Mac OS · macOS

Add Music to iMovie on Mac

Source-checked About 10 minutes

Answer

Use the Audio browser or drag a legally available audio file into the timeline, then trim, fade, and lower it so dialogue remains clear.

Guide steps4 steps
  1. Choose permitted audio
  2. Add the track
  3. Fit the edit
  4. Balance the mix
  5. If it still does not work

Choose permitted audio

Use your own recording, a licensed file, iMovie sound effects, or music you are allowed to use; protected streaming tracks may not import.

Add the track

Open Audio in iMovie or drag a supported file from Finder beneath the video clips.

Fit the edit

Trim or loop the music, move it to the intended start, and add fades at the ends.

Balance the mix

Lower music beneath speech, preview on headphones and speakers, then export an audio check.

Video walkthrough

If it does not work

  • If “Add Music to iMovie on Mac” remains unresolved, identify the first numbered step that produces a different result and preserve that screen, file, log, or message. Recheck the specific account, permission, storage, connection, source-media, or hardware prerequisite above, then follow only the matching Apple Support recovery path; do not combine unrelated resets, bypasses, unofficial installers, or third-party repair tools.
Sources and verification

Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.

Reviewed against the linked first-party guidance; interface labels can vary by current app, service, or operating-system version.

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