How to Add Music to iMovie from Spotify on Different Devices

By Charles Davis Updated on 2024-01-03 / Update for Spotify Tips

Q: "Can I add Spotify songs to iMovie? I'm a Spotify premium user, but I can't find my downloaded Spotify songs on my device. This leaves me with no way to add Spotify music to iMovie directly."

Are you suffering such confusion now? iMovie is one of the most popular editing tools on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPad Touch. With it, you can easily add glamorous effects to your videos and import music into the video as background music. However, there is no official integration between Spotify and iMovie. But don't worry. We are here to give you the best way. Please read this article to learn how to add music from Spotify to iMovie on iPhone/iPad/Mac.

how to add music to imovie from spotify

Part 1. FAQs about iMovie Spotify Integration

Q1: Can You Add Spotify Music to iMovie

A: As we stated above, there is no official iMovie Spotify integration now. That means you won't access and put the Spotify music library on iMovie directly. Because Spotify music is protected in the unique OGG Vorbis audio format. Songs downloaded from Spotify are just cache files and not real local files, which are only available on authorized devices and will be removed from your library amid an expired Spotify subscription.

Q2: What File Format Does iMovie Support

A: However, iMovie allows you to add your own music files stored to your project from your device, in iCloud Drive, or elsewhere. Therefore, there is a feasible method you can apply: Just download Spotify songs to iMovie-supported audio files and import those files to iMovie. Before that, please figure out the file formats compatible with iMovie and Spotify respectively according to the following table.

iMovie File Formats MP3, M4A, WAV, AAC, and AIFF
Spotify Format Special Ogg Vorbis

Q3: Is There Any Free Music Available in iMovie

A: Yes, iMovie has built-in soundtracks and sound effects, which can be used in the iMovie projects for free.

Q4: How to Change Spotify Background Music in iMovie

A: Just delete and change the Spotify music in the timeline and click the 'Media' tab to import a new one to the timeline.

Part 2. How to Download Songs from Spotify to iMovie

When it comes to how to add Spotify music to iMovie, your first and foremost task is to remove Spotify's protection and convert Spotify songs to iMovie-supported audio files. Thankfully, AudFree Spotify Music Converter is just such a tool. With it, you can download and convert Spotify songs, playlists, albums, podcasts, and audiobooks even without Spotify Premium. It supports outputting Spotify music to MP3, M4A, WAV, AAC, M4B, and FLAC, some of which are supported by iMovie.

Moreover, it can preserve 100% original audio quality and full metadata info such as ID3 tags when downloading Spotify music with a speed of up to 5X times faster. Its innovative technology also empowers you to customize output quality for Spotify music by altering the bitrate, sample rate, etc. With it, you can convert Spotify music to local audio files supported by iMovie. Then you can use iMovie's upload feature to put Spotify local files on iMovie and set them as background music.

AudFree Spotify Music Converter

audfree spotify converter
  • Download Spotify songs/playlists/albums without Premium
  • Convert Spotify to MP3, AAC, etc., compatible with iMovie
  • Work at 5X faster speed, keep lossless sound quality
  • Preserve full ID3 tags, support batch conversion

How to Download Music for iMovie from Spotify as BGM

Please install the AudFree Spotify Music Converter on your Windows or macOS computer first. To do it, you can click the 'Download' button above or visit its official website. Then just follow the guide below to convert Spotify music to iMovie-compatible audio format.

Step 1Import Spotify Music to AudFree SpoDable
add spotify music to audfree spodable for imovie
When you launch the AudFree Spotify Music Converter, the Spotify app will open automatically. Now, you can start to discover the Spotify music that you'd like to use on iMovie. Drag and drop it to the converter's window directly afterward. If you want to load many Spotify songs at one time, you can copy the URL of Spotify playlists or albums, paste it to the Search bar on the AudFree program, and finally click the '+' button.
Step 2Set Spotify Output Format for iMovie
set spotify output format for imovie
Go to the top-right 'menu' tab similar to three horizontal lines. Then from the dropdown list, select the 'Preferences' > 'Convert' option where you can choose an audio format supported by iMovie, like MP3, WAV, AAC, etc. Besides, you can also customize other output parameters as you like, such as changing Spotify bitrate, sample rate, etc.
Step 3Download Songs for iMovie from Spotify
convert spotify music for imovie
To start the conversion process, please press the 'Convert' button at the bottom-right corner of the main interface. To make the conversion process more stable, you'd better disable your Antivirus or Firewall. When it's done, you can navigate to the target Converted folder on your computer by clicking the bottom File icon to view the downloaded Spotify songs. Then all converted Spotify songs can be uploaded to iMovie without any limit.

Part 3. How to Add Music to iMovie from Spotify on iPhone/iPad

Congratulation! Now that you've downloaded Spotify music to your computer and saved it as iMovie-compatible music files. Before importing music from Spotify to iMovie on iPhones, iPads, or iPod Touch, you need to move the converted Spotify music to your iPhone or iPad from the computer using a USB cable, iTunes, or iCloud.

