Pick music that matches the mood and sits quietly under the voice. Choose a voice that fits your audience, and always use properly licensed audio.
Sound is half the video. Poor audio makes good visuals feel cheap.
Music
- Match the mood. Calm for finance or health, energetic for apps and launches.
- Keep it under the voice. Music should support, not compete.
- Avoid famous songs unless you have a license. Unlicensed music can get your video muted or removed.
- Use a track with a clear structure so the edit can follow its rhythm.
Voice-over
- Audience first. A friendly, clear voice often works best for explainers.
- Accent and language. Pick what your viewers find easiest to follow.
- Pace. About 130 to 150 words a minute is a comfortable speaking speed.
- Direction. Tell the speaker the tone: warm, confident, playful.
Human or AI voice? See AI voice-over vs human voice-over.
Sound effects
Small sounds, like clicks, whooshes and pings, make interface animation feel real. Keep them subtle.
Mixing
- The voice should be the loudest element, with music lower behind it.
- Check on headphones and on a phone speaker.
- Leave a short silence at the start and end.
Licensing basics
- Use stock music from a service that gives you a commercial license, or music you have rights to.
- Keep the license receipt.
- Check whether the license covers ads, social and broadcast, because some don't.
Share your preferences
Send links to two or three tracks you like. It speeds up the first draft.
Pick music in three steps
- Write three words for the mood, such as calm, trusted, modern.
- Search a licensed library with those words.
- Pick two or three options and test them under the draft.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Music with lyrics under a voice-over
- Voice and music at the same volume
- Using a track with no license record
- Sound effects that are louder than the voice
Frequently asked questions
Can I use music from YouTube?
Only if the license allows it. Many tracks on video platforms are for personal use only.
Do I need a professional voice actor?
Not always. A clear voice, a quiet room and a good microphone can work well. For brand films, a professional is worth it.
How loud should the music be?
Low enough that the voice is easy to follow, even on a phone speaker.
Do you handle voice-over and music?
Tell me what you need and I'll list exactly what the quote includes. Send a message.
Bhavesh Vaghela
Freelance video editor and motion designer in Rajkot, India. I make short-form videos, motion graphics, SaaS explainers, logo animations and AI video for clients worldwide.
