Working with videos in iMovie is a fantastic creative outlet. You can transform clips from a vacation or create something entirely artistic. Music can really change a project - it sets the mood and makes everything feel more polished.
Spotify, with its extensive library, seems like the perfect place to find just the right track. There's music for every mood. But then there's a challenge: iMovie doesn't support importing music from your Spotify library. I also find it odd that Apple Music isn't supported either, given how closely the ecosystem is integrated. For something as flexible as video editing, being limited to iMovie's own music library can feel unnecessarily restrictive.
Despite this, there's a workaround. It's not an official solution, but it's the method most content creators use, and it's simple and effective. Keep reading if you want to create videos complete with the perfect Spotify soundtrack.
Can you use Spotify music in a video? Sure, here's the quick tutorial to add Spotify music to video using various video editors on your computer or phone.
Part 1. Why Spotify Music Can't Be Added Directly to iMovie?
If you're anything like me, you might think, "Why not just drag and drop my favorite Spotify tracks into iMovie?" I tried it - and it didn't work.
Here's why. Spotify uses the OGG Vorbis format, which iMovie doesn't support. On top of that, every Spotify track is protected by DRM, even if you're a Premium user with offline downloads. That DRM locks the songs to the app itself, so you can't use them elsewhere. iMovie only accepts formats like MP3, WAV, M4A, AIFF, and AAC. Put together, this makes it impossible to add Spotify tracks directly without converting them first.
The Solution: ViWizard Spotify Music Converter
The easiest way around this is ViWizard Spotify Music Converter. It lets you download songs, albums, playlists, and even podcasts or audiobooks from Spotify - even without a Premium account. From there, you can convert everything to formats iMovie can use, like MP3, WAV, or M4A. The program keeps the original audio quality and ID3 tags intact. With this tool, you can finally build a Spotify music library that works seamlessly with your iMovie projects, so you avoid jumping through too many hoops.
Key Features of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter
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- Download Spotify songs, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks extremely fast at up to 15x speed
- Convert Spotify into MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B losslessly
- Lets you play Spotify tracks offline on any device without restrictions
- Works seamlessly on Windows and macOS, supporting the built-in Spotify Web Player
Part 2. How to Convert Spotify Music for iMovie
Follow the steps to remove DRM and convert your Spotify tracks into iMovie-friendly formats like MP3. Once converted, your music is ready to import and edit in iMovie, and your library stays organized.
Step 1Add Spotify Songs to ViWizard Program
Launch ViWizard Spotify Music Converter on your Mac or Windows, then wait till the Spotify music player is completely loaded. You can browse the Spotify store to find the songs you want to add into iMovie and then directly drag them to the main interface of ViWizard.
Step 2Choose the Output Format of Spotify
Move to the menu bar and select the Preferences option. Then click the Convert panel and select the output format, channel, sample rate, bit rate, and more. To make the Spotify songs editable with iMovie, you are highly suggested to set the output format as MP3.
Step 3Start the Conversion of Spotify to MP3
Click on the Convert button to start removing DRM from Spotify tracks and converting the audios to MP3 or other iMovie supported formats. After conversion, click on the History icon to locate the DRM-free songs.
Once completing the conversion, you can easily add Spotify songs to iMovie on your Mac computer, iPhone, or iPad. In the following part, you'd know how to import music to iMovie from Spotify on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Part 3. How to Import Converted Spotify Music into iMovie
Once your tracks are converted, getting them into iMovie is straightforward. On a Mac, it's mostly drag-and-drop from your media library or iTunes. On iPhone or iPad, you need to sync the files via iTunes or Finder first. After syncing, the tracks appear in the iMovie audio library, ready for trimming, positioning, or layering with your video.
For Mac:
- Open iMovie on your Mac and create or open a project in the timeline.
- Click Audio above the browser.
- In the sidebar, select Music or iTunes to access your music library.
- Browse and locate the Spotify track you want to add. Click Play to preview it.
- Drag the track from the media browser into the timeline. You can trim, split, or adjust it as needed.
Other Resources:
TunesKit AceMovi Video Editor is a versatile tool compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. Offering a range of basic and advanced editing features, it provides an easy-to-use platform for creating engaging videos.
For iPhone/iPad:
- Open the iTunes desktop app on your computer.
- Go to File > Add File/Folder to Library and select the converted Spotify music files.
- Check Recently Added in iTunes to confirm the files appear.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer with a USB cable.
- Click the device icon in iTunes, then select Music in the sidebar.
- Check Sync Music > Entire Music Library and click Sync.
- After syncing, click Done. The tracks will now appear in the Music app on your device under Recently Added.
- Open iMovie on your iPhone/iPad and create or open a project.
- To create a new movie, swipe from the bottom and select Movie; to import an existing project, tap More > Import Project.
- Tap Add Media > Audio > My Music to access the transferred Spotify tracks.
- Select a track and tap Add Audio. Preview it if needed.
- The track appears in the timeline as a green clip. Tap it to split, trim, or adjust its position.
