The Creator’s Playlist: Best Royalty Free Music Sites for Creators in 2024

Imagine a world where your creative projects come to life with the perfect soundtrack, enhancing every moment without the hassle of licensing woes. That’s the power of royalty-free music, and in 2024, the options are more exciting than ever.

With the digital landscape buzzing with content creators, the demand for high-quality, accessible music has skyrocketed. Whether you’re a budding YouTuber, an experienced filmmaker, or a podcast enthusiast, the right tune can elevate your work from good to unforgettable.

But with so many sites out there, how do you choose the best royalty free music for your needs?

Quick Overview: The Best Royalty Free Music Platforms

The world of royalty free music is filled with a plethora of platforms, each catering to unique requirements. Identifying the ideal one for your project might seem daunting. Here, we’ll guide you through the best royalty-free music sites of 2024:

1. Best for Free Quality Music: Uppbeat offers a wide selection of music tracks at no cost and is perfect for content creators looking for hassle-free licensing.

2. Best for High-Quality Tracks: Music Vine stands out with its high-quality tracks suitable for diverse projects, sourced from independent artists and composers.

3. Best for Customizable Music: Filmstro is your go-to platform if you need to customize your tracks to specific lengths and create your own custom soundtrack.

4. Best for music and video footage : Artlist offers a subscription-based model with unlimited downloads, making it an affordable choice for content creators seeking high-quality music tracks.

5. Best for Real Opportunities for Artists: Audiosocket ensures fair compensation for artists providing real opportunities for musicians to get their music licensed.

6. Best for Exclusive Tracks: PremiumBeat offers exclusive royalty-free tracks, ensuring the uniqueness of your content.

7. Best for Diverse Music Selection: Audiio collaborates with labels, publishers, and musicians to provide a diverse collection of music.

8. Best for Vast Library: Epidemic Sound boasts a vast library of over 40,000 high-quality royalty-free music tracks and 90,000 SFXs.

9. Best for Hand-Picked Production Music: Soundstripe offers unlimited licenses to their curated music collection for an annual fee.

Hey there! Just a heads-up: some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click on them and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only suggest products I genuinely use and trust, or those I believe could truly benefit you. So, feel free to explore, and only grab something if you feel it's right for your needs!

Uppbeat: The Free Solution for Content Creators

Uppbeat.io, a royalty-free music site that’s been making some serious noise in the creative community. It’s a haven for content creators looking for high-quality, royalty free tracks without the hefty price tag.

Why We Like It

• This platform stands out with its user-friendly interface and a diverse library of tracks that cater to a wide range of moods and genres in neatly organised intuitive categories.

• What’s more, they offer a free tier with access to a generous selection of tracks, making it an accessible option for creators on a budget.

• It also has a really cool AI text-to-music playlist generator that gives you a superb list of suggested tracks for any query with uncanny accuracy.

• Uppbeat also look out for both music composers and content creators with a fair eco system of supply and demand which we like.

Exclusive Insights:

• Uppbeat has a vast library with a tier-based pricing system, where the quantity and variety of tracks available to you increase with each pricing tier. Additionally, sound effects are included at the higher pricing tiers too,

• Tracks are categorized into standard and premium selections, with premium ones marked by a star icon.

• The selection of both standard and premium tracks is impressive, and the vibrant, easy-to-navigate categories like moods, beats, and top creator picks make finding the perfect tune a breeze.

Licensing & Pricing:

There are three pricing tiers Free, Premium and Business each with its own licensing terms.

The Free tier is tailored for individual creators. It allows for 3 track downloads every month, which refreshes with each new month. Access is limited to standard tracks, representing 30% of Uppbeat’s entire music library.

These tracks can be freely used on YouTube and other social media platforms, excluding instances where they are featured in paid ads.

A special credit exclusive to each music track is provided to pop in the description of your Youtube videos so you can avoid copyright claims.

There are Ads that appear on Uppbeat periodically when you’re browsing. To be Ad-free you need to be on a higher tier.

On the free tier you’re restricted to 15 AI text-to-music playlist credits per month

The Premium tier is for solo creators or micro organisations (5 employees or less) who want to experience the full 100% Uppbeat catalogue unrestricted and ad-free. So premium tracks are included as are all sfx and you get an unlimited number of downloads a month.

You can whitelist up to 3 YouTube channels, so there’s no need to provide a credit like on the free tier because it’s all done for you hands-off and in the background by Uppbeat. You can use these tracks across all social media but like the free tier not for paid digital advertising.

You also get 200 AI music playlist credits per month.

The Business tier license covers any size of organisation, It includes everything in Premium but you can whitelist up to 10 Youtube channels and you can use it for client content if you’re acting as an agency for example.

The business license also allows you to use the music in paid online advertising across all platforms. So for example you would need this license if you were paying to distribute a post online such as boosting online videos in facebook.

For broadcast or larger commercial projects you need to contact Uppbeat for a custom license.

Usability

The search and filter options are second-to-none. For initial browsing there are intuitive and easy on the eye categories on the home page which make for easy selections.

Once you have signed up for an account (either free access or paid), organising your favourites, playlists and download history makes coming back to your selections really easy.

Extra Features:

The YouTube channel whitelisting feature is a significant time-saver, and the unique music track credits provided on the free tier to prevent copyright strikes are a refreshingly welcome addition.

