What is background music?
Background music is audio that plays softly in the background while the main focus is on another activity, such as a video, conversation, or event. It is typically unobtrusive and designed to enhance the mood or atmosphere without drawing attention away from the primary content.
Typically, the volume of background music is kept low so that it doesn't overpower the main content. The type of background music used should match the tone of the content. For example, calm, ambient music is often used for informational videos, while upbeat tracks may be suited for dynamic presentations or advertisements.
When using background music for public or commercial content (like videos or podcasts), you must have the proper licenses or permissions. License-free options include royalty-free music libraries or using tracks under a Creative Commons license.
What is background music called?
Depending on how you use it, background music or BGM is often referred to as ambient music, mood music, or incidental music.
What is the difference between background music and ambient music?
Background music serves as a subtle layer beneath other content, while ambient music is considered a genre of music. It doesn’t necessarily have to be background music—it can be the main focus. Ambient music is typically atmospheric, creating an immersive soundscape.
What are background sounds called?
Background sounds are often referred to as ambient sounds or soundscapes, which include environmental noises that can help set the mood or scene.
How to add background music with Riverside
If you want to make your podcast or recording more immersive, you can add background music to your recording on Riverside:
- Log in to your Riverside account and navigate to the Studio.
- Start or upload a recording that you want to edit.
- In the Editor, locate the Tracks section in the tool menu on the right-hand side.
- Click + Add Media and select your background music file. You can upload MP3, WAV, or other audio formats.
- Position the music track on the timeline, ensuring it plays where you want it to start and end.
- Adjust the volume of the music to ensure it stays in the background and doesn’t overpower the primary audio, such as dialogue or narration.
- Preview your project to ensure the background music is correctly balanced with the other tracks.
- Save your edits and export the file.
