You’re watching a YouTube video, and suddenly, there’s this song. It grabs your attention, sticks in your mind, and you just have to know what it is. But here’s the problem—you don’t have a name, no artist, nothing to go on. Frustrating, isn’t it?
I get it. Sometimes, it’s urgent. Maybe it’s a song from an Instagram reel, or something catchy playing in the background of a video. Or worse, it’s playing somewhere around you, and you’re stuck wondering what it could be.
Good news—there are ways to find out. With the right methods, you can track down any song in just a few minutes. This guide will walk you through the easiest and most effective ways to identify songs, whether it’s from YouTube, Instagram, or even your surroundings.
Let’s solve this together. You’ll find that song in no time!
How to Identify Songs in YouTube Videos?
1. Use the Google Voice Search feature (Game-changer)
Let me tell you why Google Voice Search is my go-to tool. Sometimes, you hear this amazing tune—maybe in a video, or playing around you—and it just hooks you.
You don’t know the name, no clue about the artist, but you need to find it. Fast. That’s when this tool becomes a lifesaver.
Let’s see how it works:
- Open the Google app on your phone.
- Tap the mic icon to start Voice Search.
- Select “Search a song” from the options.
- You can hum it, sing it (badly, even), or let it listen to what’s playing. And just like that, it tells you the song’s name, artist, and more.
What makes it so amazing? You don’t need perfect lyrics or clear audio—it works with humming or vague melodies too. And the best part? You can use it anywhere, not just for YouTube videos. It’s like having a personal song detective in your pocket.
I use this feature all the time, and it’s seriously life-changing. Try it out the next time a tune gets stuck in your head. It’ll save you so much time and effort. Trust me—you’ll love it.
2. Check the video description
Let’s start with the simplest step—check the YouTube video description. It’s quick, easy, and often the fastest way to find the song you’re looking for.
- Click “Show More” right below the video. This expands the description.
- Look for a “Music by” section or any credits mentioning the song title or artist.
Why is this so handy? Many creators include music details here, especially if it’s part of YouTube’s Content ID system. You might even find a direct link to the song.
But hey, don’t panic if you don’t see it. Sometimes, creators forget to add this info, or it might not be available. If that’s the case, just move on to the next method. There are plenty of other ways to track down that tune!
3. Look through the comments section
Don’t skip the comments section—it’s often a hidden treasure trove for song names. Many viewers share details if they’ve already figured it out, saving you the trouble.
Here’s what you can do:
- Scroll down to the comments below the video.
- Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F) to search for words like “song,” “track,” or even specific timestamps like “2115.”
- Still nothing? Post your own question. Be specific and include a timestamp (e.g., “What’s the song at 2:15?”). This helps others pinpoint the song you’re looking for.
The comments section is often a goldmine—don’t overlook it. If no one has shared the song yet, asking can spark a helpful reply.
4. Use music recognition apps or tools (#1 Shazam, #2 AHA Music)
Music recognition apps are game-changers. Whether it’s an app like Shazam or a browser extension like AHA Music, these tools make identifying songs effortless.
Here’s how to use Shazam:
- Play the YouTube video with the song you’re searching for.
- Open Shazam on your phone or desktop.
- Let it “listen” to the music.
- Check the results—Shazam will show the song’s name, artist, and album instantly.
Want alternatives? Try SoundHound, especially if you want to hum or sing the tune yourself. Musixmatch is another great option, showing lyrics alongside song identification.
These tools are super reliable. Even for tough-to-find tracks, they’ll usually deliver. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how fast they work!
5. Search for lyrics online
Got a lyric stuck in your head? Google can help. If you remember even a few words, you’re just a search away from finding the song.
Here’s how to do it:
- Type a distinctive line from the song into Google.
- Put the line in quotes for exact matches.
- Add the word “lyrics” to filter the results.
Still stuck? Try lyric-focused sites like Lyrics.com or Chosic. They’re great for tracking down songs with uncommon lyrics or tricky details.
Sometimes, all it takes is a few words, and voilà—you’ve found your song! It’s quick, simple, and works almost every time.
6. Use online song identifier websites
Struggling to find a track? Try online song identifier websites like Audiotag.info. These tools are perfect for songs that are instrumental, obscure, or just hard to identify with other methods.
Here’s how to use Audiotag.info:
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video with the song.
- Paste the URL into the search bar on Audiotag.info.
- Start the analysis and let the tool work its magic.
Why is this so helpful? It’s quick, reliable, and can often identify songs that apps like Shazam might miss. Whether it’s a background tune or something niche, Audiotag.info can usually pinpoint it for you.
If other methods haven’t worked, give this one a shot. It’s a fantastic way to track down those tricky tracks!
Troubleshooting when nothing works
Sometimes, even the best tools don’t get the job done. But don’t worry—there are still ways to track down that elusive song. Here are some extra steps you can take when nothing else works.
1. Reach out to the video creator
Start with the video creator. They’re often the best source for unique or custom-made tracks. Leave a polite comment asking for the song, and make sure to be specific.
For example, “What’s the song playing at 1:45? It’s amazing!” If they have social media or an email listed, reach out directly with a friendly message.
Also, check for a pinned comment—they sometimes include music details there. Be patient; creators don’t always respond quickly, but a polite approach usually helps.
2. Search for similar content
If that doesn’t work, search for similar content. Look at other videos from the same creator—they might have credited the song in another description.
Or, search for related videos using keywords like “travel vlog music” or “cinematic background track.” Royalty-free or stock music is often reused, so this can be a great way to find it.
3. Join online communities
Another option is to join online communities. Subreddits like r/NameThatSong or music-focused Facebook groups are filled with people eager to help.
Describe the song, include a timestamp, and share anything you remember about it—lyrics, genre, or even how it sounds.
The more details you give, the better your chances of getting an answer. Discord servers are also great for music discussions and can help with more obscure tracks.
4. Extract the audio
If you’re still stuck, try extracting the audio. Use tools like Audacity or online converters to save the audio from the video.
Once you have it, upload the file to platforms like Audiotag.info or even Shazam for desktop. It takes a little effort, but this method is especially helpful for instrumental or hard-to-find tracks.
5. Be persistent
Sometimes, finding the right song takes a mix of tools and patience. If one method doesn’t work, try another. Check back on the video later—someone might leave a helpful comment, or the creator might update the description.
Don’t give up! With these steps, you’re bound to uncover the track eventually. Keep at it, and you’ll get there!
The takeaway
Finding a song from a YouTube video doesn’t have to be complicated or frustrating. Start with the easiest methods, like checking the video description for music credits or scrolling through the comments—someone might have already identified it for you.
If that doesn’t work, Google Voice Search is a must-try. It’s quick, accurate, and can even recognize songs from humming or vague melodies. For more precise identification, apps like Shazam or online tools like Audiotag.info are incredibly reliable. These can help you uncover even the most obscure tracks.
The secret? Use a combination of methods. Some songs might take a bit more effort, especially if they’re instrumental, custom-made, or uncommon. Be persistent, and don’t hesitate to revisit your steps or explore new ones.
With these strategies, you’ll never lose track of a song again. So, the next time a tune catches your attention, you’ll know exactly what to do. Now go find that song, add it to your playlist, and enjoy!
