Alexis Kestler
Finding the perfect music for your videos is no easy feat, my friend. As creators, we want to use tunes that enhance our visual storytelling. But legally licensing popular songs is expensive. What‘s an amateur video maker to do?
Enter the world of royalty-free music. These legal pre-cleared tracks provide affordable options to take your video soundtracks to the next level.
In this post, we‘ll explore the ins and outs of royalty-free (RF) music licensing. You‘ll learn what RF means, who uses it, and why it matters for video editors like you and me.
I‘ll also highlight nine excellent RF music sources with key tips for picking the best tracks. Let‘s dive in!
What Does Royalty-Free Mean?
Royalty-free refers to a copyright license that allows you to use a creative work multiply without paying ongoing royalties. You purchase the rights upfront instead.
For example, with RF music, you buy a license to use a song or composition in your videos, games, podcasts, and other projects as much as you want. You don‘t need to pay the artist residuals every time you use it.
The term "royalty-free" means you‘re free from having to pay royalties per use. But RF is not free music – you typically pay a one-time fee to purchase a license upfront. However, some artists do offer tracks at no cost.
Who Uses RF Music?
RF music is commonly used by:
- YouTubers
- Video editors
- Podcast producers
- App developers
- Business owners
- Live streamers
- Indie filmmakers
- Video game creators
- Multimedia designers
For people on a budget, RF provides affordable tunes to legally enhance videos, games, apps, and more. Even big brands like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook use RF music in marketing materials.
Why Use Royalty-Free Music?
There are many advantages to using RF music instead of popular licensed tunes:
Avoid copyright claims – RF music gives you legal clearance to use songs in monetized videos. No more copyright strikes or blocks!
Cost savings – Buying RF licenses is much cheaper than licensing mainstream music. Many sites offer tracks under $10. Some even have free options.
Flexible licensing – Most RF music allows commercial and personal use. Licensing is often perpetual, meaning you can reuse tracks forever.
Huge selection – RF libraries offer thousands of tunes spanning every genre imaginable – from rock to hip hop to jazz and beyond.
Support indie artists – RF music provides exposure and royalties for independent musicians looking for their break. It‘s mutually beneficial.
Easy to access – Numerous stock music sites connect creators to RF songs. We‘ll look at some top options shortly.
For video editors like you and me, RF music gives us affordable, legal soundtracks to make engaging videos that wow viewers.
Now, let‘s explore nine excellent sites to source amazing RF music tracks.
1. Envato Elements
Envato Elements is my number one recommendation for royalty-free music and creative assets. It‘s a subscription service that gives unlimited downloads from an enormous library for under $30 per month.
As an Envato Elements member for 3+ years, I can‘t praise it enough. Here‘s why it‘s great for video music:
- 60,000+ music tracks in every genre – rock, pop, hip hop, jazz, electronic, and beyond
- Professional production music crafted exclusively for creators
- New releases daily from fresh musical talent
- Unlimited downloads – keep everything for one low price
- Commercial licenses – use music in monetized videos, podcasts, apps, etc.
- Multi-seat plans so your team can access too
- More than stock music – also get video clips, sound effects, After Effects templates, photos, fonts, 3D assets, and more all for the same price!
Envato Elements makes finding the perfect songs for videos easy with:
- Cinematic – Dramatic trailer-worthy themes.
- Retro – Vintage old-school tracks.
- Corporate – Upbeat background music for business videos.
- Motivational – Driving beats to inspire viewers.
- Travel – World music with exotic globally-inspired grooves.
And much more! They have tailored music selections for any video style or mood.
For YouTubers, Twitch streamers, or podcast editors, Elements provides everything you need to take productions up a notch. All for less than $30 per month. Right now they‘re offering a free 30-day trial so you can test the waters risk-free.
I can‘t recommend Envato Elements enough. Their production music selection far exceeds sites charging double the cost.
2. Storyblocks
Storyblocks is another excellent subscription for unlimited music downloads. Their library contains over 500,000 tracks spanning every genre.
