Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
For a YouTube Short, the simplest route is to add a song from the Shorts Audio Library using YouTube’s Shorts creation tools, then keep within the duration shown for that track. A song being popular—or appearing in the Shorts library—does not give you blanket permission to download it, use it in a regular video or livestream, or carry it to another platform.
What music can I use on YouTube?
You can use music you created yourself, music that is in the public domain, or music you have permission to use. YouTube also provides music catalogs with specific terms for particular formats. The right choice depends on where the video will appear and what the track’s license allows; a “free” or “royalty-free” label alone does not establish that every use is covered. YouTube warns that even music labeled free may still be flagged by Content ID. YouTube’s Audio Library guidance explains its own option and general music-safety guidance.
Before selecting a track, check the format, how you add the audio, allowed duration, territory, monetization terms, whether the permission is for one video or repeat use, and whether it extends to another channel or platform. A permission that covers one upload may not cover a Short, livestream, or use elsewhere.
How to add trending audio to a YouTube Short
- Open YouTube’s Shorts creation tools. Start creating a Short in the YouTube app, rather than adding a copyrighted song to the finished video in an external editor.
- Choose audio from the Shorts Audio Library. Search or browse for the sound you want and select it in the creation flow.
- Check the displayed duration. For a three-minute Short, most songs in the library can be used for up to 90 seconds, but some are limited to 60 or 30 seconds. The selection screen shows how many seconds are available for that track. The limit is track-specific, not a general rule that makes any excerpt of that length legal. YouTube’s three-minute Shorts guidance describes these limits.
- Finish and publish the Short through YouTube. Keep the selected audio within the displayed limit and review any notices shown during creation or upload.
The in-product method matters because Shorts library tracks come from music partners with Shorts-specific agreements. Adding a song through the Shorts tools creates a special rights-holder claim for analytics. Adding copyrighted music from outside those tools may instead expose the Short to standard Content ID claims or a copyright removal request. Library availability and permitted use can vary by song, territory, ownership, and rights clearances. YouTube’s explanation of Shorts music rights describes the distinction.
#1 Best Overall
- [Natural Audio Clarity] Operated with frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz, the podcasting XLR mic delivers balanced audio range, likely to resonate with your audience. Directional cardioid dynamic microphone corded will not exaggerate your voice, while rejects unwanted off-axis noise for vocal originality and intelligibility during your PS5 gaming streaming video recording. (Tips: Keep the top of end-addressing XLR dynamic microphone AM8 facing audio source, and suggested recording range is 2 to 6 in.)
- [XLR Connection Upgrade-Ability] To use XLR connection, connect the podcast microphone to an audio interface (or mixer) using a separate XLR cable (NOT Included) . Well-connected and smooth operation improves audio flexibility to make you explore various types of music recording singing. The streaming mic isolates the pristine and accurate sound from ambient noise with greater no interference and fidelity. (RGB and function key on mic are INACTIVE when using XLR connection.)
- [USB Connection with Handy Mute] Skip the hassle of setting something up and plug the cable to play the dynamic USB microphone directly, which suits for beginner creators or daily podcast. You can quickly control the gamer mic with tap-to-mute that is independent of computer/Macbook programs to keep privacy when live streaming. LED mute reminder helps you get rid of forgetting to cancel the mute. (RGB and function key are only available for USB connection, but NOT for XLR connection)
- [Soothing Controllable RGB] RGB ring on the desktop gaming microphone for PC, with 3 modes and more than 10 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for gaming synergy even in dim room. You can control the RGB key button of the dynamic microphone USB directly for game color scheme gaming or live streaming. Configured memory function, the streaming microphone RGB no need to repeated selections after turnning off and brings itself alive when power on. (Only available for USB connection)
- [More Function Keys] Computer microphone with headphones jack upgrades your rhythm game experience and gets feedback whether the real-time voice your audience hear as expected. Get the desired level via monitoring volume control when gaming recording. Smooth mic gain knob on the PC microphone gaming has some resistance to the point, easily for audio attenuation or boost presence to less post-production audio. (Only available for USB connection)
Can I use a Shorts sound in a regular YouTube video?
