Have you ever captured an incredible adventure with your GoPro and felt something was missing when reviewing the footage? The right soundtrack can transform a good video into an unforgettable story! Like puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly, music adds emotion and rhythm to your visual narrative.
I’ve been there before – struggling to figure out how to add my favorite Spotify tracks to my GoPro videos. The process isn’t as straightforward as you might hope, but I’ve discovered several effective methods that work wonderfully.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Spotify music with GoPro videos, from understanding the technical limitations to detailed step-by-step solutions that will elevate your content.
In This Article:
Why Can’t You Directly Add Spotify Music to GoPro Quik?
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why you can’t simply import Spotify tracks directly into GoPro Quik. The main obstacles are:
Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection is the primary technical barrier. Spotify implements strict DRM technology to prevent unauthorized copying or distribution of their music catalog. This protection system essentially “locks” the audio files so they can only be played through the official Spotify application.
When you stream music on Spotify, you’re not actually downloading MP3 files that you can freely transfer to other applications. Instead, you’re accessing encrypted audio streams that require Spotify’s proprietary decoding to play. This encryption is why you can’t simply drag and drop Spotify songs into GoPro Quik.
From a legal standpoint, Spotify’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit extracting, transferring, or copying music from their platform. According to their user agreement:
“You may not…copy, redistribute, reproduce, “rip,” record, transfer, perform or display to the public, broadcast, or make available to the public any part of the Spotify Service or the Content…”
This means that technically, even if you find ways around the DRM protection, using Spotify music in your GoPro videos without proper licensing could potentially violate copyright laws and Spotify’s terms of use.
Note: This guide presents available methods for educational purposes. Always consider the legal implications of using copyrighted music in your videos, especially if you plan to publish them online.
Method 1: Using Audio Conversion Tools for Spotify Music
One of the most reliable ways to use Spotify music with GoPro videos is by converting Spotify tracks to MP3 format. This method gives you high-quality audio files that you can import directly into GoPro Quik.
Cinch Streaming Audio Recorder
The Cinch Audio Recorder can help with this. It lets you download Spotify songs and convert them into formats perfect for GoPro Quik.
By following these steps, you can easily use Spotify music with GoPro Quik to make awesome videos. So, get creative and start making some amazing video stories today.
Using this software to convert Spotify music to MP3 format is very simple. Follow the below three steps to get music off Spotify.
Step 1: Download and install the Cinch audio recorder.
If you have a Mac computer, please get the Mac version here.
Step 2: Begin by opening the software and hitting the yellow “Record” button at the top-left. Play your chosen Spotify tracks; the Cinch audio recorder will automatically start recording in MP3 format as the music begins.
Step 3: To access your recorded song, simply right-click it and select “Open folder.”
After completing the three steps, you’ve downloaded Spotify songs as MP3 files to your computer. You can now import these files to GoPro Quik.
Find your download Spotify MP3 here from the “Music” folder by clicking the folder icon at the bottom right.
Method 2: Screen Recording Spotify Audio
If you prefer not to use conversion software, screen recording offers a straightforward alternative that works on both Windows and Mac systems. This method captures the audio playing from your computer, allowing you to create audio files from Spotify without specialized software.
Windows Screen Recording Guide
- Using Windows 10/11 Built-in Recorder:
- Press Windows key + G to open Game Bar
- Click on the microphone icon to enable audio recording
- Make sure “Record game audio” is selected in settings
- Start playing your Spotify track
- Click the record button (red circle) to begin recording
- When the song finishes, click the stop button
- Recordings are saved to Videos > Captures by default
- Using Free Third-Party Software (OBS Studio):
- Download and install OBS Studio from their official website
- Set up an “Audio Output Capture” source
- Configure audio settings to capture system sound
- Start playing Spotify music
- Click “Start Recording” in OBS
- Stop recording when the song ends
- Convert the video file to audio using a tool like VLC
Mac Screen Recording Guide
- Using QuickTime Player:
- Open QuickTime Player from Applications
- Go to File > New Screen Recording
- Click the dropdown arrow next to the record button
- Select “Internal Microphone” to record system audio
- Click Record and select the entire screen
- Start playing your Spotify track
- Click Stop in the menu bar when finished
- Save the recording and extract the audio
Optimizing Audio Quality When Screen Recording
To achieve the best possible audio quality:
– Close unnecessary applications to reduce background system sounds
– Set Spotify’s audio quality to “Very High” in settings
– Ensure your system volume is set to around 70-80% (not maximum)
– Record in a quiet environment to minimize background noise
– Consider using noise reduction tools after recording if needed
Important Note: Screen recording creates uncompressed files that can be quite large. Be sure to convert them to MP3 before importing to GoPro Quik to save space.
