Adding music to a video is easy on every device. Keeping that video online is the harder part: the wrong song can get it muted or taken down. Here's both.
How to add music, by device
| Device | Free tool | How |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | iMovie | + > Audio, choose a track |
| Android | Google Photos editor or a free editor like CapCut | Add an audio track in the editor |
| Mac | iMovie | Drag a song into the timeline |
| Windows | Clipchamp | Add music from its library or your files |
| Posting to social | The app's own library | Add a song when posting |
On iPhone, see how to add music to a video in iMovie.
The copyright part
Owning a song isn't permission to publish it. Buying a track lets you listen to it. Publishing it in a video usually needs a license.
Platforms detect music. YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook scan uploads for copyrighted music. The result can be a muted video, a blocked video, or ads that pay the rights holder instead of you.
Music you can safely use
- The platform's built-in music library, when posting to that platform.
- Royalty-free libraries, like the YouTube Audio Library. Check whether attribution is required.
- Built-in editor music, like iMovie Soundtracks.
- Paid stock music with a license that covers your use.
- Music you made yourself.
For business and product videos
Brand and product videos are commercial use, and many free licenses exclude that. Read the license, or use a paid music library that covers commercial use.
Where MobileStudio fits
Making a product video for your app? MobileStudio turns screen recordings into polished demos on your phone. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Can I use a song if I credit the artist?
Usually not. Credit isn't a license.
What's royalty-free music?
Music licensed so you can use it without paying per play. Check each license's terms.
