Free Music For YouTube: Best Sources & How To Use It

Introduction

Hey guys! Creating awesome YouTube videos is a blast, but finding the perfect background music can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want music that complements your content, enhances the viewing experience, and, most importantly, doesn't land you in hot water with copyright claims. Nobody wants their video taken down or demonetized! So, where can you snag free music for YouTube videos without breaking the bank or the law? Well, you've come to the right place! We're going to dive deep into the best resources for royalty-free music, ensuring your videos sound as fantastic as they look. This article will explore various platforms and strategies for sourcing high-quality, copyright-free music that will elevate your content and keep your channel in good standing. We'll cover everything from dedicated music libraries to creative commons options and even how to commission original pieces. Whether you're a seasoned YouTuber or just starting, finding the right soundtrack is crucial. The music you choose can set the mood, enhance the narrative, and keep your audience engaged. Imagine a thrilling action sequence with a generic, upbeat pop song playing in the background – it just doesn't fit, right? The perfect track can transform an ordinary video into something extraordinary. Finding that perfect track doesn't have to be a daunting task. There are numerous resources available, each offering a unique selection of music and licensing options. We'll guide you through the maze of choices, highlighting the pros and cons of each platform, so you can make informed decisions and build a killer soundtrack library for your channel. Let's get started and explore the exciting world of free music for YouTube videos!

YouTube Audio Library

The YouTube Audio Library is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking for free music. Seriously, guys, this is a goldmine! It's built right into YouTube Studio, making it super convenient for creators of all levels. YouTube Audio Library provides a vast collection of tracks and sound effects that you can use in your videos without worrying about copyright strikes. The best part? It's completely free! You don't have to pay any licensing fees or subscriptions. YouTube created this library specifically to support its content creators, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality audio without the risk of copyright infringement. The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate. You can browse music by genre, mood, instrument, and duration, making it simple to find the perfect track for your video. Say you're creating a vlog and need something upbeat and positive – just filter by "genre: pop" and "mood: happy," and you'll find a plethora of options. Or, if you're working on a spooky horror short, try filtering by "genre: cinematic" and "mood: dark" to find something that sends chills down your viewers' spines. The library also offers a variety of sound effects, from everyday sounds like footsteps and door slams to more cinematic effects like explosions and whooshes. These sound effects can add a professional touch to your videos, making them more immersive and engaging. Imagine adding the sound of a bustling city street to a scene shot outdoors, or the gentle rustling of leaves to a nature documentary – it's these little details that can make a big difference. When you find a track you like, you can listen to it directly in the library and download it in high-quality audio formats. YouTube also provides clear information about the licensing terms for each track. Most tracks in the Audio Library are covered by the Creative Commons Attribution license, which means you're free to use the music in your videos as long as you credit the artist in your video description. This is a small price to pay for access to such a vast library of free music for YouTube videos. However, it's crucial to always double-check the specific licensing terms for each track, as some may have additional restrictions. Some tracks may require you to include a specific message in your video description, while others may not allow commercial use. So, always read the fine print to avoid any potential issues. The YouTube Audio Library is constantly updated with new tracks and sound effects, so there's always something fresh to discover. This ensures that your videos can stay current and engaging, with a soundtrack that reflects the latest trends and styles. Whether you're looking for epic orchestral scores, catchy pop tunes, or quirky sound effects, the YouTube Audio Library has got you covered. It's an indispensable resource for any YouTuber looking to elevate their content with free music for YouTube videos.

