Quick Answer: If you want to know how to add music to YouTube Shorts, open the Shorts creator in the YouTube app, select Add sound, choose a track, pick the section you want to use, adjust the volume and publish your Short.
Music can completely change the feel of a YouTube Short. The right track can make a funny clip feel more entertaining, give a tutorial more energy, or help a simple video fit naturally alongside the other content.
Thankfully, adding music to Shorts is relatively straightforward. YouTube provides its own library of music and sounds, while creators can also add original music or appropriately licensed tracks before uploading.
There are important differences between these methods, particularly when copyright and monetization are involved, so it is worth understanding your options before you start editing.
The basics of adding music to YouTube Shorts
YouTube’s Shorts tools are designed to make adding audio part of the creation process. When creating a Short on a compatible mobile device, you can select music from YouTube’s Shorts Audio Library and add it directly to the video. You can also adjust the balance between the music, the video’s existing sound, and any voiceover you have recorded.
The Shorts Audio Library includes music made available through YouTube’s agreements with music partners. This makes it one of the simplest ways to use popular music without manually sourcing and adding the track yourself.
However, using a song through YouTube’s built-in Shorts tools is not the same as obtaining a general licence to use that song wherever you like. If you edit copyrighted music into a video using separate software and then upload it, different copyright rules apply.
How to add music to YouTube Shorts
If you are creating your video directly on YouTube, adding music takes a few simple steps.
Step 1. Open YouTube and create a Short
Open the YouTube mobile app and make sure you are signed in to the account you want to upload from.
Tap the Create button and select the option to create a Short. From here, you can either record footage using your phone’s camera or choose an existing video from your device.
Step 2. Select the Add sound option
Look for the Add sound option within the Shorts creation screen.
Selecting this gives you access to the music and sounds available through YouTube’s Shorts Audio Library. You can browse the available options rather than importing an audio file manually.
Tip: You may find it easier to choose your music before recording if the movement, cuts or transitions in your Short need to follow the beat.
Step 3. Search for a song or sound
Use the search function to find a particular song, artist, or sound.
Alternatively, browse the music available to see whether something suits your video. If you have no specific song in mind, think about the atmosphere you want to create instead. Trending sounds can work well depending on the content.
Is the video supposed to feel relaxed, dramatic, funny, or energetic? Starting with the mood can make choosing music much easier.
Step 4. Select the music you want to use
YouTube may allow different amounts of a song to be used depending on the track and the length of the Short.
For some music, creators can use up to 90 seconds within a three-minute Short when adding the track using YouTube’s tools. YouTube displays the available duration when the audio is selected.
Choose the section that works best with the most important part of your video rather than automatically starting at the beginning of the song.
Step 5. Record or upload your Short
You can now record your Short or add footage you have already created.
If you selected your music beforehand, having the soundtrack playing while you plan the video can help you time movements, transitions and visual changes.
For pre-recorded footage, check that the video works comfortably with the section of music.
Step 6. Adjust the music and original audio
Use YouTube’s volume controls to balance your selected music with the original video audio and any voiceover.
If somebody is speaking, the music should normally sit quietly underneath their voice rather than competing with it. If the Short is purely visual, you may want the music to be much more prominent.
Listen with headphones before publishing if possible. Small differences in volume can have a noticeable impact.
Step 7. Preview and publish your Short
Watch the entire Short before uploading it.
Check that the music begins at the right point, the volume is comfortable and important moments line up properly with the track.
You can then complete the title and other publishing details before making your Short live.
How to add music to a Short before uploading
You do not have to create the entire video inside YouTube. Many creators prefer editing their Shorts separately, so they have more control over music, timing, and transitions.
Edit your video outside YouTube
Video editing software and mobile editing apps allow you to build the complete Short before uploading it. This can be particularly useful when you want several cuts to land precisely on a beat, need to combine music with voiceovers and sound effects, or simply want an increased level of control over your content.
However, editing software, such as CapCut, does not automatically permit you to use copyrighted music. YouTube advises creators uploading videos produced elsewhere to ensure they have permission for any copyright-protected material included.
Add and adjust your music
Import the music you are legally entitled to use and position it on your editing timeline. You can trim the track, fade it in and out, reduce its volume beneath dialogue, and align particular moments with visual changes.
The aim is to make the music feel like part of the video rather than something added as an afterthought.
Export and upload your Short
Once everything is ready, export the finished video and upload it to YouTube. From a computer, YouTube Studio allows you to upload square or vertical videos of up to three minutes that meet its Shorts requirements.
Watch the exported version before uploading to ensure that compression or export settings have not affected your audio.
How to add your own music to YouTube Shorts
You are not restricted to the songs available in YouTube’s Shorts library. Original music can give your content a much more recognisable identity.
Use music you created
If you have written and recorded your own music, you can add the track while editing your Short. This works particularly well for musicians, producers and brands that want their content to sound distinctive.
You should still consider whether another person or organisation has rights connected to the recording, composition, or production before assuming that every element is entirely yours to use. For example, music with clearly identifiable samples.
