Finding free music online can be a challenge, especially when you want to ensure that you are following copyright laws and supporting artists. One popular platform for finding music is YouTube, as it hosts a wide variety of music from both established and independent artists. In this blog post, we will explore various methods and techniques to help you discover free music on YouTube. Whether you are looking for background music for your video projects or simply want to expand your music library, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and step-by-step instructions.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Find Free Music on YouTube
Finding free music on YouTube offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, YouTube hosts millions of songs, making it a vast and easily accessible database for music lovers. Moreover, many artists and creators choose to distribute their music on YouTube to gain exposure and reach a wider audience. By finding and using free music from YouTube, you not only support these artists but also have the opportunity to discover new and emerging talent.
Additionally, free music from YouTube can be used in a variety of creative projects, such as video editing, podcast production, or background music for presentations. Whether you are a content creator, filmmaker, or simply enjoy adding music to your personal projects, YouTube is a treasure trove of free music waiting to be explored.
Method 1: How to Find Free Music on YouTube Via the YouTube Audio Library
Finding free music on YouTube is made easier with the YouTube Audio Library. This feature allows creators to access a vast collection of music tracks that are free to use in their videos. Here’s how you can find and download free music from the YouTube Audio Library:
1. Visit the YouTube Audio Library by clicking on your profile picture in the top-right corner of YouTube, then selecting "YouTube Studio."
2. In the left sidebar, click on "Audio Library" under the "Videos" section.
3. You will be presented with various categories of music, including genres, moods, and instrumentals. Browse through the options or use the search bar at the top to find specific songs or artists.
4. Once you have found a track you like, click on the play button to preview it. You can also click on the download button to save it to your computer.
Pros:
1. A wide variety of music genres and styles available.
2. Simple and straightforward process to find and download music.
3. All tracks are cleared for use in YouTube videos.
Cons:
1. Limited selection compared to other external platforms.
2. May not find specific or well-known songs in the library.
3. The audio quality may vary depending on the track.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. A wide variety of music genres and styles available. | 1. Limited selection compared to other external platforms. |
| 2. Simple and straightforward process to find and download music. | 2. May not find specific or well-known songs in the library. |
| 3. All tracks are cleared for use in YouTube videos. | 3. The audio quality may vary depending on the track. |
Method 2: How to Find Free Music on YouTube Using Creative Commons
Creative Commons is an organization that provides licenses for creators to share their work while maintaining control over their rights. Many artists and musicians choose to release their music under Creative Commons licenses, allowing others to use their work for free with certain stipulations. Here’s how you can find free music on YouTube using Creative Commons:
1. Go to the YouTube homepage and enter a specific music-related keyword in the search bar. For example, "Creative Commons music" or "royalty-free music."
2. After conducting the search, click on "Filters," which is located beneath the search bar.
3. In the drop-down menu, click on "Creative Commons."
4. YouTube will now display a list of videos that have been uploaded with Creative Commons licenses. Browse through the results and click on a video that features music you are interested in.
5. In the video description, you will often find details about the music, including the artist and a link to where you can download the track.
Pros:
1. Access to a wide range of music from both established and emerging artists.
2. The ability to discover unique and lesser-known tracks.
3. Many Creative Commons licenses allow for commercial use of the music.
Cons:
1. Quality control may vary, as the music is uploaded by individual users.
2. Limited to music that is uploaded with Creative Commons licenses.
3. Requires some digging and filtering to find the right tracks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Access to a wide range of music from both established and emerging artists. | 1. Quality control may vary, as the music is uploaded by individual users. |
| 2. The ability to discover unique and lesser-known tracks. | 2. Limited to music that is uploaded with Creative Commons licenses. |
| 3. Many Creative Commons licenses allow for commercial use of the music. | 3. Requires some digging and filtering to find the right tracks. |
Method 3: How to Find Free Music on YouTube Via User-Generated Playlists
YouTube is not only a platform for official music videos but also a hub for user-generated playlists. Many individuals and channels curate playlists of free music for others to enjoy. Here’s how you can find free music on YouTube via user-generated playlists:
1. Using the YouTube search bar, enter relevant keywords such as "free music playlists" or "royalty-free music playlists."
2. Review the search results and find playlists that match your interests or desired music genre.
3. Click on a playlist that looks promising and browse through the songs included. Playlists often have catchy titles or descriptions, making it easier to find curated collections of free music.
4. Once you find a song you like, click on it to listen. Some playlists provide links in the description to download the tracks directly.
