How to Make a Lyric Video with an LRC File

Last updated 21 October 2026.

A lyric video shows the words of a song on screen as they are sung. It is one of the most common ways to release a single, because it keeps viewers watching, makes the song easy to sing along to, and costs far less than a filmed music video. The step that usually takes the time is syncing, and a timed lyrics file removes most of that work.

What is an LRC file?

An LRC file is a plain text file where each lyric line is preceded by a timestamp in minutes, seconds and hundredths of a second. Karaoke apps and many music players use the same format to show words in time with a song. A short example:

[00:00.00] (instrumental intro)
[00:12.40] First line of the verse
[00:16.85] Second line of the verse
[00:21.10] Pre-chorus builds here
[00:25.60] This is the chorus line
[00:30.20][01:42.00] Repeated lines can share two timestamps

Each timestamp means "show this line starting at this time." The line stays visible until the next timestamp. A single line with several timestamps, as in the last row, appears at each of those times, which is handy for repeated choruses.

How do you make a lyric video? (step by step)

1. Prepare the final audio. Use the finished master, because any later edit to the track will shift the timestamps. If you need to cut intro silence, do it first with the Audio Trimmer.
2. Get or write the LRC file. If you wrote the song, create the file yourself in any text editor: play the track and note the time each line starts. Save it with the .lrc extension (a .txt file in the same format also works).
3. Open the studio. Go to Shimga Studio and drag in your audio. You can build and preview without signing in.
4. Choose a background and spectrum. Pick a preset with plenty of empty space for text, such as a centred circular spectrum or a thin waveform, or use cover art as the background.
5. Add the lyrics layer. Add a lyrics element and load your .lrc file, or paste the text. The current line appears on the canvas during playback.
6. Style the text. Set font, size, colour, position, outline and glow so lines stay readable over moving visuals.
7. Check the sync. Play through the whole song. If every line is late or early by the same amount, shift all timestamps in your file by that amount and reload.
8. Export an MP4. Choose 16:9 at 1080p for YouTube or 9:16 for Shorts, Reels and TikTok, then export. Sign in when asked.

How should lyrics be styled to stay readable?

Lyrics are on screen for only a few seconds, so legibility matters more than decoration.

• Contrast first. Use light text on dark areas and add a dark outline. Without an outline, white text over a bright spectrum becomes hard to read.
• One or two lines at a time. Short lines are easier to read at speed. Split long lyric lines into two timestamps.
• Consistent position. The lower third works for 16:9. For 9:16, place text near the middle so app buttons do not cover it.
• Soft transitions. A short fade between lines looks cleaner than lines that pop in. Keep it brief so words still land on the beat.
• Pick a typeface that matches the genre. A heavy sans-serif suits rap and electronic music; a lighter serif fits slow acoustic songs.

For colour choices that keep text legible, see colour theory for visualizers. For the same workflow in more depth, read how to add lyrics to a music video.

What if you do not have an LRC file?

There are three common routes:

1. Time it yourself. Open a text editor, play the song, and type a timestamp before each line. It takes about as long as the song multiplied by a few passes.
2. Use a lyric timing tool. Several free web tools let you paste lyrics, play the song, and tap a key at each line to generate the timestamps. Search for "LRC generator" and check each tool's terms.
3. Find an existing file. For songs you do not own, only use lyrics you have the right to display. Lyrics are usually copyrighted, so a lyric video of someone else's song may need permission.

A BPM finder can help when you want to place lines on bar boundaries, because you can calculate where each bar starts from the tempo.

Which layout works for each platform?

Because the canvas ratio is set in the studio, you can duplicate your project, switch the ratio, move the text, and export a second version. See best aspect ratios for music videos for sizes by platform.

Does a lyric video need Shimga Pro?

Not usually. A scene built from standard layers, at 1080p or lower, at 24 or 30 fps, up to five minutes and one aspect ratio, exports without Pro and without a watermark. Most songs fit within five minutes. Pro is required for Pro elements (Circle Spectrum V3, Particles V3, 3D elements, advanced effects, the Pro template pack), extra ratios in one pass, 2K or 4K, 60 fps, or videos longer than five minutes. Pro costs $5 per month with a 7-day trial, $3 for 5 exports within 3 days, or $131 lifetime.

Common lyric video problems

• Lines drift out of sync. The audio file differs from the one used to time the lyrics. Use the same master, or shift all timestamps by the offset.
• The first line appears too early. Check for silence at the start of the file. A leading offset changes every timestamp.
• Text unreadable on bright frames. Add an outline or a darker background layer behind the text.
• Special characters look wrong. Save the LRC file as UTF-8 text.

Related reading: how to make music videos, keyframe animation and the YouTube visualizer walkthrough.

Frequently asked questions

What is an LRC file?

An LRC file is a plain text file that gives each lyric line a timestamp, written like [00:12.40] before the line. Players and video tools use it to show words in time with a song.

Can I make a lyric video without an LRC file?

Yes, but you need some form of timing. You can create the timestamps yourself in a text editor, or use an online tool that lets you tap a key as each line is sung.

Does Shimga support .txt lyric files?

Shimga's lyrics upload accepts .lrc and .txt files. A .txt file should use the same timestamped line format as an LRC file.

Can I use the lyrics of a song I do not own?

Lyrics are usually protected by copyright. Make lyric videos only for songs you own or have permission to use, and check each platform's rules.

What resolution should a lyric video be?

1080p at 30 fps is a good default for YouTube and does not need Pro. Use a 9:16 canvas for Shorts, Reels and TikTok.