Note: iMovie automatically loops background music to match the length of your movie. You can add multiple songs, and iMovie will arrange them sequentially. However, you can adjust them manually if needed.
Part 4. How to Add Spotify Music from Screen Recordings into iMovie
If converting files feels like too much work, screen recording is a quick workaround. Keep in mind, however, that iMovie may still recognize DRM-protected songs, and they sometimes won't work perfectly.
For iPhone/iPad:
- Open Settings > Control Center.
- If Screen Recording isn't listed under INCLUDE, scroll to MORE CONTROLS and tap Add.
- Open Control Center (swipe down from the upper-right corner on iPhone X or later, or swipe up from the bottom edge on iPhone 8 or earlier).
- Tap the Record button to start recording.
- Play the Spotify track you want to capture.
- Tap the red bar at the top or the Record button in Control Center to stop recording. The video will be saved to your camera roll.
- Open iMovie and your project. Tap Add > Video, then select the screen recording.
- Tap the More button (three dots) and choose Audio Only. The audio is now added to your project.
Part 5. How to Edit and Sync Spotify Music in Your iMovie Project
Once the music is in iMovie, you can shape it to match your video. Trim clips, split them, reposition, and adjust volume to sync with your footage, creating a polished final project.
For Mac:
- Open your iMovie project and locate the Spotify track in the timeline.
- Click the clip to select it, then drag the handles at each end to trim it.
- Click and drag the clip along the timeline to reposition it.
- To split the clip, place the playhead where you want the cut, right-click, and select Split Clip.
- To adjust volume, click the clip, then the Volume button above the preview window. Drag the slider up or down, or hover over the waveform and drag the horizontal line for finer control.
- Drag the small fade handles at the clip's edges to add fade-ins or fade-outs.
- Repeat for additional tracks. Clips will play sequentially unless manually rearranged.
For iPhone/iPad:
- Open your project and tap the Spotify clip in the timeline (green clip).
- Drag the edges to trim the clip.
- Tap and drag the clip to reposition it.
- To split the clip, tap it > Actions > Split.
- Tap the clip, then tap Volume. Drag the slider to adjust volume, or tap Fade In/Fade Out to smooth the start/end.
- Repeat for other tracks. iMovie will loop background music automatically, or you can arrange tracks manually.
- Preview the project to ensure audio syncs perfectly with your video.
Part 6. Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for Using Music in iMovie
- Lower Background Music Volume: To adjust the background music, tap the audio clip in the timeline. On iPhone/iPad, tap the Volume button and slide to adjust. On Mac, click the audio clip and drag the volume control down. Make sure the music doesn't overpower voiceovers or dialogue.
- Add Sound Effects on Mac: To add sound effects, select the audio clip in the timeline, tap the "Audio" tab, and choose an effect. Drag it along the timeline to adjust timing and duration.
- Fade Out Music: To fade out music, hover over the clip and drag the fade handles inward to set the fade's start or end. For a fade-in, adjust the starting fade handle.
- Sync Music with Video: Use iMovie's waveform to sync music with video. This helps align beats or sound cues with visual actions.
- Use Keyframes for Audio Control: On Mac, tap the audio clip, then use keyframes to adjust volume at specific points for more control over your music.
- Import Your Own Music: To import music, tap the Media button > Import Media. Select your music from your computer or iCloud, ensuring you have the rights to use it.
Part 7. iMovie Background Music FAQs
Is It Legal to Use Music in iMovie Projects?
It depends on where you're located and how you plan to use the music. Spotify tracks are protected by DRM, and using them without proper rights can violate copyright laws or Spotify's Terms of Service. In some places, converting music for personal use might be fine, but it's always good to double-check your local laws to be safe.
Does Converting Music Affect Sound Quality?
Yes, converting Spotify's OGG Vorbis format to MP3 or other file types can result in some quality loss due to compression. To minimize this, use high-quality conversion settings and consider lossless formats if possible. While most listeners may not notice the difference, it's worth considering if audio quality is a priority.
Can Apple Detect If I Use Converted Music in iMovie?
Apple doesn't specifically monitor for converted music in iMovie, but sharing or distributing such content without the proper rights can lead to issues. To avoid problems, it's best to stick to music you have rights to, especially if you're sharing or monetizing your videos.
Are There Free Music Options Available for iMovie?
Yes, iMovie includes a selection of royalty-free music tracks that you can use in your projects without additional licensing. These are available directly within the app and can be added to your timeline easily.
What Are the Risks of Using Unlicensed Music?
Using unlicensed music can result in copyright infringement claims, which could lead to content being removed, account penalties, or even legal action. To protect yourself, make sure you have the necessary rights or licenses for any music you use in your videos.
Conclusion
iMovie gives you the ability to create lots of interesting movies at no addition cost. Meanwhile, thanks to ViWizard Spotify Music Converter, you can download Spotify music to iMovie for use. From the content above, you've known how to add msuic to iMovie from Spotify with the help of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter. If you have any problem, please feel free to contact us or leave your voice below. Hope you enjoy your editing in iMovie with songs from Spotify.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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