The fastest way to swap audio in Insta360 X5 footage

The Insta360 X5 records audio from multiple built-in microphones, but you can replace that audio entirely using Insta360's own editing software or any standard video editor that handles 8K files. The simplest route is Insta360 Studio, which is free and designed specifically for X5 footage — it lets you mute the original audio and layer in new sound in a few clicks. If you use Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro, you can also replace audio there, though you'll need to handle the 8K resolution and large file sizes yourself.

The choice between these routes depends on what you're starting with: if you shot the video on the X5 and want to keep everything straightforward, Insta360 Studio is the faster path. If you're already working in Premiere or Resolve for color grading or other edits, replacing audio there keeps everything in one place. Both methods produce the same result — your original X5 audio removed and new audio synced to the video.

Key Takeaways

  • Insta360 Studio is free, handles X5 files natively, and lets you mute original audio and add new tracks without converting the video.
  • You can also replace audio in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro if you're already editing there, though you'll work with larger file sizes.
  • The X5 records in 8K resolution, so make sure your editing software and computer can handle that format before you start.
  • New audio syncs to the video timeline the same way in any editor — you mute the original track and place your new audio underneath.

Replacing audio in Insta360 Studio

read and install Insta360 Studio from Insta360's website (it's free for all users). Launch the software and import your X5 video file. The software will recognize the 8K resolution and load the footage into the timeline. You'll see the video track at the top and the audio waveform below it.

Right-click on the audio track and select Mute or Delete. Muting keeps the original audio in the file but silences it; deleting removes it entirely. Either way, you now have a silent video. Next, click Import Audio or drag your new audio file directly onto the timeline below the video. The audio will snap into place at the beginning of the timeline. If your new audio doesn't start at the same moment as the video, click and drag it to sync the two.

Once the audio is positioned correctly, you can trim it to match the video length by dragging the edge of the audio clip. Export the finished video by clicking Export, choosing your format (8K or a lower resolution if your playback device needs it), and letting the software render. Rendering time depends on your computer — 8K files can take 30 minutes to several hours.

Replacing audio in Adobe Premiere Pro

Import your X5 video into a new Premiere Pro project. The software will recognize the 8K resolution, though playback may be slow depending on your graphics card and CPU. Drag the video into the timeline. You'll see the video track and audio track stacked vertically.

Click on the audio track to select it, then right-click and choose Delete or straightforward mute it by clicking the speaker icon next to the track name. Now import your new audio file: go to File > Import, select your audio, and drag it into the timeline below the video. Sync the audio to the video by dragging it left or right until the sound matches the action on screen.

If your new audio is longer or shorter than the video, trim it by hovering over the edge of the audio clip until a resize cursor appears, then drag inward. Export the finished video through File > Export > Media. Choose your codec and resolution — you can export at full 8K or step down to 4K or 1080p depending on where you're sharing the video.

Replacing audio in DaVinci Resolve

Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project. Import your X5 video by going to File > Import or dragging the file into the media pool. The software handles 8K natively, though playback performance depends on your system specs. Drag the video into the timeline on the Edit page.

Select the audio track by clicking on it. You'll see the waveform displayed. Right-click and choose Unlink Audio and Video if you want to work with them separately, then delete or mute the audio track. Import your new audio file into the media pool and drag it into the timeline below the video. Align the audio to the video by dragging it along the timeline until the sound matches the picture.

Trim the audio to match the video length by dragging the edge of the clip. When you're ready to export, switch to the Deliver page, choose your format and resolution, and click Add to Render Queue. DaVinci Resolve will render the file with your new audio in place.

Replacing audio in Final Cut Pro

Import your X5 video into Final Cut Pro by going to File > Import > Media. Create a new project and drag the video into the timeline. Final Cut Pro displays the video and audio as separate lanes, making it straightforward to see what you're working with.

Click on the audio lane to select it. Press the Delete key to remove the original audio, or click the speaker icon to mute it. Now import your new audio: go to File > Import > Media again and select your audio file. Drag the audio into the timeline below the video. Sync the audio by dragging it left or right until it matches the video action.

Trim the audio by dragging the edge of the clip to the left or right. When the audio is positioned and trimmed correctly, export the video by going to File > Share. Choose your format and resolution — Final Cut Pro can export at 8K or lower resolutions depending on your needs.

Handling file size and performance

The X5 records in 8K resolution, which means video files are large — typically 1 to 2 GB per minute of footage. This size affects how smoothly your editing software runs. If playback is choppy or your computer feels slow, lower the playback resolution in your editor's settings. Most editors have a Playback Resolution or Proxy option that lets you work at 1080p or 4K while keeping the original 8K file intact for export.

Make sure your computer has at least 16 GB of RAM and an SSD with at least 100 GB of free space before you start editing. If you're working on an older machine, Insta360 Studio is the lightest option — it's optimized for X5 files and uses fewer system resources than Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.

Syncing audio when the timing is off

If your new audio doesn't start at the exact moment the video begins, you'll need to shift it on the timeline. In any editor, click and drag the audio clip left or right until the sound aligns with the video action. Most editors show a timecode at the top of the timeline — use this to match the audio start point to the video start point if they need to be perfectly aligned.

If your new audio is longer than the video, trim it by dragging the right edge of the audio clip inward. If it's shorter, you can either extend it by dragging the edge outward (which will repeat the audio) or leave it as is and let the video end in silence. Some editors also let you fade the audio out near the end of the video — look for a Fade Out option in the audio track menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace audio without converting the X5 video file?

Yes. Insta360 Studio and most professional editors work directly with X5 files without converting them first. The original video stays in its native format, and the new audio is added on top. Only when you export do you choose whether to keep the 8K resolution or step down to 4K or 1080p.

What audio file formats work with these editors?

All major editors accept MP3, WAV, AAC, and AIFF audio files. If your audio is in a different format, most editors will import it anyway, but WAV and AAC tend to work most smoothly. Check your editor's documentation if you're unsure about a specific format.

How long does it take to export an 8K video with new audio?

Rendering time varies widely depending on your computer's processor and graphics card. A typical 8K export can take 30 minutes to several hours. If you need faster exports, step down to 4K or 1080p resolution — these render much more quickly while still looking good on most screens.

Can I adjust the volume of the new audio after I add it?

Yes. In any editor, select the audio clip and look for a volume slider or level control. You can raise or lower the volume, and most editors let you create volume keyframes so the audio gets louder or quieter at specific points in the video.

What if my new audio is out of sync after I export?

Re-open the project file and check the timeline — the audio may have drifted during export. Drag it back into sync, then export again. If the problem happens repeatedly, try exporting at a lower resolution first to see if that fixes it, then try 8K again.