How to Get YouTube Copyright Free Music?
As a YouTube creator, there’s nothing more disheartening than dedicating time and effort to crafting a video to face issues with copyrighted music that put its monetisation or visibility at risk.
The answer lies in using royalty free music and production music that adds depth and ambience to your content.
You can amplify your videos and safeguard your channel using high-quality background music.
Let’s look at how to source the perfect royalty free music to protect your video content and boost your creative projects.
The Growing Importance of Music in Content Creation
Music plays a huge role in the success of YouTube content. It intensifies the emotions of a scene, keeps your audience engaged, and adds a layer of professionalism to your videos.
Content creators are always searching for free music that enhances their video content without breaking copyright rules.
Why Music is Key to Engaging YouTube Audiences
Whether it's a high-energy intro or the perfect track to complement a thoughtful vlog, music for your videos makes all the difference.
The right music track helps create an emotional connection with your viewers. Think about how electric guitar riffs add excitement to a video, or how cinematic music adds depth to storytelling.
The Pitfalls of Using Copyrighted Music
Copyrighted music refers to any music protected by copyright laws, which grant the original creator exclusive rights over its use.
For content creators, using copyrighted music on YouTube without proper authorisation results in severe consequences, including video takedowns, demonetisation, or channel strikes.
YouTube algorithms are highly vigilant, and even accidental use of copyrighted content can trigger penalties. Content creators should understand and comply with copyright regulations to maintain their channels.
Utilising royalty free or copyright-free options can be beneficial, as they are free as long as you adhere to the usage terms provided.
What Does Copyright-Free Mean?
There’s often confusion around what “copyright-free” music actually means. Here’s a clearer look.
Understanding the Concept of Copyright-Free Music
Copyright-free doesn’t mean the music isn’t owned by anyone, the creator has allowed others to use the track under specific terms.
For many, using royalty-free background music or production music is a solution that prevents legal issues while still providing high-quality audio.
Everyday Misconceptions About Copyright and Licensing
Many creators mistakenly believe free tracks or royalty-free stock music are completely unrestricted. However, some licenses need attribution or have limitations on commercial purposes.
It’s essential to understand what’s required of you when using royalty-free music libraries or other music for your YouTube videos.
The Difference Between Royalty Free Music and Copyright Free
Royalty-free music means you pay once for a track and can use it multiple times without ongoing royalties.
However, copyright-free music often refers to music that’s available for free as long as you credit the creator.
There’s also a category called Creative Commons, where music can be used freely under certain conditions, often requiring proper attribution.
Legal Implications of Using Copyrighted Music on YouTube
Using copyrighted music can have serious consequences on YouTube, including copyright claims and strikes.
This can negatively affect your channel’s growth.
YouTube’s Copyright System: Content ID and Strikes
YouTube’s Content ID system automatically scans videos for copyrighted music and notifies the rights holder if it detects unauthorised use.
The rights holder can then issue a copyright claim, which may prevent you from monetising your video.
In more severe cases, strikes can be issued, and accumulating three strikes could terminate your channel.
How Copyright Strikes Can Affect Your Channel’s Growth
A copyright strike can hinder your channel’s growth by limiting your ability to monetise or even removing your video from YouTube.
Many creators turn to royalty-free music libraries like Pond5 or Creative Commons to avoid such risks.
The Real Cost of Not Using Copyright-Free Music
Using copyrighted music can lead to revenue loss and even cause long-term harm to your channel.
The safest route is to find either public domain or royalty-free, so you can focus on creating great content without legal concerns.
Enter the YouTube Audio Library and Beyond
Now that we’ve covered the risks, let’s check out some of the best practices for finding music for your YouTube videos.
YouTube Audio Library
One of the easiest ways to find free music for your YouTube videos is by using the YouTube audio library.
The audio library is filled with royalty-free music tracks that you can use across various video styles, including background music for tutorials, high-energy intros, or cinematic moments.
Creative Commons Licenses
Another great way to find free music is through Creative Commons.
This type of licensing allows you to use the tracks as long as you give proper attribution to the original creator.
Check the specific license terms for each track, as some music libraries need attribution, while others allow commercial use without restrictions.
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| CC BY | You can use the music if you credit the creator. |
| CC BY-SA | Share alike. Credit the creator and share under the same terms. |
| CC BY-ND | No derivatives. Credit the creator but no changes allowed. |
| CC BY-NC | Non-commercial. Credit the creator. No commercial use. |
| CC BY-NC-SA | Non-commercial and share alike. Credit the creator. |
| CC BY-NC-ND | Non-commercial, no derivatives. Credit the creator. |
Royalty-Free Music Platforms
Platforms like Motion Array and Artlist.io provide high-quality, royalty-free stock music.
These platforms require a subscription but allow creators unlimited downloads of free royalty-free music, making them perfect for long-term use.
Best Platforms to Find Copyright Free Background Music
Below are some of the best sites to find royalty-free music for your YouTube content.
YouTube Audio Library
This is a popular go-to for free royalty-free music, especially for YouTube creators who need a quick and easy solution. The search bar allows users to find music by mood, genre, or instrument, offering wide-ranging options.
Free Music Archive
Free Music Archive offers a wide selection of tracks under Creative Commons. You can try dig CCMixter, a community where creators share original content for others to remix and use. It’s an excellent resource for royalty-free stock music.
Artlist.io
Artlist.io is a premium platform known for its high-quality, cinematic music. It’s one of the best royalty-free music libraries for creators who need music without worrying about licensing.
Epidemic Sound
This is another premium platform that’s loved by YouTubers and video editors. Epidemic Sound offers music tracks and sound effects. Providing everything a creator might need to enhance their production.
