If you’re using music to convey something in your video, the tempo matters more than most people realise. The BPM (beats per minute) will subconsciously dictate how energised, relaxed or focused your viewers feel – often before they consciously notice anything else that’s happening.

The genre/niche your content falls within will generally dictate the vibe and genre of the music you choose, but the BPM is the fine-tuning that can shape how your content lands.

BPM quick start guide for creators

Here are a few standardised rules that can work as a starting point for deciding what tempo you should be working at:

60 – 80 BPM — Calm / Trust / Focus

Use cases / Best for:

  • Talking head content
  • Educational content, podcasts
  • Wellness, mindset and finance

Viewer effect:
This tempo slows the perception of time and encourages attention and trust building

90 – 110 BPM — Natural / Conversational

Use cases / Best for:

  • Vlogs
  • Tutorials / Run-throughs
  • Lifestyle / Commentary

Viewer effect:
Feels human as is at walking pace. This makes it easy-going without draining the viewers energy.

120 – 140 BPM — Energetic / Engaging

Use cases / Best for:

  • Short form content – Reels/Shorts/TikTok
  • Fitness, travel, game streaming
  • Product demos

Viewer effect:
Great instant attention capture. Boosts momentum and retention.

150+ BPM — Urgent / Hype

Use cases / Best for:

  • Gaming clips
  • High-impact edits

Viewer effect:
Excitement and urgency, but will be fatiguing if used too often.

Common creator mistake

Don’t create a video and audio juxtaposition. Using high BPM music over slow and relaxed visuals will create cognitive friction, which leads to the content feeling uncomfortable.

Remember:
Keep the BPM in line with viewer energy, not just musical taste.

One-line cheat sheet

  • Talking = slower BPM
  • Movement = faster BPM
  • Selling = energetic but controlled

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