Free YouTube Music: Non-Copyright Background Tracks
Creating awesome YouTube videos involves a lot of moving parts, and one crucial element is the background music. But here's the thing: you can't just use any song you like! Copyright laws are super important, and using copyrighted music without permission can get your video taken down or even land you in legal trouble. That's where non-copyright background music comes to the rescue! In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of royalty-free music and show you where to find amazing tracks you can use in your YouTube videos without worrying about copyright claims. Let's get started and make sure your videos sound as good as they look!
Why Use Non-Copyright Music?
Alright, guys, let's break down why using non-copyright music is a total must for your YouTube videos. First off, copyright infringement is a serious deal. If you use a song without the proper license, YouTube's Content ID system will likely flag your video. This can lead to a copyright strike, which can result in your video being taken down. Too many strikes, and your entire channel could be in jeopardy. Nobody wants that, right? Using non-copyright music ensures you stay on the right side of the law and avoid any nasty surprises.
Secondly, using royalty-free music gives you creative freedom. You can focus on making awesome content without constantly stressing about whether you have the rights to use a particular song. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially when you're trying to produce videos regularly. Plus, many platforms offer a wide variety of genres and styles, so you can always find the perfect track to match the mood and theme of your video. Whether you need something upbeat and energetic or calm and soothing, there's a non-copyright option out there for you.
Finally, let's talk about monetization. If you're planning to monetize your YouTube channel, using copyrighted music can throw a wrench in your plans. YouTube might claim the ad revenue from your video and give it to the copyright holder of the music. By using non-copyright music, you ensure that you keep all the ad revenue your video generates. It's a smart move that helps you grow your channel and earn money from your hard work. So, to sum it up, using non-copyright music protects you legally, gives you creative freedom, and helps you monetize your content effectively. It's a win-win-win!
Where to Find Free Non-Copyright Music
Okay, so you're convinced that non-copyright music is the way to go—awesome! Now, where do you actually find it? Don't worry; there are tons of great resources out there. Let's explore some of the best places to snag free, high-quality tracks for your YouTube videos.
YouTube Audio Library
First up, we have the YouTube Audio Library. This is a fantastic resource because it's built right into YouTube Studio! To access it, just go to your YouTube Studio dashboard, and you'll find the Audio Library in the left-hand menu. The YouTube Audio Library offers a vast selection of music and sound effects that you can use in your videos for free. The best part? All the tracks are cleared for use, so you don't have to worry about copyright claims. You can filter the music by genre, mood, instrument, and more, making it super easy to find the perfect fit for your video. Plus, they regularly update the library with new tracks, so there's always something fresh to discover. Using the YouTube Audio Library is a no-brainer for any content creator looking for hassle-free background music.
Incompetech
Next, let's talk about Incompetech, created by composer Kevin MacLeod. Incompetech is a treasure trove of royalty-free music spanning various genres and styles. Kevin MacLeod has made his music available for free under a Creative Commons license, which means you can use it in your videos as long as you give him credit. The Incompetech website is straightforward to navigate, and you can easily browse through the different tracks to find what you need. While the website might look a bit dated, the quality of the music is top-notch. Don't let the old-school design fool you; Incompetech is a goldmine for content creators. Just remember to attribute Kevin MacLeod in your video description to comply with the Creative Commons license.
Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound is a subscription-based service, but it's worth mentioning because of its massive library of high-quality music and sound effects. While it's not entirely free, Epidemic Sound offers a royalty-free music subscription that gives you unlimited access to their entire catalog. This is a great option if you create videos regularly and need a consistent source of professional-sounding music. With Epidemic Sound, you can browse through thousands of tracks, filter by genre, mood, and tempo, and download as many songs as you need. The subscription covers you for all your YouTube videos, ensuring you won't have any copyright issues. Plus, Epidemic Sound adds new music daily, so you'll always have fresh options to choose from.
Other Resources
Besides the big players, there are a few other resources you should check out. Sites like Bensound, AudioJungle, and Free Music Archive offer a mix of free and paid royalty-free music. Bensound, in particular, has a great selection of tracks that you can use for free as long as you credit them. AudioJungle is a marketplace where you can purchase individual tracks or music packs, giving you a wide range of options. The Free Music Archive is a project that aims to provide free and legal music downloads, so it's definitely worth exploring. Remember to always read the licensing terms carefully before using any music to make sure you're complying with the requirements. With a bit of digging, you can find some hidden gems on these platforms and add some unique flair to your YouTube videos. So, go ahead and explore these resources to find the perfect non-copyright music for your content!
Tips for Using Non-Copyright Music
Finding non-copyright music is just the first step. Now, let's talk about how to use it effectively in your YouTube videos. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your background music and enhance the overall viewing experience.
Match the Music to Your Video's Mood
This might seem obvious, but it's super important to match the music to the mood of your video. If you're creating a high-energy vlog, you'll want upbeat and exciting music. For a calming meditation video, go for something soothing and mellow. The right music can amplify the emotions you're trying to convey and keep your audience engaged. Think about the overall vibe you're going for and choose music that complements it perfectly. If your music clashes with your video's tone, it can be distracting and turn viewers off. So, take the time to find tracks that truly enhance your content and create a cohesive experience.
Adjust the Volume Levels
Volume levels are key to creating a professional-sounding video. You want your background music to support your content, not overpower it. Make sure the music is at a level where it's audible but doesn't drown out your voice or any other important sounds in your video. A good rule of thumb is to keep the music significantly lower than your voiceover. Use your video editing software to adjust the volume levels and test them out to ensure everything sounds balanced. Nobody wants to strain to hear what you're saying because the music is too loud. Getting the volume levels just right can make a huge difference in the overall quality of your video.
Give Credit Where It's Due
If you're using Creative Commons music, giving credit is a must. Check the license terms for the specific requirements and include the necessary attribution in your video description. This typically involves mentioning the artist's name, the song title, and a link to the source. Giving credit is not only the right thing to do, but it also helps support the artists who are making their music available for free. Plus, it shows your audience that you respect copyright laws and value the work of others. It's a small effort that goes a long way in building good relationships with the music community and ensuring you're always on the right side of the law.
Use Music to Create Transitions
Music can be a fantastic tool for creating smooth and engaging transitions in your videos. Instead of just cutting from one scene to another, use a musical cue to signal a change. For example, you can use a short musical interlude to transition between different segments of your video or to highlight a key moment. This adds a layer of polish to your content and keeps your viewers engaged. Experiment with different musical transitions to see what works best for your style and content. A well-placed musical transition can make your video feel more professional and captivating.
Keep Your Music Library Organized
As you start using more and more non-copyright music, keeping your music library organized is essential. Create folders for different genres, moods, or projects to make it easier to find the tracks you need. Use descriptive file names so you can quickly identify the song without having to listen to it every time. A well-organized music library will save you time and frustration in the long run and help you streamline your video creation process. There are even music management software options available that can help you tag and categorize your tracks. Investing a little time in organizing your music library will pay off big time as your channel grows.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, guys! A complete guide to finding and using non-copyright background music for your YouTube videos. Using royalty-free music is a smart move that protects you legally, gives you creative freedom, and helps you monetize your content effectively. With the resources and tips we've covered, you're well-equipped to find the perfect tracks to enhance your videos and keep your audience engaged. Remember to always read the licensing terms carefully, give credit where it's due, and match the music to your video's mood. Now, go out there and create some awesome videos with amazing background music! Happy creating!
