How to Add Music to Videos in CapCut – Complete Guide with Tips

CapCut, developed by ByteDance (the creators of TikTok), has quickly become a favorite video editing app for creators on mobile and desktop. One of its standout features is the ability to easily add and edit music, helping bring your video content to life with rhythm and emotion. Whether you're creating short reels, TikToks, or longer YouTube videos, knowing how to add music effectively is key.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to add music to your videos in CapCut, offer some useful tips, and answer common questions about music rights and usage.

Why Add Music to Your Videos?

Music plays a vital role in video storytelling. It can:

Set the mood and tone
Emphasize key moments
Make content more engaging
Increase viewer retention

CapCut makes it incredibly easy to integrate music, whether it’s from their built-in library or from your own files.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add Music in CapCut

???? On Mobile (iOS & Android)

Open the CapCut app
- Download and install CapCut from the App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already.
Start a New Project
- Tap + New Project and select the video you want to edit.
Go to the Audio Section
- Once your video is on the timeline, tap “Audio” at the bottom menu.
Choose Your Music Source
- Sounds: Browse CapCut’s library of tracks, including trending sounds, genres, and moods.
- Your Files: Tap “From device” to upload music from your phone storage.
- Extracted Audio: You can even extract audio from another video.
Preview and Add the Track
- Tap the play icon to preview the track.
- Tap the “+” icon next to the track to add it to your timeline.
Edit the Audio
- Trim, split, fade in/out, adjust volume, or loop the audio by tapping on the audio layer.
- Sync it with video transitions or speech for best effect.
Export Your Video
- Tap the Export icon in the top-right corner when you’re done editing. Choose your resolution and frame rate, then save or share.

???? On CapCut for Desktop (Windows/Mac)

Open CapCut and Import Your Media
- Launch the CapCut desktop app, click “Import,” and bring in your video and music files.
Drag to Timeline
- Drag your video to the video track, then drag your music file to the audio track below.
Edit the Music Track
- Use the tools on the right or above the timeline to adjust the audio length, volume, fade effects, or cut it to match your video timing.
Preview and Export
- Click play to preview your project, then export your video using the export settings at the top-right.

Pro Tips for Adding Music in CapCut

???? 1. Use Royalty-Free Music

Avoid copyright issues by using royalty-free tracks or CapCut’s licensed music. If you're using it for commercial or YouTube content, check the usage rights.

???? 2. Balance Volume with Voiceovers

If your video has dialogue or voiceovers, reduce the background music volume to ensure clarity.

⏱️ 3. Use Beat Sync

CapCut includes beat detection tools that can automatically align transitions with music beats—great for rhythm-based edits.

???? 4. Use Fade Effects

Fade in/out effects give your video a more polished and cinematic feel.

???? 5. Layer Audio for More Impact

Add multiple audio tracks (e.g., music + sound effects) to create richer sound design.

FAQs

Q: Can I use TikTok music in CapCut?
A: CapCut and TikTok share some libraries, but TikTok’s licensed music is typically for in-app use only. Be cautious if exporting to YouTube or other platforms.

Q: Will I get copyright claims for CapCut music?
A: CapCut provides royalty-free music for personal and social media use. Always double-check the usage terms before uploading to monetized platforms.

Q: Can I add my own recorded audio or voiceovers?
A: Yes, use the “Voiceover” feature in the audio section to record directly into your video project.

Conclusion

Adding music to your videos in CapCut is a simple yet powerful way to boost engagement and elevate your storytelling. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the intuitive tools and built-in sound library make it easy to craft professional-quality edits on your phone or desktop.

Start experimenting with sound today—your next viral video might just be one beat away!

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