Where Can I Get Non-Copyrighted Music?

“Where can I get non-copyrighted music?” often comes into one’s mind when one wants to incorporate the perfect music in video content.

Finding suitable music for creative projects can be a difficult task, particularly when it is important to use music that is not copyrighted to avoid any legal problems.

Non-copyrighted piece of music, often referred to as royalty-free music, provides you with the freedom to use music tracks without infringing on copyright.

In this guide, we’ll explore various sources where you can discover high-quality non-copyrighted music to elevate your videos, presentations, podcasts, and more.

What are Non-Copyrighted Music?

Non-copyrighted music refers to compositions whose original copyright has either expired or has been intentionally relinquished by the creator or rights holder. This type of music is an invaluable resource for content creators, filmmakers, educators, and anyone looking to enhance their projects with sound without the legal complexities of copyright infringement.

One of the primary advantages of non-copyrighted music is the freedom it offers. Content creators can incorporate these tracks into videos, podcasts, presentations, and other media without the fear of facing legal disputes or paying hefty licensing fees. This accessibility democratises creative expression, allowing individuals and small businesses to produce high-quality content without significant financial barriers.

The term “copyright-free music” generally falls into two main categories: Royalty-Free and Creative Commons.

• Royalty-Free music allows users to pay once (or sometimes free) and use the music multiple times across various projects without additional fees. This type is popular for its simplicity and broad usage rights.
• Creative Commons music is released under specific licenses that dictate how the music can be used. These licenses may require attribution, restrict commercial use, or allow modifications, providing a flexible framework for creators to share their work while maintaining certain controls.

By leveraging non-copyrighted music, creators can focus more on their content and less on legal restrictions, fostering a more vibrant and innovative creative community.

Background Music Expenses

Let’s review the costs associated with purchasing basic background music for social media videos before we get started.

One common misconception is that royalty-free music is entirely free. In reality, royalty-free music typically requires a one-time licensing fee. This payment grants creators the perpetual right to use the music across multiple projects without incurring additional costs.

The initial investment can vary based on factors such as the track’s popularity, length, and the scope of usage rights. For many content creators, this upfront cost is justified by the flexibility and peace of mind it provides, eliminating the need for ongoing payments or worries about copyright infringement.

On the other hand, public domain and Creative Commons (CC) music offer genuinely free alternatives. Public domain music is free to use without obtaining permission from the original creator, as its copyright has expired or the creator has relinquished rights. This makes it an attractive option for creators on a tight budget. However, the selection might be limited compared to royalty-free libraries.

Creative Commons works are another free option, but they come with specific licensing terms. Depending on the CC license, users may need to provide attribution, refrain from using the pieces of music for commercial purposes, or avoid altering the original work.

While these conditions can limit certain uses, CC licenses offer a level of flexibility and accessibility that benefits many creators seeking cost-effective background music solutions.

What Songs Can I Use on YouTube Without Copyright?

If you’re looking for music that you can use on YouTube without worrying about copyright issues, there are several options available. These include:

Royalty-Free Music: Many websites offer royalty-free tracks that you can use in your videos. These tracks are usually available for a one-time licensing fee, and you can use them without any restrictions.

Creative Commons Music: Some artists release their music under Creative Commons licenses, which allow you to use their work as long as you follow the terms specified by the license. This might include giving credit to the artist or using the piece for non-commercial uses.

Public Domain Music: Melody that is in the public domain is free to use because its copyright has expired. This includes classical compositions and older songs where the copyright has lapsed.

YouTube Audio Library: YouTube itself offers a collection of perfect tracks of music and sound effects that you can use in your videos. These tracks are free to use and don’t require any licensing.

Free Music Platforms: There are platforms like Jamendo, Musopen, and Free Music Archive that provide a range of high-quality music that you can use without copyright concerns.

Remember to always check the specific terms and conditions of the tune you’re using to ensure you’re in compliance with the licensing requirements.

Where Can I Get Non-Copyrighted Music: Top 11 Sources

1. YouTube Audio Library

When it comes to enhancing your YouTube videos with captivating music, look no further than the “Create” section of YouTube, where you’ll discover the treasure trove known as the Audio Library.

This hidden gem houses a diverse array of musical offerings spanning various genres, ranging from the rhythmic beats of Dance and electronic to the rustic tunes of Country and folk.

The best part? You have the creative freedom to integrate any of these tracks into your video content without shelling out a dime.

