Finding Copyright-Free Music for Videos: The Ultimate Guide

Finding Copyright-Free Music for Your Videos

Adding background music is a great way to enhance the production value of videos for social media. However, using copyrighted music can lead to copyright claims or even video takedowns. The good news is there are plenty of options for finding quality music that is free to use.

Royalty-Free Music Libraries

There are many large online libraries that offer royalty-free music you can use in your videos. These include paid options like PremiumBeat and Envato Elements as well as free options like Free Music Archive and Incompetech. The music is licensed so you can use it without worrying about copyright claims.

When searching these libraries, look for music marked as "royalty-free" or that allows "commercial use". Be sure to check the license terms to understand any attribution requirements. Also search for genres and moods that fit your video style.

Creative Commons Music

Many musicians release songs under Creative Commons licenses, which allow reuse with certain conditions. CC licenses range from allowing any use to requiring attribution. Search sites like SoundCloud, Jamendo, and even YouTube for CC-licensed music.

Focus on CC licenses that allow "commercial" use and "derivatives". Check if the license requires attribution and follow any specified conditions. Using CC music is riskier than royalty-free so confirm the musician actually owns the rights.

Copyright-Free Classical Music

Classical music is copyright-free if the composer has been dead for over 70 years. This includes famous composers like Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky. There are many websites where you can download quality recordings of copyright-free classical music.

Public domain classical music is a great way to add sophisticated background music to videos. Choose energetic orchestral music for dramatic effect or soft piano music to relax viewers. Just be aware that some early recordings may still be under copyright.

Original Music from New Artists

A more unique option is to commission original background music from new artists. Many independent musicians on platforms like Fiverr are happy to provide custom music for reasonable prices.

Make sure to negotiate full rights to use the music in your videos and other projects. This avoids any copyright issues. Though more costly upfront, original music gives you something no one else has.

Make Your Own Music

If you have some musical skills, you can create your own simple background music. There are many free tools to help make royalty-free music even if you have no experience.

For example, garageband or similar free music mixing software. There are also large libraries of copyright-free loops and samples you can mix together. While DIY music takes effort, it gives you total legal and creative control.

Where to Get Music for Free

Here are some great specific resources to find copyright-free music:

• YouTube Audio Library - YouTube's own library of free music and sound effects.
• Free Music Archive - Library of CC-licensed music from independent artists.
• Incompetech - Royalty-free music by composer Kevin MacLeod.
• SoundCloud - Look for tracks under Creative Commons licenses.
• FMA - Free Music Archive - Over 15,000 tracks under Creative Commons licenses.

Using Music Legally in Your Videos

Once you've found the perfect copyright-free track, make sure to follow best practices:

• Check the license to see if attribution is required and follow any guidelines.
• Download directly from the source rather than ripping from YouTube.
• Don't use more than 30 seconds of a song without permission.
• Store your music files properly in case you ever need to prove licensing.

Avoiding Copyright Claims

Be careful, even if you use copyright-free music you could attract false copyright claims. Here are some tips to avoid this:

• Don't use remixes or covers unless you have permission.
• Watch for "re-uploads" of licensed music by other users.
• Dispute claims if they seem suspicious or inaccurate.
• Don't try to hide music ownership. Follow attribution requirements.

Enhancing Your Videos with Great Music

Adding background music can really make your videos stand out. Just be sure any music you use is copyright-free. This avoids copyright claims while also being ethical. With the resources above, you should have no trouble finding the perfect tunes.

Now get creative with music that complements your brand! Your viewers will love the engaging, original content you produce.

FAQs

Can I use classical music for free?

Yes, classical music by composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky is copyright-free if the composer has been dead for over 70 years. You can find free recordings of these works online.

What are the different Creative Commons licenses?

CC licenses range from CC0 (public domain) to licenses requiring attribution (CC-BY), non-commercial use (CC-NC), no derivatives (CC-ND), and combinations of these. Avoid CC-ND and CC-NC-ND for videos.

Do I have to credit the music I use?

It depends on the license. Royalty-free and YouTube Audio Library music may not require attribution. But Creative Commons and public domain classical music often require you to credit the artist, song, and source in your video description.

Can I use the same song multiple times?

Yes, most royalty-free and Creative Commons licenses allow re-use in multiple videos. Some limit how much you can use at once without permission, usually 30 seconds. Public domain classical music can be used without limits.