Find out why background music might be hurting your talking head videos and when you should avoid using one.
According to research, our brains have a limited capacity for processing information. When we try to focus on a single task, any additional stimuli, such as background music, compete for our attention.
This phenomenon is known as the “limited capacity model” of cognitive processing.
In talking head videos, the primary goal is often to communicate information clearly. Whether you’re sharing tips, explaining a concept, or telling a story, your audience needs to understand what you’re saying without struggling to hear you.
Adding background music forces the brain to process both your voice and the music, splitting their attention and making it harder for them to fully grasp your message.
Studies have shown that tasks requiring deep cognitive processing, like learning new information, are best performed in silence or with minimal distractions.
A notable study published by the ‘Association for Psychological Science‘ found that background music could negatively affect reading comprehension. Participants who listened to music while reading scored lower on comprehension tests compared to those who read in silence.
These findings suggest that while music can be enjoyable, it can also interfere with tasks that require focused attention and memory.
So, what does this mean for your talking head videos?
Essentially, if your goal is to deliver clear, memorable content, background music might be working against you. It’s similar to the principle of not trying to multitask – our brains are simply not wired to handle multiple streams of information simultaneously at full capacity.
Viewer’s Preferences On Background Music
Various surveys and polls indicate that opinions on background music in talking head videos are mixed. While some viewers appreciate the added ambiance, others find it distracting and unnecessary.
For example, a poll conducted on a YouTube creator forum revealed that about 60% of viewers preferred videos without background music when the content was educational or informational. They felt that music could interfere with their ability to concentrate on what the speaker was saying.
On the other hand, videos meant for entertainment purposes received a more favorable response to background music.
This split in preference highlights an important point: the type of content you’re creating should influence your decision on whether to include background music.
For talking head videos, especially those that are educational or informational, you might be better off without it.
Engagement Metrics And Viewer Retention
Engagement metrics can also provide concrete data on how background music affects viewer retention and interaction.
As a YouTuber, keeping your viewers engaged and watching until the end is crucial for the success of your videos. Higher retention rates can lead to better algorithm recommendations and more views.
When viewers come to your talking head video, they’re there for the content – your insights, your explanations, and your stories. Anything that distracts them from that central content can reduce their engagement.
Background music, while intended to enhance the experience, can sometimes have the opposite effect.
Studies and statistics show that videos with clear, distraction-free audio tend to have higher retention rates. Viewers are more likely to stay engaged when they can easily follow and understand the content.
When Background Music Enhances Content
So far, we’ve talked about the potential downsides of using background music in talking head videos. But there are times when it can enhance the content.
Instructional videos with minimal talking, like cooking videos, can use soft background music to fill in the silent segments. Another great example is travel vlogs, where music helps to set the scene and enhance the visual experience.
In these two examples, the music supports the content. It’s also important to ensure that the music matches the tone and pace of the video
Volume Control And Equalization
Another important factor is volume control. Background music should always be at a lower volume than your voice.
Always keep the background music 20 dB lower than the main audio. That means if the voice or speech is at -3 dB, the music stays somewhere around -23 dB.
Not all music tracks are created equal, and sometimes, even after lowering the volume, the background music might still get in the way. This is because music has a wide range of frequencies, some of which overlap with human speech.
If the music is not properly equalized, it can muddy the dialogue and make it harder to understand.
A simple technique in Premiere Pro to balance the frequencies of background music and speech is to apply the Simple Parametric Equalizer to the music layer. Then, set the Center value somewhere in the range of 1200 to 1500 Hz because that’s where most of the music and speech frequencies overlap. Set the Q value to 4 and the boost to -18 dB. Finally, decrease the audio level to -8 or -10 dB.
Choosing The Right Music
If you do decide to use background music, then check out Artlist. They offer a wide range of high-quality, royalty-free music that you can use in your videos.
Artlist has an extensive library of tracks specifically curated for different types of content, ensuring you find the perfect match for your video’s tone and style. CLICK HERE to get 2 extra months of free subscription when you subscribe to any Artlist annual plan.
It’s my first choice to find short music tracks for the first few seconds of my YouTube videos, usually during the HOOK section of my videos. This way, I try to capture the viewer’s attention right at the start without letting the music interfere with the core message of the video.
Every viewer is different. That’s why it’s important to find the perfect balance, especially in the early stages of your channel, to see what works best for you and your audience.
And speaking of perfecting your videos, make sure to check out this blog post where we discuss some major video editing mistakes people usually make before gaining 1,000 subscribers and how you can avoid them to boost your channel’s success.