Find background music for vlogs, gaming videos, tutorials, Shorts, podcasts, and professional productions. Compare free music libraries, paid subscriptions, licensing rules, and ways to reduce copyright-claim risks.
Quick picks: YouTube Audio Library for free music directly from YouTube, Pixabay Music for a broader free catalog, and Epidemic Sound or Artlist for creators who need a larger paid music library.
Choosing the best royalty-free music for YouTube videos is about more than finding a song that sounds good. You also need permission to use it in your video, especially if you monetize content, work with sponsors, or publish videos for clients.
Some music libraries offer tracks at no cost, while paid services provide larger catalogs and licensing features designed for regular creators. Others use Creative Commons licenses that require attribution or restrict commercial use. Understanding these differences can help you avoid unexpected copyright claims, muted audio, or disputes over monetization.
Best Royalty-Free Music Sites for YouTube at a Glance
| Music library | Price model | Best for | Important licensing detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Audio Library | Free | Creators publishing on YouTube | Check each track’s attribution requirement |
| Pixabay Music | Free | Vlogs, tutorials, and general video content | Review the Pixabay Content License and track details |
| Mixkit | Free collection | Background music and short videos | Confirm the applicable license and permitted uses |
| Uppbeat | Free tier and paid plans | YouTubers and social creators | Free use may require attribution or a credit code |
| Incompetech | Free with applicable credit; paid options may be available | Documentaries, explainers, and indie productions | Follow the specific license and credit instructions |
| Bensound | Free options and paid licenses | Corporate videos, tutorials, and presentations | Free and paid permissions may differ |
| Epidemic Sound | Subscription | Frequent YouTube publishers | Check channel clearance and what remains covered after cancellation |
| Artlist | Subscription | Filmmakers and professional creators | License scope depends on the plan and project type |
| Soundstripe | Subscription and plan-based options | Creators producing videos regularly | Check channel limits and platform coverage |
| Envato Elements | Subscription | Editors who also need video templates and other assets | Check project registration and license requirements |
This comparison describes general service models, not a guarantee that every track or plan includes the same rights. Free access, prices, and license terms can change. Always verify the current license before publishing.
What Does Royalty-Free Music Mean?
Royalty-free music generally means you can use a track under a license without paying a recurring royalty for every view or play. Depending on the license, you may pay once, pay for a subscription, or use a track for free under specific conditions.
Royalty-free does not mean copyright-free. A composer, record label, or music library may still own rights to the recording or composition. The license defines what you are allowed to do with it.
Licensed use
You receive permission to use music according to the applicable terms. Some licenses allow monetized videos, while others restrict certain projects or platforms.
License conditions vary
Some tracks require attribution, some require derivative works to use the same license, and some prohibit commercial use. Read the exact license attached to each track.
Check the recording too
A composition may be in the public domain while a particular recording remains protected. Verify both the composition and the recording before using them.
Best Free Royalty-Free Music for YouTube Videos
1. YouTube Audio Library: Best Free Option for YouTube
YouTube Audio Library is the first place many creators should look for background music. It is built into YouTube Studio and includes music and sound effects that YouTube identifies as copyright-safe for use on the platform.
You can browse tracks by genre, mood, artist, duration, and other filters. Some tracks use the standard YouTube Audio Library license and do not require attribution. Others use a Creative Commons license and require credit in your video description.
Advantages
- Free access to a library of music and sound effects.
- Useful search and filtering options.
- Eligible tracks can be used in monetized YouTube videos.
- YouTube states that Audio Library downloads will not be claimed by rights holders through Content ID.
Limitations: The catalog may not include the exact sound you want. Do not assume that every track is cleared for every platform outside YouTube.
2. Pixabay Music: Best for Free Background Tracks
Pixabay Music provides downloadable music across styles such as cinematic, electronic, ambient, corporate, acoustic, and upbeat background music. It is useful when you need music for a vlog, tutorial, presentation, product video, or other creative project without immediately paying for a subscription.
Tracks are generally available under the Pixabay Content License, but you should review the current terms and any relevant restrictions. Free music can still occasionally trigger a mistaken or disputed Content ID claim, so keep a record of the track page and license information.
Advantages
- Free music in a range of styles and moods.
- Useful for many kinds of online video.
