Music plays a much bigger role in corporate video than most people realise. The right track sets the tone, supports the message and shapes how the viewer feels. The wrong track does the opposite. While video is a visual medium, music carries emotion, pace and energy. This is why choosing the right music is an important creative decision in every project.
For most corporate videos, you will be licensing music from a stock music library. These services give you access to thousands of tracks created by professional composers and producers. The key is knowing how to choose a track that fits the story you want to tell.
Royalty Free Music and How It Works
Licensing well-known commercial tracks is usually outside the budget for corporate work. Stock music is the practical alternative. Royalty-free does not mean free. It means you pay a one-off fee that covers use of the track without ongoing royalties. Libraries such as AudioJungle and PremiumBeat provide a wide range of music for business, technology, corporate storytelling and internal communications.
These sites allow you to search by mood, genre and instrument. This makes it easier to find a track that aligns with your video’s tone without spending hours scrolling through unrelated options.
Test the Track Against Your Edit
The best way to evaluate stock music is to test it in context. Most libraries let you download a preview version with an audio watermark. Drop it into your edit and listen. Pay attention to how it supports or detracts from the message. Music should guide the viewer, not distract them.
A simple way to narrow your choices is to write down a few keywords that describe the feeling you want to create. Words like warm, confident, light, understated or cinematic will help you find tracks that match the creative direction of your video.
Try more than one option. Even small differences in tone or tempo can change how the video feels. Testing tracks early helps avoid choosing a piece that does not fit once the edit is complete.
What to Listen For
When comparing tracks, focus on three elements that matter most for corporate video.
- Pacing. The rhythm of the track influences the pace of the edit. Faster tempos add energy. Slower tempos support reflective or detailed content. If your video has little dialogue, cutting to the beat can be very effective.
- Emotion. Music carries mood more strongly than visuals. The track should reinforce the viewer’s feelings at each stage of the story.
- Tone shifts. Many tracks build or change direction at key moments. These changes can help shape the structure of your video when used thoughtfully.
If your video includes interviews or detailed explanation, choose a track with a simple melody that does not compete with the voiceover. If you need more impact for a product reveal or key message, consider a track with a clear rise or chorus.
Remember That Musical Taste Is Personal
Everyone responds to music differently. A track you love may not work for the message you need to communicate. When choosing music for corporate video, focus on fit rather than personal taste. Share a few options with your team and look for consensus. The goal is to find a track that feels right for the brand and supports the story.
Do Not Get Overwhelmed
Stock music libraries contain thousands of tracks. It is easy to get lost in options. Start with your tone keywords, shortlist a few tracks and test them against your edit. Often one or two will stand out immediately. Keep the rest for future projects. A track that does not suit your current video may work perfectly for a different brief.
If you want support creating a corporate video with the right tone and a strong music selection, get in touch with Dream Engine today.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne-based video production company established in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, Ryan has helped leading Australian businesses, government departments, and non-profits communicate their message with clarity and impact through video. He’s known for his strategic approach, reliable process, and commitment to producing videos that deliver measurable results.
