How to Record Audio on iMovie on Mac/iPhone

If you are a content creator, you are probably familiar with various editing apps including iMovie especially if you have been using your iPhone when filming. But have you also been interested in learning how to record audio on iMovie?

iMovie is one of the apps that were developed by Apple Inc. Those who do not have that much budget for fancier, more advanced, and paid editing tools are surely into using programs like iMovie. Apart from utilizing it for video editing, you can also capture a video and audio through it as well! The features it has are beneficial enough when ensuring high-quality output files.

In this article, our main focus would be the detailed process of capturing audio through iMovie. In fact, as we head over to the first part, the step-by-step guide on how to use it will be explained right away.

Part 1. How to Record Audio Using iMovie on MacPart 2. How to Record Audio Using an iMovie AlternativePart 3. How to Record Audio on iMovie on iPads or iPhonesPart 4. Conclusion

Part 1. How to Record Audio Using iMovie on Mac

In this section, the details of how to record audio on iMovie on a Mac PC will be shared. It can be done via the voiceover menu. Here are the instructions for your easy reference.

1. Launch the iMovie app on your Mac PC. You can either record audio and then just add it to the outline of the video or start with a video and record audio at the same time.
2. For you to directly add audio to a video, launch the “Project” to be used. Move your cursor to the timeline, and then press the “Record Voiceover” icon which is below the “viewer”. This will let you start recording.
3. Various settings will be shown in the “Record Voiceover” menu such as the option to adjust input volume levels, noise reduction, selection of receiver input device, and even enhancement functions. You can customize the settings as you wish.
4. To begin voice recording, press the “Record” button. After the 3-second countdown, you may begin talking.
5. Once you’re finished, you just have to tap the same red button.
6. Open the file and preview it. This can be seen as a new clip in the timeline. Tap “Done” once you’re all good.

As simple as following the above, you’ll complete the process of how to record audio on iMovie!

Part 2. How to Record Audio Using an iMovie Alternative

Since iMovie is a free tool mainly designed for video editing, users probably notice that it lacks some features (which can still be improved) – limited audio editing functions, limited audio formats, fewer audio effects, etc.

Plus, there could be instances when it won’t work normally as you expect. So, in this instance, it is still good to have an alternative. When choosing an app to use, consider professional software tools. From the many available options on the web, why not give FoneDog Screen Recorder a shot?

This tool is a professional software app that’s primarily designed to capture one’s screen activities with ease. You should also be aware that it can also capture audio and even your webcam! With the assurance that users will get high-quality output files, there is no doubt that it has several users.

Free Download For Windows Free Download For normal Macs Free Download For M1, M2, M3

Recording is limitless through this tool and you don’t have to worry about watermarks on the results. You can even utilize its editing and real-time annotation features. Nobody will surely ask why it is considered the best alternative to using iMovie when recording audio.

It's also worth mentioning that this tool is compatible with both Windows and Mac so just in case you’re a Windows user who’s looking for a reliable recorder, you could also try considering this app!

After sharing with you how to record audio on iMovie from the previous part, this section will highlight how you can ace the audio recording process via the FoneDog Screen Recorder.

1. Upon installing the app, launch it, and from the main interface, select the “Audio Recorder” menu.
2. You can decide on whether you’ll record only the microphone sound or the system sound or have them both recorded.
3. When all settings are good, simply hit the “Record” button to finally begin the recording process.

Part 3. How to Record Audio on iMovie on iPads or iPhones

Some iPhone or iPad users could also be curious about how to record audio on iMovie using their devices. There’s nothing to worry about! We got you covered.

Since iMovie is supported by iOS devices like your iPhone and iPad, installing it on them won’t be an issue. Here’s the detailed process that you have to follow.

1. On your handy device, launch the iMovie app. Choose and open a certain iMovie project that you wish to add audio to.
2. Scroll over the white vertical line (video runtime) and decide on where you’ll start the recording.
3. Press the “+” icon and then click the “Voiceover” menu (microphone symbol).
4. Click “Record” and then just start speaking once the 3-second countdown is finished. Once you have completed the recording process, just press the “Stop” menu to stop recording.
5. You also have the option to preview the audio file. You can do this by pressing “Review” and then once everything’s all good, click “Accept” if you’d like to keep it. Otherwise, if you wish to delete and start over again, tap “Cancel” and then “Retake”.

Once you’re satisfied with the result, just hit the “Done” menu to save the file.

People Also Read16 Best Audio Recording Software for Mac (2024)How to Record Screen and Audio at the Same Time on Mac

Part 4. Conclusion

We have shared in this article how to record audio on iMovie using a Mac computer as well as iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. The processes are so simple that even first time doers won’t face any issues at all. However, though good enough, the tool might still be lacking in some ways. Thus, it’s always good to have a backup plan. Relying on alternative trusted apps like the FoneDog Screen Recorder will always be a great thing to consider.