Pros:
1. Access to curated collections of free music.
2. Wide variety of playlists available, covering different genres and moods.
3. Opportunity to discover new artists and songs through user-generated content.
Cons:
1. Quality control and consistency may vary across different playlists.
2. Limited to the selection provided by playlist creators.
3. Finding specific songs or artists may be challenging.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Access to curated collections of free music. | 1. Quality control and consistency may vary across different playlists. |
| 2. Wide variety of playlists available, covering different genres and moods. | 2. Limited to the selection provided by playlist creators. |
| 3. Opportunity to discover new artists and songs through user-generated content. | 3. Finding specific songs or artists may be challenging. |
Method 4: How to Find Free Music on YouTube Via Dedicated Channels
Numerous YouTube channels are dedicated to curating and promoting free music for creators. These channels provide a consistent stream of tracks from various artists, making it easier to find quality music without violating copyright laws. Here’s how you can find free music on YouTube via dedicated channels:
1. Head to the YouTube homepage and enter relevant keywords such as "free music channels" or "royalty-free music channels" in the search bar.
2. Browse through the search results and find channels that have a substantial collection of free music. Look for channels with a significant number of subscribers and positive feedback from users.
3. Once you land on a channel, explore their video library and playlists to find music that suits your needs. Some channels organize their content into different categories, making it easier to find specific genres or moods.
4. Click on a video to listen to the music, and the channel description will often provide details on how to download the track or find more information about the artist.
Pros:
1. Regularly updated content from a variety of artists and genres.
2. Channels often have well-organized playlists and categories for easy navigation.
3. Community support and feedback can help you discover new and popular tracks.
Cons:
1. Relies on the availability and consistency of uploads from channel creators.
2. Limited to the selection provided by specific channels.
3. Quality control may vary, as channels are operated by individual users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Regularly updated content from a variety of artists and genres. | 1. Relies on the availability and consistency of uploads from channel creators. |
| 2. Channels often have well-organized playlists and categories for easy navigation. | 2. Limited to the selection provided by specific channels. |
| 3. Community support and feedback can help you discover new and popular tracks. | 3. Quality control may vary, as channels are operated by individual users. |
What to Do If You Can’t Find Free Music on YouTube
If you are unable to find suitable free music on YouTube, don’t worry! There are several alternative options and fixes you can try:
1. Explore external platforms: Consider exploring dedicated websites that provide free music for commercial use, such as SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or Free Music Archive. These platforms host a vast range of music and often offer filtering options to find royalty-free tracks.
2. Create your own music: If you have some musical talent or access to instruments, consider creating your own music. By composing and recording your own tracks, you not only have complete creative control but also ensure that you are using original content.
3. Hire a music composer: If you have a specific vision for your project or require tailor-made music, consider hiring a music composer. Many composers offer their services online and can create original music based on your preferences and requirements.
Bonus Tips
1. Keep track of the music you use: When using free music from YouTube or any other platform, it is essential to keep a record of the songs you use in your projects. This helps you maintain transparency and provides proper attribution to the artists when necessary.
2. Verify the usage rights: While many artists provide their music for free, it is crucial to double-check the specific usage rights and licenses associated with each track. Some artists may require attribution or have limitations on commercial use.
3. Experiment and mix tracks: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tracks and genres. Combining different music pieces or adding effects can help create a unique soundtrack for your projects.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I use free music from YouTube in my commercial projects?
A: Yes, many free music tracks on YouTube can be used in commercial projects. However, it is essential to read and understand the specific usage rights and licenses associated with each track.
Q2: What if I want to use a popular song in my video project?
A: Using popular copyrighted songs in your video projects can lead to copyright infringement. It is best to obtain the necessary licenses or seek permission from the copyright holders to avoid any legal consequences.
Q3: How can I attribute the music properly?
A: Properly attributing the music involves providing credit to the artist in your project’s description or credits. This can be done by mentioning the artist’s name, the title of the song, and a link to the original track.
Q4: Are there any limitations on the number of free music tracks I can use?
A: In general, there are no specific limitations on the number of free music tracks you can use. However, it is essential to balance the use of music with other elements of your project to maintain a cohesive and well-crafted final product.
Q5: What if the free music I want to use has specific conditions or requirements?
A: If you come across free music with specific conditions or requirements, it is crucial to comply with them. This may include providing attribution, adhering to non-commercial use restrictions, or following any other instructions outlined by the artist or license.
Final Thoughts
Finding free music on YouTube can open up a world of possibilities for content creators, filmmakers, and music enthusiasts. By utilizing the YouTube Audio Library, exploring Creative Commons licenses, user-generated playlists, and dedicated channels, you can discover a vast range of quality music to enhance your projects. Remember to respect copyright laws, properly attribute the artists, and verify the usage rights for each track you use. With these methods and bonus tips in mind, you can confidently dive into the world of free music on YouTube and enrich your creativity.