How to choose the right audio for your content

If you're feeling stuck on what music to choose for your recently edited video, you're not alone! Picking the perfect soundtrack can be a daunting task, especially when you don't want to risk altering the message or intensity of your hard work. The dilemma of whether to go for stock music or create a custom soundtrack can add to the pressure. But don't worry, with a little bit of research and creativity, you'll be able to find the perfect musical match for your content in no time!

Here are 10 main things to consider when choosing music:

1- Type of content

The first step is to identify the type of content you're working with. Is it a film, commercial, social media reel, vlog, educational video, documentary, or something else entirely? Understanding the genre of your content is key in the decision-making process and will set the foundation for the rest of your music selection journey. So, take a moment to reflect on the nature of your content, and let that guide you towards finding the perfect musical match!

2- Mood/Tone

Uncovering the mood and tone of your film is an essential part of the music selection process. To determine the perfect soundtrack, you need to dive into the main theme and atmosphere of the story. Think about the setting - is it in the desert, snow, by the ocean, in the mountains? Consider the surrounding environment - is it inside or outside? Is it dark, light, sunny, or cloudy? And most importantly, is the mood sad or happy?
Once you have a clear understanding of the mood and tone, you can then make informed decisions about whether to use a minor or major key, or what type of instruments to incorporate to enhance the emotional aspect of the film. So, take some time to get in touch with the heart of your story, and let that guide you towards the musical magic that will bring it to life!

3- Tempo

The tempo of your music plays a significant role in setting the pace of your film. To choose the right soundtrack, it's crucial to consider the speed of the events happening in each scene. For instance, a high pursuit is different from a scene inside an office, and the tempo of the music needs to match the pace of what's happening on screen.
Think about the movements of the characters - are they marching, running, jogging, walking, sitting? The tempo of your music should reflect the speed of these actions. For fast-paced and aggressive events, you'll want to choose music with a faster tempo, while slower and calmer scenes call for slower-paced music.
So, take a moment to analyze the flow of your film, and let that guide you towards the musical beats that will elevate the excitement or calmness of your story. With the right tempo in place, your film will be sure to captivate your audience from start to finish!

4- Characters

The characters in your film play a huge role in the music selection process. Music motifs can be composed to make characters easily recognizable and add an emotional attachment to them. To choose the perfect soundtrack, it's crucial to understand who your characters are and what they represent.
Consider the personality traits of each character - are they good or bad, a superhero, young or old, hurt, strong, or weak? These elements will play a significant role in determining the musical motifs that will bring your characters to life and help your audience connect with them on an emotional level.
So, take some time to get to know your characters and what they stand for. Let that guide you towards the musical themes that will add depth, dimension, and personality to your film. With the right music in place, your characters will come to life in a way that will resonate with your audience!

5- Genre

The genre of music you choose for your film is heavily influenced by the first four factors - type of content, mood/tone, tempo, and characters. In some cases, the right genre is obvious at a single glance, while in others, it may be a blend or mix of genres.
This choice also comes down to personal preference, but with the right genre, you can get incredibly close to your desired vision. So, take a moment to think about the overall vibe of your film, and let that guide you towards the musical genre that will elevate your story and bring your vision to life.
Whether it's an epic adventure, a heartwarming love story, or a dark and intense drama, the right genre of music can help you set the scene, create the mood, and captivate your audience. So, choose wisely and let the musical magic unfold!

6- Length

When it comes to music in your video, the length of the soundtrack can make all the difference. Depending on the story you're telling and the visuals you're working with, you may need music from start to finish, just a few seconds here and there, or in some rare cases, not at all.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is whether the music is adding value to your visual content. If it's not, sometimes it's best to leave it out altogether and rely on other elements to tell your story. A monotone soundwave, accompanied by some sound effects and a voiceover, can often be enough to bring your visuals to life and create the right atmosphere.
So, when considering the length of your soundtrack, be mindful of its impact on your visuals. Only add music if it's serving a purpose and enhancing the overall viewing experience. If it's not, don't be afraid to go sans-music and let your story do the talking.

7- Lyrics

Lyrics can play an important role in a soundtrack, but it's important to choose wisely. If your music features lyrics, make sure they're relevant to your content and enhance the message you're trying to convey.
Avoid songs with lyrics that distract from the visuals, as this can detract from the overall impact of your video. Instead, look for tracks that complement your story and help deliver your message in a meaningful way.
Think of the lyrics as another layer of storytelling in your video, and choose songs that will reinforce and amplify your message, rather than take away from it. With the right choice of music, along with thoughtfully chosen lyrics, you can create a truly immersive and impactful viewing experience for your audience.

8- Dialogue and Noise

The interplay between dialogue and music is a delicate balance that requires careful consideration. When choosing music for your video, it's important to think about the intensity and volume of the dialogue.
The purpose of music in a video is to enhance emotions and support the dialogue, not drown it out. If the audience can't hear what's being said because the music is too loud or intense, then it's not serving its intended purpose.
That's why it's important to choose music that allows space for the dialogue to shine through. The right choice of background music can elevate the emotional impact of the dialogue and help bring the story to life. So, as you select music for your project, keep this in mind and choose tracks that complement the dialogue and support your message, without overwhelming it.

Noise: The soundscape of your video plays a crucial role in creating an immersive experience for the viewer. That's why it's important to consider the background sounds, voiceovers, special effects, and other noises when selecting music for your project.
For example, in a car commercial, the viewer wants to hear certain sounds that will impact their decision to buy the car. These sounds include the locks, engine, transmission, door handle, closing the door, the radio, and the car greeting. It's important that these sounds are not obscured by the music.
To ensure that essential sounds come through clearly, it's essential to choose the right style of music and to filter out any clashing frequencies. This will help to create a harmonious soundscape that supports the visual content and enhances the overall viewing experience. So, don't neglect the power of sound and choose music that complements and supports the other noises in your video.

9- Target audience

Know Your Target Audience: Understanding who your content is meant for is a crucial factor in choosing the right music. Whether you're creating content for a specific demographic or location, it's essential to choose elements that resonate with your target audience. While music is a universal language, incorporating styles and instruments that are familiar to your audience can make all the difference in enhancing the overall impact of your content.

10- Copyright

Protect Your Project with Copyright: The last thing you want is to have your hard work taken down due to copyright infringement. Before using any music, make sure it's copyright-free or that you have the necessary permissions to use it. If you choose to have an original soundtrack composed, thoroughly review the contract, and make sure you have ownership of the music. Consider seeking legal advice from someone with knowledge of copyright laws to ensure the protection of your video project.

Finally, it's all about finding the right fit. Unless you're creating a music video, the music should play a supportive role to the visuals. Trust your instincts and choose a soundtrack that aligns with the story you're trying to tell. After all, selecting the right music for your project can make a huge impact and elevate your content to the next level.