Do not assume so. A track available through the Shorts Audio Library is covered for the applicable Shorts use, not automatically for a long-form video or livestream. Find a source and terms that specifically cover the format you intend to publish.
Music options for longer videos and other formats
YouTube Audio Library
YouTube Studio’s Audio Library offers royalty-free music and sound effects that creators can preview and download at no charge. YouTube says its royalty-free music will not receive a Content ID claim. Check the individual track’s attribution information and terms before publishing. YouTube describes Audio Library licenses as usable in multiple videos uploaded to YouTube, making it an option when you need music for more than one upload. YouTube Audio Library guidance
Rank #2
- [Convenient Setup] Plug and play recording USB microphone for PC, with 5.9-Foot USB cable included for computer PC laptop, is connected directly to USB-A port for recording music, computer singing or podcast. The office condenser microphone for computer is easy to use and install. (NOT compatible with Xbox and Phones)
- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when you are doing voice overs or livestreams on YouTube. Durable material extends the service life of the voice-over microphone.
- [Mic Volume Knob] Gaming condenser USB mic compatible for PS4 with additional volume knob itself has a louder or quieter adjustment and is more sensitive. Your voice would be heard well enough through the zoom microphone USB when gaming, skyping or voice recording. Also, you can adjust your volume to zero and protect your privacy.
- [Widely Use] USB-powered design, the condenser microphone for recording no need the 48v Phantom power supply, works well with Cortana, Discord, voice chat and voice recognition. The podcast microphone for Mac, with USB-B to USB-A/C cable, is compatible with desktop, laptop or PS4/PS5, which meets most of your daily recording needs.
- [Clear Output Voice] Cardioid condenser microphone for PC captures your voice properly, producing clear smooth and crisp sound. Great computer recording mic for gamers/streamers/youtubers focus on the main source and reduces background noise. The streaming microphone does the job well for broadcast ,OBS and teamspeak.
Creator Music
Creator Music is a separate catalog in YouTube Studio, not an extension of the Shorts Audio Library. Depending on the track, terms may allow a no-cost license with full video monetization or revenue sharing. YouTube documents availability for creators in the U.S. who are in the YouTube Partner Program; expansion to YPP creators outside the U.S. is pending. Check the catalog and the specific track’s supported regions and terms rather than assuming availability.
Creator Music licenses and revenue-sharing tracks apply to long-form videos, not Shorts or livestreams. Most Creator Music licenses are for one use in one YouTube video. They do not transfer to another channel or platform; YouTube Audio Library licenses are the stated exception for multiple YouTube uploads. YouTube’s Creator Music usage rules
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
YouTube’s Help page says paid Creator Music licenses began phasing out in August 2026: August 10, 2026 was the last day to purchase and use them. Previously applied paid licenses remain valid until expiry; purchased licenses not used by that deadline are refunded. Do not assume paid licenses are currently available; check the live catalog and current terms. YouTube’s Creator Music availability information
Original music or third-party licensing
Your own music and tracks from third-party sites can be options, but verify the written license for the exact recording. Check whether it covers YouTube, your format, monetization, territory, repeat use, and any additional channel or platform. “Royalty-free” does not answer those questions by itself. YouTube’s Creator Music FAQ defines a license as “legal permission to use content that other people own the rights to.” YouTube Help
Rank #4
- 360 Degree Position Adjustable Gooseneck Design --Plug and play USB microphone Pick up the sound from 360-degree with high sensitivity, in the best possible location for sound to your PC gaming, dragon voice dictation, and talk to Cortana
- Mute Button & LED Indicator --One-click to mute/unmute your microphone for pc, Build-in LED indicator tells you the working status at any time
- Intelligent Noise-Canceling Tech --Premium omnidirectional condenser microphone with noise-canceling technology can pick up your clear voice and reduce background noise and echo
- USB Plug&Play(1.8/6ft USB Cable) -- No driver required. Just need to plug & play for the microphone to start recording, well compatible with Windows(7, 8, 10 and 11) and macOS. (NOT compatible with Xbox/Raspberry Pi/Android)
- Solid Construction--Adopting premium metal pipe and heavy-duty ABS stand to make sure that you will be satisfied with our computer mic quality
Can I use trending audio without a copyright claim?
