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To find music you can reuse, start with a library that states each track’s license, then check that its terms cover your platform, commercial use, edits, and attribution. For a YouTube video, YouTube Studio’s Audio Library is the clearest official starting point. For other projects, use Creative Commons Search to discover tracks, but confirm the license on the individual track page before using one.
What “copyright-free” means
“Copyright-free” is an imprecise phrase. It may mean a work is in the public domain, dedicated to the public domain with CC0, or still copyrighted but available under a license that permits certain uses. A Creative Commons license does not remove copyright; it gives permission subject to its conditions. Creative Commons distinguishes CC0, a public-domain dedication, from a license. See Creative Commons’ FAQ.
Also check both the composition and the particular recording you plan to use. A permission for one does not automatically establish the rights status of the other. Public-domain rules and related rights can vary by jurisdiction, so do not assume a specific recording is public domain without checking the applicable facts.
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For a YouTube video: YouTube Studio Audio Library
- Open YouTube Studio and select Audio Library.
- Search by title, artist, or keyword, then narrow results with filters such as genre, mood, attribution, or duration.
- Sample the track and download it as an MP3 if it suits your project.
- Check the track’s license type. If attribution is required, select the attribution filter and copy the credit from the Creative Commons icon in the License type column into your video description. Tracks under YouTube’s standard Audio Library license can be found with the “Attribution not required” filter.
YouTube says, “Only music and sound effects from the Audio Library are known to YouTube to be copyright-safe.” Its assurance applies to that library, not to third-party “royalty-free” channels or libraries. YouTube also says Audio Library tracks may be monetized by YouTube Partner Program members and that rights holders will not claim Audio Library downloads through Content ID. See YouTube’s Audio Library guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Relaxation and Peace: Helps you relax and find peace through carefully composed instrumental music
- Professional Musicians: Soothing classical guitar with cello performed by Billboard Top 10 artists, Ryan Judd and Kristen Miller
- Versatile Use: Calm your mind with this relaxation CD suitable for meditation, yoga and massage sessions
- Stress Relief: Relieves stress and anxiety through gentle, expressive acoustic performances
- Therapeutic Design: Developed by a board-certified music therapist with a percentage of profits donated to help children with cancer
For other projects: Creative Commons Search
For podcasts, games, presentations, or video on other platforms, Creative Commons Search can help locate candidates and filter for commercial use or modification. It lists music sources such as ccMixter, Jamendo, and SoundCloud. Treat the search tool as a discovery service, not as a guarantee of rights: open the specific work’s page and verify the license there. Creative Commons provides licenses and discovery tools; it does not grant rights on a creator’s behalf. See the Creative Commons FAQ.
Free Music Archive
Free Music Archive offers tracks under various Creative Commons licenses, but says it does not own the copyright to original works. Check the license attached to the individual track rather than assuming the archive has cleared every use. Its FAQ discusses licensing and use of music in videos.
Rank #2
- Helps you relax and sleep. All of these calming tracks are at the rhythm of the resting heart rate.
- 60 minutes of calming guitar music with ocean waves. Creates white noise to drown out other sounds.
- Relax your body and calm your mind with this relaxation and sleep CD that is research-based.
- An ocean background track relaxes you and lulls you to sleep. Relieves stress, anxiety and insomnia.
- Developed by a music therapist. A percentage of profits are donated to help children with cancer.
Check the terms against your project
Before downloading, note where the music will appear, whether the project earns revenue or promotes a business, and whether you plan to cut, loop, remix, or otherwise adapt the audio. Those details can determine whether a license fits. If it is unclear whether your use is commercial, Creative Commons advises contacting the rights holder or choosing a work that permits commercial use.
Creative Commons licenses may include these conditions:
- Attribution (BY): Credit the creator as required by the license.
- NonCommercial (NC): Restricts uses classified as commercial; it may not suit an advertisement or monetized project.
- NoDerivatives (ND): Can restrict adaptations, so check before editing or remixing.
- ShareAlike (SA): Can require qualifying adaptations to be offered under the same license terms.
Read the actual license version and track page. The label “royalty-free” alone does not mean the music is uncopyrighted or cleared for every platform and purpose. YouTube specifically disclaims responsibility for issues arising from third-party royalty-free libraries or channels; see its Audio Library guidance.
Compare candidate tracks before choosing
If several tracks sound suitable, compare the rights terms as carefully as the music itself:
- Does the license cover the platform where the project will appear?
- Does it allow your commercial purpose, including monetization or business promotion?
- Is attribution required, and what exact credit must you provide?
- Are cuts, loops, edits, or other adaptations permitted?
- Does ShareAlike apply to adaptations?
- Does the track page clearly identify the license and the person offering the permission?
Save proof of the permission
Keep the track title, artist, source page, license version or text, download date, and any required credit. YouTube provides copyable attribution text for CC tracks in its Audio Library. Keeping these details gives you a record of the terms you relied on if a rights question arises.
When a free track is not a fit
If a free license does not cover your platform, commercial purpose, or planned edits, do not rely on the “free” label. Look for another track whose stated terms fit, or consider a paid license. Free Music Archive’s video FAQ describes paid licensing as an option for some works; availability and terms depend on the particular track. For questions that turn on local law or a specific rights dispute, YouTube says it cannot provide legal guidance and suggests consulting a qualified lawyer.
Quick Recap
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