Adding music to your YouTube videos can enhance viewer engagement, set the mood, and make your content more professional. Whether you’re looking for background music for vlogs, tutorials, or cinematic projects, there are several ways to add music before or after uploading.
In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions about how to add music to your YouTube videos, including using YouTube’s built-in tools, free editing apps, and royalty-free music sources.
🎵 How to Add Background Music After Uploading a YouTube Video
If you’ve already uploaded a video to YouTube but forgot to add music, don’t worry—YouTube has a built-in solution!
🔹 Using the YouTube Audio Library
YouTube provides a royalty-free Audio Library where you can add background music after uploading your video.
📌 Steps to Add Music Using YouTube’s Audio Library:
1️⃣ Log in to YouTube Studio (Go to YouTube Studio).
2️⃣ Click on “Content” and select the video you want to edit.
3️⃣ Go to the Editor tab.
4️⃣ Click on “Audio” and browse YouTube’s free music tracks.
5️⃣ Select a song and adjust the placement & volume in your video.
6️⃣ Click Save—your new music is now added to your video!
💡 Note: Music added this way is only usable on YouTube and cannot be downloaded or used on other platforms.
🚫 Limitations of Using YouTube’s Music Library
While YouTube’s built-in music library is free and easy to use, there are some drawbacks:
❌ Limited Selection – You may not find the exact track you want.
❌ YouTube-Only Usage – You cannot use these tracks for videos on TikTok, Instagram, or other platforms.
❌ No Customization – You cannot edit or mix the tracks to fit your video’s theme.
If you need more flexibility, consider adding music in a video editing app before uploading.
🎬 How to Add Music to YouTube Videos Using Free Editing Software
For greater control over music placement, volume, and effects, use free video editing software to add music before uploading to YouTube.
🎥 Best Free Editing Apps for Adding Music:
- iMovie (Mac & iOS) – Simple & beginner-friendly.
- Windows Movie Maker (PC) – Basic but effective.
- DaVinci Resolve (Mac, PC, Linux) – Download Free
- CapCut (iOS & Android) – Great for mobile editing.
📌 Steps to Add Music Using an Editing App:
1️⃣ Import your video into the editing software.
2️⃣ Drag & drop your chosen music file into the timeline.
3️⃣ Adjust the volume to balance it with your voice or sound effects.
4️⃣ Trim the track to fit the length of your video.
5️⃣ Add fade-in/out effects for a smooth transition.
6️⃣ Export & upload your final video to YouTube.
💡 Pro Tip: Use background music at a lower volume to avoid overpowering dialogue.
🎼 Where to Find Royalty-Free Music for YouTube Videos
If you want to avoid copyright issues and monetize your videos safely, use royalty-free music.
Best Royalty-Free Music Websites:
✅ Envato Elements – Huge selection + 7-day free trial.
✅ AudioJungle – Pay-per-track downloads.
✅ Pond5 – Premium music licensing.
✅ Epidemic Sound – Subscription-based high-quality music.
💡 Free Option: YouTube’s Audio Library offers completely free tracks but with limited variety.
❓ FAQs: Adding Music to YouTube Videos
1. Can I use any song I like in my YouTube video?
No. Using copyrighted music without permission can result in a copyright claim, demonetization, or even video removal. Always use royalty-free music or obtain proper licenses.
2. How do I avoid copyright strikes on YouTube?
Use music labeled for commercial use from sources like Envato Elements, AudioJungle, or YouTube’s Audio Library.
3. Can I change my video’s background music after uploading?
Yes, but only with YouTube’s Audio Library. If you want custom music placement, you’ll need to edit and re-upload the video.
4. Should I credit the music artist in my video?
If required by the royalty-free music license, add credits in your video description (e.g., “Music by [Artist Name] via Envato Elements”).
🎬 Final Thoughts: Add Music to Your YouTube Videos Like a Pro!
Adding music to your YouTube videos enhances engagement, improves storytelling, and makes your content more dynamic. Whether you use YouTube’s Audio Library, a free editing app, or royalty-free music platforms, there’s an option for every creator.
🔥 Start experimenting with music today and take your YouTube videos to the next level!
📌 More YouTube Creator Guides:
🎬 How to Use DaVinci Resolve for Beginners
🎬 How to Get More Views on YouTube