In this guide
For an existing eligible upload, use YouTube Studio on a computer to add an Audio Library track and review it before saving. To use your own audio file, place it in a video editor before uploading a new video. Check permissions and the balance against dialogue.
To add music to an existing YouTube video, open YouTube Studio on a computer, select the video, open Editor and choose an Audio Library track. Place and trim the music, preview it against the original sound and save when you are satisfied. To use your own audio file, add it to the video in an editor before uploading a new video.
These are different workflows: YouTube’s documented Studio editor adds tracks from its Audio Library. A local editor gives you a timeline for your own compatible audio file and the video before upload. Neither approach automatically separates dialogue from music already mixed into the original soundtrack.
Choose the right method
| Your goal | Starting method | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| Add library music to an existing upload | YouTube Studio → Content → video → Editor → Audio on a computer. | Check eligibility and listen before saving; Studio edits cannot be reverted using its former revert feature after saving. |
| Add your own music before upload | Use a video editor to place the audio file on a separate timeline track. | Export and preview a new video; verify rights for the intended use. |
| Add sound while making a Short | Use the YouTube app’s Shorts creation tools and available sounds. | Music choices and controls may vary; this is distinct from editing an existing long-form upload in Studio. |
For the mobile creation workflow, follow how to add music to YouTube Shorts.
Add music to an existing video in YouTube Studio
- Open the video on a computer. Sign in to YouTube Studio, choose Content, and select the video you want to edit.
- Open the editor. Choose Editor and then Audio. Search or filter the available Audio Library tracks and preview candidates.
- Add and position the music. Choose Add for a track. Drag it to its intended start and drag its edges to change the portion used. Zoom in for more precise placement; YouTube says multiple songs can be added.
- Review before saving. Listen to the start, speech-heavy sections, transitions and ending. Check that the timing and balance suit the video, then save only when you are satisfied.
YouTube’s audio-track instructions say this editor feature is available for videos under six hours and that videos over 100,000 views may have saving restrictions, with an exception for YouTube Partner Program users. They also say changes saved in the Studio editor can no longer be undone using the former Revert to original feature. Keep your original export and project before making a change.
Use your own music in a video before upload
- Choose the source files. Start with your original video and a music file you have the necessary permission to use. Keep both originals.
- Import them into a video editor. Place the video on its timeline and the music on a separate audio track. Drag the music to the intended cue and trim its start and end. If the video has dialogue, retain its original audio track unless you intend to remove it.
- Balance and preview. Listen to the busiest sentence at a comfortable volume. Lower music where it masks the voice; use available fades or automation if appropriate. Check the ending and any sudden change in level.
- Export and upload. Export a new video, play the saved file from beginning to end, then upload that file. Check the uploaded preview and any platform notices before sharing.
The audio trimmer can prepare a short excerpt from a supported mono or stereo MP3 or WAV up to five minutes and 50 MiB. Download the result and import it into your editor; the tool does not combine audio with video or upload to YouTube. For timeline instructions in common editors, see how to add audio to a video.
Find music and check its terms
In YouTube Studio, open Audio Library to search by title, genre, mood, duration and attribution. YouTube says some tracks require attribution in the video description; use the track’s displayed license information and credit instructions. Its Audio Library guide explains searching, downloading and attribution.
For the separate search and download workflow, including effects and attribution, see the YouTube Audio Library guide.
For music from another source, check the permission for the recording and composition and for the specific platform and use. Buying or downloading a song does not by itself establish permission to add it to a public video. Rules and platform features can change, so verify the current terms for the track you choose.
What if the original video already has music?
Lowering the original soundtrack lowers everything in that track, including dialogue and effects. If the original project has separate tracks, adjust or mute its music track and export again. If voice and music are already mixed, music removal can test an estimate, but the result may retain music or lose wanted speech and ambience. AI downloads require an account and sufficient credits; check the shown cost and listen before using the output.
Common questions
Can I add a song to an already uploaded video on my phone?
YouTube’s Studio editor instructions say changing the audio track of an existing video is no longer available in the YouTube mobile app; use Studio on a computer. Shorts creation has separate in-app sound tools.
Does adding music replace the video’s original voice?
Do not assume the result: preview and listen to the balance in the editor. If you need independent control over a voice and music already mixed together, return to separate original tracks when possible.
Can Saturalabs add music directly to YouTube?
No. Its audio tools can prepare supported local files, but a video editor and YouTube’s upload or Studio workflow are separate steps.