10 Best Royalty-Free Music Sites for Video Creators

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re searching for some killer royalty-free music to elevate your video projects. Whether you’re creating content for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or a professional presentation, finding high-quality, copyright-safe tracks can be a game-changer. And let’s face it, no one wants to deal with the headache of copyright strikes or licensing issues. 

In this guide, we will dive deep into the world of royalty-free music, helping you navigate the maze of options available in 2024. We’ve got you covered from free music libraries to premium audio platforms. You’ll discover: 

• What royalty-free music is, and why it’s crucial for content creation
• The best royalty-free music websites to explore
• Licensing options, pricing models, and unique features of each platform

So, sit back, relax, and let’s enjoy this musical journey together. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect soundtrack for your next video masterpiece.

Understanding Royalty-Free Music: What It Is And Why It Matters

Royalty-free music has become a go-to solution for video creators, social media influencers, marketers, and hobbyists who want to avoid the complexities of traditional music licensing. But what exactly is royalty-free music, and why is it so crucial for your projects? 

In essence, royalty-free music is a type of music that you can use after paying a one-time fee, without needing to worry about additional licensing fees or royalties each time you use it. This makes it an economical choice for creators who frequently need high-quality music for videos, advertisements, or other multimedia projects. 

Why It’s Essential for Video Creators 

Using royalty-free music is crucial in avoiding copyright issues, which can lead to content removal, account strikes, or even legal actions. Copyright laws are strictly enforced on popular platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. If you use copyrighted music without permission, you risk having your content muted, removed, or demonetized. Royalty-free music ensures that you stay compliant with these platforms’ rules, allowing you to focus on creating great content without legal worries. 

Types of Licenses Available 

One of the advantages of royalty-free music sites is the variety of licensing options they offer. Here are some common types: 

• Personal Use: Typically free, but with limitations on where and how the music can be used.
• Commercial Use: Requires a one-time fee or subscription, allowing the music to be used in monetized projects, advertisements, and commercial content.
• Attribution Required: Free to use, but you must credit the artist in your content. This is common with Creative Commons licenses.
• No Attribution Required: More user-friendly, as no credit is needed, but often comes at a higher cost.

By now, you should have a clearer understanding of what royalty-free music is and why it’s an invaluable resource for any content creator. Staying informed about the types of licenses and their terms will help you make better choices, ensuring your projects are enhanced with high-quality, legal soundtracks.

Now that we’ve covered royalty-free music and why it’s essential for video creators, let’s examine the top 10 royalty-free music websites in 2024. These platforms offer various options to suit every need, budget, and style.

Top 10 Royalty-Free Music Websites For Video Creators In 2024

Finding the fitting soundtrack for your video project can be daunting, especially when aiming to avoid copyright issues. Luckily, numerous platforms offer high-quality, royalty-free music tailored to various creative needs. Below, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 royalty-free music websites in 2024 that will help you find the perfect tunes without any legal hassles.

1. Free Music Archive 

Free Music Archive (FMA) is a treasure trove of free music spanning genres like Blues, Hip-Hop, and Jazz. Thanks to its easy-to-navigate library, it’s perfect for personal projects and some commercial uses. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced creator, FMA’s diverse collection is accessible with straightforward licensing, often requiring simple attribution.

• Music Library and Variety: Free Music Archive offers a diverse range of genres, from classical and folk to contemporary electronic tracks. Perfect for indie films or creative projects. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Tracks are typically available under Creative Commons licenses, allowing free use with certain restrictions. 
• Pricing Information: Completely free, though donations to artists are encouraged. 
• Best Use Cases: Ideal for experimental projects, short films, and indie productions. 
• Ease of Use: The interface is straightforward, with filters for genre and mood to help find tracks swiftly. 

2. Artlist 

Artlist is a premier music licensing platform boasting a vast library of over 22,000 songs and 27,000 sound effects. Perfect for both personal and commercial use, Artlist offers flexible subscription plans ranging from personal to artist and unlimited options. Known for its high-quality, handpicked tracks from independent artists, it ensures you find the ideal soundtrack tailored to your project’s needs.

