Finding the perfect background music for your videos can significantly enhance their appeal, engagement, and professionalism. However, finding the right resource for getting perfect royalty-free music for your YouTube videos can be challenging. With so many options available, it can be hard to determine which sources offer the best combination of quality, variety, and usability.
In this blog, we have curated a list of the best seven resources for royalty-free background music, each with its unique pros and cons.
YouTube Audio Library
The YouTube Audio Library is an exceptional resource for anyone looking to add background music to their videos for free. With just a YouTube account, users gain access to an extensive library comprising over 1,000 tracks and 300 sound effects. This resource can be used by content creators on YouTube for both non-commercial and monetized videos. Some tracks require attribution, but many do not, giving users flexibility depending on their project’s needs. However, the library’s search functionality can be somewhat limited, especially for those with highly specific musical requirements.
Incompetech
Incompetech, created by Kevin MacLeod, is renowned for its vast collection of royalty-free music. The tracks are meticulously categorized by genre and mood, which makes it easy to find the right piece for any project. Music from Incompetech is free to use with required attribution, or users can opt to purchase the entire library for a one-off fee of $38, eliminating the need for attribution. While this is a cost-effective solution for many, the mandatory attribution for free use can be a limitation for some users who prefer not to include credits in their projects.
Envato Market (AudioJungle)
AudioJungle, part of the Envato Market, offers a rich collection of royalty-free music starting at just $1 per track. The platform features a diverse range of high-quality music from a global community of artists. One of AudioJungle’s standout features is its music kits, which allow for the customization of tracks to better fit the specific needs of a project. Subscribers also enjoy monthly premium freebies. However, as a paid service, the cost of tracks can vary, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious creators.
Musopen
Musopen is a unique resource focusing exclusively on classical music. It is a specialized tool for those seeking classical compositions where users can search for music by instrument, composer, and author. The best part is that all music on Musopen is completely free with no attribution required. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking for classical music without any legal strings attached. However, classical music may not suit all video styles, particularly those needing contemporary or genre-specific tracks.
Pixabay Music
Known for its extensive library of stock photos, Pixabay has expanded to offer royalty-free music. The platform’s music library is searchable by genre, mood, and tag, making it easy to find the right track. No attribution is required for using the music, although it is appreciated. As a newer service, Pixabay Music’s library is still growing and is smaller compared to other established resources. However, its strong reputation for excellent visuals suggests promising growth for its music collection in the future.
Bensound
Bensound offers a wide variety of royalty-free music vividly categorized to help users find tracks that fit their specific needs. While free tracks are available with attribution, the platform also offers paid plans starting at € 9.99 per month for full access to all tracks. The subscription plan provides a comprehensive solution for those frequently requiring high-quality music. However, the free music selection is limited, which might necessitate a subscription for users who need access to a broader range of music.
AudioBlocks
AudioBlocks, now known as Storyblocks Audio, is another useful resource for royalty-free background music. It has a vast and ever-growing library of high-quality tracks and sound effects which cover various genres and moods. It has a subscription-based model, which grants unlimited downloads and usage rights for a flat annual fee. Moreover, Storyblocks Audio offers a user-friendly interface with robust search capabilities which simplifies the users’ effort to find a suitable track.
These are the top seven resources that provide a rich combination of extensive libraries, ease of use, and a mix of free and paid options for sourcing royalty-free background music for videos. Whether you are into a serious niche like education or in a fun niche like travelling, these platforms offer diverse solutions to meet your musical needs and enhance the overall impact of your projects.