Photo by Team TGM
If you create videos for YouTube, you’ve probably faced the dreaded “Copyright Claim” at least once. You spend hours editing the perfect video, upload it, and then—bam—a claim appears because of the background music. The result? Your video could be muted, demonetized, or even taken down.
The good news? You don’t have to be a musician to add great soundtracks to your videos. There’s plenty of copyright-free music you can legally use on YouTube without risking a strike. In this guide, we’ll explain what copyright-free music is, how it works, and where to find it—so you can focus on creating content that connects with your audience.
Table of Content:
1. What is Copyright-Free Music?
Copyright-free music means the creator has given permission for others to use it without infringing on their copyright. However, “copyright-free” doesn’t always mean completely free—you may still need to follow specific usage terms, like giving credit or avoiding commercial use.
Key types include:
- Royalty-Free Music: Pay once or use for free with credit, without paying ongoing fees.
- Creative Commons Music: Free to use but often requires attribution to the artist.
- Public Domain Music: Completely free with no restrictions (usually because copyright has expired).
2. Why You Should Use Copyright-Free Music on YouTube
Using copyrighted music without permission can:
- Lead to monetization loss
- Get your video blocked worldwide
- Result in copyright strikes, which can affect your channel’s future
By sticking to copyright-free sources, you:
- Keep your content safe
- Maintain monetization rights
- Avoid the stress of disputes or takedowns
3. How to Check If Music is Truly Copyright-Free
Before using any track, check:
- License type (Royalty-free, Creative Commons, Public Domain)
- Usage rules (Some licenses forbid commercial use or modifications)
- Attribution requirements (Artist credit in your video description)
4. Best Sources for Copyright-Free Music for YouTube
Here’s a list of reliable platforms you can trust for your next YouTube project:
YouTube’s own library offers free music and sound effects you can use instantly. You can even filter tracks by genre, mood, or duration.
A huge collection of music from independent artists across the globe, available under Creative Commons and public domain licenses.
Some SoundCloud artists allow free use of their tracks under Creative Commons—just check the license before downloading.
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NCS (NoCopyrightSounds) – ncs.io
A popular source for energetic EDM, pop, and electronic tracks. Perfect for gaming videos, vlogs, and tech content. Most tracks require attribution in your video description.
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Bensound – bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
Offers a variety of genres—from cinematic to jazz—for both free and paid use. Free license requires credit to the artist.
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Pixabay Music – pixabay.com/music
Pixabay is not just for stock photos—it also has a growing library of royalty-free music with no attribution required.
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InAudio – inaudio.org
5. Tips for Using Copyright-Free Music Effectively
- Match the mood: Upbeat for travel vlogs, soft for tutorials, dramatic for storytelling.
- Adjust volume: Keep background music lower than dialogue so viewers can hear you clearly.
- Stay consistent: Use similar styles across your videos for a strong brand identity.
- Always credit when required: Include artist and track name in your description.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming “free to download” means “free to use”
- Forgetting to credit when the license requires it
- Using music without checking commercial-use permissions
- Ignoring region-specific restrictions (some licenses vary by country)
Conclusion
Music can be a powerful storytelling tool for YouTube creators. But using it without permission can ruin your channel’s growth. Always check the license, choose trustworthy sources, and give credit when needed.
If you’re just starting out, the YouTube Audio Library is your safest and easiest option.
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Yes, but check the license—some require attribution or payment for commercial use.
