Sora doesn't generate audio, so you'll need to add it yourself after creating your video

Sora AI creates silent videos. When you generate a video in Sora, it comes out without any sound — no dialogue, music, or ambient noise. You have to add audio separately using video editing software on your computer or a mobile app. The process takes a few extra minutes but gives you full control over what sound plays with your video.

The most straightforward route is to download your Sora video, open it in a free video editor, and add audio tracks there. You can use music from a royalty-free library, record your own voiceover, or combine both. Most editors let you adjust the volume of each track and sync them to match what's happening on screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Sora generates video without sound, so you must add audio using a separate tool after the video is created.
  • Free video editors like CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, and iMovie all let you import your Sora video and add music or voiceover tracks.
  • Royalty-free music sites like Pixabay, Pexels, and Epidemic Sound provide music you can legally use without paying per-video fees.
  • Most editors let you record voiceover directly in the software, so you don't need a separate microphone app.

Download your Sora video first

Before you can add sound, you need the video file on your computer or phone. Open Sora, find the video you created, and look for a download button — usually a downward arrow or "Download" text. Click it and save the file to a folder you can find later. The video will be in MP4 format, which works with every video editor.

If you're on a phone, the video downloads to your Photos or Files app. If you're on a computer, it goes to your Downloads folder by default. Either way, note where it lands so you can open it in your editor next.

Choose a video editor that matches your device

On Windows or Mac computers, DaVinci Resolve is free and powerful enough for adding audio tracks. Download it from the DaVinci Resolve website, install it, and open the program. Create a new project, then import your Sora video by dragging it into the timeline or using File > Import. Once the video is in the timeline, you can add audio tracks below it.

On iPhone, iMovie comes built in and handles audio well. Open iMovie, tap the plus sign to create a new project, select "Movie," and import your Sora video. Tap the plus sign again to add audio — you can choose music from the app's library or record voiceover on the spot.

On Android, CapCut is free and straightforward. Download it from the Google Play Store, open it, and tap "New project." Select your Sora video from your phone's files, then tap the plus sign at the bottom to add audio tracks. CapCut's music library is built in, so you don't have to hunt for royalty-free sources.

Add music from a royalty-free library

Royalty-free music means you can use the song without paying per video or getting permission from the artist each time. Pixabay and Pexels both offer free music downloads with no account required. Search for a mood or genre, download the MP3 file, and import it into your editor.

Epidemic Sound and Artlist charge a monthly subscription but give you unlimited downloads and are popular with creators. If you plan to make many videos, a subscription saves time hunting for individual songs. Free options work fine if you're making one or two videos.

In your editor, add the music track by dragging the audio file into the timeline below your video, or using an "Add Audio" button. Adjust the volume slider so the music doesn't drown out any voiceover you plan to add. Most editors let you fade the music in and out so it doesn't start or stop abruptly.

Record voiceover directly in your editor

If you want to narrate your video, you don't need a separate recording app. DaVinci Resolve, iMovie, and CapCut all have built-in voiceover recording. In DaVinci Resolve, right-click on an audio track and select "Record Audio." In iMovie, tap the microphone icon. In CapCut, tap the plus sign and choose "Record."

Speak clearly and at a steady pace. Most editors let you listen back and re-record if you stumble. Once you're happy with the take, the voiceover automatically lands on its own audio track, separate from your music. This separation means you can adjust the volume of each independently — turn the music down during dialogue, then back up when you're not speaking.

If your computer or phone has a built-in microphone, that's enough to start. External USB microphones (around $30 to $50) sound better if you plan to record voiceover regularly, but they're not necessary for a first attempt.

Sync audio to match what's on screen

After you've added music and voiceover, watch the video and listen. If dialogue doesn't line up with mouth movements or music doesn't match the mood of a scene, you can shift the audio tracks in time. In most editors, click and drag an audio track left or right on the timeline to move it earlier or later. This is called syncing.

If a voiceover is too quiet compared to music, select the audio track and lower the music volume or raise the voiceover volume using the slider. If music plays over dialogue and makes it hard to hear, mute the music during that section — most editors let you click a mute button on the track itself.

Export your finished video when everything sounds right. In DaVinci Resolve, go to File > Export. In iMovie, tap Share and choose "Save Video." In CapCut, tap Export. The editor will ask what quality you want — 1080p is standard and works everywhere. The export takes a few minutes depending on video length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use copyrighted music from Spotify or YouTube?

No. Music on Spotify and YouTube is protected by copyright, and using it without permission violates those rights. Royalty-free libraries exist specifically so you can use music legally. If you use copyrighted music, platforms like YouTube or TikTok may mute your audio, claim the video, or remove it entirely.

What if I don't have a microphone to record voiceover?

Your phone or computer's built-in microphone works fine for voiceover. It picks up your voice clearly enough for most videos. If the sound is too quiet or has background noise, move to a quieter room and speak closer to the device. You can always re-record if the first take doesn't sound good.

Do I have to add audio, or can I leave the video silent?

You don't have to add anything. Silent videos work for some purposes — abstract visuals, mood pieces, or videos meant to be watched without sound. But most social media platforms and viewers expect sound, so adding at least music usually makes the video more engaging.

How long does it take to add sound and export?

Adding music takes two to five minutes. Recording voiceover adds another five to ten minutes if you need multiple takes. Exporting depends on video length and your computer's speed — usually five to fifteen minutes. Plan for thirty minutes total from download to finished video.

Can I add multiple voiceover tracks or sound effects?

Yes. Every editor mentioned here lets you stack multiple audio tracks. You could have background music on one track, dialogue on another, and sound effects on a third. Adjust each track's volume independently so they blend together without one drowning out the others.