Content creation is a world of its own, especially on platforms like YouTube. What was once thought to be just another means of wasting time and effort has now made its way into the mainstream entertainment industry.
The global digital content creation market is worth $32.28 billion at present. By 2030, this content creation market will be worth $69.80 billion. YouTube is undoubtedly the most popular platform for content creators right now, particularly for long-form video content. And documentary content creators on the platform have been gaining a lot of attention lately.
Documentary content on YouTube covers everything from centuries ago to things that have happened just hours ago. While the content itself is vital in such documentary videos, the background music is equally crucial.
The right background music can transform a documentary from a flat presentation into an emotionally compelling story. On YouTube, where documentaries compete for attention in an endless sea of content, music does more than fill silence. It guides emotions, builds atmosphere, and signals to the viewer how they should feel about what they are watching.
Here are a few practical tips on how to use background music when producing documentaries for YouTube.
One of the most powerful uses of music in documentaries is to create suspense. A low rumble, a string section that climbs slowly, or a piano note repeated with deliberate pace can make the audience lean in. Suspense music keeps viewers engaged, waiting for answers, and focused on the details of the story. Without it, even the most serious subject matter can lose its grip on attention.
Consider a documentary covering the ethylene oxide lawsuit involving Sterigenics. The ethylene oxide lawsuit highlights how communities near facilities using ethylene oxide faced a higher cancer risk due to exposure.
As TorHoerman Law notes, the ethylene oxide exposure has led to severe health problems for communities. Hence, a documentary on this incident or case should emphasize the uncertainty families experienced and the fear surrounding long-term exposure.
So, when discussing the Sterigenics lawsuit and similar lawsuits, carefully chosen music underscores the gravity of the subject. Suspenseful scoring, in this context, reflects the lived anxiety of residents waiting for answers about their health.
Music should never feel detached from the story being told. A documentary about wildlife conservation calls for natural, uplifting tones that mirror the beauty of nature. On the other hand, an investigative documentary about corporate negligence may rely on darker, heavier tones.
Matching tone to narrative helps ensure viewers stay emotionally aligned with the subject. If the tone of the soundtrack contradicts the seriousness of the visuals or narration, it can weaken credibility.
The best approach is to think about music as another voice in the room. If the voice of the narrator explains facts, then the music provides emotional subtext. Whether the music evokes sadness, urgency, or relief, it needs to complement rather than distract from the visuals.
Successful YouTube documentarians understand that viewers pick up on these subtle cues, often without realizing it consciously.
Music is powerful, but silence can be just as striking when used intentionally. Pulling the music away at a key moment forces the audience to focus on words, images, or testimony without distraction. In fact, silence following a suspenseful buildup can amplify tension more than continuous music ever could.
For example, during a sequence showing interviews with affected families or victims, silence might give weight to the rawness of emotion. Then, bringing music back in afterward creates contrast and signals a transition.
The interplay of silence and sound keeps the rhythm of a documentary unpredictable and impactful. YouTube viewers, accustomed to fast-paced content, will often pause and lean in when the soundscape changes.
Documentary creators must remember that background music is not just a tool but also a responsibility. Music carries cultural meaning, and the wrong choice can feel exploitative or insensitive.
A track that trivializes suffering, for instance, can leave audiences feeling manipulated rather than moved. When covering serious issues like environmental harm, public health crises, or lawsuits tied to corporate practices, creators should lean toward subtle and respectful scores.
Using music that overwhelms or dramatizes beyond necessity risks making the content seem sensational rather than factual. A good documentary on YouTube thrives on authenticity, and music must support that goal.
Great music loses its value if it overpowers narration or interviews. For YouTube documentaries, where audiences often watch on phones or laptops, clarity is everything.
Background music should always sit behind dialogue, never in front of it. This balance requires careful editing.
Lowering volume levels during spoken segments and allowing music to swell between them creates a natural ebb and flow. Think of it as a conversation; the music should step back when someone is speaking and then return when space allows.
When done well, this makes the documentary feel polished and professional, while still emotionally engaging.
Music in documentaries should support the narrative without overpowering it. Filmmakers often use subtle background tracks to evoke emotion, emphasize transitions, or highlight dramatic moments. The choice of genre, tempo, and tone must align with the subject matter, ensuring music enhances storytelling while keeping the audience engaged.
Not all documentaries use background music. Some rely solely on narration, interviews, and natural sounds to create authenticity. Others use carefully chosen music to enhance mood or guide audience emotions. The decision depends on the director’s creative vision, subject matter, and intended impact, balancing realism with cinematic effect.
Using copyrighted music in YouTube videos without permission can lead to removal, demonetization, or copyright strikes. To avoid issues, creators should use royalty-free tracks, music under Creative Commons licenses, or purchase proper licenses. YouTube also provides its Audio Library, offering safe-to-use music specifically designed for creators’ projects.
For YouTube documentary creators, music is not just an accessory; it is part of the storytelling architecture. It builds suspense, sets the tone, and establishes balance with dialogue. When used with care, music has the power to elevate even modest productions into memorable experiences.
Whether you are crafting a documentary about environmental struggles or corporate accountability, background music can help you capture the emotional truth behind the facts.