Use music you have permission to use
Another option is using generic or appropriately licensed music. Always check the terms attached to the particular track. A licence allowing personal social media use may not necessarily provide the same rights for commercial or monetized content.
If you’re eager to use popular or mainstream music, you can use music licensing services to manage any potential claims. Subscription platforms can handle licensing and permissions for a library of tracks, ensuring that you’re able to use recognisable tunes without fear of serious consequences.
Add your music during video editing
Import the authorised audio into your editing software and add it to the video’s timeline.
Adjust the start point and volume, then export the audio as part of the finished video.
This gives you more control than choosing a song during the final stages of uploading, particularly if your editing depends heavily on the music.
How to use mainstream music safely in YouTube Shorts
As alluded to above, popular songs can make Shorts feel more familiar and engaging, but mainstream music also brings additional copyright considerations.
Rights and restrictions
The simplest route is generally to select eligible mainstream music directly through the Shorts Audio Library. YouTube explains that music within this library comes from music partners that have entered Shorts-specific licensing arrangements with the platform.
Adding the same song independently through editing software is different. Music added outside YouTube’s Shorts creation tools can be subject to normal Content ID claims and copyright removal requests if not approached properly.
Do not assume that owning a song, paying for a streaming subscription or purchasing a download provides permission to include the recording in a video.
Monetization considerations
Music can also affect how Shorts monetization works.
YouTube requires monetized content to follow its monetization, advertiser-friendly, and copyright policies. Creators also need the appropriate commercial rights for audio and visual material they use. For example, if you use a song or sound from the in-app library, any revenue made from YouTube Shorts is split with the original rights holder of the song.
If your content gets flagged with a Content ID claim, rather than being taken down, any earnings from the video with copyrighted music will go back to the holder of the music’s copyright.
However, if you go through a creator-focused music library that features claims management, you can retain 100% of your earnings from each relevant YouTube Short.
There are additional considerations for longer Shorts. YouTube states that Shorts over one minute containing an active Content ID claim are blocked.
If earning money from your content is important, check the rights attached to your music rather than choosing tracks based purely on popularity.
How to choose music that works for Shorts
Knowing how to technically add music is only half the job. The song still needs to complement the video.
Match the moment
Start with what is happening on screen.
Quick edits often suit music with a clear beat, while slower footage can work better with something more understated.
Humorous Shorts might rely on a recognisable sound or a sudden change to emphasise the joke.
Avoid choosing a song simply because it is trending. A popular track that clashes with the content can be distracting.
Think about where the strongest part of the music appears too. Shorts move quickly, so you usually do not have time for a lengthy musical introduction before something interesting happens.
Balance the mix
Music should support the content, not make it difficult to understand.
When somebody is speaking, lower the music enough that every word remains clear.
For montages or visual Shorts without dialogue, you have more freedom to let the soundtrack take centre stage.
Always preview your Short at a normal listening volume. If viewers need to strain to hear the person speaking, the music is probably too loud.
Conclusion
Adding music to YouTube Shorts can be as simple as choosing Add sound, finding a track and adjusting the audio before publishing.
The main decision is whether to use music from YouTube’s Shorts Audio Library or add audio yourself during editing. YouTube’s built-in library provides an easy route to eligible popular music, while external editing gives you more creative control but places greater responsibility on you to make sure you have the necessary rights.
If you’re leaning towards the freedom and creative control of adding and editing externally, make sure to visit Lickd today. We’re the ultimate music library for YouTube creators, with a massive bank of claims-managed hit tracks from the world’s favorite artists. Check out our website and subscription offers and take the first step towards elevating your content with maximum protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to add music to YouTube Shorts on PC?
You can create your video using desktop editing software, add music that you have the appropriate rights to use, export the finished file, and upload it through YouTube Studio.
YouTube currently allows eligible square or vertical videos of up to three minutes to be uploaded as Shorts from a computer.
Why can’t I add a song to my YouTube Short?
Music availability can vary depending on the song, rights agreements, territory, and type of content. Some tracks may therefore be unavailable for particular Shorts or users.
Commercial content can also face restrictions with certain music from the Shorts Audio Library because some music agreements limit particular tracks to personal, non-commercial use.
Can I add music to YouTube Shorts after uploading?
It is generally best to add and check your music before the Short is published. If the finished video does not contain the audio you want, editing and reuploading the Short can give you greater control over the final result.
Can I add my own music to a YouTube Short?
Yes. You can create a Short containing your own original music or music you have the necessary permission to use. YouTube states that original music videos can qualify for monetization provided the creator meets its wider requirements and holds the necessary commercial rights.
Can I use copyrighted music in YouTube Shorts?
Yes, certain copyrighted music can be used through the Shorts Audio Library because YouTube has arrangements with participating music partners.
That does not mean you can independently add any copyrighted song you choose. Audio added outside the Shorts tools may face normal copyright claims or removal requests.
Do I need a license to use music in a YouTube Short?
It depends on where the music comes from and how you use it.
Music made available through YouTube’s own Shorts tools operates according to YouTube’s relevant music agreements. If you independently add third-party music, you need to make sure you hold the rights or permissions required for that use.
