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Free Music for YouTube Videos: 8 Royalty-Free Music Platforms

Jeremy | Motion Designer & Founder | Motion Arts Media

One of the key elements that can make or break a YouTube video is its background music. The right tune can elevate a video, making it more engaging and memorable for viewers. 

However, while it might be tempting to use your favorite chart-topping song, doing so without proper permissions can land you in hot water. This is where royalty-free music for YouTube comes into play, offering a safe and effective solution for creators.

What is Copyright and Why Does it Matter on YouTube?

Copyright is a legal concept that grants creators exclusive rights to their original works. This means that if you use someone else's music without permission, you're infringing on their rights. For YouTube creators, this can have serious implications. Videos can be taken down, channels can receive strikes, and in some cases, legal actions can be pursued.

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The Risks of Using Copyrighted Music

  • Imagine spending hours filming, editing, and perfecting a video, only to have it removed from YouTube due to a copyright claim.

  • Not only is this frustrating, but it can also harm your channel's reputation and growth.

  • Repeated violations can lead to your channel being permanently banned.

The Benefits of Using Royalty-Free Music

Opting for royalty-free music for YouTube videos is a smart move. These tracks are specifically designed for use without the risk of copyright infringement. They offer creators a vast array of choices, from upbeat tunes to mellow melodies, ensuring there's something for every type of video. Plus, using royalty-free tracks means you can monetize your videos without any hitches.

If you are wondering about using copyrighted tracks and how to navigate this complex landscape, our guide on how to use copyrighted music on youtube offers a deep dive into the dos and don'ts.

Top Platforms for Royalty-Free Music

With the increasing demand for high-quality, copyright-free tracks for YouTube videos, several platforms have risen to the occasion, offering a diverse range of music to suit every creator's needs.

But, where can you find high-quality, copyright-free tracks that won't get your content flagged? Let's dive into some of the top platforms where you can source royalty-free music for your YouTube videos.

YouTube Audio Library

The YouTube Audio Library is a treasure trove for creators. It boasts a comprehensive collection of tracks and sound effects that are perfect for both commercial and non-commercial videos. Whether you're looking for a jazzy tune or dramatic orchestral music, this library has got you covered. Best of all, every track here is free to use, ensuring you won't run into any copyright issues.

Thematic

Thematic is a platform that caters specifically to YouTube creators. It offers free songs from a range of established artists and musicians. The beauty of Thematic is its curated approach; each track is handpicked, ensuring high quality and relevance for video content. Whether you're crafting a travel vlog or a tutorial, Thematic has the right track to elevate your video.

Uppbeat

For those who are not just limited to YouTube but are also exploring platforms like TikTok, Uppbeat is a godsend. It provides copyright-free music not just for YouTube, but also for TikTok, streaming, social media, podcasts, and more. With a user-friendly interface and a vast library, finding the perfect track for your content becomes a breeze.

Unminus

Unminus stands out for its unique offering of tracks with a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license. This means that you can use the music without any restrictions, and no attribution is required. From ambient tunes to upbeat tracks, Unminus offers a variety of choices for creators looking for high-quality, hassle-free music.

Icons8 Fugue

Known primarily for its stock icons and photos, Icons8 Fugue also offers a selection of royalty-free music. The platform provides a diverse range of tracks, ensuring that creators from all genres and styles can find something that suits their needs. Plus, the added benefit of having access to stock visuals makes it a one-stop-shop for content creators.

TeknoAXE

For creators who have a penchant for electronic dance music, rock, metal, or thematic compositions, TeknoAXE is the place to be. The platform is popular for its diverse range of tracks, each crafted with precision and passion. Whether you're creating a high-energy workout video or a serene meditation guide, TeknoAXE has the perfect track to complement your content.

Pixabay

While Pixabay is renowned for its vast collection of stock photos, it expanded its offerings in 2020 to include royalty-free music. This addition has made it a holistic platform for content creators, allowing them to source both visuals and audio from a single place. The music section of Pixabay offers a variety of tracks, each free to use, ensuring creators have a hassle-free experience.

Bensound

Bensound is a favorite among many YouTube creators, and for a good reason. The platform offers a plethora of royalty-free music tracks, each categorized by distinct and vivid names. Whether you're looking for a jazzy tune, an acoustic melody, or an electronic beat, Bensound's organized library ensures you find what you're looking for in no time.

dig.ccMixter

For those who love experimenting with remixes and samples, dig.ccMixter is a goldmine. It's an online community where creators can download a variety of remixes and samples for free. The platform encourages collaboration, allowing creators to mix and match tracks to create something truly unique for their YouTube videos.

Tunetank

Tunetank is another platform that has gained popularity for its royalty-free music offerings. Specifically designed for YouTube video projects, the platform boasts a diverse range of tracks, ensuring there's something for every type of video. From ambient tunes to energetic beats, Tunetank has it all.

