Non Copyright Music, Royalty Free Music and Music Copyright
Everything You Need to Know About Non Copyright Music — A Beginners Guide to Copyright Free Music & More
Are you a new content creator looking to add music to your videos without breaking the bank or getting into legal trouble?
Non copyright music, also known as royalty free or copyright free music, could be the perfect solution. In this beginner-friendly article, we'll explore the benefits of non-copyright music, where to find it, and how to use it legally in your content.
What is Non Copyright Music?
Non-copyright music, also known as royalty-free or copyright-free music, is music that you can use in your videos without having to pay royalties or fees. This could be music in the public domain or has been released under the Creative Commons that allows you to use music free.
This is good to know so you access background music for your content without breaking copyright law.
Why Non-Copyright Music is a Game-Changer for Beginner Creators
As a beginner content producer, you might not have the budget to pay for expensive copyrighted music or hire a composer to create custom tracks. This is where non-copyright music comes in:
It's free or low-cost: Non-copyright music is either entirely free or available for a small one-time fee, making it accessible to producers with limited budgets.
No recurring royalties: Unlike copyrighted music, you don't have to pay ongoing royalties every time your content is viewed or used.
Avoid copyright issues: Using non-copyright music helps you steer clear of potential copyright claims, strikes, or legal troubles that can arise from using copyrighted music without permission.
Focus on creating: With non-copyright music, you can spend more time and energy on creating great content rather than worrying about music rights ownership and fees.
Where to Find Non Copyright Music
There are several sources for finding free uncopyrighted music for YouTube videos and other content:
YouTube Audio Library: YouTube offers a library of copyright-free music and sound effects that you can use in your videos. Simply download the tracks you want and add them to your content.
Creative Commons Music: Websites like ccMixter, Free Music Archive, and Jamendo offer music released under Creative Commons. Be sure to check the specific terms for each song to ensure you're using it properly.
Public Domain Music: Music that is no longer protected by copyright is considered to be in the public domain. This includes classical compositions and other older works. Sites like Musopen and FreePD offer domain music downloads.
Royalty-Free Music Libraries: There are also many websites that offer royalty-free music for a one-time fee, such as Artlist, Epidemic Sound, and PremiumBeat. These sites provide high-quality, copyright-free tracks that you can use in your videos.
Types of Music Licenses
When using non-copyright music, it's important to understand the different types of copyright licenses available:
Creative Commons License: Creative Commons offers several types of licenses that allow authors to share their work with others. The most common for music are:
CC BY: Allows for free use with attribution
CC BY-SA: Allows for free use with credit, and requires any derivatives to use the same license
CC BY-ND: Allows for free use with due credit, but no derivatives are allowed
CC BY-NC: Allows for free use with a credit for non-commercial purposes only
Public Domain: This music is no longer protected by copyright and can be used freely without permission or credit. In most cases, a song enters the domain 70 years after the death of the creator.
Royalty-Free: Royalty-free music is music that you can use in your videos after paying a one-time fee to the copyright holder. It's important to know this type of music is not necessarily copyright-free, but allows you to use the music without paying ongoing royalties.
How to Legally Use Non Copyright Music
To legally use non-copyright music in your content, know your music copyright law and follow these best practices:
Always check the terms for any piece of music you want to use, even if it claims to be copyright-free. Make sure you understand any restrictions or requirements to use a song.
Give credit to the artist or creator when required. This usually means including their name and a link to the song in your video description.
Keep records of where you obtained the music and terms. This can help you resolve any potential copyright claims or disputes in the future.
If you're unsure about the copyright status of a song, err on the side of caution and find a different track to use. It's not worth risking a copyright claim or legal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non Copyright Music
Can I use non-copyright music on YouTube Shorts and TikTok? Yes, you're allowed to use copyright-free music in your YouTube Shorts and TikTok videos. Just be sure to follow the platform's guidelines and the license terms for the specific song you want to use.
What if I get a copyright claim on a video using non-copyright music? If you receive a copyright claim on a video that uses non-copyrighted music, you can dispute the claim by providing evidence of the song's license and your right to use it. Keep records of where you obtained the music and the license terms to help resolve any claims.
Can I monetise videos that use non-copyright music? In most cases, yes. As long as you're using the music in accordance with the license terms and giving proper attribution when required, you should be able to monetise your videos that use copyright-free music.
How can I find the perfect song for my video? When searching for non-copyright music, consider the mood, genre, and style that best fits your video content. Many copyright-free music libraries allow you to search by these criteria to help you find the perfect track.
Limitations of Non Copyright Music and the Benefits of Custom Beats
While non-copyrighted songs are an excellent option for beginner creators, it's important to recognise its limitations:
Limited uniqueness: Popular music tracks may be used by many other creators, making it harder for your content to stand out.
Less control over the music: You have to work with the non-copyright music as-is, without the ability to customise it to perfectly fit your content.
Potential quality issues: Some free, non-copyright music may not have the same production quality as professionally-created tracks.
As your channel grows, and you have more resources, consider investing in custom beats from a freelance composer (like me). Having music created specifically for your content offers several advantages:
Uniqueness: Custom beats ensure your music is one-of-a-kind and helps your content stand out from the crowd.
Tailored just for you: A composer can create music that perfectly fits the style, mood, and length of your content.
Higher quality: Professional composers have the skills and resources to create quality, polished tracks that elevate your content.
Ownership and control: With custom beats, you have more control over how the music is used and can often secure exclusive rights to the track.
While custom beats require a larger investment, they can be a worthwhile step in taking your content to the next level.
Key Takeaways
Non-copyright music is a great option for content creators who want to enhance their videos without risking copyright claims or paying expensive license fees.
You can find music free from copyright on YouTube, Creative Commons websites, public domain archives, and royalty-free music libraries.
Always check the license terms for any music you want to use and give credit to the original composer when required.
Keep records of where you obtained the music and the license terms to help resolve any potential copyright disputes.
Consider the mood, genre, and style of the music when searching for the perfect copyright-free track for your video.
As your channel grows, consider investing in custom beats from a freelance composer for unique, high-quality music tailored to your content.
By understanding music copyright and licensing, and using non-copyright music in your videos, you can create captivating content while avoiding legal issues and monetisation problems. Start exploring the world of copyright-free music today and take your videos to the next level!
If you're ready to amp up your content, check out my Beat Store or ask about a Custom Beat.