The AI playlist generator is a real game changer and provides you with the targeted tracks you need for your content.

Things to Consider

While the free tier provides track credits, they are single-use only. If you’re looking to feature the same track across various videos or pieces of content, you’ll need to re-download the track to obtain a new unique credit. Keep in mind, your free tier limits you to 3 downloads each month.

Pros:

• Extensive music library with a user-friendly interface and free tier option for budget-conscious creators.

• Innovative AI playlist generator for personalized track suggestions and efficient music discovery.

• Multiple pricing tiers with benefits like ad-free browsing, unlimited downloads, and YouTube channel whitelisting.

Cons:

• Free tier limits track downloads to three per month and includes periodic ads.

• Single-use track credits on the free tier restrict the reuse of music across multiple projects.

• Premium features and use in paid advertising require higher-tier subscriptions, potentially increasing costs for creators.

Summary

Uppbeat.io is a game-changer for content creators, offering a vast, user-friendly library of royalty-free music with a free tier and innovative AI playlist generator. It caters to all levels with tier-based pricing, from individual creators to businesses, ensuring high-quality tracks are accessible and perfectly matched to any project’s needs.

Tracks to Check Out:

Premium Track: ‘Double Take’ by Sensho. Cool, lo-fi, soulful chill hop track. Guaranteed to elevate any content.

Standard track: ‘High Life’ by Richard Smithson. Happy, bright reggaeton track with uplifting summer vibe.

Music Vine: High-Quality Tracks for Diverse Projects

Music Vine has been harmonizing the needs of creators with exceptional music since 2015. Founded by Lewis Foster, Music Vine prides itself on its Leeds, UK roots and its commitment to pairing creators with music that fits like a glove.

Why We Like It

Music Vine stands out for its quality music selection and its intuitive, creator-focused approach to finding the perfect song match for your project. The platform’s user-friendly search and filter system is a treasure trove for creators seeking that ideal sound.

Exclusive Insights:

Music Vine is the sister company of Uppbeat, but is geared more towards professional film makers and brands.

Similarly, it features an AI-driven playlist generator, although its functionality differs from Uppbeat’s. With Music Vine, you can fine-tune your search with four distinct options to pinpoint the ideal track for your video.

You can input a specific scene description, describe a desired sound, define your brand’s personality, or specify any other relevant details. To aid your search, helpful text prompts are available beneath each option, guiding you towards the perfect track for your content.

Licensing & Pricing:

Music Vine offers flexible licensing options to suit various needs and budgets. Whether you’re a solo creator or a large organization, there’s a plan for you.

Subscription Options:
Choose between the Pro Subscription and Creator Subscription, both providing access to the entire catalog and unlimited license generation for multiple projects.

• Creator Subscription: Tailored for YouTubers and social media users, with ‘Ambassador’ and ‘Standard’ levels, the latter requiring no credit to Music Vine.

• Pro Subscription: Designed for commercial use, with ‘Pro Lite’ and ‘Pro Standard’ levels, offering full clearance for marketing with customizable license options.

Pay Per Use: For those who prefer not to subscribe, individual track licensing is available, with prices varying based on the intended use of the music.

• It’s worth noting if you were to use the same track for another project, then you’d need a new license to sync the music with that specific piece of content.

Usability

Search: Music Vine’s front page offers professionally curated playlists and collections, such as Promotional, Storytelling, or Creative, each with further collections like Attitude and Good Vibes.

Innovative Filters: The platform’s ‘Search by Styles’ and ‘Search by Energy’ filters allow for a unique and tailored search experience, including sub-filters for Production type, Occasion, Footage, and Edit style.

Mood and Energy Matching: With filters for Moods, Vocals, Duration, and Energy, creators can find music that aligns perfectly with the intensity and feel of their content.

Extra Features:

One great feature is the depth and thought that Musicvine has put into its search filters which you don’t see anywhere else.

• The Energy filter for example allows you to choose music that ranges from very calm to moderate to climatic with other energy levels in-between.

• The Vocal filter feature provides a spectrum of vocal options, ranging from purely instrumental tracks (i.e no vocals) to those with vocal elements, and even specific male or female sung lyrics.

• There’s also a handy duration slider where you can choose tracks of any length (up to 10 mins)

Things to Consider

While Music Vine offers a wealth of options, it’s important to choose the right subscription or pay-per-use plan that aligns with your project’s scope and distribution.
Pros:

• High-quality, diverse music selection

• User-friendly search and filter system

• Flexible licensing and pricing options

• Unlimited license generation for subscribers

Cons:

• Pay-per-use may become costly for multiple projects

• Subscription plans may not suit all budget levels

Summary

Music Vine has been striking the right chord with creators by offering a curated selection of high-quality music that seamlessly aligns with their projects since 2015. The platform distinguishes itself through an intuitive search system and flexible licensing, catering to both individual creators and professional filmmakers, ensuring every project hits the perfect note with its soundtrack.

Tracks to Check Out:

Don’t miss out on ‘I’m Gone’ by Barry Dallas. This track is a standout with its bold, humorous, and rebellious vibe. Featuring great brass, vocal filtering, and slamming breakbeats, it’s the perfect backdrop for an upbeat video or product showcase.

