This World Music Day, our global report shows that while independent musicians greatly value marketing, 79% struggle with it — revealing a major industry challenge.
CREATE A VIDEO FROM AUDIO AND UPLOAD IT TO YOUTUBE
From audio to audience: A complete guide to creating visually engaging music videos for YouTube without complex software.
YouTube, as we all know, is a video-sharing platform which means that you need to turn your music into some kind of video file (MP4, AVI, FLV, MOV, 3GP, WMV and Webm) if you want to upload it.
There are many ways to do it, and in fact, it is not even that difficult. However, there are a few differences when it comes to choosing the right way to upload your music to YT. This article aims to back you up with full info on your options in a moment when all you have is an audio file. (Which is pretty much awesome already!)
Uploading your video to YouTube
Generally speaking, creating valuable content is something that requires a lot of time, hard work and is definitely where you should invest a lot of your energy. When you already have a video prepared, the actual upload of video to YouTube is very quick and simple.
Here is a short guide on how to do it.
Keep in mind that the work you want to upload (both audio and image) should be originally yours or you must obtain copyright permissions and licenses if it was created by someone else. There is also a concept called ‘fair use’ which refers to certain situations when it is perfectly fine to use someone else's work. Find out more on YT copyrights here.
Producing a video from an audio file
Now that we have ‘the upload part’ sorted, let’s see what are our options when it comes to creating a video from an audio file only. The basic distinction is whether you want to have an image or an animation as a music video cover. For sure, the easiest way to do it is simply to use an online video making tool, upload your media and produce a video without any software download.
Photos as a music video background
You will find numerous websites that can help you combine audio with an image of your choice. OneImageVideo, Voice2v, and FileConverto are all extremely easy to use. All you need to do is upload your media to their website and everything else happens online.
For example, Voice2v lets you simply upload your .mp3 file and an image you would want to become your video cover. The awesomeness of Voice2v, besides that it is free, is that it offers the possibility of choosing a GIF instead of an image that would play in a loop with an option to incorporate your logo as well.
Animation as a video visual - music visualizers
Your beats are made to move people, but they can move animations as well. That is your second option, to easily create high quality audio-reactive animations.
It really makes your music stand out, right? The great news is that it's super easy to make. All you need to do is to go to Videobolt.net, which is an online video maker, and choose a video template (music visualizer) that suits your music genre the best. The second step is to customize it (with your logo, brand colors, album cover, etc) and upload music from your computer or link directly from Soundcloud. The only thing left to do then is just produce the video.
Trap, EDM, Pop Hip Hop, and Synthwave are just a few among various video design categories inspired by music. The best part is that, with this online video maker, for a reasonable price you get a unique, branded, high quality video in just a few clicks. Learn more about music visualizers here.
Connect your audiences using lyrics videos
Lyric videos not only enhance the visual appeal of your music but also invite viewers to lip-sync along, deepening their connection to your tracks. By integrating your song with captivating text animations, these videos keep viewers engaged and allow them to fully immerse themselves in your tunes.
A well-crafted lyric video highlights your words, helping listeners connect more profoundly with your music. Creating one is remarkably straightforward! Head over to Videobolt, find a perfect template that matches your style, and customize it to add the perfect visuals to your song. Then, upload your music and lyrics. In just a few steps, you'll have a polished, shareable video ready to elevate your presence on YouTube. Here’s your detailed guide to creating engaging lyric videos on our platform in just a few simple steps.
Use professional video editing software to convert your audio to video
Apart from using an online video editing tool, you can download and install video editing software which is a more advanced option in terms of your video editing possibilities.
Most commonly used is Adobe Premiere Pro which is a paid-only video editing and production software (there is a 7-day free trial though), available both for Mac OS or Windows computers, that allows you to edit footage in any kind of format, from 8K to virtual reality and to edit sound as well. It is the priciest option and does require you to overcome basic video editing skills, but it is also worth the hassle.
In case you were wondering, here is how you can create a video from an audio file with Premiere Pro.
Another similar and frequently used software is iMovie. Available exclusively for Mac/iOS, this free video editing software allows you to edit your videos from iPhone, iPad or your Mac. It's easier to use than Adobe Premiere Pro, but will still require you to adopt basic video editing skills.
Alternative - Use a service that produces a video from .mp3 file and directly shares it to YouTube
Another way to easily share your music to YouTube is to use an online tool that converts your .mp3 to a video file and then uploads it to your YouTube channel. For that matter, you’ll be asked to allow such a service to access your google account so it can interface with your YouTube channel. Audioship.io and TunesToTube are among the two most commonly used. However, you will only be able to import an image file as a cover for your music video.
Which one should I use?
Obviously not all of us (rarely anybody actually) have the budget or the time to hire a professional video production crew to create their videos, but still we are all aware that ‘the appearance’ of your music on YT is important too, which especially matters when you start building your brand as a musician.
It is your decision whether to use a simple image cover, gif or animation and while the quality of your music is what matters the most isn’t it cool if you put that bit of extra effort at the end and give your music the visuals it deserves?
Join us as we have fun imagining how a global music star could use Videobolt's motion graphics to promote her album "The Tortured Poets Department."