Plans start at $14.99 monthly. But for YouTube monetization, I recommend the Business tier at $29.99 per month. It includes necessary distribution rights lacking in the Personal plan.
Reasons I like Storyblocks for video music:
- 500K+ royalty-free songs – more added daily
- Unlimited downloads for one price
- Lossless WAV files – not compressed MP3s
- 30-day free trial to test the catalog
- Tools to sort songs by mood, genre, etc
- Commercial licenses on Business plan
- Sound effects available – over 1 million options
Beyond tunes, they offer over 1 million quality stock videos starting at $10 each. And you can bundle plans to get the best value across music, video, images, and effects.
While not as robust as Envato, Storyblocks gives unlimited music downloads for under $30 monthly. It‘s fantastic for video editors on a budget.
3. Artlist
Artlist takes a Netflix-style approach to stock music with unlimited downloads for a flat rate. I‘m a big fan of their cinematic, trailer-worthy scores and sound effects.
They charge $199 annually for unlimited access to 1+ million royalty-free tracks. Here‘s why Artlist is worth a look:
- Huge library with over 5,000 new songs added every month
- Unlimited downloads for low annual price
- Media Manager organizes your clips
- Detailed metadata to find the perfect vibe
- Pre-cleared licenses for all uses like YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- Universal search for music, SFX, and tools
- Mobile apps to access tracks on the go
For less than $20 monthly, you get unlimited downloads from their entire catalog. I use Artlist weekly for intense cinematic music that transports viewers into the scene.
4. AudioJungle
If you only need occasional tracks versus unlimited music, AudioJungle lets you purchase individual royalty-free songs. It‘s part of Envato Market – a favorite one-stop shop for creative assets.
Reasons I use AudioJungle for video music:
- Huge library with over 930,000 tracks
- Name your price – most songs under $20
- Easy to find the perfect vibe fast
- Preview clips help choose the right track
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Curated playlists for vlogging, travel videos, YouTube, etc
- Commercial licenses on all music
- Also find After Effects templates, stock video, graphics, photography, code scripts, and more
For occasional music needs, AudioJungle is a cost-effective way to hand-pick great tunes. Bundled deals with other Envato items can also help save money.
It‘s my #1 pick for individual song purchases versus subscriptions.
5. Mixkit
If you‘re on an ultra-tight budget, Mixkit provides 100% free music and sound effects. Their tracks are royalty-free for use in any commercial or personal project with no complicated strings attached.
Reasons to grab free tunes from Mixkit:
- Entire music catalog is free under Standard Licenses
- No subscription fees – just create a free account
- 300+ royalty-free songs and counting
- Detailed metadata helps find the right vibe
- Genres: hip hop, electronic, jazz, rock, pop, and more
- High-quality 320kbps MP3 + lossless WAV downloads
While their selection can‘t compete with paid providers, Mixkit is a superb free option for creators with limited resources. Keep them bookmarked!
6. Free Music Archive
As the name promises, Free Music Archive offers only gratis tunes licensed under Creative Commons. Their catalog includes ambient, classical, hip hop, rock, pop, and other genres.
Reasons I grab free tracks from FMA:
- Music is 100% free under CC licenses
- No registration needed – just download
- Browse by genre, mood, theme, etc
- CC allows commercial + non-commercial use
- MP3 and lossless WAV downloads
- Tons of music uploaded by indie artists
- Community reviews help pick best songs
FMA is my go-to for free background music when budget is tight and I just need a quick tune. But be sure to double check licensing details before using.
7. Incompetech
Another fantastic source of free tunes is Incompetech by composer Kevin MacLeod. He offers a massive selection of instrumental tracks for anyone to use under Creative Commons 3.0.
Why I love Incompetech for video music:
- 2,500+ royalty-free instrumental songs
- Genres like blues, jazz, rock, electronic, and more
- CC BY 3.0 – free even for commercial use if credited
- High-quality 320kbps MP3 downloads
- Playable previews help choose the perfect track
- Easy attribution credits provided for all songs
- Music sorted by genre, mood, theme, tempo, and more
For background instrumentals, Incompetech can‘t be beat. MacLeod‘s tracks always elevate videos without busting budget. Just be sure to provide attribution as required.