Creative Commons

Creative Commons is another fantastic avenue for sourcing free music for YouTube videos. Think of Creative Commons as a global movement dedicated to making creative works legally available for sharing and reuse. It's not a music library itself, but rather a licensing system that allows artists to grant certain permissions to the public while retaining their copyright. This means you can find music that's free to use, as long as you adhere to the specific terms of the license. Understanding Creative Commons licenses is crucial. There are several types, each with its own set of rules. The most common is the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, which allows you to use, modify, and distribute the work, even for commercial purposes, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original creator. This usually involves including the artist's name, the title of the song, and a link to the original work in your video description. Other Creative Commons licenses may have additional restrictions. For example, the NonCommercial (NC) license prohibits using the work for commercial purposes, while the NoDerivatives (ND) license prevents you from modifying the work in any way. It's essential to carefully read the license terms before using any Creative Commons music to ensure you're complying with the artist's wishes. So, where can you find music licensed under Creative Commons? Several platforms host Creative Commons music, making it easier to discover free music for YouTube videos. Jamendo, for example, offers a vast library of royalty-free music, much of which is licensed under Creative Commons. You can browse by genre, mood, and popularity, making it simple to find the perfect track for your video. Another excellent resource is Free Music Archive (FMA), a curated collection of high-quality, Creative Commons-licensed music. FMA is known for its diverse selection of genres, from indie rock and electronic to classical and experimental. You're sure to find something unique and interesting for your videos. SoundCloud is also a great place to discover Creative Commons music. Many artists on SoundCloud choose to release their music under Creative Commons licenses, making it available for free use. You can search for tracks with specific Creative Commons licenses using SoundCloud's search filters. This allows you to easily find music that you can use in your videos without worrying about copyright issues. When using Creative Commons music, always remember to give credit where it's due. Crediting the artist is not only a legal requirement for many Creative Commons licenses, but it's also a way to support the creative community and show your appreciation for their work. Including proper attribution in your video description helps other creators discover the artist's music, and it encourages more artists to release their work under Creative Commons licenses. Using Creative Commons music is a fantastic way to enhance your videos with high-quality audio while respecting artists' rights. With a little research and attention to detail, you can find an endless supply of free music for YouTube videos under Creative Commons licenses.

Royalty-Free Music Libraries

Stepping beyond YouTube's Audio Library and Creative Commons, we enter the realm of royalty-free music libraries. These platforms offer a treasure trove of music that you can use in your videos after paying a one-time fee or subscribing to a service. It's like having a vast, curated collection of soundtracks at your fingertips! The beauty of royalty-free music is that you pay once and then use the music in your videos forever, without having to worry about ongoing royalties or licensing fees. This makes it a cost-effective option for many YouTubers, especially those who create content regularly. Several royalty-free music libraries cater specifically to YouTube creators, offering a wide range of genres, moods, and styles. Epidemic Sound is one of the most popular options, known for its high-quality music and extensive catalog. They offer a subscription-based service that gives you unlimited access to their entire library, making it a great choice for creators who need a steady stream of fresh music. Artlist.io is another excellent platform, offering a similar subscription model with a focus on cinematic and emotionally resonant music. Their library is curated by industry professionals, ensuring that you'll find top-notch tracks for your videos. PremiumBeat, owned by Shutterstock, is also a strong contender, offering a mix of subscription and per-track licensing options. Their music is known for its polished production and diverse styles, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your videos. When choosing a royalty-free music library, it's crucial to consider your budget, the frequency with which you need music, and the style of music you're looking for. Subscription-based services are generally more cost-effective for creators who upload videos regularly, while per-track licenses may be a better option for those who only need music occasionally. Always read the licensing terms carefully before using any royalty-free music. While you're paying for the right to use the music, there may be certain restrictions on how you can use it. For example, some licenses may limit the number of videos you can use a track in, or they may prohibit using the music in certain types of content. Understanding the licensing terms will help you avoid any potential copyright issues down the road. Many royalty-free music libraries also offer sound effects, which can add another layer of polish to your videos. Think about adding the sound of a camera shutter to a photography tutorial or the whoosh of wind to a travel vlog – these small details can make a big difference in the overall viewing experience. Using royalty-free music libraries is an investment in your channel's quality. By paying for access to high-quality music, you're ensuring that your videos sound professional and engaging. This can help you attract more viewers, build a loyal audience, and ultimately grow your channel. With a little research, you can find a royalty-free music library that fits your needs and budget, providing you with a constant stream of free music for YouTube videos that will elevate your content to the next level.

