You’d rather do anything than spend hours finding the right track for your YouTube video, right? Plus, you want music without risking a copyright claim or demonetization. Luckily, there are plenty of royalty-free music libraries available.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best ones and give you practical tips for selecting the right tunes for your videos.
Let’s get into it.
What Is Royalty-Free Music?
Before we explore the best sources for music, let’s make sure we’re on the same page when it comes to royalty-free music. Essentially, royalty-free music refers to music that doesn’t require you to pay ongoing royalties each time you use it. When you purchase or download royalty-free music, you typically get a one-time license to use it for your project. This is especially useful for YouTubers who want to avoid paying hefty fees for each new video.
For creators, this means not copyrighted music that you can use freely for your videos, podcasts, streams, and more, without the risk of violating copyright laws.
Why You Should Care About Royalty-Free Music for YouTube
You might be thinking, "Why does it matter where I get my music from? Music is music, right?" Well, if you’re monetizing your content, the source of your music definitely matters.
Using music without proper licensing can result in your videos being demonetized, taken down, or leading to a copyright strike. Royalty-free music allows you to post videos while keeping your monetization intact, confidently.
It’s also worth mentioning that many royalty-free music libraries offer background music options, instrumental tracks, and ambient music, which can help you customize the vibe of your video or podcast. Whether you need a relaxing backdrop or an intense buildup, there's a royalty-free track out there for you.
The Top Royalty-Free Music Libraries for YouTube
We’ve compiled a list of the best royalty-free music libraries for YouTubers according to creators' feedback. From platforms offering free music for videos to those with premium, high-quality tracks, we’ve got options for creators of all budgets and needs.
1. Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound offers one of the most extensive libraries of royalty-free music for YouTube. With over 32,000 tracks and 60,000 sound effects, this is a treasure trove for creators looking for high-quality licensed music for videos. You get 100% copyright-cleared tracks, meaning you won’t have to worry about demonetization or strikes.
For AIR Media-Tech partners, the best part is that Epidemic Sound is completely free to use! You’ll get unlimited access to their entire music library with no hidden fees or restrictions.
How it works:
- Join AIR Media-Tech and gain free access to Epidemic Sound’s library.
- Choose the perfect track for your video, whether it's a high-energy piece or a subtle, relaxing background score.
- Integrate the track directly into your content, secure in the knowledge that your monetization rights are protected.
The platform allows you to filter tracks by genre, mood, tempo, and even instrument, making it incredibly easy to find the perfect fit for your content.
2. YouTube Audio Library
A no-cost solution from the source itself.
For YouTubers just starting or those on a budget, the YouTube Audio Library is an excellent resource. You’ll find a range of free tracks available for use on your channel, all 100% copyright-free.
While the YouTube Audio Library doesn’t have the sheer volume or variety of some premium services, it’s a free music library that's fully integrated with YouTube, making it easy to download tracks directly into your YouTube Studio.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check whether a track requires attribution before using it. Some songs may ask for credit in the video description, so double-check the licensing before you upload.
3. Soundstripe
Best for those looking for high-quality tracks from Grammy-winning musicians.
If you want to step up your audio for your YouTube channel, Soundstripe is an excellent option. With a subscription starting at just $19.99/month, Soundstripe provides access to royalty-free background music and instrumentals that are clear for monetized videos.
One of the platform’s standout features is its AI editing tool. You can customize tracks to fit your needs by cutting, looping, or rearranging the music to suit your video’s rhythm and pacing.
Pro Tip: Soundstripe also provides mobile apps, so you can access music for video editing on the go. Plus, you can use their tracks across multiple platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
4. Artlist
Best for cinematic and emotional music.
For YouTubers looking for more cinematic or emotional music to elevate their videos, Artlist is a top choice. The platform offers a subscription plan starting at $9/month and gives you access to a wide range of high-quality music.
Artlist allows you to use tracks not just on YouTube, but also on other platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Plus, all songs come with an all-encompassing license, meaning you won’t have to worry about future licensing issues if you decide to repurpose your videos.
Pro Tip: Use Artlist’s advanced filtering options to narrow down tracks by mood, genre, instrument, and even duration, ensuring the perfect track for any moment in your video.
5. AudioJungle
Best for one-time, affordable music tracks.
AudioJungle provides a solution for creators looking for specific royalty-free tracks without paying a subscription fee. Prices start at around $1 per track, making it one of the most budget-friendly options available.
AudioJungle offers a huge library of royalty-free music and sound effects, with the ability to filter by mood, genre, instrument, and length. Each track comes with a license that allows you to use it in YouTube videos, podcasts, and more.
Pro Tip: If you need a song for a commercial project, be sure to choose a license that includes commercial use.
6. PremiumBeat
Best for high-quality, premium tracks.
If you’re willing to invest in premium music tracks, PremiumBeat offers an excellent selection. With prices starting at $19.99/month, you get access to royalty-free music from Shutterstock, with options for background music and instrumental music.
The platform specializes in high-quality music that will make your videos feel more polished and professional. Whether you’re making tutorials, vlogs, or product reviews, there’s a track here for you.
Pro Tip: If you want a tailored experience, PremiumBeat offers an easy-to-use search function that lets you filter by mood, genre, instrument, and even project type.
How to Choose the Right Music for Your YouTube Videos
With so many great royalty-free music libraries to choose from, you might be wondering: How do I pick the right track for my videos?
Here are some practical tips for making the best choice:
1. Fit Your Content’s Mood
Music sets the tone of your video. Are you making an energetic vlog, a calming meditation video, or a dramatic unboxing? Match your music to the mood of the content.
2. Don’t Overwhelm Your Viewers
Background music should complement, not overpower, your video. Choose tracks with a good balance of energy that won’t distract from your voiceovers or key messages.
3. Think About Long-Term Use
Consider how your music choices fit with your channel’s theme. If you frequently make lifestyle videos, select music that consistently matches your brand’s vibe.
4. Get Familiar with License Terms
Before using a track, always double-check its licensing terms. Even free music for YouTube may have specific rules about attribution or commercial use.
Finding royalty-free music that fits your style is crucial for any serious YouTuber. With such copyright-safe music on platforms, you’ll never have to worry about copyright claims again.
As you explore the music libraries available, consider which one aligns best with your needs. Whether it’s the massive catalog at Epidemic Sound, the budget-friendly options at YouTube’s Audio Library, or the premium, high-quality tracks at Artlist and Soundstripe, there's a perfect track out there for every YouTube video.
Want to start using premium music for free? Join AIR Media-Tech today and get free access to Epidemic Sound's expansive library to keep your videos monetized, legally compliant, and on-brand.