Method 3: Using the Spotify Web Player
Using Spotify’s web player offers another approach that some users find more convenient than other methods. This browser-based option works well for those who prefer not to install additional software.
Why the Web Player Method Works
The Spotify web player streams music through your browser rather than the desktop application. This sometimes makes it easier to capture the audio using certain browser extensions or recording tools specifically designed for browser audio.
Step-by-Step Web Player Recording
- Open Spotify Web Player
- Go to open.spotify.com in your browser
- Log in to your Spotify account
- Find the track you want to use
- Set Up Browser Audio Capture
- For Chrome: Look for audio capture extensions designed for recording tab audio
- For Firefox: Similar extensions exist that can record browser audio
- Some screen recording tools have specific browser integration features
- Adjust Browser Settings
- Disable notifications for the duration of recording
- Close other tabs to prevent unwanted sounds
- Consider using a private/incognito window to prevent interruptions
- Record and Save
- Start the recorder and then play the Spotify track
- Allow a few seconds of buffer at beginning and end
- Save the file in MP3 format for best compatibility with GoPro Quik
Browser-Specific Tips
- Chrome: Offers native tab audio recording in some screen capture extensions
- Firefox: Often provides cleaner audio recording with fewer interruptions
- Safari: Limited options for audio capture, consider using another browser
Pro Tip: The web player interface may change periodically with updates. If you can’t find a specific feature, check Spotify’s help center for the latest interface instructions.
How to Use GoPro Quik App with Custom Music
Once you’ve obtained your music files using one of the methods above, the next step is adding them to your GoPro videos using the Quik app. This section provides a detailed walkthrough for both iOS and Android versions.
Getting Started with GoPro Quik
GoPro Quik is a powerful video editing app that allows you to create impressive videos with custom music. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers similar functionality across platforms.
Before importing music:
– Make sure your music files are in a compatible format (MP3 is most reliable)
– Transfer the music files to your mobile device
– Ensure the GoPro Quik app is updated to the latest version
Importing Custom Music on iOS
- Open the GoPro Quik app on your iPhone or iPad
- Create a new project or open an existing one
- Add your GoPro footage to the timeline
- Tap on “Music” in the bottom toolbar
- Select “My Music” instead of using the built-in tracks
- Navigate to your device’s files where you stored your converted Spotify songs
- Select your custom track and adjust the start/end points as needed
- Adjust volume levels between your video’s original audio and music
Importing Custom Music on Android
- Launch GoPro Quik on your Android device
- Start a new project or continue editing an existing one
- Import your GoPro clips to the timeline
- Tap the “Music” icon at the bottom of the screen
- Choose “My Music” from the available options
- Browse to the location where your converted music is stored
- Select and add your custom track to the project
- Fine-tune the audio timing and volume as needed
Synchronizing Music with Video Action
To create a professional-looking video:
– Look for natural transition points in your music that align with video action
– Use the “Trim Music” feature to start songs at dramatic sections
– Consider the beat and tempo of the music when arranging clips
– For action sequences, choose upbeat sections of your soundtrack
– For slow-motion footage, select more atmospheric portions of the track
Audio Editing Features in Quik
The GoPro Quik app offers several audio adjustment tools:
– Volume balancing between original video sound and music
– Fade in/out options for smoother audio transitions
– Highlight detection that can sync music beats with action
– Speed adjustment that automatically adjusts audio pitch
iOS vs. Android Differences: While most features are consistent between platforms, iOS sometimes receives updates slightly earlier than Android. The iOS version may also have smoother integration with iTunes music libraries.
Free Music Alternatives to Spotify for GoPro Videos
If you’re concerned about copyright issues or looking for simpler options, several excellent alternatives offer free and legal music for your GoPro videos.
