How to Add Music to YouTube Videos: Full Step-by-Step

Key Takeaways:

To add music to a YouTube video:

• Upload your video to YouTube and publish it (privately).

• In the Content tab, click on your video and then click on “Editor”.

• From the Editor click the “+” icon next to “Audio,” and then choose music to add to your YouTube video.

• Use the timeline to adjust your music’s duration and volume.

• Preview and then save your video. (Publish it publicly, if you published it privately first.)

• If you’d like to add music to Youtube videos on your phone or want more editing flexibility, consider using an external editor.

Wondering how to add music to video to a video on YouTube, but unsure how?

Well-chosen music sets the tone for your YouTube content and can drive more engagement. The good news is that it’s easy to do!

Here’s your Riverside guide to getting started. We’ll show you how to add music to a video in YouTube studio on your desktop and phone, plus using an external editor.

Table of contents

• Why add music to your YouTube videos?

• How to add music using YouTube Studio

• How to add music to a YouTube video with a video editor

• Bonus: How to add music to YouTube video on a phone

• Choosing the right music for your video

• Final thoughts

• FAQs on how to add music to YouTube videos

Why add music to your YouTube videos?

A whopping 81% of marketers say that their video content performs better when it includes music.

Adding music to your YouTube videos, enhances storytelling and keep viewers engaged. It creates a mood and can also be used for brand recognition. .

Additionally, adding a musical soundtrack can improve the overarching professionalism of your production. Musical intro and outro sections can bookend your content, while music within your video can help with content transitions.

How to add music using YouTube Studio

While YouTube’s native video editor can have some limitations in terms of adjustment and controls, it is a great starting point for newer users. The system is easy to use and relies on similar skills to those used for broader video uploading.

Ready to get started? Here’s how to use it to add music to your video.

Step 1: Access the video editor

Once you’re set up with a creator account on YouTube, log in, and click on your profile icon at the top right of your screen.

From the dropdown menu that appears, choose “YouTube Studio” to access your channel’s dashboard.

Step 2: Upload your video

Press the “Create” button at the top right of your screen. Then, choose “Upload videos” from the options that appear.

Upload files from your device and follow YouTube’s prompts to enter video details, including the title, description, audience settings, and thumbnail selection.

Once everything is set, publish your video.

Step 3: Add Music from the Audio Library

After your video is published, go to the “Content” tab in YouTube Studio, located in the menu on the left side of your screen. Click on the thumbnail of the video you want to edit.

When the details page appears, select “Editor” from the menu on the left side of your screen.

Press the “+” icon next to “Audio,” and then explore the tracks from the “AUDIO LIBRARY” by listening to samples.

When you’ve chosen the right track, press “add” to select it.

Step 4: Adjust the music volume and duration

After choosing a track for your YouTube video, you’ll need to adjust the way in which it plays. You can adjust music duration by clicking and dragging in the audio control bar that appears at the bottom of your screen. You can click on the track itself to adjust the mix level, which controls volume compared to your video’s original audio.

Step 5: Preview and save your video

Finally, when you are happy with the changes you’ve made to your YouTube video, press “Save” at the top right corner of your screen. This will save your audio and automatically publish the changes to YouTube.

Replacing music in a YouTube video

If you need to change or replace music in an existing YouTube video, don’t panic! You can follow the same steps above to revisit your video and change the audio tracks that apply.

How to add music to a YouTube video with a video editor

While YouTube Studio can be a great beginner option, it does have some limitations that make it difficult to control all aspects of your audio. For this, it can be helpful to consider an external video editing program, like Riverside.

Riverside offers you high-quality recording with up to 4K video and 48kHz audio resolution. You add music or sound effects while recording using our virtual soundboard. This is particularly beneficial if you’re hosting a live stream.

Alternatively, check out our video editor where you can easily add your own music tracks. You’ll also have access to text-based editing, an intuitive editing timeline and customization tools like captioning, branding plus image and text overlays.

End off with our Magic Tools for automatic audio enhancement and silence removal.

Then all you need to do is share your export to YouTube and you’re all set with a high-end professional video.

To use the media board follow these quick steps:

Step 1: Select an existing studio and click “Go to studio”.

Alternatively, create a new studio by clicking the “+” button on the left menu in the dashboard.

Follow the prompts and click “Create” before also selecting “Go to studio”.

Step 2: In the lobby check your equipment and then click “Join studio”.

(Note you’ll need to join as a Host or Producer to access the media board controls.)

Step 3: In the studio, click”+ Invite” to invite guests if you haven’t already.

Step 4: Set up your live stream by clicking on the “Live stream off” button and then clicking on the YouTube logo.

