The simplest way to add music during upload

YouTube's built-in Audio Library is the fastest route: you search for a track, add it to your video, and publish — no separate software needed. The library contains thousands of free songs and sound effects you can use without worrying about copyright strikes. You reach it during the upload process itself, before your video goes live.

Start by going to YouTube Studio (studio.youtube.com) and clicking the Create button in the top left. Select Upload videos. Drag your video file into the box or click to browse your computer. While the video uploads, YouTube shows you editing options on the right side of the screen.

Once the upload finishes, look for the Editor tab on the left menu. Click Audio (it looks like a musical note). This opens the Audio Library. You can search by mood (upbeat, calm, dramatic), genre, or instrument. Click any track to preview it. When you find one you want, click Add to video. YouTube layers it under your existing audio — your original sound stays, and the music plays alongside it.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube's Audio Library is free, built into the upload process, and contains thousands of copyright-free tracks you can use without permission.
  • You add music during upload through YouTube Studio's Editor tab, and the original audio from your video stays in place unless you mute it.
  • If you want to edit music timing or volume before upload, use free desktop software like DaVinci Resolve or CapCut instead of adding it during upload.
  • Music from outside YouTube's library requires either a license from the copyright holder or a royalty-free music site like Epidemic Sound or Artlist.
  • If YouTube detects copyrighted music you did not license, the platform may mute the audio, block the video in certain countries, or place ads on it.

Editing music timing and volume before you upload

If you want to trim the music, fade it in and out, or adjust how loud it is compared to your voice, you need to edit the video file itself before uploading. This takes a few extra minutes but gives you much more control. Free software like DaVinci Resolve (Windows and Mac) and CapCut (Windows, Mac, and phone) both let you add music, adjust volume, and trim tracks without paying.

In DaVinci Resolve, import your video by clicking File > Import Media. Drag the video into the timeline at the bottom. Then drag a music file from your computer into a separate audio track below the video track. Click the music track and you will see volume controls and a timeline — you can drag the edges to trim it, or right-click to fade in and out. When you are happy, click File > Export and save as an MP4.

CapCut works similarly on phone or desktop. Open the app, tap New project, and select your video. Tap the Music button at the bottom, then Local music to add a file from your phone or computer. Tap the music track to adjust volume or trim it. When done, tap Export.

Finding music outside YouTube's library

YouTube's Audio Library covers most common needs, but if you want a specific song or a wider selection, you have two options: royalty-free music sites, or licensing the song from its copyright holder.

Royalty-free music sites sell or give away tracks that you can use in videos without asking permission each time. Epidemic Sound and Artlist charge a monthly subscription (roughly $10 to $15 per month) and let you read unlimited tracks. Pixabay Music and Free Music Archive are free but have smaller collections. You read the file, add it to your video in editing software, and upload as normal. YouTube will not flag these because you own the rights to use them.

Licensing copyrighted music means paying the copyright holder for permission. This is expensive and slow — you contact the publisher, negotiate a price, and wait for paperwork. Most creators skip this route unless they are making money from the video and the song is essential to it.

What happens if YouTube detects copyrighted music

If you upload a video with copyrighted music you do not have rights to, YouTube's system (called Content ID) usually catches it within hours. The copyright holder then decides what happens: they can mute the audio on your video, block it in certain countries, or place ads on it and take the revenue. Your video does not get deleted, but you lose control of the audio.

You can dispute a claim if you believe you own the rights or have a license, but YouTube will ask you to prove it. If you do not have proof, the claim stands. The safest approach is to use only YouTube's Audio Library or music from a royalty-free site — both are may provide not to trigger a claim.

Adjusting volume so music does not drown out your voice

The most common mistake is making the background music too loud. If you are recording a voiceover or speaking on camera, the music should sit underneath — loud enough to hear but not so loud that it competes with your words.

In YouTube Studio's Audio Library, you cannot adjust volume during upload. You have to edit the video first in software like DaVinci Resolve or CapCut. In both programs, click the music track and look for a volume slider or level meter. A good starting point is to set the music to 30 to 50 percent of its full volume, then play it back and listen. If you still hear your voice clearly, the balance is right. If the music drowns out your words, lower it more.

If you are adding music through YouTube Studio after upload, you can still adjust it. In the Audio tab, click the track you added and look for a volume slider. Move it left to make the music quieter.

Muting your original audio if the music is the only sound you want

Some videos — slideshows, montages, or clips without dialogue — work better with music as the only audio. If your original video has background noise, wind, or unwanted sound, you can mute it and keep only the music.

In YouTube Studio, after you add music through the Audio Library, look for the original audio track (labeled with your video's name). Click it and select Mute. The music now plays alone. If you want to mute only part of the video — for example, keep dialogue at the start but mute the rest — use editing software instead. In DaVinci Resolve or CapCut, click the original audio track and use the trim or mute tools to silence specific sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use music from Spotify or Apple Music in my YouTube video?

No. Spotify and Apple Music songs are copyrighted, and you do not own the rights to use them in videos. YouTube will detect them and either mute the audio or place ads on your video. Use only YouTube's Audio Library, royalty-free sites, or music you have licensed from the copyright holder.

What if I want to use a song by an artist I know personally?

You need written permission from the artist or whoever owns the copyright to the song (often a record label or publisher, not the artist). Get them to sign a straightforward agreement saying you can use it in your video. Keep that agreement in case YouTube asks for proof. Without it, YouTube will treat it like any other copyrighted music.

Do I have to give credit to the artist if I use music from YouTube's Audio Library?

YouTube's Audio Library music is free to use without credit, but many creators include the artist name and song title in the video description anyway as a courtesy. Check the track's details page in the library — some artists request credit even though it is not required.

Can I add multiple songs to one video?

Yes. In YouTube Studio, add one track through the Audio Library, then add another. They will layer on top of each other. In editing software like DaVinci Resolve, drag multiple music files into separate audio tracks and adjust the volume of each so they blend. Make sure the total volume does not get too loud.

What audio format should my music file be in?

MP3 and WAV are the most common and work everywhere. YouTube accepts both, as do DaVinci Resolve and CapCut. If you read music from a royalty-free site, it usually comes as an MP3 already.