Want to know how to add music to YouTube Shorts? Awesome! You've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to spice up your Shorts with awesome tunes. Adding music can really take your short-form videos to the next level, making them more engaging and fun for your viewers. Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting, this guide will provide you clear, easy-to-follow steps to enhance your YouTube Shorts with your favorite tracks. Let's get started and transform your Shorts into captivating mini-masterpieces!

Why Add Music to YouTube Shorts?

Before we dive into the how, let's talk about the why. Music is a game-changer for video content. Here’s why you should definitely be adding tunes to your YouTube Shorts:

• Enhances Engagement: Music grabs attention instantly. A catchy song or a perfectly timed beat can hook viewers right from the start, making them more likely to watch your entire Short.
• Sets the Mood: Music sets the emotional tone of your video. Whether you're aiming for upbeat and energetic or calm and reflective, the right track can amplify the message you're trying to convey.
• Increases Shareability: A Short with a popular or trending song is more likely to be shared. People love to share content that resonates with them, and music is a powerful way to create that connection.
• Boosts Creativity: Adding music can inspire new ideas and creative directions for your content. It can challenge you to think outside the box and create Shorts that are more dynamic and visually interesting.
• Keeps Up with Trends: Many trends on YouTube Shorts are driven by music. By using trending songs, you can tap into these trends and increase the visibility of your videos.

In short, adding music isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have for creating Shorts that stand out and capture attention. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to make it happen!

Method 1: Using the YouTube Shorts Library

YouTube provides a built-in library of songs that you can use for your Shorts. This is the easiest and safest way to add music, as all the tracks are cleared for use, so you don't have to worry about copyright issues. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open YouTube and Start a Short:

   • Launch the YouTube app on your mobile device (Android or iOS).
   • Tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen.
   • Select Create a Short from the options.

2. Record Your Short (or Upload One):

   • You can either record a video directly within the Shorts camera or upload a pre-recorded video from your gallery.
   • To record, simply tap the record button and create your content.
   • To upload, tap the gallery icon in the bottom-left corner and select your video.

3. Add Music:

   • Once you have your video ready, look for the Add music option at the top of the screen.
   • Tap on it to open the YouTube Shorts music library.

4. Browse and Select a Song:

   • The music library is organized into different categories such as trending, popular, and genre-based playlists.
   • You can scroll through the lists or use the search bar to find a specific song.
   • Tap the play button next to a song to preview it.

5. Adjust the Music:

   • After selecting a song, you can adjust which part of the song you want to use.
   • Use the slider to select the desired segment of the song for your Short.

6. Finalize and Post:

   • Once you're happy with the music selection and placement, tap the arrow to proceed.
   • Add any additional text, filters, or effects to your Short.
   • Write a compelling title and description.
   • Choose your privacy settings (public, unlisted, or private).
   • Tap Upload to post your Short.

This method is super straightforward and ensures you're using music legally. However, the downside is that you're limited to the songs available in the YouTube library. If you want to use a specific song that's not in the library, you'll need to explore other options.

Method 2: Using Original Audio

Another way to add music to your YouTube Shorts is by using original audio. This could be music you've created yourself or audio from another video. Here's how you can do it:

1. Create or Find Your Audio:

   • If you're using your own music, make sure you have the rights to use it. If you're using audio from another video, ensure you have permission or that it falls under fair use guidelines.
   • You can record your own music using a recording app on your phone or computer.

2. Incorporate the Audio into Your Short:

   • Record your YouTube Short as you normally would.
   • While recording, play the music in the background using another device.
   • Alternatively, you can use video editing software to overlay the audio onto your Short after recording.

3. Ensure Good Audio Quality:

   • Make sure the music is clear and audible in your Short.
   • Adjust the volume levels so that the music doesn't overpower your voice or other sounds in the video.

4. Upload Your Short:

   • Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to upload your Short to YouTube.

