Find the Best Way To Add Music to a Video
Adding music to a video can be the finishing touch that your project needs. And if you know how to edit a video, adding a song file is pretty straightforward. So, let’s start with the basics.
Adding music requires you to use video editing software. Yep, the same one you use for trimming your video or adding titles. Video editors can be divided into three categories:
- Traditional Video Editors
- Online Video Editors
- Mobile Video Editors
Within each of these categories, there are a ton of companies that make and sell video editors. And each claims theirs is the best. The truth? The best editor depends on your needs.
Here, we’ll explain how to add music to a video and highlight editing features to look for. But music – even though it’s important – isn’t the only consideration when choosing an editor. So we’ll also give you the scoop on the costs and hardware requirements of each of the three kinds of editors.
Types of Video Editors for Adding Music to a Video
Let’s start by explaining the three types of video editors.
Traditional Video Editors
These editors are software that you download to your computer or laptop. They’re able to handle intense editing requirements, such as feature-length films. But even non-pros, such as YouTubers, use them as well. Not sure you have the know-how? Adobe Premiere Elements offers a simple interface and guided edits to help you out.
Third-party plugins are available to support most traditional video editors. These add even more editing capabilities to your toolbox.
Online Video Editors
Online editors typically aren’t as sophisticated as traditional editors. But, their capabilities continue to improve. Even big corporations have started using online editors to produce video content. InVideo, which offers more than 5,000 customizable video templates, has been used by CNBC, CNN, and Microsoft.
As their name implies, online video editors work entirely in the cloud. Team members can collaborate and edit from anywhere they have an Internet connection. And you don’t need to worry about emailing large video files back and forth.
Mobile Video Editors
Mobile video editors are just a fancy-pants term for smartphone apps. These usually include templates that make it easy for anyone – even a beginner – to create a video. Essentials such as trimming, transitions, and titles are standard in most apps. But more advanced capabilities, such as video layering or audio mixing, are lacking.
Cyberlink PowerDirector, Kinemaster, and Lumafusion are apps for newbies to consider. They’re easy to learn, but offer more advanced features as your skills progress.
How To Add Music to a Video
Adding music to a video editor follows a similar process, regardless of which editor you use. And it’s pretty simple. Begin by opening the editor. Using a track from your favorite stock music library? You’ll need to upload it into the editor. If you’re using a song from the editor’s built-in audio library, it’s ready to use.
Most editors have a project timeline. After your audio files have been added to the editor, drag them onto the project timeline. Then you’re ready to start editing: insert the song into the correct spot, trim it to fit the scene, or adjust its volume.
Useful Editing Features When Adding Music to a Video
A video editor doesn’t need to include every editing feature – just the ones that are useful to you. If adding music to a video, here are a few features to look for:
Auto Beat Sync: Match the footage with music.
Audio Ducking: Fade your music so your audio stands out.
Music Match: Remix any song to fit the length of your video.
Remove Background Noise: Clean up or remove background noise. This is especially useful if you didn’t use the right type of microphone when filming.
Vocal Remover: Automatically remove vocals from a song.
Adding Music Using a Traditional Video Editor
Not all music editors organize their audio library into types. If you want one that does, Wondshare Filmora has you covered. Choose from categories such as electronic rock and hipster folk. The biggest bummer? The editor only includes 76 tracks. This is a shockingly small selection when trying to find the perfect track for your project.
Looking to add sound effects? Corel VideoStudio might be your best bet. Their audio library includes hundreds of sound effects.
Adding Music Using an Online Video Editor
Without a doubt, InVideo has one of the largest selections of songs of any video editor. When you tally up the songs, photos, and videos, a whopping 8 million digital assets are included. But be aware that these songs can only be edited within the platform. Don’t expect to download tunes from InVideo and then move them over to a different type of editor.
Adding Music Using a Mobile Video Editor
Compared to other types of editors, mobile editors don’t have as many advanced features. This extends to their music editing capabilities. Adobe Clip, for example, lets you add background music and adjust its volume – but you can’t do a proper fade.
