Want to take your iMovie project to the next level? Adding music is a great way to boost your video’s energy and emotion. Whether you’re making a movie on your Mac or your iPhone, you’re just a few steps away from a perfect soundtrack.
TL;DR: Adding Music to iMovie Is Easy!
Open iMovie, pick your project, and drag in a song from your music library or use Apple’s preloaded soundtracks. On Mac, you can drag audio directly from Finder or Music. On iPhone, it’s just a few taps to add background music or a song. You’ll be editing like a pro in no time!
🎵 Why Music Matters
Music sets the mood. It makes your video more fun, more emotional, or more exciting. Even a simple track in the background can make a big difference.
So, if you’ve done all the work to trim your clips and add effects, don’t forget the music. It’s like icing on the cake!
🖥️ How to Add Music to iMovie on Mac
Step 1: Open Your Project
- Launch iMovie from your Applications folder.
- Click on your existing project or start a new one.
Step 2: Choose the Right Music
You have a few fun options here:
- iTunes/Music Library – Songs you own or have imported.
- Sound Effects & Soundtracks – iMovie includes free music and effects.
- Custom Imports – Drag your own audio files from Finder.
Step 3: Add Music to the Timeline
This is where the magic happens.
- Find the audio you want in the Audio tab above the timeline.
- Preview it by clicking the play button.
- When you find the one you like, drag it to the timeline under your video clips.
iMovie will automatically place it in the background music track. If the audio is too long, you can trim it by clicking and dragging the edges.
Step 4: Adjust the Volume
Click the audio clip. Then use the volume bar that appears above the waveform to make it louder or quieter. You don’t want it to overpower your dialogue or narration.
Bonus Tip:
You can also fade your music in or out! Just hover over the start or end of the audio clip and drag the fade handles. Easy and smooth.
📱 How to Add Music to iMovie on iPhone
Step 1: Open Your Project
- Launch the iMovie app.
- Select your project or tap + to start fresh.
Step 2: Tap the Plus (+) Button
- Tap the + sign above the timeline.
- Select Audio.
This opens up your music options.
Step 3: Pick Your Tunes
- Soundtracks – These are free and already loaded by iMovie.
- My Music – Songs from your Apple Music library (note: DRM-protected songs won’t work).
- Files – Import music from the Files app (great for royalty-free music!).
Step 4: Add and Arrange the Music
- Tap the song or track you want to use.
- Preview it and tap the + button to add it immediately.
- It appears as a green bar underneath your video timeline.
You can hold and drag the audio if you want it to start at a different part of your video.
Step 5: Edit Audio
- Tap the audio strip to bring up editing options like volume control.
- Use fade handles to gently bring the music in or out.
- Split clips if you want to insert quiet moments or narration.
🎧 Where to Find Good Music
You don’t have to be a DJ to get great music for your videos. Here are some ideas:
- iMovie Soundtracks – These are free and built right in.
- Free Music Websites – Try sites like Free Music Archive or YouTube Audio Library.
- Paid Libraries – For commercial use, check out Epidemic Sound or Artlist.
🛠️ Pro Tips for Better Sound
1. Keep Dialogue Clear
Make sure your music doesn’t overpower people talking. Lower the volume when needed.
2. Use Multiple Tracks
Mix background music with sound effects. iMovie on Mac allows more control here.
3. Match the Mood
An upbeat song for an adventure video, or soft tones for a heartfelt story. Match the vibe!
4. Use Fades
Let the music come in and out smoothly. It gives your video a polished feel.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use songs from Apple Music?
Yes and no. You can only use them if you’ve purchased and downloaded them. Streaming songs with DRM (Digital Rights Management) can’t be imported.
Can I record my own music?
Absolutely! On Mac, you can import your own tracks. On iPhone, use GarageBand to create and then share into iMovie.
Is there a limit to how many songs I can use?
Nope! Add as many as you like, but keep it balanced. Sometimes silence is powerful, too.
Why can’t I add a song?
Check if the file is protected or unsupported. Try converting it to MP3 or AAC first.
🚀 Wrap-Up
And that’s it! Whether you’re on a Mac or iPhone, adding music to iMovie is simple and fun. A good soundtrack can turn your video from cool to unforgettable.
So open up iMovie, pick your perfect song, and start editing like a rockstar!