• Music Library and Variety: Artlist boasts a vast library of high-quality music across various genres, including dramatic, cinematic, and upbeat tracks. It’s updated regularly to keep content fresh. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Subscription-based with unlimited access and a universal license covering all uses. 
• Pricing Information: Subscription plans start at $9.99/month. 
• Best Use Cases: Best for professional video editors, YouTubers, and commercial projects needing high-quality soundtracks. 
• Ease of Use: Intuitive platform with extensive search filters and curated playlists. 

3. Epidemic Sound 

Epidemic Sound is a paid platform that offers a vast library of high-quality music and sound effects for video projects. With subscriptions starting at $10.99/month, users gain access to simple licensing that covers all necessary legal rights for their content. The platform excels in efficient music cataloging, making it easy to find the right track quickly, akin to using Spotify for video soundtracks.

• Music Library and Variety: Diverse selection encompassing everything from pop and hip-hop to orchestral and jazz tracks. New music is added frequently. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Subscription-based with licensing that covers YouTube, social media, and commercial use. 
• Pricing Information: Monthly subscriptions starting at $10.99/month. 
• Best Use Cases: YouTubers, social media creators, and businesses needing reliable, high-quality audio for videos. 
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface with robust search capabilities and mood-based filters. 

4. Bensound 

Bensound offers a diverse collection of high-quality, royalty-free music perfect for various video projects. With styles ranging from cinematic and acoustic to electronic and jazz, creators can find tracks that suit their specific needs. The platform features a mix of free-to-use music requiring credit to Bensound alongside paid options for commercial use without attribution. This blend of accessibility and variety makes Bensound a go-to source for unique, professional soundtracks.

• Music Library and Variety: Bensound provides tracks across genres like acoustic/folk, cinematic, and corporate. Great for adding a professional touch to videos. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Free tracks require attribution; premium tracks are available with a one-time purchase or subscription. 
• Pricing Information: Free for use with attribution or $139/year for a subscription. 
• Best Use Cases: Suitable for promotional videos, presentations, and YouTube tutorials. 
• Ease of Use: Simple interface with genre-based navigation and quick download options. 

5. Mixkit 

Mixkit offers a diverse library of high-quality, royalty-free music, specifically curated for video creators. The platform stands out with its completely free-to-use tracks, requiring no attribution or subscription fees. With an intuitive interface and organized categories like mood, genre, and usage type, finding the right track is effortless. Mixkit is perfect for those working on personal projects, YouTube videos, and social media content, offering a hassle-free experience in sourcing professional soundtracks.

• Music Library and Variety: Offers a well-curated selection of free tracks across various genres and moods, including upbeat, ambient, and dramatic. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Free music is available for both personal and commercial use without attribution. 
• Pricing Information: 100% free. 
• Best Use Cases: Ideal for both personal projects and commercial content that needs a touch of professionalism without the cost. 
• Ease of Use: Very easy to navigate with categories and mood filters for quick track selection. 

6. Soundstripe 

Soundstripe offers a diverse array of royalty-free music and sound effects, making it a favorite for video creators seeking high-quality audio. It features a rich library covering various genres and moods, from cinematic scores to upbeat vlogs. The platform operates on a subscription basis, providing unlimited access to its extensive collection. Ideal for ensuring your projects are copyright-safe, Soundstripe simplifies the process of finding and using impactful soundtracks for any video.

• Music Library and Variety: Soundstripe offers a wide selection of music tracks and sound effects, which are perfect for a variety of video styles. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Subscription-based, with all licenses included in the subscription fee, covering everything from YouTube videos to commercials. 
• Pricing Information: Plans start at $12.50/month billed annually. 
• Best Use Cases: Suitable for filmmakers, YouTubers, and podcasters looking for high-quality soundtracks and sound effects. 
• Ease of Use: Offers a streamlined interface with advanced filtering options for genre, mood, and instruments. 