Websites Offering Free Music

Beyond dedicated libraries and Creative Commons, numerous websites offer free music for YouTube videos. These platforms often feature independent artists and musicians who are eager to share their work, providing a diverse and eclectic mix of tracks that you won't find anywhere else. Exploring these websites can be like uncovering hidden gems, allowing you to discover unique and original music that sets your videos apart. One of the most popular websites for free music for YouTube videos is Incompetech.com. Created by composer Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech offers a vast catalog of royalty-free music spanning various genres and styles. MacLeod's music is widely used by YouTubers and filmmakers alike, and he's known for his generous licensing terms. Most of his tracks are available under the Creative Commons Attribution license, meaning you can use them for free as long as you give him credit. Another excellent resource is Bensound.com, a website run by French composer Benjamin Tissot. Bensound offers a wide range of music, from upbeat pop tracks to cinematic scores, all available for free with attribution. Tissot's music is known for its high quality and versatility, making it a popular choice for YouTubers. Free Music Archive (mentioned earlier for Creative Commons) also hosts a significant amount of music available for free download, even beyond its Creative Commons offerings. This makes it a valuable resource for discovering new artists and genres. When using websites that offer free music for YouTube videos, it's crucial to pay close attention to the licensing terms. While many tracks are available for free with attribution, some may have additional restrictions, such as limitations on commercial use or requirements for specific types of credit. Always read the fine print before using any music to ensure you're complying with the artist's wishes. Many of these websites also offer options to purchase a license for commercial use, which can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to monetize your videos. A commercial license typically grants you broader usage rights and eliminates the need for attribution, giving you more flexibility in how you use the music. Exploring websites that offer free music for YouTube videos can be a fun and rewarding experience. You'll discover a wealth of talented independent artists and musicians, and you'll find music that adds a unique flavor to your videos. By taking the time to research and understand the licensing terms, you can build a library of free music that enhances your content and helps you stand out from the crowd. So, dive in and start exploring – you never know what musical treasures you might uncover!

Commissioning Original Music

For those seeking a truly unique sound for their videos, commissioning original music is an excellent option. Think of it as having your own personal composer crafting the perfect soundtrack to match your content's vibe and message! While this route may require a bit more investment, the payoff can be huge. You'll get music that's tailor-made for your videos, ensuring a perfect fit and helping your content stand out. Commissioning original music involves hiring a composer to create a custom piece specifically for your project. This process allows for a high degree of creative control, as you can collaborate with the composer to shape the music to your exact specifications. You can discuss the mood, style, tempo, and instrumentation of the music, ensuring that it aligns perfectly with your video's theme and tone. Finding the right composer is key to a successful commission. There are several ways to connect with talented musicians. Online platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are great starting points. These websites host a vast pool of freelance musicians and composers, allowing you to browse profiles, listen to samples of their work, and read reviews from other clients. You can also reach out to composers directly through their websites or social media channels. Many musicians actively seek out commission work, and they're eager to collaborate on exciting projects. When commissioning original music, it's essential to have a clear idea of what you're looking for. Create a brief that outlines your video's concept, target audience, and desired mood. Share examples of music that you like, and be prepared to provide feedback throughout the composition process. The more information you provide to the composer, the better they'll be able to create music that meets your needs. Discussing licensing and usage rights upfront is crucial when commissioning original music. Make sure you have a clear agreement in place that outlines how you can use the music in your videos and whether you have exclusive rights to the composition. A well-defined agreement will protect both you and the composer and prevent any misunderstandings down the road. The cost of commissioning original music can vary widely depending on the composer's experience, the length and complexity of the piece, and the licensing terms. Be prepared to negotiate and establish a budget that works for both parties. While commissioning original music may be more expensive than using royalty-free music, the investment can be well worth it. A custom soundtrack can elevate your videos to a whole new level, giving them a professional and polished feel. It can also help you build a unique brand identity and create a memorable experience for your viewers. Commissioning original music is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your videos and create a lasting impression. By collaborating with a talented composer, you can craft a soundtrack that perfectly complements your content and helps you achieve your creative goals. So, if you're looking for a truly unique sound for your free music for YouTube videos, consider commissioning an original piece – you might just be amazed at the results!

Conclusion

So, guys, finding free music for YouTube videos doesn't have to be a headache! There are tons of awesome resources out there, from the YouTube Audio Library and Creative Commons to royalty-free music libraries and websites featuring independent artists. And if you're feeling extra creative, you can even commission your own original music! The key is to understand your options, explore different platforms, and always, always read the licensing terms. By doing your due diligence, you can build a killer soundtrack library that enhances your videos and keeps your channel in good standing. Whether you're creating vlogs, tutorials, short films, or anything in between, the right music can make all the difference. It can set the mood, enhance the storytelling, and keep your audience hooked. So, take the time to find music that complements your content and reflects your unique style. Remember, the music you choose is an integral part of your brand. It's one of the things that sets your videos apart and makes them memorable. So, don't settle for generic background noise. Instead, invest in high-quality audio that elevates your content and creates a lasting impression. As you explore the world of free music for YouTube videos, don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you discover. And who knows, you might even find your signature sound – the music that becomes synonymous with your channel and your brand. So, go forth and create! With the right soundtrack, your YouTube videos are sure to shine. And remember, have fun with it! The process of finding music should be enjoyable, so relax, explore, and let your creativity flow. With a little effort, you'll build a library of free music for YouTube videos that will inspire you and your audience for years to come. Happy creating, everyone!