Uploading a video without sound can be useful for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you want to share a video but don’t have the rights to the audio, or maybe you want viewers to focus on the visuals rather than get distracted by sound. Whatever your motivation, uploading a video file without audio is easy to do on most major online video platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and more. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps for uploading a soundless video clip across the most popular sites. We’ll also provide tips for editing out audio tracks before uploading as well as alternatives like adding text captions or background music instead.
Removing Audio from a Video File
Before uploading a silent video, you’ll first need to remove the existing audio track from the video file itself. Here are some quick options for doing that:
Use Video Editing Software
Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, iMovie (Mac) or Windows Movie Maker allow you to easily detach the audio from a video clip. Just import your file, go to the audio tab, select the track and delete it. Render the video out without the audio included.
Use Online Tools
Sites like Clipchamp, Kapwing, FileZigZag and others allow you to upload a video and delete the audio online quickly and easily. These tools are often free and don’t require you to download any software.
Use Command Line Tools (For Advanced Users)
If you’re comfortable on the command line, utilities like FFmpeg make it simple to strip audio from video quickly. The basic command is:
ffmpeg -i input-video.mp4 -c copy -an output-video.mp4
This takes the input video, copies the stream and omits the audio (-an flag) to create a new output file.
Uploading to YouTube
YouTube is one of the most popular destinations for sharing both amateur and professional silent videos. Here is how to upload a video without audio on YouTube:
Via the Upload Page
– Go to www.YouTube.com and click the camera icon to upload a new video.
– Select the soundless video file on your computer.
– Fill out the basic metadata like title, description and tags.
– Under Audio Track, select “Don’t Use Audio”.
– Click Upload.
YouTube will process the video and strip any existing audio track automatically.
Editing Options After Uploading
If you forget to strip the audio before uploading, you can still remove sound after:
– Edit the video in the YouTube Studio.
– Click on the Audio tab.
– Mute the original audio track.
– Save changes.
The edited silent video will now appear on your channel.
Uploading to Facebook
Facebook supports soundless video uploads on both the desktop site as well as in the Facebook mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Via Facebook Desktop
– Go to Facebook.com and click on the Photo/Video button.
– Select your soundless video from your computer files.
– Write a description, tags people, select audience, etc.
– Uncheck the “Use Default Audio” box.
– Click Post.
Via Facebook Mobile App
– Launch the Facebook app and tap on the status box.
– Tap Photo/Video and select your silent video clip.
– Edit the post details and click Next.
– Tap Advanced Settings.
– Uncheck the Audio option.
– Tap Share Now.
The video will now post without any audio track on both desktop and mobile.
Uploading to Instagram
Instagram makes it easy to share soundless clips — just follow these steps:
Via Instagram Mobile App
– Launch the Instagram app and swipe right to open the camera.
– Record a new video or select one from your gallery/library.
– Trim the clip if needed and select Next.
– On the editing screen, tap the mute button to disable audio.
– Add any other final edits and select Share.
The video will post to your feed as a silent clip. You can also save it and upload later.
Via Instagram Desktop Site
– Go to Instagram.com and click the + icon in the top right.
– Select your video file to upload.
– Check the “Mute” audio box on the right side.
– Finish editing the post details.
– Click Share.
Uploading to Twitter
Twitter also makes it easy to share videos without audio:
Via Twitter Mobile App
– Launch the Twitter app and tap the + icon.
– Select Video and choose your silent clip.
– Preview the video, then tap Next.
– Mute the sound.
– Add text, hashtags, location, etc.
– Tap Tweet.
Via Twitter Website
– Go to Twitter.com and click the Tweet button.
– Select Media and upload your video file.
– Preview the video, then click Next.
– Uncheck the Audio box.
– Add Tweet details and post.
Other Video Sharing Sites
In addition to the major platforms above, many other sites also allow posting soundless videos. The process is very similar:
Vimeo
– Upload video file.
– Click Audio tab.
– Uncheck “Use Source Audio” box.
TikTok
– Select video from gallery.
– Click Sounds icon.
– Choose “None” sound.
Snapchat
– Record a new video or select from Memories.
– Tap Edit Sound.
– Select the Mute button.
– Choose a subreddit to post in.
– Select video, add details.
– Uncheck the Audio box.
Alternatives to Completely Silent Videos
While removing audio completely is one option, you may want to consider adding something in its place so the video isn’t totally noiseless:
Add Background Music
Pick an instrumental soundtrack to play quietly behind your visuals. This can help set the mood. Just ensure you have the rights to use the music.
Overlay Text Captions
Adding key text captions, subtitles or commentary can help explain the action for viewers.
Use Sound Effects
Pepper in relevant sounds like pops, dings or accents to complement the visual information.
Conclusion
Uploading videos without audio is easy across all the major platforms. Simply remove the existing sound before posting, or use the site’s muting options. While completely silent videos work, adding soft background music or text captions can make the clip more engaging. Now get out there and share your wonderful soundless videos with the world!