7. PremiumBeat 

PremiumBeat is a renowned platform for high-quality stock music, launched in 2005. It features an extensive library meticulously curated by professional composers and musicians. Users can find a wide array of genres suitable for various projects. Licensing is straightforward with Standard and Premium options, and the customer support is top-notch.

• Music Library and Variety: PremiumBeat features professionally produced tracks across multiple genres, including cinematic, corporate, and pop. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Single-track licenses are designed for various uses, including commercial purposes. 
• Pricing Information: Tracks are priced at $49 each for a standard license. 
• Best Use Cases: Great for high-end commercial projects, advertisements, and professional videos. 
• Ease of Use: Clean, professional interface with easy browsing and download options. 

8. HookSounds 

HookSounds offers an extensive library of carefully curated, high-quality tracks perfect for commercial use. The site specializes in unique, modern, and trendy music and provides exclusive licenses for its tracks. Whether you’re creating a YouTube video, podcast, or social media content, you’ll find a wide range of genres and moods to match your project. HookSounds also features a user-friendly interface with effective search filters, ensuring you can easily find the perfect tune to enhance your video.

• Music Library and Variety: HookSounds offers original music with an emphasis on modern and trendy genres like electronic, indie, and pop. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Subscription or pay-per-download, with licenses covering personal and commercial use. 
• Pricing Information: Monthly plans start at $29/month, or single tracks from $39. 
• Best Use Cases: Best suited for YouTube creators, podcasters, and digital marketers needing unique, high-quality tracks. 
• Ease of Use: User-friendly with intuitive navigation and detailed music categorization. 

9. YouTube Audio Library 

YouTube Audio Library offers a vast selection of royalty-free music and sound effects, perfect for content creators needing high-quality audio. It’s completely free for YouTube account holders and provides filtering options by genre, mood, and license type. With tracks available under Creative Commons, some may require attribution. This resource is especially beneficial for YouTubers aiming to enhance their videos without worrying about copyright issues.

• Music Library and Variety: A widely accessible collection catering to various video genres, including background, cinematic, and ambient tracks. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Completely free for YouTube videos, some tracks require attribution. 
• Pricing Information: Free. 
• Best Use Cases: Excellent for YouTube content creators looking for hassle-free and cost-effective music options. 
• Ease of Use: Integrated with YouTube Studio, making it easy to use and download tracks. 

10. Audiio 

Audiio is a treasure trove of high-quality, royalty-free music and sound effects tailored for content creators. The platform boasts an extensive library featuring diverse genres and moods, making it suitable for various project needs. Whether you need cinematic scores, ambient soundscapes, or upbeat tracks for social media content, Audiio has you covered. The site offers subscription and one-time purchase options, ensuring flexibility for different budgets and project scopes. Easy to navigate, Audiio allows you to filter music by mood, genre, and tempo, helping you find the perfect soundtrack swiftly and efficiently.

• Music Library and Variety: Audiio provides high-quality, handpicked tracks in various genres, from indie and hip-hop to cinematic scores. 
• Licensing Options and Terms: Subscription-based with unlimited access to music for all types of projects, commercial and personal. 
• Pricing Information: Subscription starts at $199/year. 
• Best Use Cases: Ideal for filmmakers, advertisers, and YouTube creators seeking premium-quality music. 
• Ease of Use: Simple, clean interface with efficient search and filter features. 

Each platform offers unique strengths, making it easier than ever to find the perfect royalty-free music for your projects. From entirely free options to premium subscriptions, these sites cater to all types of creators.

What is Best Tool For Adding Royalty-Free Music To Videos?

