Key takeaways:
- Apple’s Clips app allows you to easily add music from your library or built-in soundtracks to your videos
- Soundtracks automatically adjust to fit the length of your video
- You can import songs from other apps like GarageBand or use AirDrop from your Mac
- Background music can set the tone, evoke emotion, and make your videos more dynamic and engaging
Apple’s Clips app is a powerful tool for creating fun and engaging videos on your iPhone or iPad. One of its standout features is the ability to add background music tracks to your clips, instantly elevating the production value and emotional impact of your content. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of adding music to your Clips videos and share some tips for getting the most out of this feature.
Table of Contents
Adding Soundtracks and Songs in Clips
To get started, open the Clips app and select the video you want to add music to. Tap the Music button (musical note icon) at the top right of the screen. From here, you have two options:
- Soundtracks: Clips offers a selection of built-in soundtracks that automatically adjust to fit the length of your video. Simply tap a soundtrack to preview it, then tap again to select it. The soundtrack will be added to your video and will play when you hit the play button.
- My Music: If you prefer to use a song from your personal music library, tap “My Music” and browse your songs. Tap a song to select it, then tap “Done.” The song will be added to your video. You can adjust where the song starts by dragging the waveform.
To remove music from your video, tap the Music button again and select “None.”
Importing Songs from Other Apps
In addition to using the built-in soundtracks or songs from your music library, you can also import audio from other apps like GarageBand or use AirDrop to send songs from your Mac. Here’s how:
Importing from GarageBand (iOS/iPadOS)
- In GarageBand, tap the Select button in the My Songs browser and choose the song you want to send to Clips.
- Tap the Share button, then tap “Song.”
- Add artist, composer, and title information, choose the audio quality, and select an image for the audio file.
- Tap “Share,” then tap the Clips icon.
- In Clips, tap the video you want to add the song to. If the video doesn’t contain imported audio, the song will be added. If it already has imported audio, you’ll be asked if you want to replace it.
Importing from Another App
- Open the app with the audio you want to send to Clips.
- Find the audio, tap the Share button, and then tap the Clips icon.
- In Clips, tap the video you want to add the song to and follow the same process as above.
Importing from Mac using AirDrop
- On your Mac, open the app with the audio you want to send.
- Choose “Share” > “AirDrop,” name the file or choose options, and click “Share.”
- On your iPhone or iPad, tap “Clips” when prompted.
- In Clips, tap the video you want to add the song to and follow the same process as above.
The Power of Background Music in Videos
Now that you know how to add music to your Clips videos, let’s explore why it’s such a powerful tool for creating engaging content.
Setting the Tone and Evoking Emotion
Music has an incredible ability to set the tone and evoke emotions in your viewers. Whether you want to create a fun, upbeat vibe or a more contemplative, serious atmosphere, the right background music can help you achieve your goal. By carefully selecting tracks that complement your visuals and message, you can create a stronger emotional connection with your audience.
Creating Dynamic and Interesting Videos
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, capturing and maintaining your viewers’ attention is more challenging than ever. Background music can help make your videos more dynamic and interesting by adding an extra layer of texture and depth. People are naturally drawn to music, so incorporating it into your videos can keep them engaged and focused on your message.
Enhancing Production Value
Adding background music to your videos can also enhance their overall production value and cohesiveness. Well-chosen music can smooth out transitions, fill in moments of silence, and disguise unwanted background noise. The result is a more polished, professional-looking video that showcases your brand in the best possible light.
Tips for Choosing the Right Background Music
Selecting the perfect background music for your Clips videos is both an art and a science. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Consider your target audience: Choose music that resonates with your intended viewers and aligns with their tastes and preferences.
- Match the music to your message: The background music should complement and enhance your video’s content, not distract from it.
- Pay attention to tempo and energy: Upbeat, high-energy tracks work well for fun, lively videos, while slower, more mellow songs are better suited for serious or emotional content.
- Avoid overpowering the dialogue: Make sure the background music doesn’t drown out any speaking parts in your video. You may need to adjust the volume or choose a different track.
- Respect copyright laws: Only use music that you have the rights to use, whether it’s royalty-free, licensed, or your own original composition.
By following these tips and experimenting with different background music options in Clips, you’ll be well on your way to creating videos that stand out and make a lasting impact on your viewers.
FAQ
Can I use any song from my music library in Clips?
Yes, you can use any song from your personal music library in Clips. Simply tap “My Music” when adding a soundtrack and browse your available songs.
How do I adjust the volume of the background music in Clips?
To adjust the volume of the background music in Clips, tap the Music button and use the volume slider that appears below the waveform. Drag the slider left or right to decrease or increase the volume.
Can I use multiple songs in one Clips video?
Currently, Clips only allows you to add one song or soundtrack per video. If you want to use multiple songs, you’ll need to create separate video segments for each song and then combine them using another video editing app.
Are there any limitations on the length of background music in Clips?
No, there are no limitations on the length of background music in Clips. If the song you choose is longer than your video, it will simply fade out when the video ends. If the song is shorter than your video, it will loop until the video is finished.
Can I import background music from other video editing apps into Clips?
Yes, you can import audio from other apps like GarageBand or use AirDrop to send songs from your Mac to Clips. Follow the steps outlined in the “Importing Songs from Other Apps” section of this article for detailed instructions.
