Music adds the soul to your videos, transforming them from mundane to mesmerizing, from dull to dynamic. It's the invisible thread that weaves through your visuals, setting the tone, evoking emotions, and captivating your audience. But for many creators, the quest for the amazing sound quality the perfect soundtrack can feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when you're working with a limited budget.

Fear not, because we've scoured the digital landscape to uncover the best sites offering free music for video editing in 2024. From ambient melodies to pulsating beats, these platforms provide a treasure trove of musical gems to elevate your creations without breaking the bank.

And that's not all! Stick around till the end, and we'll demystify the world of creative licenses, ensuring you understand the ins and outs of copyright law to safeguard your videos against unwanted claims. So, whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or an aspiring content creator, get ready to amplify your videos with the perfect soundtrack and navigate the legal maze of music licensing like a pro.

Best Websites for Free Royalty-Free Music

1. YouTube Studio Audio Library

YouTube's integrated audio library is a treasure trove of approximately 2,000 tracks of copyright-free music and 700 sound effects, meticulously curated to enhance your video projects. With the ability to filter music playlists by genre, mood, artist favorite song, or duration, finding the perfect soundtrack has never been easier.

What sets YouTube's audio library apart is its seamless integration individual podcasts have with the platform itself. These tracks are not only free to use on any video published on YouTube, but they also extend to videos you wish to monetize. And the best part about podcast library? Most tracks don't require you to credit the podcast app or source, providing added convenience for creators.

However, it's essential to tread carefully. While YouTube's library of popular and exclusive podcasts offers a wealth of free resources, mixing copyrighted songs with royalty-free tracks can trigger YouTube's Content ID system, potentially leading to video blocks or copyright-specific advertising overlays. So, while YouTube's audio library is a fantastic resource, it's crucial to understand the nuances of copyright law to avoid any unwanted surprises.

2. BenSound

 BenSound offers a convenient solution for creators seeking free royalty-free music to elevate their videos, presentations, and social media content. With the flexibility to download tracks for slideshows or as background music on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, and Twitch, BenSound provides a versatile array of options to enhance your projects.

While users can adapt the music to suit their needs by editing the length or adjusting the sound, it's important to note that BenSound's free license comes with certain restrictions. For instance, you cannot use the tracks to create your original podcasts, songs, remixes, or produce your very own podcast library of music. Additionally, crediting the website under the terms of its Free License is required.

However, despite its user-friendly interface, BenSound's free offering is somewhat limited, with only around 100 tracks available. To access the full breadth of BenSound's audio library, users will need to consider purchasing a pro license or subscription—a potential downside for those seeking a more extensive selection of tracks on demand playback only.

3. MixKit

MixKit stands out as a go-to destination for creators in search of royalty-free music that spans a spectrum of tones and moods. From fun and playful to inspiring, dramatic, and offbeat, MixKit offers a diverse selection of tracks suitable for presentations, brand promos, logo reveals, trailers, and background music.

What sets MixKit apart is its user-friendly interface, where each clip is thoughtfully labeled with a different color according to its genre. This makes it a breeze to navigate and find the perfect track as you scroll through the options. Additionally, users can further refine their search by filtering single songs according to genre, mood, or tags based on themes such as Corporate, Holiday, Gym, Wedding, and more.

Tracks downloaded from MixKit under its Free License are versatile, allowing for use in both commercial and non-commercial projects, including social media videos, online marketing ads, YouTube videos exclusive podcasts, and podcasts. However, one potential drawback is the size of the audio library, which some users may find limited. Nonetheless, MixKit remains a valuable resource for creators seeking quality music without breaking the bank.

4. Free Music Archive

 This website boasts an extensive library of free music for videos, featuring tracks under various Creative Commons licenses. With the ability to refine your search according to genre, finding the perfect soundtrack for your project is a breeze.

However, it's crucial to pay attention to the licensing details of each track before use. Upon selecting a track, users are directed to the track info page, where the license is prominently displayed in a column on the right. This allows creators to understand the permissions and restrictions associated with each track.

While many tracks are available for personal use, it's essential to note that not all Creative Commons licenses permit commercial usage. For example, if you intend to use free music for YouTube videos that are monetized, it's imperative to check the track's license to ensure compliance with copyright regulations. By doing so, creators can avoid potential legal issues and enjoy peace of mind while using free music in their projects.

5. AudioLibrary - Music for Content Creators

However, it's important to note that this channel restricts the use of its free music solely to YouTube videos. For any other project, creators must seek permission directly from the artist. Fortunately, accessing and previewing tracks is straightforward—simply click on a video to listen to the track and find the download link in the description.