Once you’ve found your perfect royalty-free music track, the next step is seamlessly integrating it into your video. This is where a reliable video editing tool like Animotica comes into play:

• Easy Integration of Music—Animotica’s drag-and-drop feature lets you quickly import music from any royalty-free site onto your video timeline. Sync your music with your video’s visuals for a professional look. For example, drag an upbeat track onto your vlog’s timeline and align it easily. Don’t forget our guide on adding music to your videos.
• Audio Adjustment Tools—Animotica offers intuitive tools to fine-tune your soundtracks. Adjust music volume to complement your video, trim tracks to match video length, and add fade effects for smooth transitions. Imagine adding a fade-out at the end of an emotional piece; Animotica makes it easy.
• Customization Options—Animotica allows layering multiple audio tracks and adding voiceovers. This multi-layered approach lets you craft rich soundscapes. For example, overlaying background music with a voiceover can make a travel video more immersive.
• Seamless Workflow—Animotica’s user-friendly interface ensures all tools are easily accessible, facilitating a seamless workflow. Fast loading times and efficient processing let you focus more on creativity and less on technicalities.

You can produce high-quality, professional videos that captivate your audience by integrating powerful editing tools and royalty-free music. Animotica’s ease of use and comprehensive features make it an essential tool for any video creator looking to enhance their projects with beautiful soundtracks. 

Download Animotica for free and start adding music to your videos effortlessly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, Animotica has everything you need to create stunning videos with the perfect soundtrack.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right music for your video projects is critical to setting the right tone and enhancing your content’s overall impact. With these top 10 royalty-free music websites, you’re equipped with diverse options to suit any style, mood, or genre. 

Each platform offers unique features, from extensive libraries and flexible licensing options to user-friendly search functionalities. Whether you’re a YouTuber in need of upbeat vlogging tracks or a marketer producing corporate videos, there’s a site on this list for you. 

Remember, the goal is to elevate your videos without the hassle of copyright issues. By selecting tracks from these reputable sites, you can confidently use high-quality, professionally produced music in your content. To bring it all together seamlessly, Animotica stands out as the go-to video editing tool. 

Taking the extra step to find the perfect music will undoubtedly contribute to your video’s success. The harmony between visuals and audio can make your video great. Dive into these platforms, explore their offerings, and experiment with how different tracks complement your visuals. 

With the right tools and resources at your fingertips, you’re well on your way to creating captivating, professional-quality content that resonates with your audience.

FAQ on Royalty Free Music

How can I avoid copyright strikes when using music in my videos?

To avoid copyright strikes when using music in your videos, it’s crucial to understand and follow some key practices: 

• Use Reputable Sources: Choose music from trusted royalty-free websites to avoid copyright claims.
• Read Licenses: Ensure the music license covers your intended use, personal or commercial.
• Credit Creators: Provide the artist name and track title in your video description if required.
• Buy Licenses: Purchase proper licenses for premium tracks to stay compliant.
• Avoid Popular Music: Don’t use well-known commercial songs to prevent strikes.
• Keep Records: Save documentation for licenses to dispute claims if needed.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of copyright strikes and ensure your videos remain accessible to your audience without any legal interruptions.

Are there any completely free royalty-free music websites?

Yes, there are several websites where you can find completely free royalty-free music, though options may vary in terms of library size and track quality. Here are some popular platforms to consider: 

• YouTube Audio Library: One of the most well-known resources for free music, the YouTube Audio Library offers a wide range of tracks that can be used in your videos. Some may require attribution, so check the terms for each track.
• Free Music Archive: Another excellent source for free royalty-free music, the Free Music Archive boasts a diverse collection curated by various artists and music lovers. The tracks are sorted into various licenses, many allowing for free use without royalties.
• Bensound: Bensound provides a selection of high-quality tracks that are free for non-commercial projects with attribution. A paid license is required for commercial uses.
• Mixkit: This platform offers a variety of free music tracks that can be used in personal and commercial projects without requiring attribution. The library is regularly updated, and the quality is notably high.

While these platforms provide a substantial amount of free music, it’s always important to read the specific licensing terms for each track to ensure compliance with the usage rights. This way, you can confidently use the music in your video projects without worrying about legal complications.