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Creating engaging social media videos isn’t just about the visuals. The right music can make your videos more exciting and help them stand out. But using any song you like isn’t always allowed. You need copyright-free music to avoid issues with takedowns or even legal trouble.
This guide explains what copyright-free music is, why it matters, and where to find safe, high-quality music for your social media videos.
Why Do You Need Copyright-Free Music?
When you use a song without permission, social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok can detect it and may mute your video, take it down, or flag your account. Copyright is the legal right artists and companies have over their music, so using it without permission is technically stealing.
To keep your videos safe, use copyright-free music. This means music you’re allowed to use without breaking any rules. Common terms include:
- Public Domain: Music that’s so old it has no copyright. It’s free for anyone to use however they want.
- Creative Commons: Free or cheap music with specific rules. For example, some songs only require you to mention the artist’s name in the credits.
- Royalty-Free: You pay for the music once or it’s free, and then you can use it many times without extra payments.
The Best Sites to Find Copyright-Free Music
Here’s a list of the best sites where you can find music to use safely in your social media videos.
YouTube Audio Library
Best for: YouTube videos, but good for all social media
The YouTube Audio Library is a free collection of music and sound effects created by YouTube. You can use it in YouTube videos and often on other platforms too, as long as you follow the rules.
- How it works: Go to the YouTube Audio Library, listen to tracks, and download the ones you like. Some songs require you to mention the artist in your video description.
- Highlights: It’s easy to use, updated often, and has many genres, like pop, jazz, rock, and classical.
Facebook Sound Collection
Best for: Facebook and Instagram videos
The Facebook Sound Collection has a library of music and sound effects that are safe for use on Facebook and Instagram.
- How it works: Log into your Facebook account, browse the Sound Collection, and download any tracks you like.
- Highlights: High-quality sounds and music that won’t be flagged on Facebook or Instagram, since they are provided by Facebook itself.
Free Music Archive (FMA)
Best for: A variety of social media platforms
The Free Music Archive offers a mix of free music from all over the world. The songs are shared by artists and radio stations. Many tracks are under Creative Commons licenses, so check each track’s specific rules.
- How it works: You can search by genre, mood, or license type. Some songs require you to mention the artist.
- Highlights: Unique, high-quality music, a great choice if you want music that’s a little different or more creative.
SoundCloud
Best for: Discovering indie or unique music for all social media
SoundCloud is a platform where musicians and creators share their work. Many artists let you use their songs under Creative Commons licenses.
- How it works: Search “Creative Commons” on SoundCloud, then filter to find music you can legally use. Be sure to double-check the track’s rules.
- Highlights: Great for finding independent, unique tracks; a good way to support new artists.
Incompetech
Best for: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and other platforms
Incompetech is a music site run by Kevin MacLeod, a composer who offers a large collection of music that’s free with credit to him.
- How it works: Browse by genre, listen, download, and make sure to credit the composer in your video if needed.
- Highlights: Easy to navigate, offers a wide variety of music, and is popular among YouTube creators.
Bensound
Best for: Short-form social media videos (like Instagram Stories or TikToks)
Bensound offers free and royalty-free music with credit. It’s ideal for short social media videos but also works well for longer projects if you need clear, high-quality sound.
- How it works: You can listen to the music, download it for free with credit, or pay for a license to use the music in ads or without giving credit.
- Highlights: Fresh, professional tracks with clear licensing terms; covers many genres, from jazz to electronic.
Pixabay Music
Best for: Anyone looking for free, high-quality music
Pixabay is known for free stock images, but it also has a library of free music and sound effects. You can use these tracks in personal and commercial projects without credit.
- How it works: Search by genre, mood, or theme, download your favorite tracks, and you’re good to go! Credit isn’t required but is appreciated.
- Highlights: High-quality music, easy-to-use, good for all kinds of projects.
Mixkit
Best for: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and similar platforms
Mixkit offers completely free stock music. You don’t need to give credit, which makes it easy to use.
- How it works: Browse music by mood or genre, download for free, and use it without needing to worry about licenses.
- Highlights: Beautiful music, professional quality, and entirely free to use.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Music
Here are some quick tips for choosing the best music for your video:
- Think About the Mood: Pick music that matches the mood of your video. If your video is happy, choose something upbeat. For serious topics, a softer or slower song might work better.
- Check Volume: Keep your background music low enough that it doesn’t overpower your voice or the main audio.
- Always Double-Check Licensing: Even on copyright-free platforms, some tracks might have specific rules. Read the license details to make sure you’re using the music legally.
Using copyright-free music helps you avoid takedowns, copyright strikes, and other issues. These sites are easy to use and can give your videos that extra “wow” factor. Whether you’re making YouTube videos, Instagram Reels, or TikTok videos, the right music will make your content more exciting and help it stand out.
By exploring these resources, you’re well on your way to creating amazing videos with music that’s both legal and captivating.