Introduction
When it comes to video production, imagery tends to gain the most attention. But background music is an incredibly influential factor when it comes to setting the mood, tone and pace of your video content. Whether you’re making a commercial video, promo film, video advertisement, or anything else – the ideal orum for rock background music can be endless inspiration for your project’s message and audience appeal. The wrong music, on the other hand, can make your video feel awkward and be distracting, or even appear unprofessional.
So, what to do when you are looking for the right background music for your video? Next up, some things that might help make a decision.
1. Understand Your Video’s Purpose
The first step in this is to determine the purpose of your video. Are you hoping to inspire, educate, entertain or sell? The style of music to choose is dependent on the purpose of your content.
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A video that inspires might want happy, fun songs.
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An executive presentation may desire soft, professional and non-intrusive instrumentals.
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A tutorial should use subtle background music that doesn’t drown out the person speaking.
By matching the music to the objective, your soundtrack will add (instead of detract) from what you are saying.
2. Match the Tone and Emotion
Music lets the emotions flow better than almost anything. Consider the feelings you want your audience to experience. Do you want them excited, relaxed, nostalgic or curious?
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Happy pop or electronic music can bring your video a sense of modernity and vitality.
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Warm, intimate moods are set by acoustic or piano based tracks.
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Epic, orchestral scores can always add drama and grandeur.
And the music itself should match the emotional journey you want viewers to go on.
3. Consider Your Target Audience
You never know what will connect with an audience. For example:
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Youthful audiences may appreciate the up-to-the-minute beat and zest.
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A professional, business audience may want something composed and serious.
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Creative sectors might like an alternative or experimental sound.
Always think about what your audience wants to hear to make sure your video connects.
4. Be Mindful of the Pace and Timing
The beat of the music should match or flow with your video’s rhythm. A slow and mellow track might not suit a fast-moving video. Conversely, if you are sharing a lot of information, overly intense music can overwhelm viewers.
It’s also important to ensure music transitions coincide with scene changes, cuts or big moments in the video. A perfectly placed beat drop or chord change can really boost engagement.
5. Balance with Voice and Sound Effects
If your video contains narration or dialogue, make sure the background music doesn’t overbear. It should support the message, not drown it out. Lower the volume during speech, then raise it again during visuals or transitions.
Balance is everything: the music should be noticed, but not distracting.
6. Explore Licensing and Copyright-Free Options
Unauthorized use of copyrighted music can cause serious legal issues, especially on platforms like YouTube or Instagram. Safer choices include:
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Royalty-free music libraries like Artlist, Epidemic Sound, or PremiumBeat.
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Creative Commons tracks with proper credit.
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Custom-composed music for unique branding.
Always secure the right license so your video can be safely shared without worry.
7. Test Before Finalizing
Before publishing, try out different tracks with your video. Sometimes, what works in theory doesn’t quite fit in practice. Share versions with colleagues or a small test audience for feedback.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect background music is both an art and a science. The right soundtrack can heighten emotion, reinforce your message, and leave a lasting impression on viewers. By considering purpose, tone, audience, pacing, and licensing, you’ll ensure your soundtrack supports your story rather than competes with it.
Remember, viewers might forget your exact words, but they’ll always remember how the video made them feel — and music is a big part of that.
