5 Reasons Why You Should Select the Right Music Before Video Post-Production

7 Oct

Choosing the right soundtrack and music before starting video post-production is critical, as it has a profound impact on the overall quality and emotional resonance of the final product. For both clients and creators, understanding why this is important can make the difference between a video that connects with its audience and one that falls flat.

1- Setting the Tone and Mood

Music is a critical storytelling device that can evoke specific emotions and set the desired atmosphere for any video project. Whether it’s a corporate video or a wedding montage, the right music complements the visuals, intensifying the emotional resonance. Research has shown that music directly influences how we perceive visual elements. For example, a sad piece of music accompanying a slow-motion scene enhances the feeling of sorrow or nostalgia, while upbeat, fast-paced tracks can energize and excite the viewer.

Choosing music before post-production begins allows creators and clients to ensure that the soundtrack aligns perfectly with the video’s narrative arc and emotional goals, helping to communicate the intended message more effectively. Without the right soundtrack, even beautifully shot scenes can lack emotional depth

2- Guiding the Editing Process

Having music selected before editing is crucial for guiding the video's rhythm and pacing. A well-chosen track allows the editor to sync cuts, transitions, and effects to the beat of the music. This synchronization creates a smoother, more cohesive video, enhancing its professional quality. For example, action scenes can be cut on the beat of fast music, while slower scenes can breathe and flow naturally with a more mellow soundtrack.

Incorporating music into the workflow from the start gives editors a clear direction, preventing the need for re-edits due to music changes later on. This method is widely used in the industry to achieve seamless storytelling and visual flow.

3- Avoiding Costly Rework

Selecting or changing the music after post-production has begun often leads to significant re-editing, which can increase both costs and timelines. For instance, if a client decides that the original track no longer suits the tone of the video, the editor may need to adjust critical aspects such as scene pacing, transitions, and effects to match the new song’s tempo or mood. These changes require hours of additional work, translating into higher post-production costs.

For example, imagine an editor has cut a scene to fit a fast-paced, high-energy soundtrack. If the client later chooses a slower, more reflective piece, the pacing and transitions must be slowed down to match. This process can take a day or two depending on the project's length, potentially costing the client hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in extra editing fees. In addition, there might be charges for additional rounds of revisions, further extending the timeline.

This scenario is not uncommon in large productions, such as commercials or corporate videos, where both creators and clients are working with specific budgets and tight delivery deadlines. If the music change happens late in the project, it can also lead to delays in the release or launch of the video, affecting the marketing campaigns or scheduled promotions tied to it.

To avoid such costly and time-consuming rework, it’s best to lock in the soundtrack before the editing process begins. This helps streamline the project, keeping it on schedule and within budget. It also ensures that the final product meets both the creator’s artistic vision and the client’s expectations without unnecessary setbacks.

Many professionals in video production argue that locking down the right soundtrack before shooting even begins yields the best results. By choosing music in the pre-production phase, directors and cinematographers can align their shot planning, camera movements, and scene pacing with the soundtrack, ensuring smooth integration of the audio and visual elements from the outset.

4- Enhancing Viewer Experience

A well-chosen soundtrack can significantly improve the overall viewer experience. Music enhances the connection between the audience and the content, making the video more memorable and impactful. Studies suggest that the emotional cues from music can increase information retention and improve engagement, making viewers more likely to respond positively to the content.

For example, in advertisements, music helps reinforce brand identity and create a specific atmosphere, making the product or service more relatable to the audience. Whether it's increasing brand recognition or simply creating a more engaging viewing experience, music plays a crucial role in making video content resonate with viewers.

5- Supporting the Narrative

Music is a valuable tool for storytelling. It can emphasize key moments, transition between scenes, or underscore the emotional arc of a narrative. In a wedding video, for instance, music can signal the emotional highs and lows—soft music during vows, followed by celebratory tunes during the reception.

Selecting music early allows creators to strategically place soundtracks where they will have the most emotional and narrative impact. Music can subtly guide the audience’s emotions and perception, making it a key element in visual storytelling.