Using original audio gives you more flexibility in terms of music selection, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring you have the necessary rights to use the audio. Always be mindful of copyright issues to avoid potential problems down the road.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Video Editing Apps

If you want more control over your music and video editing, using third-party video editing apps is a great option. These apps offer a wide range of features, including the ability to add music, trim clips, add effects, and more. Here are a few popular options:

• InShot:

  • InShot is a user-friendly video editing app available for both iOS and Android.
  • It allows you to easily add music to your videos, trim clips, add text, and apply filters.
  • You can also adjust the volume levels of the music and the original audio in your video.

• CapCut:

  • CapCut is another popular video editing app developed by the same company as TikTok.
  • It offers a wide range of editing tools and effects, including the ability to add music from your own library or from CapCut's built-in library.
  • CapCut also has features like auto captions, text-to-speech, and background removal.

• Adobe Premiere Rush:

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  • Adobe Premiere Rush is a more advanced video editing app that's great for creating professional-looking videos.
  • It allows you to add multiple audio tracks, adjust audio levels, and apply audio effects.
  • Premiere Rush also integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, so you can easily access your other Adobe projects.

Here’s a general guide on how to use these apps to add music to your Short:

1. Download and Install a Video Editing App:

   • Choose a video editing app that suits your needs and download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

2. Import Your Video:

   • Open the app and import the video you want to edit.

3. Add Music:

   • Look for the Audio or Music option in the app.
   • Tap on it to browse your device's music library or the app's built-in library.
   • Select the song you want to use and add it to your video timeline.

4. Edit and Adjust:

   • Trim the music clip to fit your video.
   • Adjust the volume levels of the music and the original audio in your video.
   • Add any additional effects, text, or filters to enhance your Short.

5. Export and Upload:

   • Once you're happy with your edits, export the video to your device.
   • Upload the video to YouTube Shorts following the steps outlined in Method 1.

Using third-party video editing apps gives you the most control and flexibility over your music and video editing. It's a great option if you want to create high-quality, professional-looking Shorts.

Copyright Considerations

Before you start adding music to your YouTube Shorts, it's essential to understand copyright laws. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your video being taken down or your account being penalized. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• YouTube's Music Policies:

  • YouTube has a comprehensive set of music policies that outline what you can and cannot do with copyrighted music.
  • Familiarize yourself with these policies to avoid copyright strikes.

• Fair Use:

  • Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows you to use copyrighted material in certain circumstances, such as for criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, or research.
  • However, fair use is a complex and subjective concept, so it's important to understand the guidelines and limitations.

• Creative Commons Licenses:

  • Creative Commons licenses allow creators to share their work with others while still retaining some rights.
  • You can find music with Creative Commons licenses on platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, and Jamendo.

• Royalty-Free Music:

  • Royalty-free music is music that you can use without paying royalties to the composer or copyright holder.
  • There are many websites that offer royalty-free music, such as Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and PremiumBeat.

To ensure you're using music legally, always check the terms and conditions of the music you're using and obtain the necessary permissions or licenses. When in doubt, it's always best to err on the side of caution and use music that you have the rights to use.

Pro Tips for Adding Music to YouTube Shorts

To really make your YouTube Shorts shine, here are some pro tips for adding music:

• Match the Music to Your Content:

  • Choose music that complements the mood and theme of your video. Upbeat music works well for energetic content, while mellow music is better for more relaxed videos.

• Use Trending Songs:

  • Keep an eye on trending songs on YouTube Shorts and TikTok. Using popular songs can help your videos get more views and shares.

• Adjust the Volume Levels:

  • Make sure the music doesn't overpower your voice or other sounds in your video. Adjust the volume levels so that everything is balanced.

• Use Music to Tell a Story:

  • Music can be a powerful storytelling tool. Use it to create emotional impact and enhance the narrative of your video.

• Experiment with Different Genres:

  • Don't be afraid to try different genres of music to see what works best for your content. You might be surprised at what you discover.

By following these tips, you can create YouTube Shorts that are not only visually appealing but also musically engaging.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Adding music to your YouTube Shorts is a fantastic way to boost engagement, set the mood, and keep up with trends. Whether you choose to use the YouTube Shorts library, original audio, or third-party video editing apps, the key is to be creative, mindful of copyright laws, and always aim for high-quality content. Now that you know how to add music to YouTube Shorts, go ahead and start creating some awesome Shorts that will captivate your audience. Happy creating!