The music compilation in the library consists of a blend of public domain compositions and tracks licensed under Creative Commons. The simple requirement for you is to acknowledge the track’s owner by providing proper attribution.

To maximise your experience within this musical haven, make the most of its intuitive search function.

For example, you can effortlessly narrow down your search based on the desired mood, whether it’s a soothing “calm,” an intense “dramatic,” or a groove-inducing “funky.”

Additionally, you can refine your quest by specifying the duration of the track. This step ensures that the selected song aligns seamlessly with the length of your video content.

Another interesting section is the Music Policies segment. It provides info about using popular tracks in your videos. You’ll know if you’re allowed to use them and if there are any usage rules.

Adding melodies to your YouTube videos not only improves the viewing experience but also adds emotion to your original content.

With YouTube’s Audio Library, you can enhance your videos with various music choices while following guidelines and respecting music creators’ rights.

2. Free Music Archive

Founded in 2009 through a collaboration involving WFMU, a community radio station the Free Music Archive (FMA) stands as an online sanctuary for royalty-free music.

It’s designed to offer music under Creative Commons licenses, allowing free downloads and usage in various audiovisual projects.

The platform’s inception sought to curate exceptional music for the internet age.

WFMU announced the closure of FMA in 2018 due to funding constraints, but it was saved by KitSplit in December 2018 and later found a new home under the wing of Tribe of Noise.

This platform boasts an impressive collection of over 150,000 songs contributed by global singers and songwriters.

The platform’s dedication to fostering independent artists is commendable, further exemplified by their informative FAQ guide, which clarifies the varying attribution criteria tied to Creative Commons licenses.

3. Epidemic Sound: Your Source for Great Music

Epidemic Sound offers a vast selection of excellent music tracks, catering to diverse creative needs. While some tracks require a subscription, their extensive royalty-free library ensures you can find the perfect soundtrack without recurring fees.

Tailored Soundtracks for Every Tale

Enhance your audio content with Epidemic Sound’s collection of over 40,000 tracks and 90,000 sound effects. Their royalty-free music library allows for unlimited downloads or streams, making your stories more engaging and memorable. Whether you’re creating videos, podcasts, or other media, Epidemic Sound provides the tools to make your narratives resonate.

4. SoundCloud

SoundCloud is not only a platform for artists to share their songs but also a source of non-copyrighted music.

You can refine your search to display tracks with reuse licenses. Experiment with search terms like “background music,” “uplifting background music,” or “ambient beat.”

SoundCloud’s social aspect offers insights—tracks with numerous “likes” indicate their popularity, ensuring your video’s appeal.

A notable advantage of sourcing background music from SoundCloud is the authentic feel of the tracks.

Unlike manufactured marketing-specific tunes, these tracks exude a genuine musical quality.

5. PremiumBeat

Discover PremiumBeat’s meticulously chosen music tracks for a professional touch. Their platform offers access to unique, top-notch music and sound effects, ideal for elevating any project. Whether you’re producing films, commercials, or online content, PremiumBeat provides the perfect soundtrack to complement your vision.

Their royalty-free music library exudes the sophistication of major production houses, ensuring high-quality audio for your creations. Moreover, every track is exclusively theirs and copyright-cleared, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to use the music without legal concerns.

With PremiumBeat, you gain access to a curated collection that meets the highest standards of excellence, making it the go-to source for discerning creators seeking to enhance their work with exceptional sound.

6. Discovering Musopen: A Unique Classical Experience

Musopen stands apart from the crowd with its exclusive focus on classical royalty-free music. Delve into the works of legendary composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and others.

Navigation is simplified – you can search by instrument, composer, or author. This feature proves invaluable when aiming for a specific mood or concept in your personal project or commercial video projects.

While the music available might not be contemporary, it aligns beautifully if you’re aiming for a refined or cultured ambiance.

Furthermore, its timeless quality ensures a memorable impact on viewers, fostering an enduring connection with your video.

7. Incompetech

Incompetech, created by composer Kevin MacLeod, offers a wide array of music tracks across genres. 

The platform provides high-quality compositions that are perfect for films, podcasts, videos, and other multimedia projects. All music on Incompetech is available under Creative Commons licenses, making it accessible and suitable for various projects.

Users can easily search for tracks based on genre, mood, or tempo, ensuring they find the perfect fit for their project. Additionally, Incompetech allows for easy attribution to the creator, supporting Kevin MacLeod’s ongoing work.

With its extensive library and user-friendly interface, Incompetech is a valuable resource for creators seeking affordable, legal music options to enhance their projects.

