How to Add Background Music to a Video Clip [Windows & Mac]

To add background music to a video, follow these simple steps:


  1. Download Movavi Video Editor.

  2. Add media files to the program.

  3. Adjust the audio length and volume.

  4. Save the result.

By clicking the download button, you're downloading a free version of the program.*

Edited by Ben Jacklin
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If you’ve come across this article, then you’re looking for ways on how to add background music to a video clip. To make the process easier for you, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide on how to add pleasant sounds to your video content using your PC or Mac.

Continue reading to find out which app works best for the task.

How to add background music to a video with Movavi Video Editor

With Movavi Video Editor, you can overlay music on a video in a couple of minutes. This software is available for Windows and Mac and there’s a free trial. Download Movavi’s video background music changer and give it a try!

Step 1. Install the video background music editor

Open the downloaded installation file and follow the instructions on the screen. Launch the program after the installation is completed.

Step 2. Add media files to the program

Сlick Add Files and select the video and audio files you want to combine. The files will be placed in the Media Bin. Drag and drop the media files to the Timeline in the lower part of the program window: videos will be added on the Video Track and audio files will appear on the Audio Track.

Upload media files to the Movavi program

Step 3. Adjust the length

Now you can edit your audio tracks. For example, you can adjust the length – if the song is longer than the video, move the red marker to the end of the video. Click the Scissors icon to split the audio and delete the part you do not need. If the video is longer than the audio, you can add another sound track and edit it to fit the video length. If you want to have one song during the whole video, copy the music track and place it right where the first audio ends.

Adjust the audio length

Step 4. Adjust the volume

When you add background music to a video, you may need to adjust the volume of the audio. Background music shouldn’t be louder than the video sound, but you also don’t want to make it too quiet. To adjust the volume, click the audio track you want to edit and open Clip Properties. Make the music louder or quieter by moving the Volume slider.

Make the music louder or quieter with the Volume slider

Step 5. Save the result

To save the newly combined movie, click Export in the lower-right corner and choose your preferred video format. Then choose the destination folder by clicking Browse and selecting the desired location. When that’s done, hit Start and wait until the process is complete. That’s it! Now you know how to edit videos and add music. Movavi Video Editor can help you not only add music to the background, but also join multiple videos into one, apply filters and special effects, add titles and transitions, and much more!

Save your video with the background music

How to add background music with iMovie

The next way to add music to your videos is with iMovie. This video-editing app is specifically designed for iOS users and isn’t available for Windows 10 or Android devices. On the other hand, you can add custom music to your videos, whether it’s MP3 or MP4, using the software.

The app has a large sound library with a wide variety of songs to select from[2]. You can insert sound effects onto your movie to make it funny or quirky or add soundtracks to different parts of your video. Whether you’re making travel videos or movies, the iMovie app will work well for you.

Follow these easy steps to learn how to add background music to your videos using iMovie.

Step 1. Download iMovie

You’ll need to get the iMovie app directly off of the Apple store, which is completely free to download and install. You can either download the app onto your iPhone or on your Mac device.

Step 2. Upload your files

Once you’ve installed iMovie, open the app on your device. Then open your movie by clicking on File and then Import Media to create a project. You can also record videos directly inside the app if you’re using it on your iPhone and add sound behind a video.

Step 3. Find the appropriate music

Select the Audio tab located at the top of the screen to browse through the songs. You’ll have three choices from the audio: Sound Effects, Music, and GarageBand. Choose your category to start adding sound over a video. Preview the song before using it to see if it fits with the theme of your video.

You can browse through the music library of the background music changer to find any music you want. When you’ve found the perfect sound, drag the clip to the background music well that’s behind the timeline.

Step 4. Edit your audio

The advantage of iMovie is that you can reposition, remove, edit and trim your video’s audio in the timeline. You can also add fade audio effects.

Step 5. Save the video

When you’re done adding your background music, save your project and then you can upload it to YouTube or your other social media accounts.

We hope this tutorial on how to put music in the background of a video using iMovie helped you. Use the background music maker to customise your songs or change your theme music using the iMovie software.

Movavi Video Editor

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*The free version of Movavi Video Editor may have the following restrictions depending on the build: watermark on exported clips, 60-second video or 1/2 audio length limit, and/or some advanced features unavailable when exporting videos.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get free background music for videos?

You can get free background music for videos from the following stock music sites:

  • Jamendo

  • ccMixter

  • Free Music Archive

  • Bensound

  • SoundCloud

How do I add music to a video on my phone?

You can add music to a video on your phone using the following apps available for iOS and Android:

  • Movavi Clips

  • InShot

  • Glitchcam

  • FilmoraGo

  • Magisto Video Editor

How can I add music to my video online?

You can use the following online services to add music to your videos:

  • Renderforest

  • Animaker

  • Motion Den

  • Wondershare Filmora

  • Clideo

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