- Attribution is generally not required under the standard Pixabay Content License.
Limitations: Do not redistribute tracks as standalone music files or assume that every possible use is allowed. Check the license before using a track in advertising, client work, or products for sale.
3. Mixkit: Best for Quick Video Background Music
Mixkit offers a free music collection designed for video and creative projects. It can be a convenient place to find short background tracks, cinematic music, upbeat electronic sounds, and audio for social videos.
Mixkit is particularly useful when you want to find and download a track without signing up for a full music subscription. However, you should read the applicable license and confirm that it covers your particular project, especially for commercial use or distribution beyond ordinary online videos.
Advantages
- Free tracks for many common video styles.
- Useful for social content, presentations, and explainers.
- Simple browsing and downloading experience.
Limitations: Check the license for the specific asset. A free download should not be treated as unrestricted permission to resell or redistribute the original music.
4. Uppbeat: Best for YouTube Creators Who Need More Variety
Uppbeat focuses on music and sound effects for online creators. It offers a free tier as well as paid plans, making it worth considering if you want to start without a subscription and potentially upgrade as your publishing schedule grows.
Free access may come with limits on downloads or require a specific credit line or attribution code. Paid plans may provide additional permissions and a different workflow for clearing claims. Follow the instructions associated with your account and track.
Advantages
- Music aimed at YouTube and social creators.
- Free and paid options.
- Useful for discovering modern background tracks.
Limitations: Review download limits, credit requirements, and channel-clearance rules before publishing. Do not assume that a free-tier track has the same terms as a paid download.
5. Incompetech: Best for Independent and Documentary-Style Videos
Incompetech is known for a catalog of music by composer Kevin MacLeod. It can be a useful source for documentaries, educational videos, comedy, animation, and projects that need distinctive instrumental music.
Many tracks are offered under Creative Commons Attribution terms, with separate licensing options potentially available. If attribution is required, copy the exact credit instructions from the track or license page and include them in your description.
Advantages
- A distinctive catalog for different storytelling moods.
- Useful for educational, indie, and documentary projects.
- Options for users who are willing to provide proper credit.
Limitations: Licensing and attribution need attention. Do not use a track commercially until you have confirmed that its specific license permits your intended use.
6. Bensound: Best for Corporate Videos and Presentations
Bensound offers music for videos, business presentations, tutorials, promotional content, and other creative projects. Its catalog can be useful when you need polished instrumental music that supports a brand message without distracting from narration.
Some tracks or plans may offer free use with attribution, while other uses require a paid license. Review the terms for the selected track and the intended distribution platform before adding it to a monetized video or client project.
Advantages
- Useful for corporate and explainer-style videos.
- Music organized for common production needs.
- Free and paid licensing options may be available.
Limitations: Free licenses may have restrictions or credit requirements. Paid permissions may vary by project type and distribution channel.
Best Paid Royalty-Free Music Libraries for YouTube
If you upload regularly, work with clients, or need a wider range of music and sound effects, a paid library can make finding and licensing tracks easier. Compare not only catalog size but also channel clearance, commercial permissions, and what happens to previously published videos if you cancel.
7. Epidemic Sound: Best for Regular YouTube Publishers
Epidemic Sound offers a large music and sound-effects catalog for video creators. It is designed for workflows where music is a regular part of publishing rather than something you download once in a while.
Depending on your subscription, the service may provide tools for connecting or clearing eligible channels and accounts. Check whether your plan covers YouTube, Shorts, other social platforms, sponsored content, and any client work you intend to produce.
Why choose Epidemic Sound?
- A broad catalog for many video styles.
- Music and sound effects in one service.
- Useful discovery tools for regular publishing.
- Plan-based channel clearance and licensing features.
Potential drawback: It requires a paid plan for the applicable licensed uses. Carefully check the cancellation policy and which previously published videos remain covered.
8. Artlist: Best for Filmmakers and Cinematic Videos
Artlist offers music, sound effects, and additional creative assets depending on the subscription. It is worth considering for travel films, documentaries, brand videos, cinematic edits, and other productions where music is a major part of the storytelling.
Artlist’s licensing options vary by plan and project type. If you make videos for clients or publish branded content, confirm that the subscription you choose covers that work and the platforms where the finished video will appear.
Why choose Artlist?