Add in the stream key and URL, then whenever you’re ready click “Go live” to start your stream.

Step 5: To add sound effects or music, click the “Media” button on the right toolbar.

Here you can click “+ Upload media” to add your own tracks. Or, you can use the preset tracks already there.

Step 6: Select the media you want to play and then simply click “Live” at the bottom of the media board.

You can also click the “Preview” button if you’d like to test out sounds first.

Step 7: Click Stop whenever you’re ready to end your live and recording.

How to add music to a YouTube video in the Riverside Editor

To add music to a YouTube video, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to an existing studio or create a new one.

Select the recording you want to edit. Or upload your own video by going to clicking the “Upload” button.

Step 2: When previewing the recording click “Edit” and then “Create new edit”.

Step 3: In the Editor, click on the doward arrow on the left toolbox till you see the music button. Click this ‘Music; button.

Step 4: Select one of the tracks to add to your timeline and click on the “+” button next to it. Or click “Upload” to add your own music files.

You can press the play button to preview any of the tracks.

Step 5: The track will automatically appear on your timeline.

Here you can click on it and drag the edges to shorten it. You can also use the split tool to cut it into clips to move around.

Step 6: Finish off the rest of your editing with our text-based editor, captions, audio enhancement and more.

Then click “Export” and follow the prompts to save your video and share it to YouTube.

Bonus: How to add music to YouTube video on a phone

Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to add music to a video via the YouTube mobile app. However, you can still use an external editing app, regardless of your operating system. Here’s how!

Step 1: Open the app you want to use to edit your project. On an iOS device, you might choose iMovie, while the Google Photos app can be useful for Android users. Both of these are free video editing pathways.

Step 2: Create a new project, or open an existing video recording within your chosen editor application.

Step 3: Import your audio from your device, either by tapping “Add media” on iMovie or choosing the music note icon on Google Photos.

Step 4: Look for the option to add music. Then browse to select the track you want to use.

Step 5: Use the drag function in the editing timeline to adjust your audio timing. Use the in-app controls to alter the volume as needed, making sure that the original audio of your video can still be heard clearly.

Step 6: When you’re finished editing, save and download your complete video project. This can then be uploaded to YouTube as a single file.

Choosing the right music for your video

It’s not enough to simply opt for any old music track. You need music that helps your video make an impact and stand out from the crowd.

Try to choose the highest-quality music clip in line with the overall tone of your video. For example, if you’re sharing a happy, uplifting holiday vlog, use bright and energetic music tracks. If your video is sad or serious, try a slower, more reserved instrumental.

Remember, your music should supplement the rest of your video content and enhance your project’s professionalism. Keep things simple to avoid distracting from the video itself.

It’s also important to ensure that your chosen tracks comply with all relevant copyright laws and regulations. You can (and should!) learn more about how to find royalty-free music to ensure you’re complying with copyright laws.

What music can I legally add to a YouTube video?

The music you add to YouTube videos should be royalty-free and available under a Creative Commons license, or you should have purchased the relevant license to use it.

Where can I find free and paid music for YouTube videos?

There are so many places where you can find great music for your YouTube videos! Get started with YouTube’s in-built audio library, or try a database system like Pixabay Music or Pond5.

Final thoughts

Adding music to your YouTube videos could be the key to improving your content and boosting audience engagement.

An effective music choice will improve your video’s quality and can even be part of a broader branding strategy that links multiple video projects to a singular creator identity. In this way, a custom jingle or consistent track choice can work like a business logo!

If you’re ready to take control of your video content and enhance video results with high-quality musical integrations, don’t wait. Get started from the outset, adding music live when you record with Riverside!

FAQs on How to Add Music to YouTube videos

Still have questions about adding music to a video on YouTube? Here are our answers to a few frequently asked questions.

How do I legally add music to my YouTube video?

The best way to ensure you’re adding music in line with the law is by choosing royalty-free or Creative Commons tracks, or else purchasing the license to use a specific music track.

How do I get YouTube music to play on my video?

Music will play as part of your YouTube video once you’ve applied a track! You can do this following the steps above in the YouTube Studio.

How many seconds can you play a song without copyright on YouTube?

It's a common myth that you can use any song you like so long as you only use a brief clip. This is false. There’s no safe standard duration for playing a song without copyright. You need the appropriate licenses in order to use music legally.

Should I copyright my music before putting it on YouTube?

You cannot claim copyright on someone else’s work.

When new work is created, it is automatically copyrighted. However, if you’ve created your own original music, it is a good idea to register it for copyright before publishing. This provides an extra layer of protection so that your work cannot be stolen or reused without permission.