With approximately 2,000 rights-free music tracks available, the channel offers a diverse selection stream music that is regularly updated, increasing the likelihood of finding the perfect music for your video. To streamline the search process, creators can explore playlists sorted by genre and mood, providing easy access to tracks that match their project's tone and style. Whether you're seeking upbeat tunes for a promotional video or soothing melodies for a meditation session, this channel offers a curated selection to suit a variety of needs.

6. Chill Out Records

Chill Out Records stands as a valuable resource for creators seeking free royalty-free music specifically tailored for YouTube videos. Specializing in laid-back genres like ambient jazz and hip-hop, the channel offers approximately 150 tracks to choose from, with new additions regularly enriching its library.

Navigating the channel is simple—just click on a video to play millions listen to a track, then locate the download link conveniently provided in the description box. Additionally, creators will find detailed instructions on how to properly credit the artist in their videos, ensuring compliance with the channel's guidelines.

However, it's essential to note that the music available on Chill Out Records is exclusively licensed for use on YouTube. For projects on other platforms, creators must obtain permission directly from the channel or the respective artists. Despite this limitation, Chill Out Records remains a valuable resource for creators seeking chill and atmospheric tunes to enhance their YouTube content.

7. Background Music Without Limitations

This YouTube channel offers a collection of vibrant royalty-free music, perfect for enhancing the energy and atmosphere of your live events in your YouTube videos. Although the channel currently hosts only 55 tracks, it's regularly updated with fresh additions, ensuring a steady stream of new music to explore, listen offline, discover albums and enjoy.

Navigating the channel is straightforward—simply browse through the available tracks and click on a video to listen. Once you've found the perfect track for your project, downloading is a breeze with the provided link in the video description.

It's important to note that this channel exclusively provides free music for YouTube videos. Creators are required to credit the artist as specified in the video, ensuring proper attribution and compliance with the channel's guidelines. While the track selection may be relatively modest compared to larger libraries, the channel's commitment to regular updates makes it a valuable resource for creators seeking upbeat and dynamic music for their YouTube content.

8. Incompetech

Incompetech is a popular website offering a diverse selection of royalty-free music tracks created by composer Kevin MacLeod. Known for its extensive library, Incompetech provides users with a wide range of music genres and styles to choose from, ranging from orchestral compositions to electronic beats. One of the standout features of Incompetech is its easy-to-use search function, allowing users to filter tracks by genre, mood, tempo, and more, making it simple to find the perfect soundtrack for their projects.

Additionally, all music on Incompetech is available for free use under the Creative Commons license, making it a go-to destination for creators seeking quality music without breaking the bank. However, users should note that while the music is free to use, proper attribution to Kevin MacLeod is required in their projects. Overall, Incompetech remains a trusted resource for creators looking for royalty-free music to enhance their videos, podcasts, presentations, and more.

Tips for Nailing Background Music

Now that you know where to find and download the best royalty-free and copyright-free music for videos, the next challenge is finding the perfect track for your project. Here are our five top songs and tips to help you spotify your favorite music artists, cut through the noise and nail the background music for your video:

A. Tip #1 - Determine the Role of Music

The type of video you’re creating will determine the role background music plays in it. For instance, if your video has a clear storyline, music can be used to advance the plot—such as a dramatic track to build anticipation or a triumphant one at the climax. In a Nike ad, for example, a motivational track communicates the determination of athletes training to be the best, supported by lyrics that reinforce the ad’s tagline “My better is better than your better”.

Conversely, if you’re enhancing an explainer or demo video, the music you choose should have an even tempo and be subtle enough not to distract the viewer. Brand promo videos or announcements can benefit from dramatic background music that creates a sense of anticipation or achievement.

B. Tip #2 - Evoke Desired Emotion

Music serves as one of the most potent tools for evoking specific emotions, making it crucial to select a track that aligns with the tone of your video. For instance, if your video tackles a serious topic, choosing upbeat background music would likely create a mismatch.

Once you've determined the emotion you want your audience to experience through play music, you can refine your search by genre. Here's how different genres of background music typically evoke emotions:

- Cinematic: Grand, triumphant.

- Corporate: Engaging, hopeful.

- Ambient: Soothing, calm.

- Electronic: Intelligent, curious, upbeat.

- Classical/Jazz: Sophistication.

- Hip Hop: Edgy, fast, confident.

- Rock: Energetic, gritty.

C. Tip #3 - Know Your Audience

Understanding the demographics and interests of your audience is crucial for selecting music that resonates with them. For example, if your audience consists of business professionals, opting for corporate or ambient tones may be more appropriate. Conversely, if you're targeting a younger demographic, experimenting with hip hop, electronic, or dance music could be more engaging and relevant. By aligning the music choice with the preferences of your audience, you can enhance their viewing experience and make a stronger connection with them.

