If you’re creating content for YouTube, you’ve likely realized how important music can be. But the tricky part? You can’t just grab any song, toss it into your video, and call it a day. Copyright protection can be a huge headache if you don’t understand how to navigate it. That’s where royalty-free background music comes in. Let’s talk about some great music websites where you can find tracks for your videos without breaking any rules—and without the risk of getting a dreaded copyright strike.
How Music Copyright Works
When it comes to music, most tracks are protected under copyright. This means the creator of the song holds exclusive rights to its use, and grabbing their music without permission can get you into serious legal trouble. If YouTube detects unauthorized music in your video, it may remove your video, and worse, your channel could suffer strikes. Three strikes? Your channel could be deleted.
So yeah, copyright protection isn’t something to mess around with.
Copyright-Free vs. Royalty-Free Music
To stay in the clear, there are two options to use music in your videos: copyright-free or royalty-free music. They might sound similar, but they’re different:
- Copyright-free music: This music has no copyright or has had its copyright relinquished. It’s pretty rare, and often, it’s just public domain music you can use for free.
- Royalty-free music: While these tracks do have copyright, the creators grant you a license to use the song within certain limits, usually depending on the platform the music is from.
YouTube’s New Music Licensing Option
Recently, YouTube rolled out a new feature that lets creators upload music licenses directly during video uploading. It’s a huge leap forward in making sure you don’t run into copyright hang-ups down the line.
Uploading Licenses During Video Upload
When uploading a video, you’ll see an option to add your music licenses to ensure full monetization. That way, if you’re using licensed music from YouTube’s own options, you’re automatically covered.
Why Use This Feature?
- No Copyright Strikes: Uploading your license gives you peace of mind that your video won’t be flagged or demonetized later.
- Access to Popular Songs: If you want mainstream tracks in your videos, this option allows that—though you may end up sharing revenue with the rights holders. More on that coming up.
Top 5 Royalty-Free Background Music Websites for Creators
Now let’s dive into five of the most useful royalty-free background music websites for YouTube creators. Some of these are completely free, while others have paid options with higher quality music. Here’s how to choose the one that works best for your channel.
1. YouTube Creator Studio
The first and easiest place to start is YouTube Creator Studio itself. Through its Creator Music Tab, YouTube offers a range of popular tracks that you can use directly in your videos.
Monetization and Revenue Sharing
The catch? YouTube works on a revenue-sharing model. So, while you can use popular songs, part of your earnings will go back to the original music creator. The percentage isn’t always clear but know this is part of the deal. Click on the song you want, check out its usage details, and if you’re okay with how everything lines up, hit download.
Pros:
- Access to popular songs
- Easy integration with YouTube
Cons:
- Not completely free—revenue sharing may apply
- Limited region availability for some tracks
2. AudioJungle
Next on the list is AudioJungle, a marketplace from Envato that has been around for years. One thing that separates AudioJungle from many other platforms is its pay-per-track model. Rather than subscribing, you pay only for the songs you want.
High-Quality Music & Pricing
If you’re looking for high-quality music from experienced creators in the music world, AudioJungle won’t disappoint. You can download both MP3 and WAV files, with WAV being the higher-quality option. Since you pay per track, you might find yourself spending more than a monthly subscription service, but if you just need that perfect song once in a while, it’s a solid choice.
Pros:
- High-quality music available
- Respected creators and original tracks
Cons:
- Pay-per-track can get expensive over time
- No unlimited download option
3. Pixabay
If you’re looking for something totally free, check out Pixabay. This platform is popular for royalty-free images, but they also have a music section. All the tracks are free to download and use, making it a great choice for beginners.
Free but Limited Quality
Keep in mind that when something’s free, it’s often a little more limited. Most of the music on Pixabay is available as MP3s, which aren’t as high-quality as WAV files. But if you’re starting a channel and want background music without investing anything, this works pretty well.
Pros:
- Completely free
- No licensing worries
Cons:
- Limited in audio quality (MP3 only)
- Smaller library compared to paid platforms
4. Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound is one of the most well-known subscription models out there, providing a massive library of music designed for creators, including sound effects. You can search by genre, mood, or even theme, making it easy to find exactly what you need.
Subscription Model for Personal and Commercial Use
One standout feature is that Epidemic Sound offers two distinct types of licenses. The personal license is great if you’re just uploading videos on your own YouTube channel. If you’re doing client work (say you’re editing videos for someone else), you’ll want the commercial license, which covers your professional projects.
Pros:
- Extensive library of high-quality tracks
- Tailored license options for different needs
Cons:
- Requires a paid subscription
- Does not include other creative assets (like stock images or videos)
5. Envato Elements
The final platform to cover is Envato Elements, a subscription model offering unlimited downloads of royalty-free music tracks. You subscribe once for a monthly fee, and then you can grab as many tracks as you want.
More Than Just Music
One of the biggest advantages of Envato Elements is that it’s not just for music. You also get access to stock videos, images, vectors, and sound effects—all part of the same subscription. The music files are high-quality, including WAV files, and the license download is super straightforward. Everything you need is packaged in a neat bundle.
Pros:
- All-in-one subscription for different creative needs
- Unlimited downloads
- High-quality WAV file formats
Cons:
- Requires a subscription
Choosing Your Music Platform
So, how do you decide which option to go for? Here’s a simple breakdown:
- If you’re just starting and have no budget, stick with something free like Pixabay. You’ll get decent tracks without spending any money.
- If you’re after higher quality and are ready to invest, something like AudioJungle or Epidemic Sound makes sense. You’ll pay more, but the tracks are top-notch.
- Looking for an entire creative suite? Envato Elements is an excellent one-stop-shop if you need stock images, videos, or even sound effects beyond just music.
Using Music Licenses for Full Monetization
When you download royalty-free music for your YouTube videos, don’t forget the most crucial step: upload your music licenses during the video upload process to stay clear of copyright issues. This applies not only to YouTube-created music but also to third-party licensed tracks.
By following the steps to upload your license, you’ll ensure that your video stays monetized and free of copyright strikes.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to level up your video production, having the right background music is a major key. From free tracks to paid platforms, the top 5 royalty-free background music websites for creators provide you with plenty of options. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to invest in high-quality tunes, you can easily find a site that fits your style and workflow.
And remember—always check whether you need to upload your licenses to stay away from copyright issues and keep your channel running smoothly.
FAQs
What is the difference between copyright-free and royalty-free music?
Copyright-free music is either in the public domain or has had its copyright relinquished, meaning it can be used without restrictions. Royalty-free music, on the other hand, is still protected by copyright but allows you to purchase a license to use the music without paying ongoing royalties, typically within specific usage limits.
How can I avoid copyright strikes when using music on YouTube?
To avoid copyright strikes, you should use royalty-free or copyright-free music and ensure you have proper licenses. If you’re using third-party music, always upload the license during the video upload process to confirm the usage rights. YouTube also offers a feature to upload licenses for full monetization.
What are the best websites to find royalty-free music for my YouTube videos?
Some top royalty-free music platforms include YouTube Creator Studio, AudioJungle, Pixabay, Epidemic Sound, and Envato Elements. Each offers various pricing models, from free downloads to subscription-based services, with options suitable for personal or commercial use.
Why should I upload music licenses during the video upload process on YouTube?
Uploading your music license during the video upload process ensures that YouTube recognizes the track as legally licensed, protecting your video from copyright strikes or demonetization. It’s particularly useful if you’re using mainstream songs, as YouTube may enforce revenue-sharing agreements with the original artists.