8. ccMixter: A Haven for Free Music

ccMixter is like a community hub for artists, including musicians, singers, and DJs. They share their cool music for free, as long as you say it’s by them. Here, you can find special background music.

To find free music for marketing videos, or for video blog, you can check out what the editors like or the tracks with the highest ratings. If you really enjoy a certain artist, you can see more of their stuff by visiting their profile in the “People” area.

You can also use a tag cloud, which is like an old-school search tool, to find the kind of track you want. When you click on a track, you can learn a lot about it, even its Creative Commons license.

It might take a bit to get used to, but even with that, ccMixter is a great place to find new and original background music for videos.

9. Jamendo

Jamendo licensing is a premier online copyright-free music library that offers a vast array of options for creators seeking high-quality tracks.

With over 250,000 songs from more than 9,000 artists, Jamendo provides an extensive selection to suit any project’s needs. Its user-friendly interface features various filters, making it easy to browse and find the perfect music.

The library encompasses 175 genres and sub-genres, ensuring diverse musical styles are available. Additionally, users can refine their searches by mood, themes, project type, instruments, and speed, allowing for precise and efficient discovery.

Whether you’re working on a film, podcast, or social media content, Jamendo Licensing delivers the flexibility and variety needed to enhance your creative endeavors with the ideal soundtrack.

10. Pixabay: More Than Just Photos

Pixabay is a platform that offers free stock photos as well as free royalty-free music.

With the launch of Pixabay Music in 2020, the platform has become your one-stop shop for all your YouTube video needs.

Users have the option to easily search for background music for their YouTube videos based on genre, mood, and tag, and it is all accessible without charge.

Beyond music, you’ll also discover stock videos and sound effects.

According to the Pixabay License, popular songs can be downloaded, used, and modified for both commercial and non-commercial projects.

While not mandatory, giving credit to the artist as a thank-you gesture is a lovely touch.

11. Explore Bensound’s Royalty-Free Melodies

Bensound offers a wide range of downloadable royalty-free music, perfect for various creative projects. With vivid categories like Acoustic, Cinematic, and Urban, you can easily find the ideal vibe to complement your content.

Using Bensound’s music in your YouTube videos is free, providing access to the site’s curated free music list, though attribution is required to credit the creator.

For those who need unrestricted access to the entire library, Bensound offers affordable paid plans starting at $9.99 per month. This allows creators to enhance their projects with high-quality melodies without worrying about licensing issues or additional costs, making Bensound a valuable resource for both amateur and professional content creators.

Some More Copyright-Free Music Sources

When it comes to finding the perfect soundtrack for your video, copyright-free music is a valuable resource. If the options I’ve mentioned so far haven’t hit the mark, here are some additional platforms to explore:

Audionautix is created by Jason Shaw and this platform offers a vast library of free music across various genres. All tracks are licensed under Creative Commons copyright, allowing for both personal and commercial use with proper attribution.

Newgrounds Audio Portal is a community-driven platform where users can upload and share their original music, many of which are available for free download.

AudioBlocks offers a subscription-based service with unlimited downloads of royalty-free music, sound effects, and loops. It’s ideal for creators who need a wide variety of high-quality audio assets regularly.

AudioJungle features a vast marketplace of royalty-free music and sound effects. Users can purchase individual tracks, making it a flexible option for those who prefer not to commit to a subscription.

Netlabels are online record labels that distribute music for free, often under Creative Commons licenses. Platforms like Jamendo and Free Music Archive host numerous netlabels, offering a treasure trove of eclectic and independent music.

Envato Market provides a comprehensive selection of digital assets, including music, templates, and graphics. It’s a one-stop shop for creators seeking diverse resources to enhance their projects.

What’s Next?

Finding the perfect song for your types of content is essential for effective content creation. By utilising proper channels such as royalty-free libraries, Creative Commons platforms, and specialised sources like Jamendo or Epidemic Sound, you can access a variety of genres that match the type of mood you wish to convey.

Whether you’re creating Reels songs, YouTube videos, or podcasts, these sources provide a rich selection to enhance your projects without the risk of misuse of content. Most music copyright holders protect their creations from violation by using third-party tools, ensuring their work remains secure. 

Bytescare is one such service provider that prevents copyright violation through its innovative solution, which is designed to protect digital content using advanced technologies. Book a demo to explore how Bytescare can safeguard your digital content.

Ensuring respect for copyright laws protects the rights of creators and promotes an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive.

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