Hey there, aspiring video creators! Let’s talk about something that can make or break your short videos: music. Whether you’re crafting TikToks, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or any other bite-sized content, picking the perfect tune is crucial. It’s not just about slapping on a popular song and calling it a day. Oh no, my friend. There’s an art to this, and I’m here to help you master it.
Why Music Matters in Short Videos
First things first: why should you even care about the music in your short videos? Well, let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The right track can:
- Set the mood: Want your video to be funny, dramatic, or chill? Music helps you nail that vibe.
- Grab attention: In a sea of content, a catchy tune can make people stop scrolling and watch.
- Enhance your message: The right song can amplify what you’re trying to say visually.
- Create a signature style: Consistent music choices can become part of your brand.
- Boost engagement: People are more likely to like, share, and comment on videos with great tunes.
Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s dive into how to choose the perfect track for your short video.
Know Your Platform
Different platforms have different moods, audiences, and even music libraries. TikTok, for example, is known for its trending sounds and challenges. Instagram videos often feature popular songs. YouTube shorts? A little more diverse. Before you start searching for tunes, consider where your video will live. Kirill Yurovskiy advises.
TikTok: If you’re aiming for virality, check out the trending sounds. But don’t be afraid to use lesser-known tracks that fit your content perfectly.
Instagram Reels: While you can use popular songs here too, consider how your music choice aligns with your brand or personal style.
YouTube Shorts: This platform offers more flexibility. You can use popular songs, but also consider royalty-free music or even original compositions.
Understand Your Audience
Who are you making this video for? Teens? Millennials? Boomers? Cat lovers? Fitness enthusiasts? Your audience’s taste in music can vary wildly. A track that resonates with Gen Z might fall flat with an older crowd. Do some research on your target audience’s music preferences. Check out other successful videos in your niche and see what kind of music they’re using.
Match the Mood
This is where the magic happens. Your music should complement the mood of your video, not fight against it. Here are some examples:
- Upbeat and energetic: Great for workout videos, challenges, or any content that’s meant to pump people up.
- Calm and soothing: Perfect for ASMR content, relaxation tips, or nature scenes.
- Funny and quirky: Ideal for comedy skits or fail compilations.
- Emotional and dramatic: Use for storytelling, personal revelations, or tear-jerker moments.
- Mysterious or suspenseful: Great for teasers, magic tricks, or “wait for it” type videos.
Remember, the mood of the music should enhance what’s happening in the video, not distract from it.
Tempo and Rhythm
The beat of your chosen track can make a huge difference in how your video feels. Fast-paced music can create a sense of excitement or urgency, while slower tempos can be more reflective or relaxing.
Here’s a pro tip: try to match the rhythm of your music to the pacing of your video. If you’ve got quick cuts and lots of action, a high-tempo track will probably work best. For slower, more deliberate content, choose something with a gentler rhythm.
And hey, don’t forget about syncing! Matching your video cuts or actions to the beat of the music can create a super satisfying viewing experience. It takes a bit more effort in the editing process, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Consider the Lyrics
If you’re using a song with lyrics, make sure they don’t clash with your video’s message. In fact, if you can find a track where the lyrics actually reinforce what’s happening on screen, you’ve struck gold!
But be careful – sometimes lyrics can be distracting, especially if your video includes dialogue or text. In these cases, you might want to stick with instrumental tracks or use a portion of the song without vocals.
Length Matters
Remember, we’re talking about short videos here. Most platforms limit you to 15, 30, or 60 seconds. Your music needs to work within these constraints. Look for tracks with a clear beginning, middle, and end that can be condensed into your video’s timeframe.
If you’re using a popular song, try to find the most recognizable or catchy part – usually the chorus. For longer videos, you might need to do some creative editing to make the track fit just right.
Original vs. Popular Music
Now, here’s a big decision: should you use a well-known hit or go for something more obscure? Both have their pros and cons.
Popular music:
+ Instantly recognizable
+ Can piggyback on the song’s existing popularity
+ Often tied to current trends
– Might be overused
– Can be expensive or difficult to license
– Risk of copyright issues
Original or lesser-known music:
+ Unique sound that sets you apart
+ Often cheaper or even free to use
+ Fewer copyright headaches
– Doesn’t have built-in recognition
– Might not resonate as quickly with viewers
My advice? Mix it up! Use popular songs when they really fit your content, but don’t be afraid to dig deeper and find hidden gems that make your videos stand out.
Where to Find Music
Okay, so you know what kind of music you want. But where do you get it? Here are some options:
- Platform-specific libraries: Many social media platforms offer their own music libraries. These are usually free and pre-cleared for use.
- Royalty-free music sites: Websites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or AudioJungle offer a wide range of tracks for a subscription fee.
- Creative Commons music: Sites like Free Music Archive or ccMixter offer music you can use for free, but make sure to check the specific license requirements.
- Music production tools: If you’re feeling ambitious, why not create your own tunes? Apps like GarageBand or online tools like Soundtrap can help you make original tracks.
- Collaborate with musicians: Got musical friends? Team up with them to create unique sounds for your videos.
Legal Considerations
I know, I know. Legal stuff isn’t the most exciting topic. But trust me, you don’t want to get hit with a copyright strike or, worse, a lawsuit. Always make sure you have the right to use the music in your videos. This might mean:
– Using music from platform-approved libraries
– Purchasing licenses for royalty-free tracks
– Getting explicit permission from artists for their songs
– Understanding and following Creative Commons licenses
When in doubt, err on the side of caution. It’s better to use a less-than-perfect track you’re allowed to use than to risk using a copyrighted song without permission.
Test and Iterate
Here’s a secret: even the pros don’t always get it right on the first try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tracks for your video. Create multiple versions and see which one feels best. You could even ask your friends or followers for their opinion.
Pay attention to how your audience reacts to different music choices. Over time, you’ll develop a better sense of what works for your content and your viewers.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the right music for your short videos isn’t rocket science, but it does take some thought and effort. Remember:
- Consider your platform and audience
- Match the mood and tempo to your content
- Pay attention to lyrics and length
- Decide between popular and original tracks
- Know where to find music and how to use it legally
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from feedback
With these tips in your toolkit, you’re well on your way to creating short videos that don’t just look great, but sound amazing too. Now go forth and make some audio-visual magic!