Adding music to an MP4 file can enhance its mood, pace, and overall quality, especially when used for videos or presentations. However, this isn't as straightforward as it sounds, as MP4 and music files have different formats. Here, we'll guide you through the process using free, user-friendly tools, ensuring your audio and video sync perfectly.
Before we dive in, ensure your MP4 file is not already encoded with audio. If it is, you'll have to extract the audio first. Let's start by explaining how to add music to an MP4 file using shotcut, a free, open-source, cross-platform video editor.
Using Shotcut to Add Music to MP4
Shotcut offers a simple, intuitive interface for adding music to your MP4 files. It's compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
First, download and install Shotcut from Shotcut.org. Once installed, open Shotcut and follow these steps:
Importing the MP4 File
Click on 'Open File' in the File menu. Select your MP4 file and click 'Open'. This will add your MP4 to the 'Preview Monitor' at the center of the interface.
Adjust the start and end points of your MP4 file using the 'Seek Bar' at the bottom of the interface. Set the duration as desired, then click the 'Split' button to split your clip. This allows you to insert music precisely where you need it.
Importing the Music File
In the 'Import'' menu, select your music file. Ensure it's in a compatible format, such as MP3, WAV, AAC, or OGG.
Once imported, drag your music file onto your MP4 file in the 'Timeline' at the bottom of the interface. Position it where you want the music to start playing, then adjust its duration to match the planned section of your MP4 file.
Adding Music to MP4 Using Online Tools
If you prefer a web-based solution, several online tools can add music to your MP4 files quickly and easily. Here, we'll use Clideo:
Head to Clideo.com/combine and click the 'Choose file' button. Select your MP4 file and proceed to the next step.
Adding the Music File
Click the 'Add' button to add your music file. Ensure it's in a compatible format, then click 'Continue'. Adjust the start time of your music relative to your MP4 file using the slider provided.
Preview your video to ensure the audio and video sync correctly. Once satisfied, click 'Continue' again, then 'Download' to save your new MP4 file with music.