web analytics

Blog

Manuel Marino

Limited Time Offer on Cinematic Film Music!

Get original, cinematic music for your project.

Browse my GIGs and choose your favorite. First order automatically discounted!

Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, artist and music composer with over ten years of experience, specializing in the captivating world of music and entertainment. Manuel is an expert in creating soundtracks for short films, feature films and video games. How to Register and Order on My Film Music Orchestral Page

Manuel’s Blog is a personal digital space where I share my thoughts, projects, and passions. Here you’ll find articles about music, technology, arts, books, culture, and personal reflections.

The blog brings together my ideas and the contributions of friends and readers, offering a mix of inspiration, practical tips, and honest opinions.

Whether you are curious about creativity, looking for advice, or just want to explore different topics with me, you’ll always find something interesting to read.

You can find our Privacy Policy here: https://manuelmarino.com/blog/privacy-policy/

You can find our Terms of Service here: https://manuelmarino.com/blog/terms-of-service/

background music

Music used in promotional and motivational YouTube videos has developed a distinctive style aimed at supporting voiceovers without drawing attention away from them. This trend has grown into something of a unique genre, as creators recognize the need for music that complements rather than competes with spoken messages. The role of background music in these videos is, in essence, to act as a subtle catalyst that drives the emotional tone without overpowering the voice.

One of the defining characteristics of this musical style is simplicity. The music typically follows a repetitive, yet evolving structure that adapts to the narrative flow. Smooth, gradual builds and releases help maintain energy levels, guiding listeners through the video’s story. Unlike traditional compositions, which often have multiple musical changes and layers, motivational background tracks usually revolve around steady rhythms and uncomplicated chord progressions. This simplicity ensures that the music stays in the background, where it belongs, providing a foundation that complements the voiceover.

In terms of instrumentation, a variety of sounds are used, but they are carefully selected to be non-intrusive. Pianos and light electronic sounds are common choices, as they produce clear, crisp notes that enhance clarity without overwhelming the senses. Ambient pads or strings often form the underlying texture, giving the music an airy, open quality that doesn’t compete with the vocal track. Soft, pulsating beats are also typical, offering a consistent energy that can adapt to different sections of the video. By using these soft, subtle sounds, the music gently amplifies the intended message while preserving the viewer’s focus on the spoken content.

The tempo and rhythm are equally crucial in this style of music. Motivational and promotional videos usually rely on moderate to slightly fast tempos that keep the energy up without becoming too intense. This tempo selection mirrors the pacing of a voiceover, helping maintain engagement. In many cases, a steady, subtle beat accompanies the rhythm of the speaker, adding a slight pulse that feels almost subliminal. This “heartbeat” effect works on a psychological level, reinforcing a sense of progress or motivation without the listener consciously realizing it.

Another interesting aspect is the music’s dynamic range. In these compositions, the dynamics often remain within a narrow range, avoiding sudden loudness or stark silence. The music needs to flow smoothly with the voiceover, responding to changes in intensity without becoming dominant. Volume swells and light crescendos are often placed at key moments, such as during a motivational statement or at the climax of the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact in a subtle, supportive way.

Music for YouTube motivational content often also includes brief moments of silence or minimalism, particularly when a powerful point is being made. By dropping to near silence, the music can help draw more attention to the voice at crucial moments, emphasizing the speaker’s words. This ebb and flow creates a “call and response” dynamic, where the music subtly “listens” to the voice, responding by either fading or surging as needed.

This background music style is evolving as YouTube creators seek more refined ways to keep viewers engaged. As the genre grows, it continues to blend elements of ambient, electronic, and cinematic music, with new sounds and approaches emerging. Ultimately, the music’s purpose remains the same: to serve as an unobtrusive yet powerful element that enhances the spoken word and contributes to an immersive viewing experience.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x