This technique is incredibly popular in films, music videos, and general social media video content. However, it is often problematic to just use a time lapse video without having any music in the background, no matter what sort of music it may be. Time lapse videos are often accompanied by time-lapse music which usually depends on the director or producer of the time lapse video. It is rare to find something that is popular with lyrics being used in the background of a time lapse video.
More often than not, slow motion versions of classical pieces are used as time lapse music, but this is not a rule or anything. Classical is a great type of music to use as time lapse music specifically because it does not have any lyrics and is heavily focused on instruments. Instrumental pieces such as Requiem for a Dream or Beethoven’s classical pieces are used in time lapse videos to add to the effect of the video and to add drama to it as well.
It is not necessary to use classical music and sometimes music with lyrics is used as well. However, it is a lot more difficult to sync lyrical music with time lapse because the lyrics and the time lapse video scenery does not match up often. Music with lyrics has a very different speed as compared to time lapse videos. That being said, it is not inherently impossible to figure out a way in which one can use music with lyrics. It is, however, necessary to ensure that the speed and the lyrics are syncing very well to the video. To do so, music that is more instrumental with softer vocals is often chosen.
Time lapse music is exceptionally important because a time lapse video without any music in the background can get extremely boring. It is a better choice to accompany audio with a video which is one the reasons why a huge part of the impact of time lapse videos is actually due to the choice of time lapse music. It is often an overlooked and underrated aspect of time lapse movies, but is extremely important. Your choice will end up determining whether or not your time lapse video will have the desired effect.