Replace audio in Insta360 X5 videos using the Insta360 Studio software on your computer

The Insta360 X5 shoots video with built-in microphones, but you can swap out that audio for music, voiceover, or better-quality sound using Insta360 Studio, the free editing software that comes with your camera. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes once you have your video file and replacement audio ready. You remove the original sound completely, then layer in your new audio track at the exact volume and timing you want.

This guide walks you through importing your video, muting the original audio, adding new sound, and exporting the finished file. You will need a computer (Windows or Mac), your video file from the X5, and an audio file in MP3 or WAV format.

Key Takeaways

  • read and install Insta360 Studio on your computer before you start; the software is free and works on both Windows and Mac.
  • Import your X5 video file into a new project, then mute the original audio track by setting its volume to zero in the timeline.
  • Add your replacement audio by dragging an MP3 or WAV file into the audio track below the video, then adjust timing and volume as needed.
  • Export your finished video in the same format as your original (usually MP4) to keep file size and quality consistent.
  • Test your audio levels before exporting by playing back a short section; audio that is too loud will distort, and audio that is too quiet will be hard to hear.

Install Insta360 Studio and import your video

Go to the Insta360 website and read Insta360 Studio for your operating system. The software is free. Install it following the on-screen prompts, then open the process. Click New Project and choose your video resolution—if your X5 shot in 8K, select 8K; if you shot in 4K, select 4K. This keeps your video quality intact.

Click Import Media or drag your X5 video file directly into the timeline at the bottom of the screen. The video will appear as a clip in the timeline. You should see two tracks: a video track on top and an audio track below it. The audio track shows a waveform—the visual representation of your original sound. This is what you will mute next.

Mute the original audio track

Right-click on the audio waveform in the timeline and select Mute Audio or Delete Audio. If you choose Mute, the original sound stays in the file but plays at zero volume. If you choose Delete, it removes the audio data entirely. Either option works; muting is safer if you think you might want the original sound later.

Alternatively, click on the audio track to select it, then look for a volume slider or mute button in the properties panel on the right side of the screen. Drag the volume slider all the way to the left (zero) or click the mute icon. You should see the waveform fade or disappear, confirming the audio is now silent.

Add your replacement audio file

Prepare your audio file before importing it. Make sure it is in MP3 or WAV format and that it is the correct length or longer than your video. If your video is 60 seconds long and your audio is only 30 seconds, the video will have silence at the end. You can trim audio inside Insta360 Studio, but it is easier to prepare it beforehand using free tools like Audacity.

In Insta360 Studio, click Import Media again and select your audio file. Drag it into the empty audio track below the muted video track. The audio waveform will appear in the timeline. If the audio does not line up with the start of the video, click and drag it to the correct position. The audio should start at the same moment the video begins, unless you want a delay.

Adjust audio timing and volume

Play back your video by pressing the spacebar or clicking the play button. Listen to how the audio sits with the video. If the audio is too loud and distorts, click on the audio track and lower the volume slider in the properties panel. If it is too quiet, raise the slider. Most audio should sit between 70 and 90 percent volume to leave room for any peaks without distortion.

If your audio needs to start or end at a specific moment, use the trim handles on the audio clip. Click and drag the left edge of the audio waveform to move the start point, or drag the right edge to shorten the end. You can also right-click the audio clip and select Trim to set exact in and out points. Test your changes by playing back a 10-second section before you export.

Export your finished video

Once your audio is timed and leveled correctly, go to File and select Export or Export Video. Choose your export format—MP4 is the standard for most uses. Select the same resolution as your original video (8K or 4K). Set the bitrate to High or Very High to preserve video quality; lower bitrates will make the file smaller but the video will look softer.

Choose where you want to save the file on your computer, give it a name, and click Export. The export process can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your video length and your computer's speed. Do not close Insta360 Studio or unplug your computer while the export is running. Once it finishes, you will have a new video file with your replacement audio ready to use.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common error is forgetting to mute the original audio before adding new audio. If you skip this step, you will hear both the original microphone sound and your new audio track playing at the same time, creating a confusing mix. Always mute or delete the original audio first.

Another mistake is setting the replacement audio volume too high. Audio that peaks above 100 percent will distort and sound harsh. Keep your volume between 70 and 90 percent, and use the preview to check before exporting. If you export and then notice the audio is too loud, you will need to re-import the video and adjust the volume again.

A third issue is misaligning the audio with the video. If your replacement audio starts a few seconds after the video begins, viewers will see lips moving or actions happening before hearing the sound. Always drag your audio to the start of the timeline unless you intentionally want a delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace audio on my phone using the Insta360 app instead of Studio?

The Insta360 app on iOS and Android has basic editing tools, but it does not have a full audio replacement feature. You can trim video and add music from the app's library, but you cannot import your own audio file and layer it over video the way you can in Studio. For full control, use Insta360 Studio on a computer.

What audio file formats does Insta360 Studio accept?

Insta360 Studio works with MP3 and WAV files. If your audio is in a different format like M4A or FLAC, convert it to MP3 or WAV first using free software like Audacity or VLC. This takes about 2 to 5 minutes and ensures the file will import without errors.

How do I sync voiceover audio with my video if the timing is off?

In the timeline, click and drag your audio clip left or right to shift it earlier or later. Play back a section to hear how it lines up with the video. If you need precise timing down to a single frame, right-click the audio clip and look for a Sync or Offset option to enter exact milliseconds.

Can I have multiple audio tracks playing at the same time?

Yes. Insta360 Studio allows you to add multiple audio clips to the same track or to separate audio tracks. Layer background music on one track and voiceover on another, then adjust each volume independently. This is useful for adding music under a voiceover or combining ambient sound with dialogue.

What happens if my replacement audio is shorter than my video?

The video will play normally, but once the audio ends, the rest of the video will have no sound. If you want continuous audio, either extend your audio file to match the video length using Audacity, or loop the audio by duplicating the clip in the timeline and placing copies end-to-end.