Filmstro: For Soundtrack Control

Imagine the soundtrack in your projects moving with the same grace and precision as your visuals.

Welcome to Filmstro, based in Brighton, UK, where the promise of “Taking control of your soundtrack” is not just a tagline but a reality.

This all-in-one royalty-free music library, coupled with a groundbreaking app, is revolutionizing the way creators synchronize music with their content. The high-quality music selection is just the beginning of what makes Filmstro stand out.

Why We Like It

Creators are constantly on the lookout for music that not only complements their work but enhances it. Filmstro’s unique offering as the world’s first dynamic royalty-free music library hits all the right notes.

It’s available as a browser based app for any platform and there’s a generous full free trial which allows you to try out the app and start browsing, downloading and editing music without having to sign up or enter any payment details.

With easy-to-use collections such as Latest Releases and Staff Picks, along with broad genre categories, finding the perfect track is a breeze. The platform’s one-word track titles are a testament to its simplicity and focus on delivering music that encapsulates its essence in a single word.

Exclusive Insights:

Filmstro’s adaptive slider technology is where the magic happens. With sliders for Momentum, Depth, and Power, creators can tailor the music to their project’s needs in real-time. This innovative feature allows for a level of customization that is unparalleled in the industry.

Licensing & Pricing:

Subscription Options: Filmstro’s subscription model is as user-friendly as its app and boasts the simplest royalty-free music licenses on the internet.

It offers a subscription model that gives you unbridled access to all of Filmstro’s music which you can use in an unlimited number of projects, worldwide and in perpetuity.

You can cancel anytime and the license covers you for any music you use in your projects, even if you decide to stop being a member.

There are three subscription/licensing tiers, with options to pay monthly or annually.

• The YouTuber tier allows you to use the music in YouTube videos and on other digital platforms and also covers you for monetised YouTube videos.

• The Pro tier includes everything in YouTuber and is more suitable for revenue generating purposes, such as online ads, wedding films, corporate videos and other video creation projects for commercial use.

• Pro Plus, includes everything in Pro but covers all TV and Radio broadcasting including TV, Cinema and Radio advertising

Overall If you’re making lots of videos, and using them for a variety of revenue generating purposes this offers amazing value and is highly affordable.

Usability

The Filmstro app extends the platform’s usability by allowing creators to audition music alongside their video clips. The interface, reminiscent of popular NLEs (Non-linear editors) provides a familiar environment to craft unique video soundtracks but the app’s adaptive slider technology grants real-time control over the music that you can see taking shape before your eyes on the timeline.

Extra Features:

Filmstro’s clever musical algorithms empower creators to produce soundtracks of any length, tailored to their video clips. This level of customization is further enhanced by the ability to automate sliders with keyframes within the app, offering unparalleled flexibility and control over the music’s momentum, depth, and power.

You can get right down to granular level and also determine how you want each section of your soundtrack to move into the next with the transitions control.

Once inside the app there’s some pre-built templates to get you started really easily such as ‘composer’s mix’ and ‘minimum mix’ and you can save and import your own for future projects.

Things to Consider

While Filmstro’s app and subscription model offer incredible advantages, it’s important to choose the right tier for your project’s scope.

Pros:

• High-quality, dynamic music library

• User-friendly search and filter options

• Innovative adaptive slider technology for real-time music customization

• Flexible subscription model with access to the whole Filmstro library

• Generous Free Trial available

Cons:

• As a content creator you may not want to use all the optional bells and whistles.

Summary

Filmstro is more than just a music library; it’s a creative partner that adapts to your project’s rhythm. With its high-quality tracks, innovative app, and flexible licensing, Filmstro is setting a new standard for royalty-free music libraries. Whether you’re a YouTuber or a professional filmmaker, Filmstro has the tools to make your soundtrack as dynamic as your visuals.

Tracks to Check Out:

To experience the full potential of Filmstro, start with the free trial and dive into the collections or explore the broad filters to find tracks that resonate with your project’s mood and genre.

We like ‘Fern’ by Fin Gartland-Jones, an uplifting electronic track with a hint of pathos.

Artlist: One-Stop Shop for Original Music, SFX and Video Footage

In the realm of video production, the right soundtrack can elevate your content to new heights. Enter Artlist, a music licensing platform that’s capturing the hearts of video creators worldwide.

Originally conceived by Ira Belsky in Israel as a royalty-free music site, Artlist has since morphed to provide all manner of assets including video and stock footage, customizable video templates and more.

Of course, we’re going to focus on the music..

Musically, Artlist is a treasure trove of exceptional music, all sourced from independent artists across the globe who create original tracks that Artlist then license to creators. The platform’s dedication to originality ensures that all your projects will stand out with a fresh and unique sound.

Why We Like It

Artlist’s founders, being filmmakers themselves, understand the importance of emotion in storytelling. This is reflected in the meticulous categorization of their music library, which is designed to produce songs that resonate with the desired emotion of any video.

The platform’s user-friendly search filters, including Mood, Video Theme, Genre, and Instrument, make finding the perfect track for your project a seamless experience.

Exclusive Insights

Artlist has a Spotlight feature that groups tracks into curated playlists that highlight the talented artists who contribute music to the platform. You can save artists to follow their releases in your account along with other saving options valuable for future project reference.

