Introduction

Setting the right background music volume is crucial for content creators aiming to produce professional-quality videos, podcasts, or any media with mixed audio.

When done well, your background music can enhance the atmosphere without ever competing with your speech or narration—ensuring your audience hears your message loud and clear.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover the essentials of balancing music and voice, recommended dB levels according to international standards (including BBC and W3C advice), practical mixing tips for creators at every level, and advanced techniques for fine-tuning your sound.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this guide will equip you with actionable insights to take your audio production skills to the next level.

Why Background Music Volume Matters

Background music in your content should support your message, not distract from it. If your music is too loud, it competes with the main narration and makes your audio less accessible—especially for those with hearing difficulties.

When mixed well, background music adds energy and polish without ever drawing the listener’s attention away from what really matters: the spoken word.

Using well-mixed background music can create a professional impression and keep your viewers or listeners engaged.

On the other hand, poor mixing can quickly turn audiences away, as straining to hear speech causes discomfort and reduces retention.

Ask yourself: have you ever paused or quit a video because you couldn’t clearly hear what was being said? (I know I have!)

What Is the Ideal Background Music dB Level?

There isn’t a fixed number for the "perfect" background music level, but most audio professionals agree that music should sit about -18dB to -20dB lower than the main dialogue or narration audio.

This range ensures your voice remains front and centre, while music weaves in subtly behind.

Key Point:

• Mix background music 18–20 decibels lower than speech to maintain clarity, accessibility, and listener comfort.

Let’s break down why this specific range works:

• Too High: Setting your music less than 15dB below your dialogue can cause masking, where the music drowns out or interferes with speech, especially when played on smaller speakers or mobile devices.
• Too Low: If the music volume is more than 25dB below the speech, it may become virtually inaudible on many devices, rendering it ineffective and possibly even pointless in the mix.
• Just Right: Between 18–20dB lower than speech is the sweet spot where music remains present, supportive, and pleasant without becoming a distraction.

How to Set Your Background Music Volume

1. Use Reference Standards

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Recommendations

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)—the organisation responsible for web accessibility standards—recommends that non-speech sounds (including music) should be at least 20dB lower than foreground speech.

This guidance is highlighted in their audio mixing technique documentation.

Example:

There is a fantastic audio example which demonstrates this on the W3C website. Here is a brief description of the example and you will find a link to the actual audio just below.

"The voice (foreground) is recorded at -17.52 decibels (average RMS) and the music (background) is at -37.52 decibels, making the foreground 20 decibels louder than the background." – W3C

Listen to the W3C in-depth audio example here.

BBC Recommendations

Within the UK, the BBC’s audio mixing guidelines are widely trusted across the broadcast industry. The BBC suggests mixing your audio as usual, then lowering the music by an additional 4dB.

This method ensures music never overshadows speech and aligns with what audiences find most comfortable.

Pro Tip: According to the BBC, “viewers never complain about background music being ‘too low’,” but will quickly criticise when music is too loud.

General Audio Level Guide for Content Creators

You should always keep an eye on overall mix levels and peaks. Here’s a helpful reference table for setting various audio elements:

Description	Target Audio Level Range	Comments
Overall Mix	-10dB to -20dB	Never exceed 0dB to avoid distortion.
Main Narrator/Dialogue	-6dB to -12dB	Aim for -12dB max for platforms like YouTube.
Background Music	-18dB to -20dB	Keep music at least 18–20dB below speech/narration.
Sound Effects	-12dB to -18dB	Should not distract from or overpower main speech.

More Details by Medium

• Podcasts: Aim to mix dialogue even higher than music, especially in spoken word formats. For podcast platforms, clarity is paramount.
• YouTube Videos: Be aware that viewers often use phones or laptops to listen. Test the mix on these devices to check if your music is too aggressive or harsh in the background.
• Online Courses & E-learning: Consider reducing music to as much as 22dB below narration during complex topics, to minimise distraction during explanations.

Mixing Tips for Maximum Speech Clarity

1. Always Listen on Multiple Devices

A mix that sounds balanced in studio monitors might be too loud or too soft on a phone or TV.

Test your finished content on different speakers—desktop, laptop, mobile, car, and even headphones. This ensures your audience will hear what you intended, no matter where they are.

Example Workflow

• Mix your audio on quality studio monitors.
• Export a sample and play it back on your mobile phone (using its internal speaker).
• Listen through standard laptop speakers.
• Try it in a car or through headphones.
• Note any issues where music is suddenly overpowering or too faint and adjust accordingly.

2. Err on the Side of Caution

If you’re not sure if your background music is too loud, it probably is. Most listeners will ignore music that’s too soft but will quickly become frustrated by music that drowns out dialogue.

Actionable Tip

• Lower your music track by 1–2dB and export a sample.
• Compare the clarity of your speech in both versions.
• Ask a friend or colleague for feedback—fresh ears pick up problems you may miss after hours of editing.

3. Experiment with Private Uploads

Platforms like YouTube allow you to upload private or unlisted test videos. Create a few versions with different music levels and compare—sometimes a small adjustment of 3dB makes all the difference.