Free Stock Music

As the name suggests, Free Stock Music is all about providing 100% royalty-free music for YouTube videos and other multimedia projects. The platform has a user-friendly interface, making it easy for creators to browse through categories and find the perfect track for their content.

Soundstripe

Soundstripe stands out for its vast collection of over 8000 royalty-free songs and 250 curated playlists. The platform is designed to cater to the diverse needs of YouTube creators, ensuring they find the right track, whether it's for a travel vlog, a tutorial, or a cinematic montage.

Licensing and Attribution

Understanding the basics can save you from potential legal troubles and ensure your content remains live and accessible to your audience.

Different Types of Licenses

  • Creative Commons: This is a public copyright license that allows creators to use music for free, but with certain conditions. There are different types of Creative Commons licenses, each with its own set of rules. Some may require attribution, while others might restrict commercial use.

  • Royalty-Free: Contrary to its name, royalty-free doesn't mean the music is free. Instead, it means that once you purchase the track, you don't have to pay any additional royalties to the creator. It's a one-time fee for unlimited use.

  • Public Domain: Music in the public domain is free from any copyright restrictions. This means you can use it however you wish, without any limitations. Tracks usually enter the public domain because the copyright has expired or the creator has relinquished their rights.

The Importance of Proper Attribution

While many tracks are available for free use, it's essential to give proper credit when required. Failing to provide the necessary attribution can lead to copyright claims, even if the track is free. Always read the licensing terms carefully and ensure you're following all the guidelines. 

If you're unsure about how to properly credit a track in your video, our guide on how to add music to a youtube video offers step-by-step instructions.

Tips for Choosing the Right Background Music for Your Videos

Selecting the perfect background music is more than just picking a catchy tune. It's about enhancing the viewer's experience and ensuring the music complements the content.

Match the Mood and Tone

The music should reflect the mood and tone of your video. An upbeat track might work well for a travel vlog, while a serene melody might be more fitting for a meditation guide. Always consider the emotions you want to evoke in your audience and choose music that aligns with that.

Consider Your Target Audience

Understanding your audience is key. If your content is geared towards a younger demographic, modern and trendy tracks might be more appealing. On the other hand, if you're targeting an older audience, classic or instrumental music might be a better fit.

For those keen on refining their video editing skills and ensuring the music seamlessly integrates with the visuals, check out our guide on how to edit youtube videos. It offers valuable insights and tips to elevate your content.

Enhancing Video Quality Beyond the Music

While the right background music can significantly elevate the quality of a YouTube video, it's just one piece of the puzzle. To captivate your audience and ensure your content stands out, you need to focus on several other aspects of video production.

The Power of Good Video Content

Content is king, as they say. No amount of editing or high-quality music can save a video if the content itself isn't engaging or valuable. Whether you're sharing a personal story, teaching a skill, or promoting a product, ensure your content is well-researched, authentic, and resonates with your target audience.

Importance of Editing

A well-edited video can transform a good video into a great one. From cutting out unnecessary parts to adding effects and transitions, editing can enhance the viewer's experience and make your content more polished and professional. 

If you're new to video editing or looking to up your game, our guide on the best video editing software for youtube offers valuable insights. 

Investing in Quality Equipment

While it's possible to shoot decent videos with just a smartphone, investing in quality equipment can make a noticeable difference in the final output. Good lighting, a high-quality camera, and clear audio can set your videos apart from the rest. 

For those just starting out and unsure about the equipment you need, our guide on equipment for starting a youtube channel breaks it down for you. 

Tutorial: Top 5 Royalty Free Music for YouTube

In this tutorial video from Howfinity, they present 5 platforms that are great for Royalty Free Music for YouTube. With this they also provide help tips on copyright information.

Conclusion

To stand out, creators need to ensure every aspect of their video is top-notch, from the content to the background music. Using copyright-free music not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also offers a plethora of choices to enhance your content.

Additional Resources

Take your YouTube content to the next level. Dive deeper into the world of video creation, explore editing techniques, and discover how to enhance your content for better audience engagement.

Helpful YouTube Articles

YouTube Video Assets

References

  • Howfinity: Royalty free music for Videos (Tutorial Video)

  • Buffer: Background Music for Videos

  • MakeUseOf: Recommendations for Copyright-Free Music

  • Wix: Tips to Find Free Music

Thanks for Reading

At Motion Arts Media, we help video editors and creators with ready-to-use motion graphics assets and templates. With over 1,000 customers and 17,000+ downloads, we’re all about empowering your creative flow. Check out our freebies and premium video templates or connect with us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn.

About The Author

Jeremy Sampson is a motion designer and founder of Motion Arts Media with over a decade of experience working in Premiere Pro and After Effects. He’s worked with brands like Apple, Amazon, and Nike, but also has passion towards creating motion designs and assets for other creators through Motion Arts Media—where he shares his styles and work with the community.