Using AI-Generated Music in Videos (Because No One Wants a Silent Video)

by Claire L. Brady, EdD

Let’s be honest: most videos need music.

Even the most informative explainer or well-scripted update can feel flat without some kind of audio bed. Silence can work—but only when it’s intentional. Most of the time, silence just feels unfinished, like something is missing.

That’s where AI-generated music enters the picture.

Today’s tools make it incredibly easy to add background music to videos—quickly, affordably, and without worrying about copyright strikes or licensing fees. For higher education professionals working under tight timelines and limited budgets, that ease is understandably appealing.

And used well, AI-generated music can absolutely help. It can improve pacing, support accessibility, and make content feel more polished and complete.

Used poorly, though, it can distract from the message, cheapen the tone, or quietly undermine trust.

As with AI-generated images and video, the issue isn’t the technology itself. It’s how—and why—we’re using it.

When AI-Generated Music Works

AI-generated music is most effective when it stays in its lane.

It works best as a supporting element, not a focal point—adding energy to short explainer videos, smoothing transitions in instructional content, or creating a consistent tone across a series of videos. In those moments, the music isn’t the message. It’s simply helping the message land.

Where people tend to run into trouble is when music becomes an afterthought—or worse, a substitute for clarity. Background music can’t fix an unclear message, and it shouldn’t be used to manufacture emotion the content itself hasn’t earned.

Common Ways AI Music Goes Sideways

A few patterns show up again and again.

Sometimes the music competes with the message. If it’s louder, more dramatic, or more memorable than what’s being said, it’s doing too much. Background music should stay in the background.

Other times, it’s a mismatch. That upbeat corporate loop might work beautifully for a campus highlight reel—but it feels out of place in advising messages, wellness content, or serious institutional updates. When the emotional tone of the music doesn’t align with the content, viewers may not be able to name what’s wrong—but they feel it.

There’s also a quiet misconception that “royalty-free” or AI-generated automatically means “risk-free.” While AI music can reduce licensing headaches, it doesn’t eliminate the need for judgment. Music still communicates values, tone, and intent, whether we acknowledge it or not.

What Thoughtful Use Actually Looks Like

Using AI-generated music well doesn’t require musical expertise. It requires restraint.

Choose music that supports the tone rather than chasing trends. Keep volume levels low and consistent. Match tempo and mood to the purpose of the video, not just its length. And when you’re creating a series, consistency matters—familiar sound can help content feel cohesive and intentional.

And yes, sometimes silence really is the right choice. But that should be a decision, not a default.

A Higher Ed Standard Worth Holding Onto

Music shapes how messages land. In higher education—where credibility, trust, and care matter deeply—that influence is amplified.

AI-generated music isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about removing friction so we can focus on clarity, content, and connection. When music helps the message feel more accessible and complete, it’s doing its job.

Before adding a soundtrack, I encourage people to ask one simple question:

Is this music supporting the message—or is it trying to do emotional work the content itself hasn’t earned?

If the answer is support, you’re probably on the right track.

GHFC Checklist: Using AI-Generated Music in Videos Without Losing Trust

Before publishing a video with AI-generated music, pause and walk through the following.

1. Purpose Check

☐ Does this video benefit from background music, or would intentional silence work better?

☐ Is the music supporting clarity and pacing—not compensating for an unclear message?

☐ Would the video still make sense if the music were removed?

2. Tone Alignment

☐ Does the mood of the music match the content of the video?

☐ Is the emotional tone appropriate for the audience and context (instructional, advising, marketing, leadership)?

☐ Would the music feel respectful in more serious or sensitive settings?

3. Volume & Presence

☐ Is the music clearly in the background, not competing with voices or narration?

☐ Are volume levels consistent throughout the video?

☐ Does the music fade in and out smoothly rather than starting abruptly?

4. Consistency & Familiarity

☐ Is this music consistent with other videos in the series or from your unit?

☐ Does it reinforce a recognizable tone rather than distracting with novelty?

☐ Would repeated exposure feel grounding rather than irritating?

5. Transparency & Attribution

☐ Is AI-generated music disclosed where appropriate (e.g., video description or credits)?

☐ Would viewers feel informed—not surprised—if they learned the music was AI-generated?

☐ Is the disclosure clear, neutral, and matter-of-fact?

6. Accessibility & Inclusion

☐ Does the music avoid overwhelming narration or captions?

☐ Is the audio balance comfortable for listeners using assistive technologies?

☐ Does the music enhance—not complicate—the viewing experience?

7. Final Trust Check

☐ Does this music help the message land more smoothly?

☐ Would you feel comfortable explaining why this music was chosen?

☐ Does it align with your institution’s values and expectations?

Bottom line:
AI-generated music works best when it stays in the background—supporting tone, pacing, and clarity without drawing attention to itself. If the music starts doing emotional work the content hasn’t earned, it’s time to rethink the choice.