Extra Tip: Use YouTube’s YouTube Studio analytics to collect private feedback from select viewers before you publish widely.

4. Use Ducking and Sidechain Compression

Modern editing software like Adobe Audition, Audacity, or even free DAWs like Cakewalk allow you to set an automated “ducking” (sidechain compression) effect.

This technique gently lowers your background music volume whenever someone speaks and then raises it again when the voice is absent.

How to Apply Ducking

• Add sidechain compression to your music track, triggered by the spoken word.
• Adjust attack and release times for a smooth transition.
• This is especially effective in podcasts or livestreams, where background and foreground volumes can change rapidly.

Best Practices from Industry Leaders

W3C: Make Audio Accessible

Following W3C standards not only helps your content pass accessibility requirements but also broadens your potential audience, including viewers with hearing loss or cognitive processing needs.

BBC: Keep Music in Check

For broadcast or online video, the BBC guidelines are practical for everyone—not just TV professionals. Their advice ensures background music enhances the emotional impact of your content without sacrificing clarity.

External link: For advanced mixing, see this BBC Audio Mixing Guide PDF.

Additional Industry Tips

• Listen at Lower Volumes: If your mix sounds balanced at a low volume, it’s likely well balanced overall. High volumes can mask poor mixing choices.
• Check in Mono: Collapse your mix to mono output—if music and dialogue remain clear, you’re on the right track.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Mistakes

Never Exceed 0dB

Setting your output above 0dB will result in digital distortion—a problem that can’t be repaired after export. Always keep the master fader below this threshold during your final mix.

Tip for Beginners

Use your DAW’s (digital audio workstation) built-in limiter to avoid accidental “overs.” This will prevent spikes in your waveform that can introduce distortion at random points in your final video or podcast.

Use Your Ears Above All

Guidelines exist, but your ears are still your best judge. Take regular breaks during mixing to avoid ear fatigue, and return with fresh perspective before final export.

Be Mindful of Looping Tracks

If you’re using royalty-free music or loops, pay attention to changes in loudness as the track repeats. Edit out sections with abrupt changes in energy or volume, or use volume envelopes to smooth transitions for a seamless listening experience.

Summary Table: Key Audio Mixing Levels

Audio Type	Recommended dB Level
Dialogue/Narration	-6dB to -12dB
Background Music	-18dB to -20dB
Sound Effects	-12dB to -18dB
Final Mix	-10dB to -20dB (max 0dB)

 

Sample Workflow: From Recording to Final Export

1. Record Speech at Healthy Levels: Aim for dialogue peaks at around -6dB, designed never to exceed 0dB after processing.
2. Prepare Your Background Music File: Clean up your music track, trimming sections that could spike or distract.
3. Drop the Volume: Start with music at -20dB below your dialogue, then nudge up in 1dB increments if it feels too quiet. Always test by switching between your DAW and a reference media player.
4. Apply Equalisation: Sometimes, adjusting frequency ranges (using a low or high shelf EQ) on background music can help speech cut through without resorting to large volume changes. Lowering frequencies in the 2–4kHz range on music helps keep vocals clear.
5. Export and Listen: Try your exported files in at least three different environments.
6. Seek Honest Feedback: Before publishing, share your mix with two to three people and incorporate their impressions.
7. Final Review and Metrics: Check for consistent RMS levels and use audio meters to verify dialogue is always 18–20dB louder than music throughout.

Final Thoughts: Achieving Professional Results

Getting your background music levels right is part science, part art. Follow international best practices, monitor your mix levels, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback or use reference examples from public broadcasters like the BBC.

Remember: subtlety is key—when in doubt, favour clarity and accessibility over atmosphere.

The difference between amateur and professional audio often lies in these small details. With regular practice, attention to your mix, and an open ear to listener feedback, you'll find your content standing out for all the right reasons.

Balancing background music and speech is a crucial skill for content creators. By keeping your music 18–20dB lower than speech, testing on various devices, and using established guidelines, you’ll produce polished, professional content that’s accessible to all audiences.

Happy producing!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if my audience still finds the music too loud?

Always collect feedback—run a small poll with your viewers or listeners, or ask friends to review your mixes on their devices. Adjust your next mix based on this crowd-sourced input for maximum accessibility.

Is there an ideal background music track for speech content?

Instrumental or ambient music usually works best. Avoid tracks with vocals, complex rhythms, or excessive bass that can mask speech frequencies. Test a few styles—subtle, light arrangements almost always sit better behind a voice.

What if I use music loops or tracks with fluctuating volume?

Use automation or volume envelopes within your editing software to keep music levels consistent behind speech. Set keyframes wherever the music rises or falls, tailoring the background to fit seamlessly around your narration.

How do I know if volume differences are platform-related?

Each platform—YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts—applies unique audio “normalisation” which can alter the perceived loudness. Always check your mix after upload for unexpected changes and review platforms’ loudness/loudness normalisation guidelines.