How loud should background music be under your voice?

By Con, founder of Music Wide Selfie · Updated 22 October 2026

Short answerKeep music clearly quieter than your voice; if you have to strain to hear words, it’s too loud. Many editors use a level well below the voice, and lower it further (ducking) while you speak.

The simple test

Play the video on a phone speaker at normal volume. If any word is hard to make out, turn the music down.

Ducking

Ducking lowers the music automatically while someone talks and brings it back up in pauses. Many editing apps have it built in.

Recording with music playing

If music plays in the room while you film, keep it lower than you would normally listen, and get the phone closer to your mouth than to the speaker.

Captions help too

Many people watch on mute. Captions mean your message lands even if the music balance isn’t perfect.

Questions

Should I add music later instead?

Adding it in an editor gives you the most control and cleaner sound. Filming with music on helps timing and energy. Many creators do both.

About Music Wide Selfie

An iPhone camera app for people who film themselves, coming soon to the App Store. One email when it launches.

One email when the app is ready. Nothing else.