How to Add Music to CapCut: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding music to a video can change its mood, improve its pacing, and make important moments more memorable. Whether you’re editing a travel montage, a TikTok video, a family clip, or a YouTube project, CapCut lets you combine visuals with music and other audio elements.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to add music to CapCut on your phone, desktop computer, and browser. You’ll also discover how to import your own audio, sync music with video clips, adjust volume, add fade effects, and troubleshoot common sound problems.

How to Add Music to CapCut on Mobile

CapCut’s mobile app lets you add music from its available audio library or import a compatible audio file from your device. The exact buttons may vary slightly depending on your app version.

Follow these steps to add music to a video on your phone.

Step 1: Start a New Project

Open the CapCut app and tap New project. Select the photos or videos you want to edit, then add them to the timeline.

How to Add Music to CapCut

Step 2: Open the Audio Menu

Once your clips appear in the timeline, look for Audio in the editing toolbar. Tap it to access the available sound and music options.

Depending on your app version, you may see options for browsing music, extracting audio, adding sound effects, or importing sounds from your device.

Step 3: Choose Your Music

You generally have two main options:

• Music from CapCut: Browse the available tracks and select one that suits your video.
• Your own audio: Import a compatible audio file stored on your phone, where the relevant import option is available.

Listen to the track before adding it. Consider the mood, tempo, and length of your video when choosing background music.

Step 4: Add the Track to Your Timeline

Select the music you want and use the available add button to place it in your project. The music should appear as a separate audio clip beneath or alongside your video timeline.

How to Add Music to CapCut

Step 5: Sync Music With Your Video

Move the audio clip along the timeline to choose when the music starts. Trim its beginning or ending to fit the length of your video.

For a beat-based montage, position important cuts near noticeable beats in the soundtrack. If your video includes dialogue, arrange the music so that it does not compete with the spoken words.

Step 6: Adjust Volume and Add Fades

Tap the audio clip to access the available editing controls. Depending on your version, you may be able to:

• Increase or decrease the music volume.
• Trim or split the audio.
• Add a fade-in so the music starts gradually.
• Add a fade-out so the music ends smoothly.
• Adjust the track’s speed or other available audio settings.

How to Edit Music in CapCut

Step 7: Preview and Export

Play the complete video from beginning to end. Check that the music starts at the right moment, the volume is comfortable, and the ending sounds natural.

When you’re satisfied, tap Export and choose the available video settings that suit your needs.

How to Add Music to CapCut on PC

CapCut’s desktop editor offers a timeline-based workflow for adding music to longer videos, montages, tutorials, and other projects.

Step 1: Open a Project

Launch CapCut on your computer and create a new project. Import the video or image files you want to edit, then place them on the timeline.

Step 2: Import Your Music

Click Import in the media area and select a compatible audio file from your computer. You can also browse the music options available within CapCut, where supported.

How to Add Music to CapCut PC

Step 3: Add the Audio to the Timeline

After importing your audio, drag it onto an audio track in the timeline. Position it beneath your video clips and move it to the point where you want the music to begin.

How to Import Music in CapCut PC

Step 4: Edit the Music

Select the audio clip to access its available controls. You can trim the track, adjust its volume, split it into sections, and add fade effects where supported.

If the video contains speech, keep the background music low enough for viewers to understand the dialogue. For a montage without speech, you can let the soundtrack play a more prominent role.

Step 5: Align Audio With the Video

Move the track and adjust its length until the music fits the visuals. For music-driven edits, use the waveform as a visual reference to help locate stronger beats and transitions.

Listen to the whole sequence rather than checking only the opening. This helps you catch abrupt cuts, long silent gaps, or music that continues after the video ends.

Step 6: Preview and Export

Play the project in the preview window and check both the video and audio. When everything sounds right, click Export, select your preferred available settings, and save the finished video.

How to Export a Video With Music in CapCut PC

How to Add Music to CapCut Online

If you prefer editing in a browser, CapCut’s online editor provides another way to combine video and audio without following the desktop app’s exact workflow.

1. Open the CapCut online video editor.
2. Start a project and upload your video or image files.
3. Open the available Audio or music section and browse the tracks provided.
4. Alternatively, upload a compatible audio file if the editor supports the format and import method you need.
5. Add the music to the timeline and adjust its position, duration, and volume.
6. Use available trimming and fade controls to refine the soundtrack.
7. Preview the finished edit, then export it using the available settings.

The layout and available features may differ between the browser editor, desktop software, and mobile app. If an option is missing, check the controls available in your current version.

How to Add Your Own Music to CapCut

You can use your own audio instead of choosing a track from CapCut’s library, provided the file format and import method are supported.

On mobile

1. Open your project in CapCut.
2. Tap Audio and look for the option to import or add audio from your device.
3. Browse for your audio file and select it.
4. Add the track to the timeline.
5. Trim it, adjust the volume, and sync it with your video.