Licensing & Pricing:

Subscription Options: In all there are five subscription plans with their own licenses. Some of these plans cover video footage use and other assets, but there are just two music centric pricing options that we’re going to look at.

The Music & SFX-Social plan provides music and sound effects from Artlist’s library and is a personal license that covers:

• Music use in podcasts and across your own personal social platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Instagram and TikTok..

• In addition, it offers protection against copyright claims for one channel per social media platform, enabling monetization of these channels when using Artlist’s music.

  This means you can have one monetized channel on YouTube, one on Facebook, and so on, all under the safety net of Artlist’s copyright protection when you include their tracks in your content.

The Music & SFX-Pro plan also provides music and SFX from Artlist’s library and is an unlimited license that covers

• Music use in podcasts, all social platforms and any website or online platform.

• It also covers any paid advertising, and any client work (ideal for agencies) and broadcasting and TV

The jump from Social to Pro isn’t too big a leap so as a content creator you might find that Pro is the better option.

However, if you’re also considering incorporating video assets into your projects, you might want to consider the Max-Everything plan, which is an unlimited license that provides comprehensive coverage for all your creative needs.

Usability

Creating personalized collections is a breeze with Artlist. You can easily mark your favorite tracks and compile playlists, streamlining your workflow and saving valuable time. Whether you’re crafting a vlog, a time-lapse, or a slow-motion masterpiece, Artlist’s search filters guide you to the perfect soundtrack.

Artlist’s music is rich with lyrics and vocals, providing a depth and character that instrumental tracks alone cannot achieve. While this is a significant advantage for many projects, it’s worth noting that most tracks are full-length versions, which may limit flexibility for those seeking instrumental versions or time-based edits.

Extra Features:

The Artlist Academy is a useful and valuable resource that provides online courses that cover many useful topics in the production and post production video niche. There’s also a category on how to become an influencer. Plus most of these courses are free.

Things to Consider

One potential drawback is the lack of multiple versions of a track. If you require instrumental versions or specific edits, you may find the options limited. However, the quality and originality of the music may outweigh this consideration for many users.

Pros:

• Highly original music from independent artists worldwide

• Simple and comprehensive licensing model

• User-friendly search and categorization focused on mood, video theme, genre and instrument

• Personalized playlists and favorites for efficient workflow

Cons:

• Limited availability of instrumental versions and specific edits

• Only full-length tracks may restrict editing flexibility

Summary

Artlist is a powerful resource for creators seeking original music and SFX. Its user-centric design, combined with an easy licensing model, makes it an attractive choice for filmmakers and content creators of all levels.

Tracks to Check Out:

Dive into the vibrant sounds of Artlist with the recommended track ‘Glow’ by LiQWYD. This uplifting tune is part of the ‘Young Love’ album collection and perfectly captures the essence of feel-good emotions with its catchy, filtered vocal effects and hooky melody. It’s a testament to the quality and appeal of the music you’ll find on Artlist.

Smartsound: For Track Customisation and Flexibility

SmartSound has long been a favorite among creators for its versatile music library and innovative Sonic Fire Pro application. It’s not just a music library; it’s an all-in-one solution that integrates seamlessly with a native editing platform similar to Final Cut or Adobe Premiere, but with a twist—it’s built around SmartSound’s own music library.

Why We Like It

The standout feature of SmartSound is its adaptive technology, which allows you to customize the length of music tracks to fit your content perfectly. This clever feature has been a game-changer for many internet marketing product launches over the years, making SmartSound a go-to resource for creators looking for precision and flexibility in their audio tracks.

Exclusive Insights

The SmartSound library offers the option to tailor tracks online for a set price per track, or for more in-depth customization, utilize the Sonic Fire Pro desktop software, which is available for separate purchase. This software empowers you to synchronize music to your video in real-time, ensuring your visual narrative remains intact but with amazing soundtrack editing capabilities.

The software’s NLE-style interface provides a familiar environment for creators to construct soundtracks with any arrangement or instrumentation they desire, offering true creative freedom.

The browser-based customization tool, while not as feature-rich as Sonic Fire Pro, still offers potent editing capabilities, such as live mixing via faders and sliders, various arrangement options, choice of instruments, and tailored track lengths.

Smartsound also offer an extensive sound effects library both online and in the app.

Licensing & Pricing:

SmartSound’s licensing options are straightforward and cater to a wide range of commercial uses.

• Extended covers you for most commercial uses including all typical online uses and even local TV and radio broadcasting and advertising fall under extended.

• Widest covers you for everything in Extended plus national TV/radio broadcasting, International display in theatres and unlimited DVDs and downloads

For anything outside the these two licenses you need to contact Smartsound directly for bespoke licensing on a per-project basis.

Smartsound’s music and SFX are whitelisted and cleared for all your social media channels so you can use them without any legal issues.

All tracks and albums are priced the same, whether purchased online via the website or through the Sonic Fire Pro app, with special upgrade offers available for bulk purchases. Additionally, SmartSound offers a tailored subscription option.

Usability

Whether you’re using the online customisation feature directly from the website or the full capabilities of the Sonic Fire Pro app, SmartSound ensures a user-friendly experience.

The online customization allows you to preview and download watermarked mp3 versions to try in your content. You can also purchase pre edits of different track lengths.

While the sonic fire pro app provides access to the full library with useful search filters and the ability to audition and purchase new tracks for immediate use.

