Key Takeaways
- With the YouTube mobile application, you can view the official sound library.
- Tap “Add sound” before or after you record.
- Remix audio from existing Shorts with one tap.
- Volume controls for original audio and music.
- Use only in-app library tracks to minimize Content ID claims.
- Hot trending sounds are available both in the library and on the feed with Shorts.
Adding music to YouTube Shorts is easy through YouTube’s in-app sound library, existing Shorts audio, and volume controls. Creators can add music to YouTube Shorts while balancing original audio with licensed tracks, using trending sounds for timely content, and avoiding copyright issues associated with music uploaded from external sources.
How to Add Music to YouTube Shorts
Creators can insert music into YouTube Shorts in the mobile app from the licensed Audio Library. The multistep process is just a few taps, either while you are recording or after you’ve uploaded a clip. When properly used, music sourced through YouTube’s tools remains covered by Shorts-specific licenses.
Can You Add Music to YouTube Shorts?
If you’re asking, “Can you add music to YouTube Shorts?” the answer is yes. YouTube’s built-in Audio Library offers licensed tracks specifically for Shorts, making it the safest and easiest way to add music. Creators can also remix audio from other Shorts or use original audio that they own. The best and most straightforward way is to add music using YouTube’s in-app editing tools.
Music added through external editors may trigger Content ID claims. YouTube Help states that copyright-protected content used outside its creation tools may result in claims or removals. To get the best results, stick with the official library.
How to Add Music to YouTube Shorts in the App?
Learning how to add music to YouTube Shorts starts in the YouTube mobile app.
- Tap the + icon and then choose Create a Short.
- You can record a fresh video or use a vertical clip from your gallery.
- After that, tap Add sound on the screen.
- Explore the Audio Library or look for a particular song.
- Pick the song and then select the portion you would like to use by dragging the waveform.
- Tap Done or tap the check mark to confirm it.
- Make your volume adjustments last. You can adjust the volume of the original audio or the background music separately, so it’s simple to make sure your voiceovers are clear as you play music.
How to Use Music in a YouTube Short from a Previous Sound?
In case you’re thinking about how to add music to a YouTube Short using an existing sound, it’s easy.
- Scroll through Shorts until you find the audio you want to play, then tap the spinning disc or the name of the sound in the bottom right corner. This takes you to the tracks page.
- Tap Use this sound to open the Shorts camera with the audio preloaded.
- You can also play the track while you’re recording a new clip or uploading a previously made one. This allows you to easily synchronize an action, transition, or lip sync to the beat.
- Using trending sounds is also a great way to participate in popular content formats.
- The sound page also shows other Shorts that are using the same audio, giving you ideas for your own videos.
How to Put Trending Music on YouTube Shorts?
Learning how to add trending music to YouTube Shorts starts with YouTube’s built-in Audio Library. After tapping Add sound, browse through Top sounds, Trending, or recommended playlists. These sections change regularly based on activity on Shorts.
“Audio is one of the strongest creative signals in Shorts. Choosing the right sound and pairing it with a compelling visual hook helps viewers stay engaged and discover new content.”
— Todd Sherman, Product Lead for YouTube Shorts
Trending audio can also be found by playing around in the Shorts feed. When you see the same track coming up again and again, tap the title of the sound or spinning disc to access its sound page, then hit Use this sound. Many creators pick a popular song first and then create videos around it.
After adding the song, use YouTube’s sync features to sync your montage to the beat of the music. You can have the app auto-sync two or more video clips, or you can manually adjust the timing to create smoother transitions.
Comparison of Ways to Add Music
|
Method |
Where to Do It | Licensing Risk |
Best For |
| In-app Add sound | YouTube mobile app | Low (official library) | Most creators |
| Use this sound (remix) | Shorts feed sound page | Low | Joining trends |
| Pre-edited video upload | External editor then upload | Higher | Custom or original audio |
| YouTube Studio after upload | Desktop Studio | Limited options | Minor fixes only |
If you want to add music to YouTube Shorts, the first two methods work best. They keep the track inside YouTube’s licensed system.
What Happens If You Upload Music From Outside The App?
You may add music to YouTube Shorts with a third-party video editing app, but only if you own the rights to the song or have permission to use it. When you post a completed video with music on it, YouTube views that audio as part of a video file. A Content ID claim might be triggered if the music isn’t appropriately licensed. YouTube has its own built-in Audio Library with some music licensed for use on Shorts. The same song that you added outside the app may not get those licenses. This can cause ad revenue to be demonetized or lost for many channels and accounts.
If you want to use custom music, pick original songs or royalty-free music that clearly allows use on YouTube Shorts. Always check the license before uploading.
How to Adjust Volume and Timing After Adding Music?
After learning how to add music on YouTube Shorts, the next step is fine-tuning the audio for the best listening experience. Once you’ve picked a track, hit the “Sound” or “Volume” button on the edit screen. You will be able to see two separate sliders, one for “Original Audio” and the other for the music you added.
If you want the music to stand out, reduce the original audio, or increase it if you want voiceovers to be clear. You can also cut off the start and finish of the music by moving the waveform. Preview your final mix before you publish so you can be sure everything sounds right.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to add music to YouTube Shorts is simple when you use YouTube’s built in editing tools. Use “Add sound”, select from the licensed library, remix trending tracks, and adjust the volume. These are the minimum measures that balance the vast majority of Shorts being free of any claims, while still allowing your content to have the energy that trending audio brings.
When your Short is good to go with the right track, you might want to polish up the title and description for a better reach. For creators who want to pay for additional growth support, the tools will be available within the VeeFly dashboard under compliant promotion options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I add music to YouTube Shorts on desktop?
The main Add sound library is designed for use in the mobile app. After upload, Desktop Studio has a small selection of audio options, but the full Shorts experience is designed to be mobile-first.
Q2. Is it free to use the music available in the Shorts library?
Yes, when added through the official in-app tools. The tracks are licensed for personal and Shorts use under YouTube’s agreements.
Q3. How long can the music clip be for YouTube Shorts?
Most library tracks allow up to 60 seconds in standard Shorts. Some will go further depending on the particular license. Longer Shorts could have stricter limits.
Q4. Are YouTube shorts more successful with music?
Trending audio can increase discovery because the algorithm surfaces related sounds. It definitely should have strong visuals and retention.
