10 Best Sources for Copyright-Free Music for YouTube Videos
Have you ever wondered how other creators always manage to have the perfect soundtrack without getting into legal trouble? The secret lies in using copyright-free music for YouTube — tracks that are safe, high quality, and won’t trigger copyright claims.
For many YouTube creators, music isn’t just background noise, it’s the emotional driver that keeps viewers engaged. But using the wrong track can land you in serious legal issues, demonetization, or even video takedowns. That’s why knowing what is royalty-free music and where to find it can save you time, stress, and money.
Whether you’re just starting your YouTube channel or looking to upgrade your content, this guide will walk you through the 10 best sources for safe and creative soundtracks. We’ll compare platforms, highlight their pros and cons, and even explore tools that help you avoid copyright claims while enhancing your videos.
Understanding What “Copyright-Free” Really Means
1.The Difference Between Copyright-Free and Royalty-Free
Many people confuse these two terms. Royalty-free music means you don’t have to pay ongoing fees every time your track is used, but it may still require an initial license. Copyright-free music, on the other hand, is in the public domain or released under a license that allows unrestricted use.
Learn more here.
2. Why You Can’t Just Download Any Track
Even music without a price tag isn’t necessarily safe to use. Many free music tracks have hidden usage restrictions that can result in copyright claims on YouTube.
YouTube Audio Library – A Beginner’s Best Friend
The YouTube Audio Library is often the first stop for creators. It’s free, built into YouTube Studio, and offers a variety of genres. The search filters make it easy to find tracks by mood, duration, or attribution requirements.
Epidemic Sound vs. Artlist – Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Epidemic Sound vs. Artlist comes down to budget and licensing preferences.
| Feature | Epidemic Sound | Artlist |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Covers all platforms | Universal license |
| Price | $15/month | $9.99/month |
| Library Size | 40,000+ | 12,000+ |
Free Music Archive
Known for its curated selection and genre variety.
Bensound
Great for business and lifestyle content.
Pikwizard
Offers free videos and music sources for creators who need visual and audio assets together.
How to Avoid Copyright Claims
Using trusted platforms, double-checking licenses, and keeping proof of purchase are your best defenses.
Tools That Help You Edit and Sync Music to Your Videos
Platforms like free video editing apps allow you to integrate music seamlessly and avoid timing issues.
Real-World Example – Repurposing TikTok Content
Before you start sharing short-form content, read our guide on repurposing TikTok videos to understand how to protect your content when reusing audio.
Top 10 Sources for Copyright-Free Music for YouTube
Finding the right copyright-free music for YouTube is more than just picking a nice tune — it’s about making sure the track is legally safe, fits your content, and matches your audience’s taste. Below are 10 trusted sources:
1. YouTube Audio Library
As mentioned earlier, this built-in feature is free and extensive. It lets you download high-quality audio and sound effects directly, with filters for mood, genre, and duration.
Pros:
Completely free
Integrated into YouTube Studio
Regularly updated
Cons:
Limited selection compared to paid platforms
2. Free Music Archive
This is a long-standing platform featuring tracks from independent artists and public domain works.
Ideal for vloggers and educational content creators.
Be sure to check licensing for each track to avoid restrictions.
3. Bensound
Bensound provides a mix of free and paid tracks, especially suited for business presentations, lifestyle vlogs, and tutorials. The free version requires attribution, while the premium license removes restrictions.
4. Incompetech
Created by composer Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech offers thousands of royalty-free tracks across various genres. Perfect for creators looking for cinematic or quirky music styles.
5. Artlist
Artlist has become a favorite for YouTubers due to its universal license, which covers all platforms and uses.
Subscription-based at $9.99/month.
Excellent for filmmakers and long-term content creators.
6. Epidemic Sound
Known for its huge library of 40,000+ tracks, Epidemic Sound vs. Artlist is a common debate among creators. Epidemic Sound offers a single subscription that covers YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more.
7. Pikwizard
This platform provides not only music but also videos and images. If you want a full set of creative resources, Pikwizard is an all-in-one solution.
8. Mixkit
Mixkit offers completely free, high-quality stock music with no attribution required. It’s perfect for quick projects or creators on a budget.
9. Soundstripe
This subscription service gives unlimited access to music and sound effects, with licenses that cover all platforms. Its search tools make finding the perfect track fast.
10. ccMixter
A community-driven site where musicians upload tracks for free use. Many are Creative Commons licensed, so attribution rules may apply.
