Free Non-Copyright Music For YouTube: Your Ultimate Guide
Hey everyone! Are you a YouTube creator looking to spice up your videos with some awesome background music but worried about those pesky copyright strikes? Well, you're in the right place! Finding non-copyright background music for YouTube videos free to use can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but trust me, it's totally possible, and it doesn't have to be a headache. In this guide, we'll dive deep into where you can find the best royalty-free music options, how to use them legally, and some insider tips to make your videos sound amazing. So, grab your headphones, and let's get started!
Why Use Non-Copyright Music?
So, why bother with non-copyright music in the first place, right? Well, the main reason is to avoid copyright claims. Imagine spending hours creating a fantastic video, only to have it demonetized or, worse, taken down because of a copyright issue. Yikes! That's a huge bummer. Using free music for YouTube videos that's non-copyrighted or royalty-free is like buying insurance for your content. It ensures you can monetize your videos, keep them live, and focus on what you do best: creating awesome content.
Another awesome benefit is the creative freedom it provides. Think about it: music sets the tone. It can make your video funny, suspenseful, emotional, or inspiring. By having access to a library of free background music, you can pick and choose the perfect track to complement your visuals and enhance the viewer experience. Plus, it just makes your videos more professional and engaging! Believe me, the right music can make your videos pop and keep people watching longer.
Now, let's talk about the practical side of things. Copyright laws are there to protect the creators of music. When you use copyrighted music without permission, you're basically infringing on their rights. Copyright holders can then choose to take action, which could lead to your video being blocked, muted, or even causing issues with your channel. The good news is, there are tons of talented artists and composers who offer their music royalty-free or under Creative Commons licenses, specifically so you, the creator, can use it. That's what we are looking for.
Finally, it's about building a community. When you support non-copyright music creators, you're helping them to continue making great music. It's a win-win: you get fantastic tracks for your videos, and they get exposure and support. It's like a partnership, fostering creativity and giving you the tools to succeed. So, let’s get you the resources!
Where to Find Royalty-Free Music
Alright, let's get down to the good stuff: where to actually find royalty-free music that you can use for your YouTube videos. Here are some of the best resources, and you are going to be set in no time.
YouTube Audio Library
Starting with the obvious, YouTube itself has a fantastic Audio Library that’s absolutely free to use. It's built right into the YouTube Studio, and the best part is that every track is royalty-free, which means you're totally safe from copyright issues. You can filter by genre, mood, duration, and even instrument, making it super easy to find the perfect track for your video. They update it regularly, so there's always something new to discover.
Free Music Archive (FMA)
The Free Music Archive (FMA) is another excellent option. It's a massive online library of free music, with a wide variety of genres and artists. It's important to pay attention to the license of each track, as some might require attribution (giving credit to the artist in your video description), while others may have other usage restrictions. FMA is great because it has a huge range of music and is super easy to navigate.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a great platform to look for music, too. Many independent artists offer their tracks for free download or use under Creative Commons licenses. Just be sure to check the license details of each track before using it. You'll likely need to give credit to the artist. Search using terms like “royalty-free,” “creative commons,” or “free download” to find the right tracks. There’s a treasure trove of music out there.
Websites with Royalty-Free Music
There are also websites dedicated to royalty-free music, and a couple of these offer free options. Websites like Pixabay Music, Bensound, and Epidemic Sound (offers a free trial) are great places to find tracks for your videos. Some offer both free and premium options. The premium options typically have more extensive libraries and features, but the free options are excellent for getting started. Each of these sites will have its own licensing terms, so be sure to check them before you download anything.
Understanding Licenses
Alright, this is super important, guys! Before you start downloading music, you need to understand the different types of licenses you might encounter. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises down the road. Let’s break it down.
Royalty-Free Licenses
Royalty-free licenses are what you're after. These licenses typically mean that you can use the music in your video without paying royalties to the artist every time it's played. You usually pay a one-time fee (sometimes it’s zero), and you're good to go. It's like buying the music outright for your project. Always read the terms of the license, as there might be some limitations, but generally, royalty-free is the most flexible option.
Creative Commons Licenses
Creative Commons (CC) licenses are another common option. These licenses allow creators to share their work with the public while retaining certain rights. There are several different CC licenses, each with different terms. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common ones:
- CC BY (Attribution): You must give credit to the artist. This is probably the most common. You need to include the artist’s name, the title of the track, and a link to the original work.
- CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike): Same as CC BY, but you must also license your new work under the same terms.
- CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial): You can use the music for free, but not for commercial purposes. This means you can't monetize your video.
- CC BY-ND (Attribution-NoDerivs): You can use the music, but you can't modify it.
- CC0 (No Rights Reserved): The artist has waived all rights to the work. You can use it for anything, without giving credit.
Always read the specific terms of each license to make sure you’re following the rules.
Tips for Choosing the Right Music
Okay, now that you know where to find music and how to understand licenses, let’s talk about how to choose the right tracks for your videos.
Match the Mood
First things first: the music should complement your video’s content. If you're creating a vlog, upbeat and happy music might be perfect. For a suspenseful video, go for something mysterious and intriguing. The music should enhance the emotions you're trying to convey.
Consider the Genre
Think about your audience and the style of your video. What kind of music do they like? Do they prefer pop, electronic, classical, or something else? Finding music that resonates with your target audience can make your videos more engaging.
Keep it Balanced
Make sure the music doesn't overpower your voiceover or other important audio. The music should be in the background, supporting your content, not competing with it. Adjust the volume levels so everything is clear and easy to hear.
Think About the Length
Choose music that fits the length of your video. You might need to loop a track or find a shorter piece that works. Some websites allow you to download different lengths of the same track. Or you can find shorter tracks, and you are golden.
Edit it and Make it Your Own
Many video editing software programs let you make some basic edits. This way, you can customize the music to fit your video perfectly. If the license allows, try a little fading, and volume adjustment.
Avoiding Copyright Strikes
Even with royalty-free music, it’s still possible to run into copyright issues. Here's how to stay safe:
Read the License Carefully
Before you use any music, make sure you understand the license terms. Are there any restrictions on how you can use the music? Do you need to give credit? If you're not sure, it's better to be safe than sorry and contact the artist or the platform.
Always Give Credit Where It’s Due
If the license requires attribution, make sure you provide it. Include the artist’s name, the title of the track, and a link to the music in your video description. This is the right thing to do and prevents any issues.
Keep Proof of Your License
Save a copy of the license agreement or a screenshot of the download page. This can be useful if you ever receive a copyright claim. Having proof will make your life easier.
Be Careful with Remixes and Covers
Unless explicitly allowed by the license, avoid using remixes or covers of music without permission. Original tracks are usually safer.
Final Thoughts
Alright, guys, you're all set! Finding non-copyright background music for YouTube videos free to use doesn't have to be a hassle. With the right resources and a little bit of know-how, you can enhance your videos with amazing music and avoid those pesky copyright strikes. Remember to always respect the licenses, give credit where it's due, and most importantly, have fun creating! Happy video making!
I hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Let's make some awesome content!