- Music suited to cinematic and polished productions.
- Sound effects and other creative assets may be available.
- Useful for filmmakers who want a consistent production library.
Potential drawback: The correct plan depends on whether you create personal content, commercial projects, or work for clients. Check the applicable license before publishing.
9. Soundstripe: Best for Creators Publishing Consistently
Soundstripe provides licensed music and sound effects for video production. It can suit YouTubers, editors, and businesses that need to find music for many projects without sourcing every track individually.
Before subscribing, review the number of channels or accounts allowed, the kinds of commercial work covered, and any steps needed to clear your videos from Content ID claims. These details are particularly important if you publish for multiple brands.
Why choose Soundstripe?
- A catalog designed for video production.
- Music and sound-effects discovery tools.
- Licensing options for recurring creative work.
Potential drawback: Permissions and channel limits depend on the selected plan. Confirm that your actual workflow is covered before paying.
10. Envato Elements: Best for Editors Who Need More Than Music
Envato Elements provides a subscription-based library of creative assets that can include music, sound effects, video templates, graphics, and other resources. It may offer good value if you produce videos and regularly need multiple types of assets.
Its licensing system has project-specific requirements, so follow the asset registration process and retain the relevant license records. A subscription should not be treated as permission to redistribute an original music file or use it in an unrelated project outside the license terms.
Why choose Envato Elements?
- Music alongside other editing assets.
- Useful for creators working on many kinds of video.
- Can simplify asset sourcing for recurring projects.
Potential drawback: You need to understand project registration and license conditions. Check what remains covered after cancellation and how new projects are handled.
Which Royalty-Free Music Library Should You Choose?
Answer the questions below to get a practical starting recommendation.
Find the best music source for your channel
Begin with the free library inside YouTube Studio and check the attribution requirements of each track.
How to Find the Right Music for Your Video
The right soundtrack supports the content instead of competing with it. Use the following workflow to choose a track more efficiently.
- Define the mood. Decide whether the video needs energy, suspense, relaxation, emotion, or a professional atmosphere.
- Choose the genre. Search for terms such as ambient, cinematic, acoustic, electronic, hip-hop, corporate, lo-fi, or upbeat.
- Match the tempo to the edit. Faster music may suit action and gaming, while slower tracks can work better for tutorials, storytelling, and reflective scenes.
- Check the duration and structure. Look for natural intro and outro points, useful transitions, and enough music to cover your video.
- Review the license before downloading. Confirm attribution requirements, commercial permissions, platform coverage, and any restrictions on client or sponsored content.
- Save the evidence. Keep the track URL, download date, license details, receipt if applicable, and a copy of any required attribution.
How to Use YouTube Audio Library Music
YouTube Audio Library is a practical starting point if you want music without paying for a subscription. Here is how to find and use a track.
- Open YouTube Studio. Sign in to the YouTube account that manages your channel.
- Open Audio Library. Select Audio Library from the Studio menu, or visit the Audio Library directly.
- Search and filter. Browse by genre, mood, artist, duration, or other available filters to find a suitable track.
- Check the license column. Confirm whether the track uses the standard YouTube Audio Library license or a Creative Commons license requiring attribution.
- Copy the required credit. For tracks requiring attribution, use the credit text supplied by YouTube and paste it into your video description.
- Download and edit. Download the track and add it to your editing software. Keep the track details for your records.
How to Add Music Credits to Your YouTube Description
If a track requires attribution, follow the exact instructions provided by the music library. The template below is a starting point only; replace the placeholders with the real track details and any required wording.
Music attribution template
Music: [Track Title] by [Artist Name]
Source: [Track URL]
License: [Exact License Name and URL]
Do not publish the placeholder text as your final credit. Use the attribution supplied by the actual track page whenever possible.
Can You Monetize YouTube Videos with Royalty-Free Music?
Yes, if the license allows your intended use and your video otherwise meets YouTube’s monetization requirements. The term “royalty-free” alone is not sufficient proof that a track is cleared for monetized content.
Before using music in a video that earns advertising revenue, confirm the following:
- Commercial use is permitted. Check the actual license, not just the website’s marketing language.
- Monetization is covered. Some free licenses restrict commercial use or require a paid upgrade.
- Attribution is complete. Add the required credit exactly as instructed.
