Creating compelling YouTube videos often requires the right soundtrack. Adding music can enhance the mood and keep your audience engaged. However, using copyrighted music can lead to problems with YouTube’s content ID system, such as your video being muted or taken down. To avoid these issues, you should use royalty-free music. In this guide, we’ll cover how to get royalty free music for your YouTube videos and ensure your content stays trouble-free.
What is Royalty-Free Music?
To start, it’s important to understand what royalty-free music is. Royalty-free music means you don’t have to pay ongoing royalties each time your video is viewed, helping you maximize your YouTube views without additional costs. Typically, you either pay a one-time fee or use music that is free under certain conditions. This simplifies the process of how to get royalty free music for your YouTube videos, making it easier and more cost-effective.
How to get royalty free music for your YouTube videos: The Basics
Use YouTube’s Own Library
One of the easiest ways to get royalty-free music for your YouTube videos is through YouTube’s own library. YouTube provides a selection of free music and sound effects for creators. Here’s how you can access it:
Go to YouTube Studio.
Click on “Audio Library” from the menu.
Browse through the collection of free music and sound effects. You can filter by genre, mood, or instrument.
Download and use the tracks in your videos. Be sure to check the license for each track to comply with any attribution requirements.
Explore Royalty-Free Music Websites
Many websites offer royalty-free music that you can use in your YouTube videos. These sites provide a wide range of music genres and styles. Some popular options include:
Free Music Archive: This site offers a variety of free music. Check the licensing information to ensure it’s appropriate for your use.
Incompetech: Created by Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech provides music for free with attribution. It’s a reliable resource for different music styles.
Epidemic Sound: This subscription-based service offers a large library of high-quality royalty-free music. It’s a good choice if you need a broad selection of tracks.
Check Out Music Subscription Services
For those who need a regular supply of royalty-free music, subscription services can be a great option. These services usually require a monthly or annual fee but provide access to extensive music libraries. Some well-known services include:
Artlist: Offers unlimited downloads and a broad range of music tracks. Known for its high-quality and diverse options.
Soundstripe: Provides various music tracks and sound effects with a subscription. Easy to search for specific genres and moods.
Audioblocks: Offers unlimited downloads of royalty-free music and sound effects with a subscription plan.
Consider Creative Commons Music
Creative Commons music is another way to get royalty-free music for your YouTube videos. Creative Commons licenses allow you to use music for free under specific conditions. To find Creative Commons music:
Visit platforms like Jamendo or ccMixter. These sites host music that is free to use, often with some restrictions like giving credit to the artist.
Always review the license details to ensure the music fits your needs and complies with any attribution or usage restrictions.
Create Your Own Music
If you have the skills or are willing to learn, creating your own music is a unique way to get royalty-free music for your YouTube videos. There are several tools and software available:
GarageBand (for Mac users): A user-friendly tool for creating music.
FL Studio or Ableton Live: More advanced options for music production.
Online music generators: Platforms like Soundtrap or BandLab let you create music directly in your browser.
Collaborate with Musicians
Collaborating with musicians or composers can also help you get customized, royalty-free music for your YouTube videos. You can find musicians on platforms like:
Fiverr: A marketplace where you can hire musicians to create custom tracks.
Upwork: A freelancing platform where you can post a job for music creation and hire a freelancer.
Check Licensing Carefully
Regardless of where you get your music, always check the licensing terms carefully. Even royalty-free music can have specific requirements, such as attribution or restrictions on commercial use. Understanding these terms is crucial for knowing how to get royalty free music for your YouTube videos and avoiding any potential issues.
Learning how to get royalty free music for your YouTube videos is key to enhancing your content without facing copyright issues. By using YouTube’s library, exploring music websites, subscribing to music services, considering Creative Commons music, creating your own tracks, or collaborating with musicians, you can find the perfect background music for your videos.
Always remember to check licensing terms and ensure compliance to keep your content free from legal troubles. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create engaging videos with the right soundtrack, making your content stand out and resonate with your audience.