Extra Features:

Sonic Fire Pro stands out with its ability to let users flip between mix variations and instrumental mixes at will, providing significant advantages over the online customization option.

One such feature is the ability to move beats in the music to sync with visual events in your video for a more impactful experience. What’s more the background music or track still retains integrity and makes musical sense.

Things to Consider

While SmartSound offers a wealth of features, it’s important to note that the online customization is limited to one variation and one instrumental mix per track download. For those requiring more complex arrangements, the Sonic Fire Pro software would be the better choice.

Pros:

• Adaptive technology for custom track lengths

• High level of customization with Sonic Fire Pro

• Simple and comprehensive licensing options

• Extensive music and SFX library

Cons:

• Online customization has limitations compared to the software

• NLE plugins are gradually being discontinued for newer versions

Summary

SmartSound is a powerful tool for creators who need high-quality, royalty-free music with the flexibility to fit any content length. Its innovative software, Sonic Fire Pro, provides an unmatched level of customization, making it an essential resource for those looking to enhance their projects with the perfect soundtrack.

Tracks to Check Out:

For a taste of SmartSound’s atmospheric offerings, check out ‘Distant Past’ by Alessandro Alessandroni. This track is a tribute to the iconic sounds of Ennio Morricone, evoking a sense of melancholy and nostalgia perfect for western, spy, or detective themes. Its cinematic quality makes it an excellent choice for projects that require a reflective and evocative audio backdrop.

PremiumBeat: High Quality Soundtracks

Music is the soul of any visual project, and finding the right track can elevate your content to new heights. Premium Beat, a treasure trove of exceptional music, has been setting the standard for top quality music tracks since 2004. Let’s dive into why Premium Beat should be one of your first stops for finding that perfect tune.

Why We Like It

Premium Beat, now a part of the Shutterstock family, boasts an impressive library of over 17,000 tracks, each one reflecting the exceptional quality that creators have come to expect. The father and son duo, Gilles & Francois Arbou, laid the foundation for a service that’s as user-friendly as it is extensive, ensuring that you find the perfect soundtrack for your project with ease.

Exclusive Insights:

Premium Beat’s music library has grown from a modest 45 tracks to a staggering 17,000+ since its inception in 2004.

The website’s design is a testament to simplicity and elegance, making your search for music an enjoyable experience.

Licensing & Pricing:

Premium Beat has evolved its licensing model to cater to a variety of needs. There are three main licenses the Standard license, the Premium license and the Enterprise license.

The Standard license is perfect for all web uses including podcasts and allows client work (great for agencies) and also allows paid online advertising worldwide and in perpetuity.

The Premium license inlcludes everything in the standard license but extends to TV, broadcast Radio, Film, and revenue-generating apps, video games and video game trailers for a single territory and up to a budget of less than $2million dollars

For worldwide broadcast cover and larger budgets you need the Enterprise License.

Subscription Options:

The Premium beat subscription service is billed annually or monthly and offers:

• Access to the full catalog with a monthly download limit of 5 tracks, requiring a minimum commitment of 3 months.

• Unused track credits don’t roll over to the next month. So you have to use your 5 track quota per month.

• The SFX, the premium license and a small number of premium tracks are not included in the subscription

Music or SFX Single Purchase

If subscription isn’t your thing you have the option to purchase individual music tracks or sound effects. Depending on how you plan to use them, you can select either the standard or premium license, with the latter being more costly due to the broader usage rights it offers.

Single track licensing is ideal for less frequent music users, while the subscription suits those with regular needs, albeit with Standard license terms.

Usability

The website’s user-friendly interface ensures that whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time user, your experience will be seamless and productive.

The powerful search engine at Premium Beat is a highlight, featuring four main filters that are easily accessible right from the homepage:

• Browse by Genre, Mood, Artist and Collections for a tailored music selection.

• Utilize filters like BPM and duration to find tracks that fit your project’s rhythm and length.

• Advanced filters allow for more detailed searches, ensuring you find the exact sound you need. For example you can search for tracks that come with stems, binaural music or vocals. There are many more advanced search options too.

• Collections curated by their music team offer themed selections like ‘Culinary Delights’ and ‘Vlog Vibes,’ designed to fast-track your search to the perfect tune.

Extra Features:

Free Trial – You can sign up for free and use the platform. There are unlimited free downloads of watermarked tracks to use in your content. You can also save favourites and create playlists.

Tracks come with 15 sec, 30 sec, and 60 sec versions, along with loops for creating music beds of any length. Some tracks include stems as standard, offering additional flexibility for editing.

There is an automated music expert (MAX) to help you choose and guide you through the entire process. This AI helper will help you with anything from choosing music for your project or help selecting the right license.

Things to Consider

The subscription option, while comprehensive, comes with a monthly download limit and a minimum term commitment.

For uses beyond the web, such as TV and radio, a separate premium license purchase is necessary.

Pros:

• Extensive, high-quality music library

• Automated Music Expert to help guide you.

• User-friendly search and filter system

• Versatile licensing options

• Additional editing features like loops and stems

Cons:

• Monthly download limit on subscription service

• Premium license required for broader commercial use

Summary

Premium Beat stands out as a premier destination for high-quality music tracks, offering an intuitive platform, diverse licensing options, and a vast selection of music. Whether you’re working on a personal project or a commercial endeavor, Premium Beat has the tools and tracks to bring your vision to life.

