How to Choose the Right Music for Your Explainer Video
You’ve got the script, the animation is in motion, and the voiceover is locked. But something still feels... flat. That missing magic? It’s probably the music.
Music in explainer videos isn’t just filler. It’s one of the fastest ways to communicate tone, pace, and personality. The right track can make your message hit harder. The wrong one? Well, it might make people hit the mute button—or worse, click away.
Here’s how to choose music that helps your explainer video shine.
Why Music Matters in Explainer Videos
Music plays a subtle but powerful role in how your viewer feels while watching your video. It can:
Set the mood (uplifting, serious, quirky, confident)
Support the pacing (fast beat for energy, slower for explanation)
Bridge transitions between scenes
Make your brand more memorable
Think of music like seasoning. You don’t always notice it right away, but without it, everything’s a little bland.
Match the Music to Your Message
Before you even hit play on a stock music preview, ask yourself: what’s the tone of this video?
H3: Start with your goal
If your video is meant to educate, go for something clear and minimal.
Selling a fun new product? Something upbeat and playful might fit.
Showcasing a tech solution? Try a modern, confident electronic track.
H3: Align with your brand
Your music should feel like an extension of your brand personality. If your brand is casual and fun, a corporate piano track might feel off. If you're an established financial firm, surf rock probably isn’t the vibe.
Pay Attention to Tempo
Tempo is the speed of the music. It directly affects how your video feels.
Fast tempo: Energetic, engaging, great for short promos or product highlights.
Medium tempo: Balanced and versatile, good for most explainer videos.
Slow tempo: Calming, serious, and best for more thoughtful or emotional messages.
You’ll also want music that doesn’t fight with your voiceover. If the track is too busy or too loud, it can distract rather than support.
Use Loops and Edits Strategically
Good explainer video music often comes with multiple versions or loops. These let you match the length of your video or adjust the energy as needed.
Look for:
Full-length tracks with clean starts and ends
15-, 30-, or 60-second edits
Loopable segments
Stingers or transitional effects for scene changes
These tools help your editor keep the rhythm flowing from start to finish.
Avoid Music That Tries Too Hard
Not every video needs epic cinematic swells or intense dubstep drops. Music should enhance the message—not overpower it. If the music is doing more talking than the voiceover, it’s time to dial it back.
Watch out for:
Overly dramatic build-ups
Inconsistent dynamics (loud, then quiet, then loud again)
Tracks with unexpected or weird shifts halfway through
Where to Find Great Tracks
There are tons of royalty-free and affordable music libraries out there. Some of our go-to options include:
Artlist
Epidemic Sound
PremiumBeat
Musicbed
AudioJungle
Make sure you check the license before publishing. Some tracks are cleared for YouTube, but not for paid advertising.
Final Tip: Test It Out
Before locking in your music choice, preview it with your animation and voiceover. What feels perfect solo might clash in context. Trust your ears—and ask someone who hasn’t heard the video a dozen times already to give their honest take.