How to Get Spotify Music on iMovie on iPhone/iPad

Please connect your iOS device and your desktop via WiFi or a USB cable in advance.

Step 1. First, please transfer Spotify conversions to iTunes. On iTunes, just click on the top-right 'File' and select 'Add File to Library' or 'Add Folder to Library' to add the converted Spotify songs to the iTunes library.

add spotify conversions to itunes

Step 2. Sync the added Spotify conversions to your phones on iTunes:

1) Just click the device icon at the upper left and choose your iOS device.
2) Select the 'Music' category from the left sidebar. From the Playlist part, check the box in front of the playlist that covers the uploaded Spotify conversions.
3) Once done, tap on the bottom-right 'Sync' or 'Apply' tab. Afterward, you can view the updated lyrics on those devices.

sync spotify songs to ios devices on itunes

Step 3. Then open the iMovie Video Editor on your iPhone. Swipe from the bottom of the screen and click on 'Movie' > 'Create Movie' at the bottom to create a new project.

create new project in imovie on iphone

Step 4. Proceed to click on the '+' button under the added video.

click add media button in imovie

Step 5. Then select 'Audio' > 'My Music' to select your desired Spotify music.

add audio to imovie

Step 6. Click the 'Song' option and the '+' button next to the Spotify song to add it. Then the Spotify music will show up on a green line on the edit screen.

add spotify music to imovie iphone

How to Import Music from Spotify to iMovie on iPad

Step 1. Move the converted Spotify songs to your iPad in advance. Then open iMovie and launch your video project.

Step 2. Open your project in the timeline and click the '+' button on the screen.

Step 3. Tap the 'Audio' > 'My Music' option to browse through the Spotify songs stored on your device.

add audio to imovie on ipad

Step 4. Choose the 'Playlists', 'Albums', 'Songs', or 'Imported' option under 'My Music' to find the folder that contains your converted Spotify music files.

add music from spotify to imovie on ipad

Step 5. Tap on '+' next to a Spotify song to use Spotify music in iMovie.

Part 4. How to Add Spotify Music to iMovie on Mac

If you are using a Macbook, the following steps are just for you. It's time to put music on iMovie from Spotify and set Spotify songs as background music. Below is how to add Spotify music to iMovie on Mac.

How to Put Spotify Music on iMovie on Mac

Please make sure you have transferred the converted Spotify music to iTunes in advance. To make it, please visit: How to Transfer Spotify to iTunes Library.

Step 1. Open iMovie on your Mac and launch your iMovie project or create a new one.

Step 2. Click the 'Audio' option at the top menu.

audio tab at the top menu

Step 3. Then there are three options for you to choose from, respectively 'Music', 'Sound Effects', and 'GarageBand'. The 'Music' option will allow you to access all local audio files from your iTunes library. And 'GarageBand' will show you all the audio clips you've made in the GarageBand app.

Step 4. Choose the 'Music' option under the 'Audio' section at the left sidebar. Then select the converted Spotify music from your iTunes library.

choose the music option

Step 5. To preview the music, click on the 'Play' icon. Then you can drag and drop the Spotify clip to the editing bar at the bottom.

add spotify song to imovie on mac

Part 5. How to Use Spotify Music in iMovie

Once you've added Spotify music to video on iMovie, it's time to edit audio on iMovie to enhance the overall quality of your video project. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, these steps below will help you achieve the desired audio effect for your iMovie video. So, let's get started!

how to edit spotify music on imovie video

Step 1. Click on the added Spotify audio clip to select it.

Step 2. Use the 'Trim' tool in the toolbar at the top of the iMovie window to trim the audio clip to the desired length.

Step 3. Tap the 'Volume' slider in the 'Audio' section of the toolbar to adjust the volume.

Step 4. Hit the 'Sound Effects' button located in the 'Audio' section to add effects such as equalization or reverb to the Spotify clip.

add sound effects on imovie

Step 5. Preview your edited video by clicking on the 'Play' button in the preview window.

Step 6. Once you are satisfied with your edits, export your video by selecting 'File' from the menu bar and then selecting 'Share' followed by 'File'.

Part 6. To Sum Up

Using Spotify music in iMovie will be very easy if you follow the tutorials mentioned in this article. With AudFree Spotify Music Converter, you can get Spotify files compatible with iMovie. Then it couldn't be easier to add music to iMovie from Spotify on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac.

If you want to use the protected Spotify music on other platforms, AudFree Spotify Converter is your best choice. It enables you to download Spotify music without Premium and remove protection. After that, you can listen to your favorite Spotify music on any platform and device.


Charles Davis

Charles Davis

Chief Editor

(Click to rate this post)
Charles Davis is the chief-editor of AudFree Company, who writes a variety of tech articles and music reviews, such as hot software releases and Spotify music tips.
spodable

AudFree SpoDable

Download Spotify songs, playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts to MP3, etc. with ease.