There are similar hiccups with other apps such as Adobe Premiere Rush. When you start adding multiple tracks, users complain that the editor glitches. Four seems to be the breaking point.
Copyright Rules When Adding Music to a Video
Many video editors include an audio library, but sometimes there’s a problem. And it’s a big one: These tracks might break copyright rules.
The Microsoft Video Editor is one example. It features tracks that haven’t been cleared for use on social media platforms or for commercial use. If you post a video with one of your songs, it can be pulled down for copyright infringement. The solution? Use royalty-free music from the stock music library of your choice.
How Much Does It Cost To Add Music to a Video?
The audio libraries built into video editors often aren’t the best. They tend to be plagued by poor selection and badly organized search functions. You’ll likely want to use songs from your favorite stock music library. But this is very affordable, with some pricing plans starting at $5.75 per month for unlimited tunes.
Of course, to produce any video – whether it includes music or not – requires you to use an editor. Next, we’ll explain what you can expect for those costs.
Cost of Traditional Video Editors
Traditional video editors require you to pay a one-time cost to download the software. On the higher end, expect to fork out around $400 for Apple Final Cut Pro X. On the lower end, Adobe Premiere Elements rings in around $100. And, of course, there’s a range of options beyond these choices.
The initial cost may seem high, but a traditional editor might work out more economically over time. How? Once you’ve downloaded these software packages, they’re yours. No extra fees or monthly plans are required.
Cost of Online Video Editors
These websites require you to pay a subscription fee to access the editing features. Many offer the choice of a monthly or annual payment.
An annual subscription is usually the better deal. But, if you end up not liking the editor, then you’ve sunk money into a product you won’t use. Always check to see if the company offers a free trial so you can test drive the editor before purchasing.
Media.io has a free plan – not just a trial – that might suit your needs. Unlike most free plans, this one doesn’t include a watermark on your finished video. If you only need occasional video content, consider Fastreel. They let you pay per video ($10) rather than commit to a monthly or annual subscription.
Cost of Mobile Video Editors
Mobile video editors are the most affordable but, again, the pricing varies. Some, like iMovie, are free while some require payment to download. Other apps offer some features at no cost but require in-app purchases for others.
Think that low cost equals low quality? Think again. InShot is a free app with over 15 million reviews and a near-perfect five-star rating.
Does Adding Music to a Video Require Certain Computer Hardware?
When editing videos, you need a device that can handle the task. Processing power, storage, and screen size are a few considerations to keep in mind. But there’s good news: If your device can handle editing a video, it can also handle adding music to that video.
Hardware Requirements for Traditional Video Editors
Traditional video editors require powerful computers with good processing speeds and memory. Before purchasing, check the system requirements for the editor. These can be found on the company’s website or on the product packaging.
Even the type of editing you do can affect your computer requirements. Plan to do 4K editing, 3D titles, or 360-degree video editing? These require more RAM, VRAM, and an upgraded graphics card.
When considering your system requirements, don’t forget an obvious consideration: screen size. A larger screen lets you better view your project, which can help you spot mistakes.
Hardware Requirements for Online Video Editors
Using an online editor requires you to initially upload your video files. After that, you only need a fast and reliable Internet connection.
These editors don’t require specific hardware, and there’s no need to download software. If the company adds new features, they’re automatically available when you log onto the site.
Hardware Requirements for Mobile Video Editors
Some mobile video editors are only available for Android devices and some are only for iOS. Others are available for both. You’ll need to use an editing app that’s compatible with your phone.
Creating video content means you accumulate a lot of files. This can be problematic when editing on your phone, as it usually has limited storage space. Cloud storage services are an option to consider.
If you’re editing while away from your home or office, it helps to have a phone with long battery life.
Video Content Is Good. Adding Music to a Video Is Even Better.
Your audience has made it clear that they want video content. If they don’t get it from you, they’ll get it from someone else. You may not find the perfect video editor for your needs, but most are very good. They’re even better when you add royalty-free music. So go ahead and get started. Your audience is waiting, but they won’t wait forever.
