Finding high-quality background music for videos can be a challenge. Content creators can definitely relate to this one, as trying to find the perfect track that not only matches the video but also meets the copyright requirements of the platform is no easy task.
Since you can’t just put any song out there on a video that you will publish online, we recommend you using royalty free music. This is the best way to avoid any issues, as you will be paying a fee to have the right to use the track.
Many think that royalty free means that the music is actually free. Confusing word game aside, this is not always the case and in fact, if you are looking for high-quality royalty free music, then you will most likely have to pay.
Where to get background music for videos?
There are many resources out there and depending on what you want to create, we first recommend you to do a little research. For example, if you want music absolutely for free you can always go to the YouTube Audio Library. Considering you don’t have to pay, is a good alternative, and all you have to do to use it is just giving credit on your video.
But if you are a content creator or filmmaker, we recommend you invest in a high-quality music service. HookSounds, for instance, has a curated selection of music, entirely made by artists. It is definitely easier to navigate than YouTube Audio Library, and obviously, you will be getting a lot more in terms of quality of music.
HookSounds offers both single licenses and subscriptions, so depending on your budget you will find something. They even have a Use & Mention license, for which, if you are not monetizing your content, you get free royalty free music and all you have to do is give credit to them. In terms of subscriptions, you have two options, also depending on the type of content you want to produce.
What is great about it, is that you can actually listen to the tracks on the website before deciding if you want to purchase a license. This is a great way to see if their library fits your needs.
What is copyright free music?
It is important to know though that when purchasing a track on a service like HookSounds, you do not own the track. This is where the word copyright comes in, and is a whole other different thing to royalty free.
Let’s clear the air on the differences between royalty free and copyright.
While royalty free music refers to licensed tracks, Copyright is related to the ownership of the track. For example, HookSounds or YouTube own the tracks they have. In more technical words, they own the copyright. This is why, by purchasing a license or a royalty, you have to comply with certain terms of agreement and stick to the specific guidelines regarding the use.
Usually, you can’t modify the tracks or record lyrics on top of them. In the case of subscription-based services, you cannot use the track once your license is over. So, another recommendation is to always check the requirements for each license and make sure you fit into the right one to avoid any future inconveniences regarding copyright.
In conclusion, you won’t be finding copyright free music on these websites. It is actually much harder to find. So much, in fact, that you will most likely have to produce your own track in order to have the copyright. Unfortunately, is one of the few ways in which you will be able to use a track however you want.
So, trust us, the easiest way is to go royalty free when it comes to background music for youtube videos or any kind of content. First, think about your needs as a creator and then go on to decide which service out there is better for you. Be sure to test as many as you can before finally deciding on the best one.
Article by Marie Russo, content creator and marketing specialist.