8. YouTube Audio Library
While not the highest quality, YouTube‘s own Audio Library provides a decent selection of free tunes. All music works for monetized videos.
Reasons to check out YouTube‘s free music:
- 5,000+ royalty-free instrumental tracks
- Clearly labeled licenses – safe for monetized videos
- Genres: pop, electronic, hip hop, rock, ambient, and more
- Moods like energetic, dramatic, happy, sad, dark, etc
- Advanced search to find perfect songs fast
- Free sound effects available too
- Downloads up to 192kbps MP3 quality
YouTube‘s Audio Library won‘t compete with more robust providers. But it‘s worth bookmarking for free background tunes in a pinch.
9. Free Loops
Lastly, Free Loops offers 1200+ vintage royalty-free songs cleared for monetized videos. Their retro public domain tunes lend well to certain styles.
Why I grab Free Loops‘ music sometimes:
- 1,200+ old-school royalty-free tracks
- Genres: jazz, rock, hip hop, orchestral, lounge, and more
- Public domain or CC0 licensed – 100% free commercially
- 128kbps MP3 clips – lo-fi but usable
- Hand-picked vintage public domain songs
- Perfect for videos with retro vibes
- Easy download links below each track
Again, for high quality I turn to paid providers first. But Free Loops fills a niche with its vintage throwback tunes.
Finding the Best Royalty-Free Music for Videos
With so many options for stock music, how do you select the best tracks for videos? Here are the key factors I consider:
Quality
Listen critically to preview clips before downloading songs. Well-produced radio-ready music sounds best. Lo-fi and amateur recordings may undermine your visuals.
Copyright Safety
Paid RF music from leading providers offers safely cleared copyright. But with free sources, double check songs are properly licensed for monetized videos.
Licensing Terms
Look for unlimited or perpetual licenses allowing ongoing long term use in videos, podcasts, etc. Some free music limits commercial applications.
Mood and Genre
Choose instrumental music that matches your video style, brand and elicits the desired emotional response from viewers. An upbeat rock song conveys high energy. A soft piano piece oozes romance. Pick smartly!
Tempo and Rhythm
Faster rhythmic songs drive excitement. Slower ambient tracks set an introspective relaxing mood. Match the tempo of your visuals so music flows seamlessly.
Instruments
Certain instruments impart specific vibes. Electric guitars bring bold rock energy. Violins evoke classical elegance. Match instruments to the precise tone you want to achieve.
Length
Look for 30 to 60-second clips that loop seamlessly over edits. But also check for longer 2+ minute tracks for moments needing extended music. Versatile length options help.
Transitions
Songs that fade out naturally work well behind narration or under dialogue. Short staccato clips allow smooth rapid transitions between scenes. Seek flexible options.
Choosing music with purposeful intent – rather than just slapping on a random track – makes a world of difference in engaging viewers. Let creative vision guide the perfect soundtrack for each video project.
Conclusion
For video editors like you and me, nothing elevates our productions quite like the right music. Stock music allows us to legally enhance videos without breaking budget.
The nine sources highlighted provide excellent affordable RF options – from Envato‘s unlimited downloads to hand-picked individual tracks to free CC-licensed songs.
Envato Elements is my overall top pick for its robust catalog, professional original scores, and unlimited licensing for under $30 a month.
But brands like Storyblocks, Artlist, and Mixkit also offer superb subscription plans costing less than $20 monthly.
For occasional needs, AudioJungle provides easy on-demand licensing.
And Free Music Archive or Incompetech supply gratis background tunes when budget is tight.
Take time exploring these stock music sites. Listen critically with each project‘s vibe in mind. The right soundtrack turns viewers into fans who can‘t get enough of your creative vision.
So boost production value without blowing budget using royalty-free music options for videos. What sites do you turn to for great affordable tunes? Let me know in the comments!
