If you upload a video with that music to YouTube, the platform will either remove it, mute the audio, or place ads on the video and give the revenue to the copyright holder. Royalty-free sites like Pixabay are legal to use without permission.

What if my music is longer than my video?

Trim the audio clip by dragging its right edge on the timeline to where your video ends. You can also loop the music to repeat, or add a fade-out so it ends gradually instead of stopping abruptly.

How do I make the music fade in and out?

Most editors let you create fades by dragging the top corners of the audio clip inward. Drag the top-left corner inward to fade in at the start, and the top-right corner to fade out at the end. Some editors also have a Fade In or Fade Out option in the audio effects menu.

Can I use the same music file in multiple videos?

Yes, if you have a license that allows it. Royalty-free music from Pixabay and similar sites can be used in as many videos as you want. Paid services like Epidemic Sound also allow unlimited use across multiple videos as long as your subscription is active.

What audio format should I use?

MP3 and WAV are the most common and work in all major editors. AAC and FLAC also work in most software. Avoid formats like MIDI unless your editor specifically supports them, as they may not import correctly.