Tracks to Check Out:

Don’t miss the track ‘A Day in the Sun’ by Gyom. It’s an uplifting piece that’s perfect for themes of nature, sports, friendship, and teamwork. The chorus exudes an optimistic ‘can do’ attitude that can inspire and energize your audience.

Audiio:The Fresh Face of Music Licensing

In the bustling streets of Nashville, Tennessee, a new sound is echoing through the creative world. Audiio, founded by ex-Universal Music Group artist Clay Jones and a team of ad creatives and musicians, is quickly becoming the go-to source for fresh, high-quality music.

Why We Like It

Audiio sets itself apart by curating music from independent artists, professional musicians, publishers, and labels. This means their tracks are not only original and of great quality but also highly syncable, making them perfect for a wide range of projects.

Exclusive Insights:

Audiio’s founders bring a wealth of experience from their backgrounds in music and advertising.

One great benefit to Audiio is the lifetime license which basically does what it says on the tin and gives you access to Audiio’s music for life. Read on…

Licensing & Pricing:

Audiio offers three straightforward licenses through an annual subscription model:

Subscription Options:

Creator: The Audiio Creator subscription is a available on a monthly basis and grants unrestricted access to an extensive collection of music and sound effects for personal use on social media. However, this plan does not permit usage for client or commercial purposes. Subscribers to the Creator plan can download up to 25 songs daily.

Pro: The Audiio Pro subscription is an annual plan that unlocks unlimited usage of Audiio’s music and sound effects portfolio. This subscription is comprehensive, allowing for utilization in any context ranging from YouTube monetization to local television broadcasts, accommodating both individual creators and client projects for organizations with up to 100 employees.

Lifetime: You get everything in the Pro license but rather than an annual subscription you only pay a one time fee, forever.

The Pro and Lifetime licenses provide:

• Unlimited access to the audio catalog.

• Perpetual, unlimited song downloads.

• Use in an unlimited number of projects.

• Commercial use, including music for client projects, covering virtually all uses from social media to paid advertisements and more.

However, the Pro and Lifetime Music Membership excludes coverage for content on broadcast TV, OTT networks like Netflix and Hulu, and national/international theatrical releases, which require an upgrade fee per song. The licenses only cover organisations up to 100 employees.

For needs beyond the scope of this license, an Enterprise license is necessary, and Audiio’s team should be contacted directly to arrange it.

Usability

Audiio’s platform is designed with the user in mind, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience for finding and downloading the perfect track for any project.

Extra Features:

Link Match AI is an innovative feature that allows you to paste a link from any music streaming service like Spotify, and Audiio’s link match will analyze the song and find a similar track in their own library.

Once you have an account you can also use this feature within the Audiio platform to find similar tracks to your favourites or any other Audiio track.

You can sign up for a complimentary account which gives you complete access to free downloads, the ability to save your favorite songs, create playlists, and fully utilize all the features of the website without any cost.

The music collection at Audiio is not only vast but also varied, providing tracks that are appropriate for an array of video themes and emotional tones. Additionally, the library is constantly growing, with new music and sound effects being added every day.

Things to Consider

Although Lifetime Memberships offer exceptional value, it’s essential to be aware of their exclusions, particularly regarding broadcast TV and OTT networks. However, for the majority of online creators, this option presents a significant bargain.

For broader coverage beyond the standard licenses, direct contact with Audiio is necessary.

Pros:

• Highly original and syncable music tracks from independent sources.

• Simple and comprehensive licensing options.

• Lifetime memberships provide exceptional value for frequent users.

Cons:

• Additional fees for content distributed on broadcast TV and OTT networks.

• Need to contact for broader coverage beyond standard licenses.

Summary

Audiio is revolutionizing the music licensing industry with its unique approach to curating high-quality, original music tracks. With its user-friendly platform and flexible licensing options, Audiio is an excellent choice for creatives looking for music tracks that resonate with their projects and audiences.

Tracks to Check Out:

‘Still Awake’ by Veaux: A cool vocal track with an interesting arrangement, perfect for sleep-related products.

‘Villain’ by Jared Marc: A syncable theme with a vibe fit for crime and espionage narratives, complete with an instrumental version for versatile editing.

Epidemic Sound: Vast Library and Direct Licensing

Epidemic Sound, hailing from Sweden since 2009, has carved out a unique niche in the royalty-free music (RFM) industry. Their innovative approach to music rights simplifies the creative process for content creators worldwide.

Why We Like It

What sets Epidemic Sound apart is their ownership of all the music in their library. This allows them to offer the best royalty free tracks that are completely free from future royalties, a game-changer for creators.

Epidemic sound also offer a vast sound effects library of over 90,000 sfx.

Exclusive Insights:

Epidemic Sound’s business model is based on acquiring mechanical copyrights by paying composers a one-time fee. This means they can offer a direct license to the user.

Licensing & Pricing:

Epidemic Sound offers three straightforward subscription tiers: ‘Personal’, ‘Commercial’, and ‘Enterprise’ (requiring a quote), plus single track licensing options that allow you to post anywhere online with certain restrictions based on your tier.

