The basic steps work the same way in every video editor
To add music to a video, you import an audio file into your editor, place it on the timeline below your video track, and adjust the volume so it sits behind dialogue or sound effects. Most editors let you drag the audio file directly onto the timeline, trim it to match your video length, and fade it in or out at the edges. The exact button names and menu locations change between programs, but the workflow is identical: import, place, trim, mix.
The file format matters. MP3, WAV, and AAC files work in nearly every editor. Some editors also accept FLAC, OGG, or M4A. If your audio file won't import, converting it to MP3 (using a free tool like Audacity or an online converter) usually solves the problem. Check your editor's documentation for the full list of supported formats.
Key Takeaways
- Import your audio file by dragging it onto the timeline or using the File menu, then place it on an audio track below your video.
- Trim the audio to match your video length by dragging the edges of the audio clip on the timeline.
- Lower the volume of background music so dialogue and sound effects remain clear and audible.
- Use fade-in and fade-out effects at the start and end of music to avoid jarring cuts.
- Export your final video with audio included by choosing an export format that supports both video and sound.
Importing audio into your timeline
The import process differs slightly between editors. In DaVinci Resolve (free version), go to File > Import > Media, select your audio file, and click Open. The file appears in the Media Pool. Drag it from the Media Pool onto an audio track below your video on the timeline. In Adobe Premiere Pro, use File > Import, or drag the file directly from your computer into the Project panel, then drag it to the timeline. In CapCut (free, mobile and desktop), tap the Plus icon, select Audio, and choose your file from your device.
If you are working on a phone or tablet, the process is simpler. CapCut and iMovie both let you tap a Music or Audio button, browse your device's files or a built-in music library, and tap to add the track. The audio lands on the timeline automatically. Desktop editors require more steps because they give you more control over where the audio sits and how it layers with other sounds.
Trimming audio to match your video length
Once the audio is on the timeline, you will see a colored bar representing the sound wave. If the audio is longer than your video, you need to shorten it. Position your cursor at the right edge of the audio clip until it changes to a resize arrow, then drag left to trim the end. If the audio is shorter than your video, you can either loop it (copy and paste the clip to repeat it) or leave silence at the end.
You can also trim from the beginning. Drag the left edge of the audio clip to the right to remove unwanted seconds at the start. In most editors, you can also right-click the audio clip and select Trim to Playhead, which cuts everything after the point where you stopped the playhead. This is faster than dragging if you know exactly where you want the audio to end.
Adjusting volume so music does not drown out dialogue
Background music should sit behind any dialogue, narration, or important sound effects. To lower the volume, select the audio clip on the timeline and look for a volume slider or level control. In DaVinci Resolve, right-click the audio clip and select Open in Fairlight, then drag the volume fader down. In Premiere Pro, click the audio clip and use the Effect Controls panel on the right to adjust Levels. In CapCut, tap the audio clip and use the Volume slider that appears.
A common starting point is to lower background music to 30 to 50 percent of its original volume, then listen and adjust. If you have multiple audio tracks (music, dialogue, sound effects), you can control each one separately. Most editors show a volume meter as you play back your video, which helps you see whether any track is too loud. Aim for dialogue to peak around −6 dB and music to sit noticeably quieter.
Adding fade-in and fade-out effects
A fade makes music start quietly and build up, or fade away at the end, instead of cutting off abruptly. In DaVinci Resolve, right-click the audio clip, select Fade, and choose Fade In or Fade Out. You can adjust the length of the fade by dragging the small fade handle in the corner of the audio clip. In Premiere Pro, select the audio clip, go to Effect > Audio Transitions > Crossfade, and drag it onto the clip. In CapCut, tap the audio clip and look for a Fade option in the menu.
A typical fade lasts one to two seconds. Longer fades (three to five seconds) work well for background music at the start of a video or under credits. Shorter fades (half a second) suit music that needs to stop quickly when dialogue begins. You can explore both a fade-in at the start and a fade-out at the end of the same clip.
Syncing music to the beat of your video
If your video has action or cuts that should match the rhythm of the music, you can use the timeline grid to align them. Most editors let you enable a grid or snapping feature that makes clips stick to regular intervals. In DaVinci Resolve, go to View > Snapping and turn it on, then enable the grid. In Premiere Pro, go to Sequence > Snap to Grid. This makes it easier to line up cuts with drum beats or musical phrases.
For precise timing, play the video and music together and watch where the beats fall. If a cut happens slightly before or after the beat, select the video clip and drag it a few frames left or right to align. This takes practice and works best with music that has a clear, steady beat. For slower or more ambient music, exact beat-matching is less important.
Exporting your video with audio included
When you export, you must choose a format that includes both video and audio. MP4 and MOV files support both. In DaVinci Resolve, go to File > Export > Video, choose H.264 or ProRes as the codec, and make sure the Audio checkbox is checked. In Premiere Pro, go to File > Export > Media, select H.264 or ProRes, and confirm that audio tracks are included in the export settings. In CapCut, tap Export and select the video quality you want; audio is included by default.
If you export as a video-only format (like a GIF or image sequence), the audio will not be included. Always preview your export settings before you start the final render. Play a few seconds of the exported file to confirm the music is audible and at the right volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use music from YouTube or streaming services in my video?
Most music on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music is copyrighted, and using it without permission can result in your video being taken down or claimed by the copyright holder. Royalty-free music sites like Pixabay, Pexels, and Epidemic Sound offer free or paid music you can legally use. Always check the license before downloading.
What if the music is longer than my video?
Trim the audio by dragging the right edge of the clip on the timeline to the left, or use the Trim to Playhead feature. You can also loop the music by copying and pasting the clip multiple times, though this works best with music that has no obvious beginning or end.
How do I make the music fade out under credits?
Select the audio clip, add a fade-out effect (usually found in the Effect menu or by right-clicking the clip), and drag the fade handle to extend it across the length of your credits. A three- to five-second fade is typical for this use.
Why is my audio file not importing?
Check that the file format is supported by your editor (MP3, WAV, and AAC work in most programs). If it still will not import, convert the file to MP3 using Audacity or an online converter, then try again. Corrupted files may also fail to import; try a different audio file to test.
Can I adjust the volume of music after I export the video?
No. Once you export, the audio is baked into the file. If the volume is wrong, re-open your project, adjust the audio level, and export again. This is why it is important to listen to your full video before exporting.