What is the difference between AI composed music and a directed soundtrack?

OneTake AI offers two ways to add background music to your video. You can let the platform handle everything automatically, or you can guide how the music should feel and behave.

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right option for your content.

AI composed music vs directed soundtrack

AI composed music

Option: Yes – Compose a track for me

This option is fully automated. OneTake AI generates a background track for your video without requiring any input from you.

How it works

• Music is composed automatically

• The track is designed to be subtle and non distracting

• No description or direction is required

• Volume can still be adjusted

Best for

• Educational or informational videos

• Talking head content

• Internal training

• Users who want fast results with minimal setup

Directed soundtrack

Option: Yes – I want to direct a custom track

This option gives you creative control over how the music should sound and feel. When selected, you are asked to describe the type of music you want. OneTake AI then composes a track based on your direction.

What directing a soundtrack means

You are guiding the mood, energy, and style of the music using a short description. The AI uses this input to generate a soundtrack that matches your intent.

You are not uploading music files. You are directing the AI on what kind of track to create.

What you can control

• Mood and emotion

• Energy level

• Style or genre

• Overall feeling of the video

Control vs automation

AI composed music prioritizes speed and simplicity.

Directed soundtracks prioritize creative control.

If you want music that feels intentional and aligned with your message, directing a soundtrack gives better results. If you want music that stays out of the way, AI composed music is usually enough.

When to use a directed soundtrack

Directed soundtracks work best for:

• Marketing or promotional videos

• Motivational content

• Social media videos

• Brand focused storytelling

• Videos where emotion matters

This option allows music to actively reinforce your message instead of just sitting in the background.

Sample prompts for directing music

Below are examples of effective prompts you can use in the soundtrack description field.

Motivational content

“A dynamic and motivational track with upbeat electronic elements and a steady tempo, designed to convey confidence, progress, and achievement.”

Educational but engaging

“A light, modern background track with a calm rhythm and soft electronic tones, supportive but not distracting.”

Promotional video

“An energetic and modern soundtrack with a clean beat and positive tone, suitable for a product launch or announcement.”

Calm and professional

“A minimal and relaxed track with warm tones and slow pacing, creating a professional and reassuring atmosphere.”

Social media style

“A fast paced, upbeat track with modern electronic vibes, designed to grab attention quickly.”

Choosing the right option

Use AI composed music when:

• Speed matters

• Music should stay subtle

• You do not want to think about sound design

Use a directed soundtrack when:

• Mood and emotion are important

• You want music to match your brand

• The video is promotional or expressive

Both options are reversible, and you can experiment freely while editing.

Updated on: 16/12/2025