How to Add Music to YouTube Shorts (2025 Guide)
May 21, 2025
🎬 How to Add Music to YouTube Shorts (2025)
Adding music to your YouTube Shorts helps you grab attention, set the tone, and increase watch time. Whether you’re posting directly in the YouTube app or editing outside it, this guide covers everything you need.
📖 Table of Contents
- Why Add Music to YouTube Shorts?
- How to Add Music to YouTube Shorts on Mobile
- How to Add Music to YouTube Shorts on PC
- How to Add Music After Uploading
- Copyright Tips for YouTube Music
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
🎧 Why Add Music to YouTube Shorts?
- Increased Engagement: Music boosts emotional connection and retention.
- Discoverability: Using trending audio can help your Shorts get pushed to more feeds.
- Professionalism: Adds polish and storytelling power to short-form content.
📱 How to Add Music to YouTube Shorts on Mobile
- Open the YouTube App on iOS or Android.
- Tap the + button and choose “Create a Short”.
- Record your video or upload clips from your device.
- Tap the “Add Sound” button at the top of the screen.
- Browse trending music or search by title/artist.
- Select a track and adjust the segment (up to 60 seconds).
- Preview and tap Next, then publish your Short.
💡 Tip: Always align your video edits to the beat for more dynamic storytelling.
💻 How to Add Music to YouTube Shorts on PC
If you're editing from your computer:
- Use an editor like CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, or VidFix.io to add music manually.
- Export the final video with music.
- Go to YouTube Studio > Upload.
- Choose “Shorts” format (vertical, < 60s).
- Add your title, hashtags (#Shorts), and publish.
🎯 This method is best if you're using custom audio or want more control over transitions.
🛠️ How to Add Music After Uploading a YouTube Short
If you forgot to add music when uploading:
- Go to YouTube Studio > Content.
- Click the “Details” icon next to your Short.
- Under the “Editor” tab, you may be able to trim or add music from YouTube's sound library.
- Otherwise, re-edit the video with music offline and re-upload.
⚖️ Copyright Tips for YouTube Music
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Music Not Available | Use YouTube’s free music library or third-party copyright-free music sources. |
| Muted or Blocked Shorts | Stick to music labeled for Shorts or marked as safe to use. |
| Want to use trending sounds | Use the mobile app and select from the built-in trending audio list. |
📌 Pro Tips
- Use the “Add Sound” button on mobile for the easiest music integration.
- Try remixable Shorts to collaborate with existing trending sounds.
- Trim your video precisely to the beat for higher retention.
🔁 Related Tools
❓ FAQs
How to add music to YouTube Shorts without copyright?
Use YouTube's built-in audio library, which offers copyright-safe tracks.
Can I upload a Short with my own music?
Yes, but you must ensure you own the rights or the music is royalty-free.
Can I add music after I post a Short?
Technically no — you’ll need to re-upload a new version unless you use YouTube Studio’s basic trim/audio tools.
How long can music be in a Short?
Up to 60 seconds, matching the max length of a Short.
🎬 Final Thoughts
Adding music to your YouTube Shorts is no longer optional — it's essential. Whether you're chasing trends or creating original content, music elevates your video’s performance.
🎯 For watermark-free, AI-generated captions + music overlays, try VidFix.io today and boost your next Short instantly.