Creating DIY videos isn’t just about showcasing a project from start to finish. It’s also about telling a story, capturing attention, and holding it long enough for viewers to feel inspired or informed. One often overlooked element that can transform an average video into an engaging one is the background music. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but the right track can make a huge difference in how your video is perceived and how long viewers stick around.
Background music has the power to create mood, emphasize transitions, and keep pacing steady. It fills in the silence and smooths out awkward audio gaps, especially in time-lapse or voiceover segments. And for content creators who focus on DIY, where so much of the appeal is in the visual and instructional flow, music becomes more than an accessory, it becomes a crucial part of the viewing experience.
Still, using background music isn’t just about hitting play on your favorite song. From licensing concerns to finding the right vibe, there are important things to know if you want to use music effectively and legally. This article explores how to enhance your DIY videos with the right background music and offers tips that even seasoned creators can appreciate.

Why Music Matters in DIY Content
Music might not be the first thing you think about when setting up your camera or editing footage, but it plays a powerful role in storytelling. For DIY content, music does a few specific things particularly well.
It helps with pacing. Whether you’re filming a five-minute crafting tutorial or a 30-second repair hack, music keeps the rhythm of your video consistent. Viewers might not consciously notice, but they’re more likely to stay engaged when there’s something tying the segments together.
It also sets the mood. Imagine watching a furniture makeover video with complete silence. Now imagine the same video with a relaxed, upbeat acoustic track. The difference in tone and professionalism is instantly clear.
And finally, music helps hide imperfections. Not every clip has great audio. Sometimes your workspace gets noisy. Other times, there’s too much dead air. A well-chosen track helps mask those gaps and keeps your audience focused on the visuals.
Choosing the Right Type of Music
Selecting music isn’t just a matter of taste. What works for one video might feel completely off in another. For example, upbeat pop might work great for a painting project, while something softer and ambient is better suited to a calming craft tutorial.
Think about the mood you want to create. If your video is instructional and step-by-step, consider using calm, instrumental background music that doesn’t distract from your voice. On the other hand, if your content is a time-lapse or purely visual transformation, you have more flexibility to be playful or even dramatic.
Here are a few broad styles that work well in DIY content:
- Acoustic or folk: Great for rustic, homey vibes and hands-on craft videos.
- Lo-fi or chillhop: Ideal for art journaling, sketching, or aesthetic setups.
- Ambient or meditation music: Perfect for calming, minimal tutorials or soothing projects.
- Upbeat indie: Good for quick projects, before-and-afters, and energizing visuals.
Always preview a track alongside your video before finalizing it. What sounds great on its own might compete too much with narration or disrupt your flow once in place.
Keep the Volume in Check
One common mistake among newer content creators is setting the music too loud. It’s tempting to add energy and life with music, but if it overpowers your voice or important sounds, like the click of tools or the rustle of materials, it can quickly become irritating.
The best approach is to mix your audio carefully during editing. Most editing programs let you lower music volume beneath your voice track. A good rule of thumb is to keep background music between -20dB and -30dB while your voiceover or talking is between -6dB and -12dB. This ensures clarity while still maintaining presence.
If your video has no talking, you can afford to let the music sit higher in the mix, but still keep it balanced. Sudden volume spikes or music that’s louder than your visuals demand can break immersion and distract viewers.
Pay Attention to Licensing
This might be the most important part of using background music. Just because a song is available online doesn’t mean it’s free to use in your videos, especially if you’re uploading to YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or any platform that enforces copyright rules.
Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to videos being taken down, muted, or even demonetized. That’s why it’s essential to look for music that’s either:
- Licensed for commercial use
- Royalty-free
- Part of a subscription-based music library you’re allowed to use
There are many online platforms that offer safe, high-quality tracks, but always double-check the terms before downloading. If you’re unsure whether a track is safe to use, it’s better to find an alternative than risk a copyright strike.
For creators who lean toward peaceful, calming tones, especially for crafting, meditative DIYs, or slow-paced tutorials, exploring royalty free meditation music can be a reliable way to find fitting tracks without the legal headaches.
Match the Music to Your Brand
Over time, your audience starts to associate certain styles and sounds with your content. That’s why it can be useful to develop a sense of musical consistency across your videos.
This doesn’t mean using the exact same song every time. Instead, think about choosing a genre or emotional tone that matches your voice and the types of projects you create. For instance, if your channel has a minimalist aesthetic, soft ambient music or acoustic guitar might become part of your “brand sound.” If your projects are bold and colorful, something more energetic or quirky could be a better match.
Think of your music choices as part of your visual identity. The more consistent your mood and tone, the more viewers will recognize and feel comfortable with your content.
Experiment with Timing and Transitions
Music doesn’t have to play from start to finish without changes. Strategic timing can make your edits feel more polished and dynamic. For example:
- Let a track build during a reveal or transformation.
- Lower the volume slightly during voiceover sections.
- Sync cuts or transitions with a beat in the music.
These small touches give your video a professional edge without requiring fancy effects or expensive tools. Even a few well-placed audio cues can make a big impact on how polished your content feels.
Avoid Music That Distracts
While it’s good to be creative, not every track belongs in a DIY video. Avoid music that’s too fast, too dramatic, or too heavy, unless it matches your content exactly. Music with lyrics is another tricky one. Lyrics can be distracting, especially if you’re trying to explain something or include a voiceover.
When in doubt, instrumental tracks are usually the safest and most versatile choice. They support your visuals and narrative without competing for attention.
Test Before Publishing
Before you finalize your video and upload it, watch it all the way through with the music added. Ask yourself:
- Does the music complement or compete with the content?
- Is the volume balanced and smooth?
- Does it set the mood I want for this project?
Sometimes a track sounds fine in short previews but becomes tiring or awkward over a longer video. Taking a few minutes to test and revise can make a big difference in your final product.
Final Thoughts
Background music might not be the first thing on your mind when filming a DIY project, but it plays a much bigger role than most creators realize. The right music adds depth, flow, and emotion. It keeps your viewers engaged and makes your content feel more intentional and complete.
With a bit of planning and a good ear, you can turn your next DIY video into something that not only looks good but sounds just right too. And when your audio supports your visuals instead of distracting from them, your storytelling becomes much more powerful.
As you keep growing your content, treat music as a creative tool, not just background noise, and you’ll see how much stronger your videos become.
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