Subscription options:

Personal: license: This allows creators to use music and sound effects in online platforms for personal use. Platforms means all social media, websites, games, podcasts, apps. There is a limit of one channel per platform at this level and this license does not cover paid digital or onllne advertising or promotion for a brand or company.

Commercial license: Is geared towards creators who are running a business online either for themselves or clients. The license includes everything in the personal license but allows up to three channels per platform. It also covers unlimited use in paid digital or online advertising or promotion for a brand or company.

Enterprise license: This license includes everything in the commercial license and is a custom license geared more towards larger organisations that have more than $50 million USD in annual revenue or need multiple users

Single track Licenses:

Single track or pay per track licenses offer one time fees for music tracks which vary based on usage with four main licenses to choose from: Private, Personal, Commercial, Business. Custom options are available for other uses outside these four categories.

Usability

The platform boasts a user-friendly backend with search options like genres, moods, and staff-picked albums, making it easy to find the perfect track. The themes category is particularly interesting with various sub categories such as cooking, podcast, trailers, tutorials etc.

Extra Features

Epidemic Sound’s extensive catalog includes a vast SFX library, cleared globally and forever.

Stems are available for tracks, offering sub-mixes of Drums, Bass, Instrument, and Melody for flexible editing.

Epidemic sound music operates under an extended royalty-free license which means they don’t use composers who are registered with any Performance Rights Organisations (PROs). Meaning there are no public performance costs and so no Cue sheet info or reporting is required.

Things to Consider

While the subscription plans offer great value, single track pricing and the need for custom licenses for certain uses may require additional budgeting.

The 7-day free trial is a fantastic way to explore the service, but content can only be published on connected channels during this period.

Pros:

• Ownership of music rights ensures no future royalties.

• Extensive, globally-cleared music and SFX catalog.

• Stems provide creative editing options.

• No PRO affiliations mean no cue sheet hassles.

Cons:

• Single track and custom licensing may be complex for some users.

• Trial period limitations on content publishing.

Summary

Epidemic Sound is a robust solution for creators seeking high-quality, royalty-free music without the complexities of traditional licensing. With its global clearance, extensive catalog, and innovative features like stems, Epidemic Sound is a top choice for enhancing any project.

Tracks to Check Out:

‘Sun is Shining’ by Tomas Skydlberg: A happy, dreamy track with a summer vibe and atmospheric feel that’s perfect for creating relaxed and positive content.

Audiosocket: Supporting Independent Artists and Musicians

Audio Socket is your go-to source for an extensive catalog of 80,000 tracks, mainly from independent artists who bring authenticity and fresh sounds to your projects.

Why We Like It

Audio Socket isn’t just another royalty free music platform; it’s a creative haven for those seeking the perfect soundtrack. With their headquarters in the US and the innovative Maas (Music as a Service) licensing technology, they’ve crafted a system that seamlessly integrates with various platforms, including video sharing sites, virtual worlds, online games, and social networks.

Exclusive Insights:

Audiosocket has a vast selection of 80,000 songs, providing a diverse range of music to fit any project.

Licensing & Pricing:

Audio Socket simplifies the licensing process with flexible options tailored to your needs. Whether you’re an individual creator or a large business, their subscription plans and single track licensing adapt to your project’s scale and budget.

Subscription Options:

Personal Plan – This is ideal for solo content creators who are producing and sharing videos or podcasts on their personal online channels online. It does not cover paid digital advertising or client work.

Commercial Plan: –This is perfect for small businesses and freelancers creating web content for themselves and their clients. It covers paid digital advertising and client work.

Enterprise Plan – This is a custom license for larger businesses with more than 50 employees and/or those looking for TV, Film, Radio,VOD or expanded media rights clearance.

Single Track Licensing – This allows you to purchase a single track license for any of audiosocket’s catalogue. You can do easily do this from within the platform when choosing and auditioning tracks.

Usability

The platform’s user-friendly interface boasts comprehensive search and browsing filters, allowing you to find the perfect track with ease. You can search by genres, moods, vocals, duration, tempo, themes, and instruments. The unique thematic categories, especially for emotions, are thoughtfully divided, ensuring you find music that truly captures the essence of your content.

Extra Features

Search and Filters are innovative and detailed, helping you pinpoint the exact track you need.

There is access to different track versions such as instrumental or timed edits, via a convenient dropdown box.

Audiosocket also have an exclusive music library ASX which means the music is signed exclusively to them from their artists. So you won’t find this music anywhere else online. It’s a premium music catalog aimed at higher end clients.

Things to Consider

When licensing a track from Audiosocket you can use the same music multiple times but you need to generate a new license for each new use. This helps pay the composers properly for their music.

Pros:

Extensive music catalog from independent artists.

Flexible licensing options, including subscriptions and single track licenses.

User-friendly search and filter tools.

Innovative Maas licensing technology.

Cons:

You need to generate a new license for each use under subscription plans.

Summary

Audio Socket is more than just a royalty free site; it’s a comprehensive solution for creators looking to elevate their projects with the perfect soundtrack. With a massive catalog, innovative technology, and user-centric features, it’s a platform that understands and caters to the diverse needs of its users.

Tracks to Check Out

For a taste of what Audio Socket has to offer, immerse yourself in the sultry sounds of ‘Snakes and Gators’ by Dominic Hauser. This track is a blend of Blues and Cajun, atmospheric and highly syncable, making it an instant scene-setter for TV and video.

