What are the best royalty-free music sites for YouTube videos?

Here are some of the best royalty-free music sites for YouTube videos:  

Top Tier (Often Subscription-Based):

• Epidemic Sound
• Artlist.io
• PremiumBeat
• Soundstripe

Free Options (With Caveats):

• YouTube Audio Library
• Free Music Archive (FMA
• Incompetech
• Bensound
   

Important Notes:

"Royalty-free" doesn't always mean "free." It means you don't have to pay royalties every time the music is played, but you may still need to pay for a license to use it in your video.  

Always double-check the license terms. Even on "free" sites, licenses can vary, and using music incorrectly can lead to copyright issues.  

Attribution is often required. Even when music is free, you may need to give credit to the artist in your video description.

YouTube Audio Library

Epidemic Sound

Artlist

Bensound

Incompetech

Free Music Archive (FMA)

SoundCloud (Royalty-Free Music)

Jamendo

PremiumBeat

ccMixter

AudioJungle

Pond5

Musopen

Soundstripe

Marmoset

FreePD

Filmstro

HookSounds

NoCopyrightSounds (NCS)

AudioBlocks (Storyblocks Music)

This list includes both free and paid options, giving you plenty of choices depending on your needs!

Here are some of the best royalty-free music sites for YouTube videos:

1. Epidemic Sound
Tracks for all genres in huge library.
Covers YouTube monetization, subscription based.

2. Artlist
Simple licensing and unlimited downloads.
Cinematic and commercial projects.

3. AudioJungle
Unique pay per track marketplace.
Ideal for one-off projects.

4. Soundstripe
With affordable subscriptions you can download unlimited.
Perfect for YouTube creators.

5. Free Music Archive (FMA)
Multiple free tracks of many genres.
Look up the Creative Commons usage rights on this.

They all have music for your style and budget for your project!

Here are some of the best royalty-free music sites for YouTube videos:

Artlist

Epidemic Sound

Bensound

Mixkit

YouTube Audio Library

Pixabay Music

Uppbeat

NoCopyrightSounds (NCS)

Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech

Creator Mix

When looking for royalty-free music for YouTube videos, there are several excellent websites that provide high-quality tracks without the risk of copyright issues. Here are some of the best royalty-free music sites:

• YouTube Audio Library

YouTube’s own library offers a wide selection of free music and sound effects. Many tracks are free to use in YouTube videos, with no attribution required, while others may need attribution.

Best for YouTube creators who want an easy and safe source of music.

• Artlist

Artlist provides a vast collection of high-quality music tracks, and it’s known for its simplicity and licensing flexibility. A subscription gives you access to all tracks with a license that covers both personal and commercial use.

Best for Professional content creators who need music for various types of videos.

• Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound offers an extensive library of royalty-free music and sound effects. A subscription gives you access to a massive catalog of tracks with easy-to-understand licensing.

Best for YouTubers and creators looking for high-quality, modern tracks for different genres of videos.

• Bensound

Bensound offers a wide range of royalty-free music across various genres. Many tracks are free to use with attribution, and you can purchase a license for commercial use without attribution.

Best for Budget-friendly options for creators looking for free music with attribution or paid licenses for commercial use.

• Free Music Archive (FMA)

FMA provides a wide range of free music tracks that are available under different types of Creative Commons licenses. You can filter tracks by license type, ensuring you find the right music for your project.

Best for Independent creators looking for a large variety of free music options.

• Soundstripe

Soundstripe offers a subscription service that provides access to a curated collection of royalty-free music, with simple licensing terms that cover YouTube videos and more.

Best for YouTubers looking for a diverse catalog of high-quality tracks with clear licensing.

• Jamendo

Jamendo offers a collection of royalty-free music, and its commercial licenses are designed for creators looking to use tracks in YouTube videos, films, and other commercial projects.

Best for Independent artists and creators who need commercial licensing for videos.

• Incompetech

Incompetech, created by composer Kevin MacLeod, offers a wide range of royalty-free music, with many tracks available for free with attribution. There’s also an option for a paid license to avoid attribution.

Best for Budget-conscious creators who need a large selection of tracks with or without attribution.

• Musopen

Musopen focuses on classical music and offers a wide range of public domain music that can be used for free. It’s a great resource for those looking for classical or instrumental music.

Best for Creators in need of royalty-free classical or instrumental music.

• PremiumBeat

PremiumBeat, owned by Shutterstock, offers high-quality music tracks with clear licensing options for commercial use. It’s ideal for creators who need music for professional productions.

Best for High-end, polished tracks for commercial use.

• Purple Planet

Purple Planet offers royalty-free music for YouTube, films, and other media. Tracks are available for free with attribution, or you can buy a license to use them without attribution.

Best for Content creators looking for royalty-free music with easy licensing.

As a freelance video editor, choosing the right music is crucial for creating impactful content. For royalty-free music, here are my top recommendations:

Free Websites:

YouTube Music Library – A great collection of free tracks and sound effects directly from YouTube.

Pixabay – Offers high-quality, royalty-free music suitable for any project.

Mixkit – Free songs across multiple genres, perfect for quick projects.

Chosic.com – A user-friendly platform with a diverse range of royalty-free music.

Paid Websites:

Epidemic Sound – High-quality, copyright-safe music with a huge library.

Envato Elements – Unlimited downloads of music and other digital assets for a flat fee.

Storyblocks – A subscription-based service offering royalty-free music, sound effects, and more.

Artlist.io – Premium music licensing with universal coverage for any platform.

I most use YouTube Audio Library – A free resource provided by YouTube itself, with a wide selection of music and sound effects for video creators.

YouTube Audio Library is a total game-changer for creators! It's a goldmine of free music and sound effects that not only take your videos to the next level but also help you avoid those dreaded copyright strikes.

Whether you're looking for epic tunes or subtle background beats, this library has it all—no fees, no hassle, just high-quality audio at your fingertips.

It's the perfect tool to keep your content fresh, professional, and fully monetizable, all while saving time and money. If you're serious about growing your channel, this is an absolute must-use resource!

Thanks 
Wahi

Here are some of the best royalty-free music sites for YouTube videos, suitable for a variety of needs and budgets:

Free Options

YouTube Audio Library

A free library directly accessible from YouTube Studio.

Offers a variety of music and sound effects with clear attribution requirements.

Great for creators who want simple, hassle-free music.

Free Music Archive (FMA)

Curated collection of free-to-use music across genres.

Be mindful of the specific Creative Commons license for each track.

Incompetech

Run by composer Kevin MacLeod.

Free tracks available with attribution, covering many styles and moods.

Bensound

Free for non-commercial use with attribution.

Affordable licensing available for commercial projects.

ccMixter

Features remixes and original tracks under Creative Commons licenses.

Ideal for finding unique, collaborative music.