Comparing the Top Music Platforms
Here’s a side-by-side look at the major options:
| Platform | Cost | License Type | Library Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Audio Library | Free | YouTube use only | Medium | Beginners |
| Free Music Archive | Free/Paid | Varies by track | Large | Educators |
| Bensound | Free/Paid | Attribution or paid | Medium | Business videos |
| Incompetech | Free/Paid | Attribution | Large | Cinematic projects |
| Artlist | Paid | Universal | Medium | Filmmakers |
| Epidemic Sound | Paid | All platforms | Very large | Multi-platform creators |
| Pikwizard | Free/Paid | Mixed | Medium | All-in-one content |
| Mixkit | Free | Free for all use | Medium | Budget creators |
| Soundstripe | Paid | Universal | Large | Frequent uploads |
| ccMixter | Free | Creative Commons | Large | Creative collaborations |
Royalty-free doesn’t always mean free. It means that after a one-time purchase or license agreement, you can use the music without paying ongoing fees. This is critical for YouTubers who monetize their channels and want to avoid copyright claims.
How to Avoid Copyright Claims
Following these steps will keep your channel safe:
Always download from trusted sources.
Read the license terms carefully.
Keep proof of purchase or license agreements.
Use platforms like this video editing tools guide to sync music correctly and avoid accidental infringement.
Real-World Example – Repurposing TikTok Content
Repurposing short-form content for YouTube requires care. Music licensed for TikTok may not be legal on YouTube. That’s why guides like this one are essential for understanding cross-platform licensing.
Final Tips Before You Choose
Match the music to your audience’s age and preferences.
Invest in a subscription if you post frequently.
Keep backups of every track’s license details.
How to Match Music with Your YouTube Content Style
Choosing copyright-free music for YouTube isn’t just a legal matter — it’s a branding decision. The right track can help define your channel’s personality and keep your audience coming back.
Matching Music to Genre
Vlogs & Lifestyle Content: Use upbeat, light acoustic or lo-fi beats to create a friendly and casual atmosphere.
Educational Videos: Choose calm, neutral tracks that don’t distract from the information being presented.
Gaming Content: Opt for high-energy electronic music to match the pace of gameplay.
Cinematic Storytelling: Use orchestral or ambient tracks to create emotional depth.
Maintaining Consistency Across Videos
Consistency in music style helps build brand recognition. Many successful creators stick to one or two music libraries to ensure a cohesive sound.
Licensing Models You Should Know About
Not all licenses are the same, and understanding the nuances can save you from accidental infringement.
Creative Commons Licenses
Creative Commons (CC) licenses come in several forms, including:
CC BY: Free to use with attribution to the creator.
CC BY-SA: Same as above, but derivative works must be shared under the same license.
CC0: Public domain; no attribution required.
Subscription-Based Licenses
Platforms like Artlist and Epidemic Sound use subscription models where you pay a recurring fee for unlimited downloads. This is ideal for creators with high production output.
Per-Track Licenses
Some sites let you purchase a single track license. While cost-effective for occasional use, it can become expensive if you publish frequently.
Advanced Tips for Audio Quality
Even if your track is legal to use, poor audio quality can hurt your video’s performance.
Bitrate Matters
Always download the highest bitrate available (usually 320 kbps for MP3 or lossless WAV files). Lower-quality files can sound muddy or distorted after YouTube’s compression.
Volume Leveling
Ensure your background music is set at a consistent volume across videos. Loud music can overpower narration, while music that’s too quiet might be pointless.
Equalization and Mixing
A little post-processing can make a big difference. Use EQ to reduce bass or treble frequencies that clash with your voice.
Tools and Resources for Better Music Integration
Beyond music libraries, there are tools that help integrate tracks smoothly into your content.
AudioDuckers: Automatically lower music volume when you speak.
Audacity: Free software for editing and cleaning up audio tracks.
DaVinci Resolve & Premiere Pro: Professional video editors with built-in audio mixing tools.
For a more streamlined editing process, check out these free editing apps that work well for YouTube creators.
The Future of Copyright-Free Music for Creators
The landscape of online music licensing is evolving. As AI-generated music gains popularity, creators may soon have access to completely unique, copyright-free tracks generated on demand.
AI-Generated Soundtracks
Platforms like AIVA and Amper Music already let users create custom tracks by selecting mood, genre, and tempo. These tracks are often royalty-free and tailored to your needs.
Blockchain Licensing
Some startups are exploring blockchain for music licensing, offering transparent proof of ownership and usage rights — a promising solution to the murky world of online copyright disputes.
Building Your Personal Music Library
Instead of searching for tracks each time you edit, consider building your own personal library:
Categorize by Mood: Keep folders for upbeat, calm, dramatic, and suspenseful tracks.
Tag by Usage: Mark tracks as “intro,” “outro,” “background loop,” etc.
Store License Info: Save the license file alongside the track for future reference.
FAQs About Copyright-Free Music for YouTube
What’s the difference between copyright-free and royalty-free music?
Copyright-free is public domain or unrestricted use, while royalty-free requires a one-time license.Where can I get safe, legal music for my channel?
Start with YouTube Audio Library or paid platforms like Artlist and Epidemic Sound.Do I need permission if a track is marked “free”?
Yes, always check the license terms before using it commercially.Can I use music from Spotify in my YouTube videos?
No, most streaming platforms don’t grant video usage rights.How do I avoid copyright strikes entirely?
Stick to trusted sources and always save proof of your music’s license.
