Royalty Free Music on YouTube - (free)music for video creators?
Royalty Free Music on YouTube
For YouTube creators, free music holds massive appeal. When producing vlogs, tutorials, or digital ads, choosing the right background music can enhance your content and make it more impactful, all without breaking the bank.
Royalty free music, in particular, has gained popularity due to its affordability and flexibility, allowing content creators to use music tracks without ongoing royalties.
You can also help a fellow creator like me, by using royalty free music. A lot of music composers and producers put our music up on Royalty Free Stock Music Sites like Songtradr.
How YouTube Has Changed the Music Landscape
YouTube has reshaped how we access and use music in videos. Thanks to royalty free music sites, finding the perfect song has never been easier. Many creators now rely on the platform’s audio library or explore music websites to discover tracks to enhance their video editing projects.
As YouTube has become a cornerstone for digital content, its audio library has empowered creators with a wide selection of royalty free music and sound effects that match the tone and ambience of their content.
What Does Royalty Free Mean?
Royalty free music does not mean "free music". It means creators can use music and sound effects without paying ongoing royalties, but there may be an upfront cost. Some royalty free music sites also offer free tracks, allowing you to find music without breaking the bank, but often these are provided with limitations.
Here's a simple table showing the benefits of using royalty-free music:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost-Effective | Pay once, use forever. |
| Legal Safety | Avoid copyright issues. |
| Variety | Wide range of music styles. |
The Misconception About Free in Royalty Free
Many creators mistakenly believe royalty free music is completely free, but that's not necessarily true. Platforms like Epidemic Sound offer free trials, giving creators temporary access to a wide selection of quality music. When the free trial ends, creators are billed annually or monthly, depending on the subscription.
| Type of Music | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Royalty Free Music | Free to use |
| Copyrighted Music | Requires permission |
Rights vs Royalties
Rights and royalties are often confused. Royalty free means you're free from paying ongoing fees to the creator for every use. However, the rights to the music still belong to the original artist. On platforms such as Pond5, music and sound effects are licensed under specific conditions, permitting unlimited downloads and usage throughout the trial and subscription period.
The Importance of Music in YouTube Content
Enhancing Mood and Atmosphere
Music is a powerful tool for creating atmosphere in video content. Whether you’re looking for chill royalty free music for a laid-back vlog or some heavy metalcore beats for some extreme sports, the right music can drastically enhance the viewer’s experience. Royalty free music libraries offer a selection of tracks to match any vibe.
Creating Brand Identity with Music
Many content creators use music to build their brand identity. When you find the perfect background music, it can become a signature for your channel, making your content instantly recognisable. With royalty free music, creators can ensure consistency across their videos by using similar audio tracks.
Music as a Tool for Audience Retention
Music can be the key to keeping your audience engaged. High-quality background music helps maintain viewer interest, especially in longer videos. Royalty free music websites offer a variety of music and sound effects, helping creators boost audience retention.
| Type of Video | Suggested Music |
|---|---|
| Travel Vlogs | Upbeat, Adventurous |
| Educational | Calm, Neutral |
| Product Reviews | Light, Informative |
| Gaming | Energetic, Fast-paced |
Common Licensing Models for YouTube Music
Public Domain
Public domain music is free to use without restrictions, making it an appealing choice for creators. However, the selection is often limited to older tracks, which may not be ideal for modern video editing projects.
Creative Commons
A Creative Commons license offers more modern alternatives. Some tracks require attribution, while others are free for commercial use. Platforms like Free Music Archive offer tracks under this license, though creators should carefully check the usage terms.
Sync v Royalty Free
Sync licensing can be complicated and expensive, often requiring recurring payments. On the other hand, Royalty Free music allows creators to purchase or access tracks for a one-time fee or subscription, making it an obvious choice for YouTube videos.
| License Type | Common Terms |
|---|---|
| Creative Commons | Credit required, no commercial use |
| Public Domain | No restrictions, free to use |
| Royalty-Free | May require purchase, credit optional |
Royalty Free vs Stock Music
While stock music can be royalty free, not all royalty free music is stock music. Stock music refers to pre-recorded tracks available for licensing, often with more restrictive terms. Royalty-free music is usually more flexible, allowing for repeated use across multiple projects without additional costs.
Which Is Best for YouTube Creators?
For most YouTube creators, royalty free music offers more advantages. It’s typically easier to find music that suits your needs, with a broader selection of genres, such as electronic music or emotional cinematic royalty free music, available at no extra cost after an initial license or subscription.
YouTube Audio Library
The YouTube Audio Library is a go-to source for free background music. It offers a variety of tracks and sound effects for use in videos. While the selection is limited compared to commercial platforms, it remains a valuable resource for creators looking to find music without licensing concerns.
