YouTube Shorts doesn't let you swap out the audio track after you've uploaded the video
YouTube Shorts has no built-in feature to replace the audio on a video you've already posted. Once you upload a Short with sound, you cannot edit that audio track directly through the YouTube app or website. If you want different music or sound, you need to delete the original Short and upload a new version with the audio you want.
The only exception is if you're still in the upload process—before you hit "Post"—you can choose a different track from YouTube's audio library. But once the Short goes live, changing the audio means starting over.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Shorts does not have an audio-editing tool for videos already posted; you must delete and re-upload to change the sound.
- During upload, before you post, you can select from YouTube's free audio library or add your own music file.
- If you want to keep the video but change only the audio, edit the file on your phone or computer first, then upload the new version.
- Deleting a Short removes all views, likes, and comments associated with that video.
How to add or change audio before you post a Short
When you're uploading a new Short, you have the chance to add or change audio before the video goes live. Open the YouTube app, tap the Create button (the plus sign at the bottom), and either record a new video or upload one from your phone. After you've selected your video clip, you'll see an Add music or Audio option on the editing screen.
Tap that option and you can browse YouTube's audio library—thousands of free songs, sound effects, and background music organized by mood, genre, and length. Search for a specific track, listen to a preview, and select the one you want. You can trim the audio to fit your video length and adjust the volume. Once you're happy with the sound, continue to the caption and description screen, then post your Short.
This is the only moment you can change audio without deleting the video. After you post, this option disappears.
What to do if you've already posted a Short with the wrong audio
If your Short is already live and you want different audio, you'll need to delete it first. Open the Short, tap the three-dot menu icon, and select Delete. Confirm the deletion. This removes the video, all its views, likes, comments, and any engagement it had.
After deletion, read or export the video file from your phone's camera roll or gallery. If you recorded it directly in YouTube, you may need to find the original file on your device. Then re-upload it as a new Short, this time selecting the audio you want during the upload process. The new Short will start with zero views and engagement, even if the video content is identical to the one you deleted.
Editing audio on your phone before uploading
If you want more control over the audio—such as removing the original sound entirely, layering multiple audio tracks, or adjusting volume at specific points—edit the video file on your phone before uploading to YouTube. Most phones come with a built-in video editor. On iPhone, use the Photos app: open the video, tap Edit, and use the audio controls to mute or adjust sound. On Android, the Google Photos app or the default Gallery app usually has similar tools.
For more advanced editing, read a free app like CapCut, which lets you remove the original audio, add multiple music tracks, adjust timing, and control volume levels. Edit your video in the app, export it as a file, then upload that edited version to YouTube Shorts. This way, the audio is baked into the video file itself, and you won't need to change it after posting.
Using YouTube's audio library during upload
YouTube's audio library is the easiest source for music on Shorts because it's free and copyright-cleared. When you're uploading, tap Add music and you'll see a search bar and category filters. You can search by song title, artist, or mood—try typing "upbeat," "calm," "funny," or any genre. Each track shows its length, so you can pick one that fits your video's duration.
Preview the track by tapping the play button. Once you've chosen, the audio will be added to your video. You can adjust the volume slider to make the music louder or quieter relative to any original audio from your video. If your video has dialogue or ambient sound you want to keep, lower the music volume so both are audible. If you want only the music, mute the original audio in your phone's video editor before uploading.
Uploading your own audio file
You can also add your own music or sound files during upload, though the process depends on your phone. On most Android devices, when you tap Add music, you'll see an option to browse your phone's files or music library. Select an MP3 or other audio file from your device and it will be added to your Short.
On iPhone, the process is more limited—the YouTube app primarily directs you to YouTube's audio library. If you want to use your own audio file on iPhone, edit the video in the Photos app or a third-party editor like CapCut first, add the audio there, and then upload the finished video to YouTube. This ensures your custom audio is part of the video file itself.
Why YouTube Shorts doesn't let you edit audio after posting
YouTube Shorts is designed for quick uploads and rapid sharing, similar to TikTok or Instagram Reels. The platform prioritizes speed over editing flexibility. Adding a full audio-editing suite to the app would make uploads slower and more complicated. Instead, YouTube assumes you'll finalize your video before posting, using your phone's built-in tools or a dedicated video editor.
This also protects copyright. If you could change audio after posting, someone could upload a video with licensed music, get views, then swap in unlicensed audio to avoid detection. By locking audio at upload time, YouTube keeps a clear record of what's in each video from the moment it goes live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mute the original audio and add new music to a Short that's already posted?
No. Once a Short is live, you cannot edit its audio at all. You must delete the Short and re-upload a new version with the audio you want. If you want to keep the video but remove the original sound, edit the file on your phone first using a video editor, then upload the edited version as a new Short.
What happens to my views and likes if I delete a Short and re-upload it?
All views, likes, comments, and engagement on the original Short are lost when you delete it. The re-uploaded version starts as a brand-new Short with zero engagement. This is why it's important to get the audio right before you post.
Can I use copyrighted music in a YouTube Short?
You can upload copyrighted music, but YouTube may mute the audio, claim the video, or restrict it in certain countries. The safest option is to use YouTube's free audio library, which contains thousands of copyright-cleared tracks. If you use your own music, make sure you own the rights or have permission from the copyright holder.
Is YouTube's audio library really free to use?
Yes. All music and sound effects in YouTube's audio library are free to use in your Shorts without paying fees or crediting the artist, though crediting them is appreciated. The library is maintained by YouTube and updated regularly with new tracks.
What video editors can I use to add audio before uploading to YouTube?
CapCut, iMovie (iPhone), Adobe Premiere Rush, and InShot are popular free or low-cost options that let you add, remove, or adjust audio before uploading. Your phone's built-in Photos or Gallery app also has basic audio controls. Edit the video on your device, export it, then upload the finished file to YouTube Shorts.