Songtradr
Songtradr is a longtime favourite for free royalty-free background music. The platform has a diverse range of genres, making it an ideal choice for content creators looking for music for their videos.
| Source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Audio Library | Free, easy to access | Limited selection |
| Royalty-Free Websites | High-quality, diverse selection | Can be expensive |
| Creative Commons | Free, diverse | Requires proper attribution |
What to Look for When Choosing Copyright-Free Music
When searching for the perfect song, there are several factors to consider beyond copyright-free music.
Genre and Mood Matching Your Content
The music should match the tone and style of your video.
Whether you’re looking for hip hop, cinematic music, or electronic music, choose a track that enhances your video’s message.
Understanding the Licensing Terms
Always read the license agreement carefully. Even free music downloads often have certain restrictions, especially for commercial purposes.
Music Quality and Variety
It’s crucial to select high-quality music. Many royalty-free music libraries offer quality music in various genres, so don’t settle for subpar tracks.
How to Properly Credit Copyright-Free Music
Some tracks need attribution, so you must credit the creator in your video or description. Follow guidelines for Creative Commons licenses or any other licensing agreements.
When and How to Attribute Creators
Attribution is key when using music from sources like Creative Commons. If the license requires attribution, failing to do so could result in losing your right to use the music.
Creative Commons Attributions Explained
Creative Commons licenses often mandate attribution, meaning you must give credit to the creator in your description. Dig CCMixter, for example, requires clear attribution of the music’s creator.
Ensuring Compliance with Platform-Specific Rules
Different platforms have different rules, so comply with YouTube’s policies when using free tracks from their audio library or other sources.
Tips for Using Music Without Violating Copyright
Here are some tips to ensure you use music without infringing on copyrights.
Avoid Copyrighted Music Traps
Always verify the license of any track you plan to use, especially if it’s labelled “free.” Some tracks still require attribution or have restrictions for commercial purposes.
Editing and Remixing Copyright-Free Tracks
You can personalise royalty-free music by remixing or editing tracks to fit your needs. However, make sure the license allows you to modify the music.
Verifying the License Details Before Using Any Music
Before you upload, double-check the music license details. Even royalty-free music libraries may have terms you need to follow for business purposes or commercial projects.
FAQs
1. What is copyright-free music?
Copyright-free music refers to tracks where the creator has waived certain rights or allows usage under specific terms. It’s not entirely free of ownership, but it can be used without violating copyright if you follow the license terms.
2. What is the difference between royalty-free music and copyright-free music?
Royalty-free music allows you to pay once and use the track multiple times without ongoing fees, while copyright-free music is often free but may require proper attribution or specific permissions for certain uses.
3. Can I use copyrighted music for free on YouTube?
No, using copyrighted music without permission can result in copyright claims or strikes, leading to demonetisation or even removal of your video. Always use royalty-free or Creative Commons music to avoid issues.
4. Where can I find royalty-free music for YouTube?
Some of the best places to find royalty-free music include YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, Artlist.io, Epidemic Sound, and Incompetech. These platforms offer a wide range of tracks and sound effects for your videos.
5. How can I avoid getting copyright strikes on YouTube?
To avoid copyright strikes, always use royalty-free music or tracks that are licensed for free use with proper attribution. Verify the licensing terms of any music you download, and avoid using copyrighted music without permission.
6. Do I need to credit the creator when using royalty-free music?
Some royalty-free music requires attribution, especially tracks under Creative Commons licenses. Always check the specific license details to see if crediting the creator is necessary.
7. Can I use music from the YouTube Audio Library for commercial projects?
Yes, the YouTube Audio Library offers tracks that can be used for commercial projects. However, check each track's license, some may require attribution for commercial use.
8. What should I look for in a royalty-free music license?
Look for details on usage rights, attribution requirements, and restrictions on commercial use. Make sure the license allows you to use the music however you intend, whether for personal or business purposes.
9. How do I know if a track is safe on YouTube?
To ensure a track is safe, verify the license through a reliable source, such as YouTube Audio Library or a trusted royalty-free music platform like Epidemic Sound. Avoid using any music if the licensing terms are unclear.
10. Can I modify or remix royalty-free music?
Yes, many royalty-free licenses allow modifications or remixes, but checking the specific license terms is important to ensure that editing is permitted.
Conclusion
Finding copyright-free music for your YouTube videos is not just about avoiding copyright claims—it's about boosting your content with high-quality, professional tracks that resonate with your audience.
With an array of options, from YouTube’s audio library to premium platforms like Epidemic Sound, content creators can easily find the perfect song or sound effects that match the mood and style of their video.
If you're looking for music to use in your projects, there are plenty of options, like royalty-free tracks, Creative Commons songs, or even AI-generated pieces.
The key is understanding the licensing terms. That way you know what you can do with the music.
Choosing music that matches your creative vision is just as important.
By following best practices and staying compliant with copyright rules, you can avoid strikes or demonetisation and focus on making epic content.
Check out my Bobby Makes Music Free Pack 1, if you'd like 3 Free heavy beats, complete with licensing agreements and trackouts. These compositions are perfect for vocal artists and creators who like it heavy.
Bobby Manila - Chief Noise Maker at Bobby Makes Music
Thank you for reading! I’m Bobby, the Chief Noise Maker at Bobby Makes Music. I have over two decades of experience as an artist, composer and producer. I also had the privilege of signing to the legendary metal label RoadRunner Records. I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to my work. However, I do not proclaim to be an expert! All ideas and thoughts expressed are my own, drawn from my journey in the music industry. However, some ideas have been aided by AI to help the creative juices.