Commercial Platforms Offering Royalty Free Music
Music platforms like Pond5, Songtradr, and BeatStars provide high-quality music specifically designed for creators. These platforms typically offer a free trial, after which users are billed for unlimited downloads and extensive music libraries.
Free Platforms for Royalty Free Tracks
For creators on a budget, sites like Free Music Archive offer a vast collection of royalty free music. Though many of these tracks fall under Creative Commons, they’re often high quality and suitable for various video editing projects.
Copyright Claims and How They Affect Your Channel
When using royalty free music, copyright claims can arise. YouTube’s Content ID system may falsely flag music tracks in your videos, especially if they sound similar to copyrighted songs, leading to demonetisation or removal of videos.
Understanding Content ID
Content ID is YouTube’s automated system for identifying copyrighted content. Creators must keep records of their royalty free music licenses to dispute false claims effectively.
How to Handle False Copyright Claims
If a claim is made against your video, having documentation from royalty free music sites can help you resolve the issue quickly. Keep track of your licenses and agreements.
Benefits of Using Royalty Free Music
Royalty free music is often more affordable than traditional sync licenses, making it accessible for creators at all levels. With free trials and unlimited downloads, creators can explore music options without immediate financial commitments.
With royalty free music, creators can use tracks across multiple videos, projects, or social media posts without worrying about ongoing fees. This flexibility is critical for creators looking to maintain a consistent brand across various platforms.
Using royalty free music from reputable sites offers legal security. These platforms ensure that content creators don’t have to worry about copyright claims or licensing issues as long as they adhere to the terms of use.
Best Practices for Using Royalty Free Music
Some music, especially tracks under a Creative Commons license, require attribution. It is critical to adhere to the guidelines when using music in your videos to avoid legal complications.
Remember to read the licensing agreement, even when using royalty free music. Some tracks may be unrestricted during a trial period but require payment to continue using them. Royalty free stock music libraries have clear terms to review. Make sure you do so to avoid unexpected fees.
Always keep a copy of your licenses, especially when using royalty free music from commercial platforms. Doing so will protect you in the event of a copyright claim.
Alternatives to Royalty Free Music
Composing Your Own Music
If you have music production skills, composing your own tracks gives you complete control over your content. Having these skills is particularly beneficial for creators seeking entirely original music for their videos.
Collaborating with Independent Musicians
Working with independent artists, composers and producers (like me) can provide you with exclusive, high-quality music. Sometimes, you can negotiate royalty free usage directly with the artist, allowing you to find the perfect music for your videos.
Subscription Services for High-Quality Tracks
Platforms like Epidemic Sound offer subscription services that grant access to a music library with a wide selection of tracks. These services are often billed annually and provide unlimited downloads, making them an excellent option for frequent content creators.
FAQs about Royalty Free Music on YouTube
1. What is royalty free music?
Royalty free music allows creators to use tracks without paying ongoing royalties for each use. It typically involves a one-time fee or a subscription that grants access to a music library.
2. Can I use free music on YouTube?
Yes! You can use free music from various platforms, including the YouTube Audio Library or free music archive sites. However, check the licensing terms, as some may require attribution.
3. Do I need to give credit when using royalty free music?
It depends on the license. Some royalty free music tracks require attribution, especially those licensed under Creative Commons. Always read the licensing agreement to understand the requirements.
4. How can I find the perfect song for my videos?
To find the perfect song, utilise the search bar on music sites or explore specific genres. Royalty free sites provide various filters to help you narrow down your options based on mood, tempo, and style.
5. What happens if I use a copyrighted song on my YouTube video?
When using a copyrighted song without permission, YouTube's Content ID system may flag your video. The result may be monetisation issues or removal. Use music from reputable royalty free music sites to avoid these problems.
6. What is the difference between stock music and royalty free music?
Stock music often refers to pre-recorded tracks available for licensing, which may have more restrictions. Royalty free music typically provides more flexibility and can be reused across multiple projects without additional fees.
7. Are there any risks associated with using royalty free music?
While using royalty free music reduces the risk of copyright claims, there is still a chance of being flagged incorrectly by YouTube's Content ID system. Always keep records of your licenses and agreements to resolve any disputes effectively.
Conclusion
Using royalty free music on YouTube can be exciting and overwhelming for content creators due to the numerous options available. From the YouTube Audio Library to specialised royalty free music sites, there's no lack of high-quality audio tracks to enhance your videos. By familiarising yourself with licensing agreements, understanding when attribution is required, and exploring different platforms, you can quickly discover music to match your creative vision.
Whether you use emotional cinematic royalty free music or fascinating background tunes, the right audio can vastly improve viewer experience and retention. By taking advantage of these resources, you save time and money, enjoying legal assurance to concentrate on crafting engaging content content.
As you continue your YouTube journey, remember that your soundtrack can significantly enhance your connection with your audience on a deeper level.
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.