How to Add Music to a Video on Android

To add music to a video on Android, choose an editor that supports a soundtrack, add the video and music, then preview and save the result. Google Photos offers a highlight-video workflow, and supported Samsung Galaxy devices also provide background-music controls in Gallery. Their menus and outputs differ, so choose the method that fits your phone and edit.

Keep the original video. Adding a soundtrack is not the same as removing the video’s existing speech or noise: listen to both together and adjust their levels where the editor permits. Use music you have permission to include and share.

Choose an Android workflow

Two documented ways to add a soundtrack

Method	Best starting point	Important distinction
Google Photos highlight video	Create → Highlight video, select your video, then edit the soundtrack.	Creates a highlight video; review the selected clips and timing rather than assuming the original edit remains unchanged.
Samsung Galaxy Gallery	Open a video, choose Edit and use its Audio controls when available.	Options and labels vary by device and software version. Samsung's tools are specific to supported Galaxy devices.

For a multi-track edit or precise music cues, use a video editor with the needed controls. The voiceover guide explains how separate timeline tracks can help you balance narration and music.

Add music with Google Photos on Android

1. Open the creation tool. In Google Photos, tap Create → Highlight video. Depending on your version, you can start with a template or choose content manually. Google notes that older devices may not support highlight videos.
2. Select the video. Choose the clip or clips, create the highlight video and review the selected material. A template may include music, text and beat matching; check that the picture and duration are what you want.
3. Add or change music. In the highlight-video editor, choose Add music. Google documents controls for changing the song section and adjusting Video audio and Soundtrack volume. If adding downloaded music, the Photos app may need music and audio access in device settings.
4. Preview and save. Listen to the beginning, any speech and the ending. Save the new highlight video and play it again. Google says the chosen music segment has the same duration as the highlight video, so verify which portion of the song was used.

Google’s highlight-video instructions describe current controls and note that music accompanying its content is for personal, non-commercial use. Check the current terms and your own rights before sharing or using a track commercially.

Add background music in Samsung Gallery

1. Open the clip. On a supported Galaxy phone, open Gallery, choose the video and tap Edit.
2. Open Audio. Tap the audio or speaker control. Samsung documents options labeled Add background music or Add soundtrack; wording can vary by device and version.
3. Choose a track. Select an available background track or use an option for your own permitted music if your editor offers it. Check the file is available on the device.
4. Balance and save. Adjust the video and background-music levels using the available controls. Preview speech, then save a copy where available and listen to the saved video.

Samsung’s Gallery editing guide documents the audio control. If your phone does not show the same option, check its model and software version or use another editor; Android interfaces are not identical across manufacturers.

Keep the original voice clear

Play a section where someone speaks and lower the music until the words remain intelligible at a comfortable volume. Check both the original video-audio and soundtrack controls; a soundtrack can cover a quiet word even if it sounds balanced during a pause.

If you want to mute the original clip completely, the Android mute guide covers separate methods. Muting removes all sound in that clip, including speech and effects. If music and speech are already mixed together, changing the whole clip’s volume changes both; a source-separation test is a different workflow with its own limitations.

To prepare a shorter permitted MP3 or WAV, the free audio trimmer can create a local excerpt. Download it and open it in your chosen editor; the tool does not put music onto the video or transfer files automatically.

Why can’t I hear or select the music?

Issue	Check
A local track is missing	Confirm it is downloaded, in a supported format and available to the app. In Google Photos, check the music and audio permission for downloaded files.
The wrong part of the song plays	In the highlight-video editor, use the available Section control and preview the beginning and end. Other editors may use different controls.
Original speech is too quiet	Compare Video audio and Soundtrack levels where those controls are available. Lower the music before raising a distorted source.
The saved video differs from the preview	Open the actual saved file, check its duration and volume, and verify you shared the new copy rather than the original.

Common questions

Can I add my own music on Android?

That depends on the editor, file and permissions. Google Photos documents downloaded-music access for highlight videos; Samsung Gallery options vary by device. Use a compatible file you have permission to use and check the app’s current requirements.

Does adding music erase the original video sound?

Not necessarily. Check the original-video and soundtrack controls, then listen to the saved video. Muting or removing the original audio is a separate choice.

Can I use the same steps on every Android phone?

No. Google Photos and Samsung Gallery are different apps, and availability can vary by device and version. Follow the controls available on your phone or use a suitable third-party editor.