The exact import option depends on your device and app version. If your file does not appear, check where it is saved and whether the format is supported.

On PC

1. Open your project in CapCut Desktop.
2. Click Import.
3. Locate the audio file on your computer.
4. Import the file and drag it onto an audio track.
5. Adjust its timing, volume, and duration.
6. Preview the complete project before exporting.

Importing a music file only makes it available for editing. It does not automatically grant permission to publish that recording in a video.

Tips for Getting Better Audio in CapCut

Adding a track is only the first step. These adjustments can help your video sound more polished.

Match the music to the mood

Choose a soundtrack that fits the content. Upbeat music may suit a fast montage, while softer background music can work better for a personal story or travel video.

Keep the volume balanced.

Background music should support the visuals rather than overpower them. If you’re speaking in the video, make sure your voice remains clear throughout.

Use fade-in and fade-out effects.

A short fade-in can prevent the music from starting too abruptly. A fade-out can make the ending feel more deliberate, especially when the track is longer than the video.

Sync important moments with the beat.

For a music-driven edit, place key transitions, scene changes, or visual reveals near noticeable beats. Avoid forcing every cut to match the music if it makes the video feel rushed.

Check the ending.

Make sure the audio finishes with the video. An abrupt cutoff can make an otherwise polished edit feel incomplete.

Listen before publishing.

Watch the exported video with headphones or speakers. Check for unwanted silence, overly loud music, distorted sound, or dialogue that is difficult to understand.

Why Is Music Not Working in CapCut?

If you add music but cannot hear it, or a track disappears from your project, try these checks.

• The audio clip is muted: Select the track and check its volume settings.
• The original video sound is disabled: If you want to keep the video’s original audio, check the clip’s sound settings as well.
• The music is not aligned with the video: Move the audio track to the correct point in the timeline.
• The file is unsupported: Try importing a compatible audio format.
• The track is unavailable: Music can become unavailable because of licensing restrictions, regional limitations, or changes to the audio library.
• The export is silent: Preview the project and then play the exported file separately to identify where the issue occurs.

If a library track has disappeared or been muted, replace it with a track you are permitted to use. CapCut’s help guide for templates with no sound also explains how to replace restricted music in supported workflows.

Is Music in CapCut Copyright-Free?

Not necessarily. The fact that a song appears in CapCut does not mean you can use it for every purpose.

Music permissions depend on the specific track, its license, your intended use, and where you publish the finished video. CapCut’s terms distinguish ordinary Sounds from Commercial Sounds, and some uses require additional rights or permissions.

Before publishing:

• Check the applicable license for the track.
• Confirm that the music is permitted for your intended platform and use.
• If you’re making an advertisement, promoting a business, or creating branded content, verify that the track is cleared for that commercial purpose.
• If you use music from another source, make sure you have the necessary rights.

For details, review CapCut’s Materials License Agreement. Do not assume that a track is cleared for commercial use simply because it is available in the editor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add music to CapCut?

Open a project, choose Audio, select a track from the available library or import your own compatible audio, and add it to the timeline. Adjust the timing and volume, preview the result, and export your video.

Can I add my own MP3 to CapCut?

You can import a compatible audio file from your device or computer when the relevant import option is available. On PC, use Import to locate the file. On mobile, check the audio import options in your version of CapCut.

Can I add music to CapCut without removing the original video sound?

Yes. Keep the original clip’s audio enabled and add the music on a separate audio track. Adjust both levels so that the soundtrack and original sound work together.

How do I make music fade out in CapCut?

Select the audio clip and look for the Fade out control in the available audio settings. Adjust the fade duration and preview the ending to make sure the music finishes smoothly.

Why did my CapCut music disappear?

A track may become unavailable because of licensing restrictions or changes to the audio library. Availability can vary by platform and region. Check the project for an unavailable track and replace it with audio you have permission to use.

Can I use CapCut music in commercial videos?

Only when the applicable license permits your intended use. Some tracks have restrictions, and commercial use may require a track specifically cleared for that purpose or separate permission. Check CapCut’s current licensing terms before publishing branded or promotional content.

Can I add music to CapCut online?

Yes. CapCut’s online editor supports adding audio to video projects. Upload your media, open the audio options, add a track, adjust it on the timeline, and export the finished video.

Final Thoughts

Adding music to CapCut is straightforward once you know where to find the audio controls and how to work with the timeline. Whether you’re using the mobile app, desktop software, or browser editor, you can import music, adjust its timing, balance the volume, and refine the ending before exporting.

For the best result, choose music that suits your video, keep speech clear, and listen to the complete export before sharing it. Most importantly, check the music’s usage permissions so your finished video is ready not only to watch but also to publish responsibly.