D. Tip #4 - Match Music Pace

When choosing background music, it's essential to select a track that aligns with the pace of your video. Opt for music with a steady tempo and avoid sudden shifts in mood or instrumentation. For instance, consider the Australian commercial for Surf Life Saving, which emphasizes water safety and drowning prevention through slow-motion footage. The accompanying track mirrors this solemn mood with its slow, gentle tempo. Choosing a high-tempo, upbeat track would have clashed with the video's pace and tone, creating a jarring experience for viewers. By selecting music that complements the pace of your video, you can enhance its impact and maintain coherence throughout.

E. Tip #5 - Balance Music and Video

The perfect background music should enhance rather than distract from your video. Regardless of the genre, it's crucial to select tracks that complement your footage seamlessly. Moreover, if your video includes a voiceover, opt for music without vocals to prevent any conflicts with the narration. For instance, in our recent video highlighting the best online video editors of 2024, we chose upbeat background music to maintain engagement without overshadowing the content. We carefully balanced the music volume to ensure that the voiceover remains clear and audible throughout the video. This approach allows viewers to fully engage with the content while enjoying the musical accompaniment.

F. Tip #6 - Avoid Copyright Issues

Using copyrighted music without obtaining proper permission and licensing from the artist can result in your video being taken down and potential legal consequences for copyright infringement. Licensing music, particularly popular tracks, can be costly. To avoid copyright claims, it's advisable to opt for royalty-free music for videos available in the public domain or listed under a Creative Commons license. Understanding how each of these works is essential for ensuring compliance and protecting your content from copyright issues. By choosing royalty-free music with appropriate licensing, you can create engaging videos without the risk of copyright infringement.

Understanding Music Rights

When downloading and using background music, it's crucial to understand the terms of music licensing to avoid legal issues or copyright claims in the future. Here's a breakdown of key terms:

Royalty-Free: Royalty-free music permits users to use copyrighted music multiple times by paying a one-time fee to the artist or publisher, rather than recurring charges for each use. However, the term "royalty-free" doesn't necessarily mean the music is free of charge; typically, users must purchase a license to use the track.

Creative Commons: Creative Commons licenses are public copyright licenses that allow for the free distribution of copyrighted works, usually with the condition that the original creator is credited. There are six different types of Creative Commons licenses, each dictating how and where a track can be used. The CC BY license is the most permissive, granting users the right to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material for both commercial and non-commercial purposes.

Public Domain: Public domain refers to works not protected by copyright, also known as copyright-free music. These tracks can be used, adapted, and distributed by anyone without permission or the need to pay the original artist. Works may enter the public domain if they were created before intellectual property laws existed or if their copyright has expired. The duration of copyright varies by country; for example, in the US, musical compositions published before January 1, 1926, are considered public domain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we've explored some of the best sources for free music that can elevate your videos favourite podcasts other playlists to the next level. From YouTube's audio library to platforms like BenSound and MixKit, there's a wide array of options to suit various needs and preferences.

Understanding music rights is essential to avoid legal issues and ensure compliance when using background music in your videos. Whether it's navigating royalty-free licenses, Creative Commons terms, or public domain works, being informed about music rights empowers you to create content responsibly and ethically.

By choosing songs leveraging the right music, you can enhance the impact of your videos and captivate your audience more effectively. So, let's continue to explore, experiment, our own music playlists and create engaging videos with the perfect soundtrack, enriching the viewing experience for audiences around the world.

FAQ's

1. Can I use royalty-free music for commercial purposes?

  - Yes, you can use royalty-free music for commercial purposes as long as you adhere to the terms of the license agreement. Typically, royalty-free music licenses allow for the use of the music in various commercial projects, including advertisements, promotional videos, and corporate presentations. However, it's essential to review the specific terms and conditions of the license to ensure compliance.

2. Do I need to credit the artist when using Creative Commons-licensed music?

  - It depends on the type of Creative Commons (CC) license associated with the music. Some CC licenses require attribution, meaning you must credit the original artist when using their work. However, other CC licenses may not require attribution. It's crucial to check the specific terms of the CC license associated with the music you intend to use to determine whether attribution is necessary.

3. Can I edit or remix public domain music for my own projects?

  - Yes, you can edit or remix public domain music for your own projects without obtaining permission or facing copyright issues. Public domain music is not protected by copyright, allowing you to freely adapt, modify, and use it for various purposes. However, it's essential to verify that the music you're using is indeed in the public domain, as copyright laws may vary depending on factors such as the date of creation and jurisdiction.

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