Top Free Music Resources for GoPro Videos
- YouTube Audio Library
- Completely free for personal and commercial use
- Hundreds of tracks across multiple genres
- Clear licensing information for each track
- Best for: General purpose background music
- Epidemic Sound
- Subscription-based but offers free trials
- Professional-quality tracks specifically designed for video
- Excellent for action and adventure videos
- Best for: Professional-looking GoPro highlight reels
- Artlist.io
- Subscription service with unlimited downloads
- High-quality music that rivals commercial tracks
- Simple licensing that covers all usage
- Best for: Travel and documentary-style GoPro videos
- Free Music Archive
- Collection of free, legal audio downloads
- Creative Commons licensed music
- Wide variety of independent artists
- Best for: Unique, non-commercial projects
- GoPro’s Included Music
- The Quik app comes with pre-licensed tracks
- Designed specifically for action videos
- No additional steps required
- Best for: Quick edits without importing music
Music Recommendations by GoPro Video Type
| Video Type | Recommended Genre | Example Free Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Action Sports | Energetic Electronic/Rock | GoPro Quik Library, Epidemic Sound |
| Travel Montage | Uplifting Instrumental | Artlist.io, Audio Jungle |
| Underwater/Nature | Ambient/Atmospheric | Free Music Archive, YouTube Audio Library |
| Family/Casual | Light Acoustic/Pop | Epidemic Sound, Bensound |
| Drone Footage | Cinematic Orchestral | Artlist.io, Filmstro |
Legal Considerations with Free Music
Even with “free” music, always:
– Check the specific license terms for each track
– Look for “royalty-free” or “no attribution required” if you don’t want to credit the artist
– Be cautious with music labeled for “personal use only” if you plan to publish online
– Keep documentation of the music license if using for commercial purposes
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GoPro Quik App Natively Support Spotify Music?
No, GoPro Quik does not have native integration with Spotify. Due to licensing restrictions and DRM protection, Spotify music cannot be directly imported into the Quik app. You’ll need to use one of the methods described in this article to convert or record the music first, then import it as a standard audio file.
Is It Legal to Use Spotify Music in My GoPro Videos?
Using Spotify music in videos you share publicly falls into a gray area. Technically, Spotify’s terms of service prohibit copying or redistributing their content. For personal videos that you never share online, the risk is minimal. However, for videos you plan to upload to social media or YouTube, using Spotify music could potentially result in:
– Copyright claims against your video
– Monetization restrictions
– Muting of the audio in your video
– In rare cases, account strikes or penalties
What Advantages Do Spotify Premium Users Have?
Spotify Premium users benefit from:
– Higher quality audio recordings (320kbps vs. 160kbps)
– No advertisements interrupting recordings
– Offline listening capabilities for recording without internet
– More consistent playback experience during the recording process
While Premium doesn’t directly make it easier to use Spotify with GoPro, it does improve the quality of the source material you’re working with.
Which Conversion Method Provides the Best Audio Quality?
Dedicated Spotify conversion tools typically provide the highest quality results, maintaining the original bitrate and audio fidelity. Screen recording methods can also produce good results but may introduce background noise or quality loss. The web player method generally produces acceptable but slightly lower quality audio compared to the other methods.
Are There Differences Between iOS and Android Versions of Quik?
Yes, there are some differences:
– iOS version tends to receive updates slightly earlier
– iOS has better integration with iTunes libraries
– Android offers more flexible file management options
– Feature parity is generally maintained, but interface elements may differ slightly
Both versions support importing custom music files in standard formats like MP3.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
After exploring all the methods for using Spotify music with GoPro videos, I’ve found that the most reliable approach depends on your specific needs:
- For highest quality and convenience: Audio conversion tools provide the best results but may require a financial investment.
- For simplicity without additional software: Screen recording offers a straightforward solution that works well for occasional use.
- For legal peace of mind: Consider using the free music alternatives outlined in this article, especially if you plan to publish your videos online.
Regardless of which method you choose, adding the right soundtrack to your GoPro footage can dramatically improve the emotional impact and professional quality of your videos. The extra effort to include your favorite Spotify tracks is well worth it when you see the final result.
I’d love to hear which method worked best for you! Have you discovered other techniques for adding Spotify music to your GoPro videos? Share your experiences in the comments below.