- Platform coverage is clear. A license for YouTube may not automatically cover Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, or paid advertising.
- Client and sponsored work is allowed. If you make branded content, verify that your license covers that use.
- You retain documentation. Save the license and proof of download in case you need to resolve a claim.
How to Avoid YouTube Copyright Claims from Music
Even a legitimately licensed track can occasionally produce a mistaken or disputed Content ID claim. A claim is not the same thing as a copyright strike, and the appropriate response depends on the claim and the rights you hold.
- Download music from the original library or artist page, not a re-upload from an unrelated channel.
- Read the license attached to the exact track you use.
- Keep proof of purchase, download records, license text, and required credits.
- For subscription libraries, connect or clear your YouTube channel if the service requires it.
- Check whether your plan covers videos published during the subscription period and what happens if you cancel.
- If a claim appears, compare the claimant and claimed content with your license before deciding whether to dispute it.
Free vs. Paid Royalty-Free Music: Which Is Better?
| Consideration | Free music libraries | Paid music services |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Usually zero for eligible downloads | Subscription or track-specific payment |
| Catalog choice | Can be sufficient for many common videos | Often broader, with additional discovery tools |
| Attribution | May be required depending on the track | Often not required under eligible plans |
| Commercial use | Depends on the exact license | Depends on the plan and project type |
| Content ID handling | Varies by library and track | Some services provide channel clearance or claim support |
| Best for | Beginners and occasional uploads | Frequent publishers and professional workflows |
There is no need to pay for music immediately if you are just starting a channel. The YouTube Audio Library and other free collections may be enough for your first videos. A paid subscription becomes more attractive when you publish frequently, need a specific musical style, work across multiple platforms, or want a more streamlined licensing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free royalty-free music for YouTube videos?
YouTube Audio Library is the best starting point for creators who publish on YouTube because it is free, built into YouTube Studio, and includes tracks whose use YouTube identifies as copyright-safe on the platform. Pixabay Music and Mixkit are additional sources to consider, subject to their current licenses.
Is royalty-free music safe for YouTube monetization?
It can be, provided the license permits monetized use and you comply with all conditions. Confirm commercial permissions, attribution requirements, and platform coverage before publishing.
Do I need to credit royalty-free music on YouTube?
Not always. Some licenses do not require attribution, while Creative Commons and certain free-tier licenses do. Check the exact track license and use the credit instructions provided by the music library.
Can I use royalty-free music on YouTube Shorts?
That depends on the music license and whether it covers Shorts and your intended use. Music available inside YouTube’s own Shorts creation tools may have different permissions from music downloaded from an external library. Check the applicable terms.
Can I use the same music on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok?
Only if the license covers each platform and your intended use. A license limited to YouTube may not authorize use on other social networks or in paid advertisements.
Will royalty-free music ever receive a Content ID claim?
It is possible. A claim may result from an incorrect registration, a conflicting rights claim, or a license that does not cover your use. Keep documentation and follow the music provider’s official claim-resolution process.
What happens if I cancel a paid music subscription?
The answer depends on the provider and subscription. Some services continue covering eligible videos published during an active subscription, while new projects may no longer be covered. Read the cancellation terms before relying on a library for long-term content.
Can I use popular commercial songs as royalty-free background music?
Usually not without the necessary licenses. A popular song may require permission for both the musical composition and the specific sound recording. Buying a song or subscribing to a streaming service does not automatically grant synchronization rights for a YouTube video.
Final Verdict: Where Should You Get Music for YouTube?
For most creators starting out, YouTube Audio Library is the first place to look because it provides free music and sound effects inside YouTube Studio. Pixabay Music and Mixkit are useful additional options for free background tracks, while Uppbeat can be worth comparing if you want a free tier with a path to paid licensing.
If you publish frequently or produce professional videos, consider Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or Soundstripe. If you also need video templates, graphics, and other editing resources, Envato Elements may suit your workflow.
Above all, choose music based on both sound and licensing. Check the exact track, follow attribution rules, save your license evidence, and confirm that your intended use is covered. A few minutes of checking before publishing can save considerable time if a copyright question arises later.
Editorial note: Music catalogs, pricing, free-tier allowances, and license conditions can change. This guide is informational and does not replace reviewing the current license or obtaining legal advice for complex commercial uses.