Making a video in iMovie is fun. But guess what makes it even better? Music! Adding background music can boost your video's mood and give it way more vibes. If you're wondering how to add music to your iMovie project, you're in the right place. This guide will help you do it step by step — and it'll be super easy.
TL;DR
To add background music in iMovie, first open your project. Then pick your music file and drag it into the timeline. You can trim it, adjust the volume, and place it where you want. With just a few clicks, your video will sound amazing!
Step 1: Open Your iMovie Project
Let’s start from the basics. Open iMovie on your Mac. Now either create a new project or open an existing one.
- Click on “Create New” if you're starting fresh.
- Choose “Movie”.
- If you're editing something old, open it from your project library.
Your video timeline will now appear at the bottom. That’s where all the magic happens!
Step 2: Pick Your Perfect Music
Now, you need music. You can use:
- Songs from your Music app (formerly iTunes)
- Music files you've downloaded onto your computer
- iMovie’s built-in soundtracks
To access built-in music in iMovie:
- Click the Audio tab at the top of the browser.
- Choose “Soundtracks”.
- Browse the free audio tracks and click the download icon if needed.
Can’t find the tab? No worries. Just click on the “Audio and Video” button in the top-left corner to get back.
Step 3: Drag Music Onto the Timeline
Once you’ve got your song picked, it’s time to add it to your project. Here’s how:
- Click and drag the song to the timeline area.
- Drop it below the video track — that’s the audio track zone.
The audio will appear as a green bar under your clip.
If your music is longer than your video, no sweat. You can trim it (more on that later).
Step 4: Trim the Music Track
If the music keeps playing after your video ends, you’ll need to trim it.
Just follow these steps:
- Click the edge of the audio bar (the green one).
- Drag it left until it lines up with the end of your video.
You can even trim from the beginning. Drag it from the left side to choose where your song starts.
Step 5: Adjust Volume
Adding music is cool, but it shouldn’t drown out your narration or dialogue.
To fix the volume:
- Click on the green music bar in the timeline.
- Look above the viewer for the volume slider.
- Drag it left to make it quieter or right to pump up the volume.
You can also fade the music in or out for a smoother sound.
Here’s how:
- Hover at the start or end of the audio bar.
- You’ll see a small dot and a line. Drag it to the center for a smooth fade.
Step 6: Sync Music with the Mood
Want a dramatic beat drop right when something cool happens on screen?
Easy. All you need to do is move the song around to line it up better.
To move the music:
- Click and hold the green bar.
- Drag it left or right along the timeline until it lines up with your video action.
Preview it with the spacebar until it feels just right.
Step 7: Add Multiple Tracks (If You Want)
You’re not limited to just one piece of music. You can add more!
Here’s what you can do:
- Use one track for the intro.
- Add another for the main part of your video.
- Pick a third soft one for the end.
Just drag more songs into the timeline. Position them at different places to match your video story.
Step 8: Test It Out 🎧
Click the spacebar to play your video from the beginning.
Watch and listen carefully:
- Is the music too loud?
- Does it start and stop where you want?
- Does it match the mood of the scenes?
Make little changes as needed until it sounds awesome.
Bonus Tip: Save It With Style
When you’re happy with your masterpiece, it’s time to share it!
To export your video:
- Click the Share button in the top right corner (it looks like a square with an arrow).
- Choose File to save it on your computer or YouTube to upload directly.
Choose your settings, hit Next, give it a cool name, and boom — your video is ready with that sweet background music included!
Common Questions
What kind of music can I use without copyright problems?
Use royalty-free tracks or music that you have permission to share. iMovie’s built-in soundtracks are good to go!
Can I add music from Spotify?
Nope. Spotify songs are encrypted and can’t be added directly. You’ll need to find a legitimate, downloadable version.
Can I fade music in and out multiple times?
You bet! Just split the audio into chunks using Command + B, and fade each piece however you like.
Wrap Up
See? That wasn’t so hard!
In just a few steps, you can take your silent video to the next level with awesome background music. Adding tracks, trimming them, adjusting volume, and syncing to your scenes is all simple — and super fun.
Now go on and show off your new skills like a video pro!