The Photos app does have music, just not in the Edit screen. It's built into Memories, Apple's automatic slideshows. If you want a quick montage with a soundtrack, this is the fastest route.
Make a Memory with music
- Open Photos and tap Memories (in the For You or Collections area, depending on your iOS version).
- Open a Memory, or create one: select photos and videos, tap the More button, and choose to create a memory movie if your iOS version offers it.
- Tap play. It starts with music automatically.
Change the music
- While the Memory plays, tap the screen.
- Tap the music note icon.
- Pick a different song or Memory Mix.
Apple Music subscribers can choose from Apple Music. Without a subscription, Photos offers a set of built-in soundtracks.
Save and share it
Tap Share while viewing the Memory to save it as a video or send it. If you picked a song from Apple Music, sharing options may be limited because of licensing. Built-in soundtracks share freely.
When Memories isn't the right tool
Memories is great for quick montages but limited:
- You can't add music to one specific video and control exactly where it starts.
- You can't easily set the music volume against the video's sound.
For that, use iMovie: add music to a video in iMovie.
Tips for better Memories
- Choose 10 to 20 good shots. Fewer is better than more.
- Pick music that matches the mood. You can cycle through options quickly.
- Edit the title and change the length in the Memory's options.
Where MobileStudio fits
Making a video of your own app rather than your holiday? MobileStudio turns screen recordings into polished app demos on your phone. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Can the Photos app add music to a video?
Only to Memories, not to a single video in Edit.
Why can't I share my Memory with an Apple Music song?
Licensing limits sharing with some Apple Music tracks. Use a built-in soundtrack.
