Music plays a critical role in setting the tone and enhancing the impact of any creative content—be it a YouTube video, podcast episode, or live event. However, using copyrighted music without proper licensing can lead to legal issues, demonetization, or removal of your content. Fortunately, there are many legal sources for free music that creators can use to enhance their work without breaking copyright laws.



In this guide, we'll explore how to find and legally use free music for your videos, podcasts, or events, and provide tips on what to look for to ensure you're in the clear.

Why You Need Legal Music for Your Projects

Before diving into where to find free music, it’s important to understand why using licensed or royalty-free music matters.

Avoid Copyright Strikes: Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have strict copyright policies. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to content removal or account suspension.

Maintain Monetization: If you're monetizing your content, unlicensed music can cause ad revenue to be claimed by the original music owner.

Professionalism: Using music legally demonstrates professionalism and protects your brand's reputation.

Legal Protection: Avoid potential lawsuits and penalties by sticking to music you have the right to use.

Understanding Free Music Terms

Not all “free music” is created equal. Understanding the different licensing types helps you choose music appropriately.

Royalty-Free Music: You may pay once or get it for free, but you won’t need to pay ongoing royalties to use the music. Some royalty-free tracks still require attribution.

Creative Commons (CC): This is a licensing system that allows artists to share their music with varying levels of restrictions. Always read the specific type of Creative Commons license to know what is and isn’t allowed.

Public Domain: Music in the public domain is free to use without restrictions. This includes classical compositions or older works whose copyrights have expired.

No Attribution Required: Some free music can be used without crediting the creator, but you must verify the licensing terms carefully.

Attribution Required: You can use the music for free, but you must credit the original creator in a specified format.

Best Places to Find Free Music

There are several reliable websites and platforms where you can access free music that’s legal to use in your projects.

YouTube Audio Library

Offers a large collection of royalty-free music and sound effects.

Easy to filter by mood, genre, instrument, and attribution requirements.

Music can be used on or off YouTube with proper credit where needed.

Free Music Archive (FMA)

Curated by WFMU, one of the longest-running freeform radio stations in the U.S.

Offers high-quality tracks across a wide range of genres.

Clearly labeled licenses make it easy to understand usage rights.

Incompetech

Created by composer Kevin MacLeod.

Features hundreds of royalty-free tracks, most under Creative Commons licenses.

Requires attribution, but offers a paid version for no-attribution use.

Bensound

Offers royalty-free music for use in videos, presentations, and more.

Free tracks are available with attribution.

Paid licenses available if you want to skip attribution or use for commercial purposes.

ccMixter

Community music site where musicians and creators share tracks under Creative Commons licenses.

Great for remixing and collaborative projects.

Be sure to check individual track licenses before use.

SoundCloud

Some creators upload tracks under Creative Commons licenses.

Use filters to find royalty-free or CC-licensed music.

Always check the specific license of each song.

Jamendo

Offers music under Creative Commons licenses.

Also features a commercial licensing platform for professional projects.

Ideal for indie content creators and small businesses.

How to Use Free Music Legally

Once you’ve found the right track, make sure you're using it correctly to avoid any issues down the line.

Check the License Carefully

Always review the music’s licensing terms. Even if a track is labeled "free," it may come with conditions such as attribution, non-commercial use only, or restrictions on modifying the original work.

Provide Proper Attribution

If the license requires attribution, include the correct credit in your video description, podcast show notes, or event program. The typical format includes:

Song title

Artist name

Source link

License type

Example:

“Music: ‘Dreamscape’ by Kevin MacLeod (

Don’t Alter Music If Not Allowed

Some licenses prohibit remixing or editing the original track. Make sure the license allows you to cut, loop, or modify the music to suit your project.

Keep Records

Save the license page or take a screenshot of the licensing terms at the time of download. This helps protect you if the music’s terms change or if there’s a copyright dispute in the future.

Tips for Using Free Music Effectively

To get the most out of free music in your creative projects, consider the following:

Match the Mood: Choose music that reflects the emotion or tone of your content. A mismatched soundtrack can confuse or distract your audience.

Use Music Sparingly: In podcasts or spoken-word videos, too much music can overpower the dialogue. Use it to support the narrative, not compete with it.

Fade Music In and Out: Proper transitions make your production feel more polished.

Layering for Events: For live events, keep background music low and non-distracting unless it's the focus of the event.

Alternatives to Free Music

If you can’t find what you need for free, consider low-cost alternatives:

Epidemic Sound: Subscription-based service with high-quality music.

Artlist: Offers unlimited downloads for a flat yearly fee.

AudioJungle: Pay-per-track model with professional-grade music.

These platforms provide broader selections and commercial licenses, which are useful for business or monetized content.

Final Thoughts

Finding and using free music legally is entirely possible with a bit of research and diligence. Whether you're creating a podcast, producing a video, or organizing an event, the right music can significantly enhance your content. By understanding licensing terms and knowing where to look, you can confidently add musical flair to your work without the risk of copyright issues.

 

More Info: https://www.tempolor.com/