There is no universal number of seconds that is automatically safe, and popularity does not grant permission. Use an eligible in-product track for the format it covers, or obtain permission whose written terms cover your use. Giving credit in the description does not replace permission. Even when you believe a use is authorized, an automated claim may still appear; the claim notice and license terms are what you need to assess the situation.
Creator Music and Shorts music have different scopes. A Shorts library track added with YouTube’s creation tools is intended for the permitted Shorts use. Creator Music licensing and revenue-sharing terms apply to eligible long-form videos, not Shorts or livestreams. A track’s presence in one catalog does not grant rights in another format.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Best Value
- 【Crystal Clear Audio Quality】Our Omnidirectional pattern condenser microphone accurately captures your voice, making it perfect for dictation, online classrooms, and more.
- 【Active Noise-Cancelling】Come in CMTECK CCS2.0 SMART CHIP with Omnidirectional Polar Pattern, which can effectively block the background noise. The pop filter prevents plosives from overloading the microphone, ensuring only your voice is heard.7
- 【Convenient Mute Button with LED Indicator】You can quickly mute/un-mute the microphone with the Mute Button and the built-in LED light lets you know the working status(Greenlight: Connected; Red light: Mute mode).
- 【Easy to use】 No drivers needed, just plug and record without external power supply, directly connect the microphone to a USB compatible device, well compatible with Windows(7, 8 and 10), Mac OS and PS4 (NOT compatible with Raspberry Pi/Linux/Android）
- 【Mini size with Adjustable Gooseneck】Adopted flexible and adjustable gooseneck metal pipe, easily adjust position 360 degrees to suit user comfort. The compact and stable base maximizes your desktop space.
What happened to my blocked Short?
A Content ID claim and a copyright strike are different. A claim can cause a video to be blocked, monetized, or tracked, and the result can differ by territory. A claim alone usually does not produce a strike. A copyright removal request can remove the video and result in a strike. YouTube’s Content ID claim guidance
YouTube’s updated guidance says that, beginning September 24, 2026, new Shorts longer than one minute but under three minutes with an active Content ID claim will no longer be automatically blocked and may remain playable. This is a conditional change in blocking behavior, not permission to use the music or a guarantee that a Short will remain available. YouTube Help pages have shown inconsistent wording: older English guidance still says claimed Shorts over one minute are blocked. Check the current claim notice and the outcome shown in Studio. YouTube’s Shorts guidance · YouTube’s claim guidance
Review a claim and choose a response
- Open the claim in YouTube Studio. Review the claimant, the matched material, and the policy applied to the video.
- Decide whether the claim is valid. If you lack the rights or do not want to challenge it, you can leave the claim in place. Depending on the case, you may be able to mute, trim, or replace the claimed material with YouTube Audio Library audio.
- Dispute only with a good-faith basis. Dispute if you believe the claim is wrong and you are confident you have the necessary rights. YouTube does not mediate disputes; an unsupported dispute may be followed by a removal request, and a valid removal request results in a copyright strike.
Keep a YouTube livestream running without using trending audio
If your goal is a 24/7 YouTube livestream made from prerecorded video, music clearance still matters: use audio you own or have permission to use for livestreams. Shorts library and Creator Music permissions do not automatically cover a livestream. StreamNeo is a cloud service for looping uploaded videos on YouTube, not a camera-based broadcast; it keeps the stream running without leaving a computer or home connection on.
Or let it run in the cloud
Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud. Nothing has to stay on at home; uploaded quality streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot. It can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and the monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or start the free day.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