Soundstripe: Unlimited Licenses to Hand-Picked Production Music

Soundstripe steps into the spotlight with a promise that resonates with every creator’s dream: ‘The Best Royalty Free Music for Video’. Whether you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, or filmmaker, Soundstripe’s eclectic mix of music, sound effects, and video assets is tailored to amplify your creative vision.

Why We Like It

Soundstripe is a dynamic resource designed for a diverse group of content creators. The platform stands out with its commitment to variety, sourcing music from independent artists and producers. This not only enriches the available selection but also supports the creative community. The interface is a breeze to navigate, ensuring that your perfect track is only a few clicks away.

Exclusive Insights

With unlimited access you can dive into a vast ocean of songs, background music, curated playlists, and a robust SFX library. With new tracks added weekly, your content will always feel fresh.

Listen anywhere with a dedicated Soundstripe music app which means you don’ have to be tied to your desktop computer. You can download and create playlists, share songs and more on the go.

Some tracks come with stems, offering you the flexibility to tweak individual components of your background music perfectly.

The sound effects library is included in all Licensing options.

Licensing & Pricing:

Soundstripe’s licensing model is a gem in the industry. Opt for any pricing plan, and you’re set to license music for a multitude of projects. The process is straightforward: hit the LICENSE button for each use, ensuring legal compliance and fair artist compensation.

There are 3 Licenses Creator, Pro and Enterprise

Subscription Options:

Creator: This is a personal license for organic social use which means you can use the music across the web and social channels but you’re not allowed to do any digital advertising and you can only whitelist one Youtube channel.

Pro: The pro license giver you everything in creator and you’re also able to use commercially for yourself and clients. This means you can produce advertisements and, as a freelancer, promote your own and your clients’ businesses. You also get the use of stems in all songs, integrated plugins for video editors such as Premiere Pro and get monetisation clearance for up to 5 Youtube channels.

What’s more, this license boldly covers all broadcast types, including TV ads and theatrical releases, without additional fees.

Enterprise: The enterprise license gives you everything in Pro and is geared more towards larger companies who require more than one seat.

One Time Purchase Options:

If subscription isn’t your bag, you can also license tracks on an individual basis inside the platform when you sign up for a free account.

While browsing is free, licensing requires an account and a chosen payment plan. So you don’t have to enter any card details until you’re ready to either choose a subscription or license an individual track.

Usability

The platform’s user-friendly, search bar and filter system allows you to pinpoint perfect background music with ease. Filters like ‘Characteristic’ and ‘Energy’ help you match the music to your project’s mood and tempo.

There is a really useful AI search too that will choose background music based on text descriptive inputs.

Extra Features

Handpicked Playlists: Save time with expertly curated selections that cater to various themes and moods.

Weekly Updates: Keep your content on the cutting edge with a steady stream of new music.

‘Holding on to you’ (Stripped version) by Horn Tanks: An emotionally charged masterpiece that’s ideal for content that aims to touch hearts and provoke thought, from environmental documentaries to wedding montages.

Youtube music clearance means you can freely use all Soundstripe’s music without having to worry about copyright claims against your Youtube videos when monetising your Youtube channel.

Things to Consider

While Soundstripe offers a plethora of advantages, it’s important to remember that licensing each track for multiple projects is necessary. This ensures that you remain on the right side of copyright laws and supports the artists who fuel your creativity.

Pros:

• Extensive and diverse music library

• Extensive Sound Effect Library

• Simple, comprehensive search filters

• Flexible licensing that covers all broadcast types

• Supports independent artists

Cons:

• Subscription-based access may not suit all budgets

Summary

Soundstripe is a treasure trove for content creators seeking some of the best royalty free music from independent artists. With its artist-friendly licensing, vast selection of background music, and user-centric interface, it’s a platform that respects both the creator and the creative process. Whether you’re crafting a wedding video or a podcast, Soundstripe harmonizes with your creative needs.

Tracks to Check Out

‘Bus Won’t Stop’ by Famous Cats: A vivacious track that blends retro charm with a modern twist, perfect for content that’s as fashionable as it is quirky.

How to Choose the Best Royalty Free Music Platform

To select the optimal royalty-free tracks for your needs, there are several crucial factors to consider.

Firstly, review the licensing terms to ensure they cover intended usage without additional fees or reporting requirements.

A diverse selection of genres and styles will ensure that you can find tracks suitable for a variety of project needs. Consider the platform’s customer support services, such as how quickly they respond to inquiries and the assistance they provide with licensing issues.

Lastly, don’t forget to check for any freebies, trials, or discounts that the platform offers, which can enhance the overall value and user experience.

Summary

The world of royalty-free music offers a plethora of options for creators. From platforms offering free music like Uppbeat, to those with high-quality tracks for diverse projects like Music Vine, and even those offering simple licensing like Artlist, there’s a platform for every need.

More specialized platforms like Filmstro cater to those who need customizable music tracks, while Audiosocket provides real opportunities for artists looking to get their music licensed.

Choosing the right platform ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Keep in mind the licensing terms, potential hidden fees, diversity of music selection, quality of customer support, and any additional benefits the platform offers.

With careful consideration, you’re sure to find the perfect royalty-free music platform that suits your creative endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions