A Simple Guide to Using Music in Live Streams

Music can take your live streams from basic to great if you properly use it. Take your favourite meal as an example – when you add just the right seasonings, it shifts to something you love and want to indulge in.

It’s the same with music. It will keep your viewers engaged, and it could potentially be just the right and very much-needed ingredient that makes the audience count in the corner of your livestream grow bigger.

Let’s talk about the tips and tricks that will make that happen!

Why Music Matters in Live Streams

Think about Titanic and that popular scene at the edge of the ship when Jack is holding Rose, and the “My Heart Will Go On” plays. It makes the scene romantic rather than just basic and awkward. So, it’s safe to say that music…

• Sets the Tone: For example, chill music will be great for casual chats, while energetic beats are welcomed during gaming streams. It just adds that specific flavour to the entire experience for the viewers.
• Keeps Viewers Interested: Streams with music feel more professional and polished. Think of your favourite YouTube artist’s early days – grainy videos, awkward silences, no music. Compare that to their polished, captivating content today. Would those silent, unpolished videos still grab your attention now? Probably not.
• Builds Your Brand: Consistent music choices help you develop a unique identity. Imagine your favourite cosy coffee spot – the one that always has nice, lo-fi beats and jazz, which makes your time spent there comforting. Over time, that music became the shop’s identity. Even if you’re just passing by, hearing the familiar sounds makes you think about coffee and freshly baked blueberry goods.

The takeaway? Music in streams isn’t optional if you want to stand out.

Understanding Music Copyright for Streamers

This is an important segment, so listen up. Using music in your streams without understanding copyright rules is like driving without a licence. You might get away with it for some time, but eventually, you’ll get a ticket (and potentially a ban from ever applying for a driving licence).

Nowadays, All platforms (like YouTube, Twitch, etc.) comply with strict DMCA regulations, so breaking their rules could make your video muted or worse.

Here’s how to stream legally

• Use Only Licensed Music: With licensed music, you can legally use tracks in your streams without worrying. ProTunes One services offer clear, hassle-free licensing, letting you use tracks across social media, TV, podcasts, and more.
• Check for Creative Commons Licenses: Some tracks are free if you follow specific rules. For example, Freesound offers a library of user-uploaded sounds and music under various Creative Commons licenses. You can use these tracks as long as you follow the specific license terms, such as giving credit.
• Understand Platform Guidelines: When you decide on a platform, make sure you read their guidelines to avoid issues.

Pro tip! Even royalty-free tracks have restrictions, so reading the guidelines is necessary. For example, if you stream a royalty-free music track that is licensed for non-commercial use only in a live event where you charge admission, you could be violating the terms of the license and face consequences.

How to Choose the Right Music for Your Stream

As mentioned, music sets the tone and builds your brand. Here are some guidelines on how to make music fit the occasion and make you feel confident.

Know Your Audience and Match the Mood of Your Content

Always know what your audience wants and what they expect from you. For example, if you are a fitness enthusiast hosting a home workout or a yoga class, choose rhythmic, mid-tempo tracks like upbeat house music for cardio or calming flute melodies for yoga and meditation. Set the pace in fitness and workout videos, and see how your audience reacts!

If you’re into streaming a game, think about the genre of the game you’re playing. If it’s an action-packed gaming stream, consider fast-paced EDM, like tracks by Alan Walker or TheFatRat.

Then, for a cooking stream, use soft, instrumental jazz or classical piano because that will be a great addition without distracting people from ingredients and fine processes.

Consider the audience when choosing the perfect music for your livestream, and don’t overpower your content with it.

Experiment and Adapt

Think about your favourite dish and the learning process it took to get to that last moment – the perfect meal. It’s the same with your music. If you are unsure about the correct music for your brand, don’t be shy to experiment and learn what fits best.

Host themed sessions, ask your audience for input and watch how the engagement changes.

Setting Up Music for Live Streaming

Adding music to your live stream without the proper setup can be like baking a cake without measuring the ingredients – it can turn out well, but most likely, it won’t. Here’s how to get it right:

• Use the Right Software:There is software out there that helps you have full control over music in your streams. For example, software like OBS Studio and Streamlabs are two of the most popular streaming software options, and they act as the control hub.OBS Studio is a great choice for experienced streamers who want maximum customization, and Streamlabs is an amazing option for beginners who want a simple, streamlined setup with pre-designed tools and widgets.
• Add Music as a Separate Audio Source:When you choose the right software, set up your music as a separate channel, allowing you to control the volume independently from your voice and sounds happening in the surroundings.
• Balance Your Audio:Make sure that your voice is clear and dominant. You can start with a 60% voice to 40% sound ratio and adjust it if needed.
• Always Test Before Going Live:To make sure your setup is perfect, test it before streaming live. This will let you catch any volume issues or imbalances before your viewers do!

How to Make Your Streams Interactive with Music

Some of the coolest ways to get better engagement and have people enjoy your streams are simple but effective.

• Let Them Choose Songs: Use polls or chat commands to let viewers vote on tracks.
• Create Themed Playlists: Who wouldn’t want to join a good “retro night” or “chill vibes only” evening?
• Time Your Music with Key Moments: If applicable, build suspense with dramatic tracks or keep things upbeat during big announcements! This is where having a good setup really comes in handy.

These are some ways to make your stream more memorable, and they can be part of your identity moving forward.

Enhance Your Streams with Visual Effects

Music alone is very powerful, and if combined with other advice in this article, you can create a really good experience for your followers. However, one more thing can make the entire thing even more powerful – adding music and visual effects!

Here’s how to achieve that:

• Audio Visualizers: Cool tools like Wavesync can be used to create animations that react to music.
• Equalizer Bars: Add simple bars to your stream layout that move to the beat.
• Themed Overlays: Match your stream’s visuals to the mood of your music for a cohesive look.

A bit of effort in visuals can go a long way in making your streams stand out!

Don’t Just Stream - Create a Live Experience

The right music can turn a “just okay” stream into a can’t-miss event, so consider adding chill beats or rhythmic energy to your streaming routine. At first, the idea of adding more to the process might feel overwhelming, but over time, it will bring you more benefits than hassle.

Find the perfect track in seconds with access to high-quality, professional tracks and simple licensing - all made easy through an AI-powered search. Finding the perfect beats has never been simpler.

So, find your ideal music, test it out, hit "Go Live," and enjoy — because in a world of endless scrolling, standing out is everything.