Whether you are producing a vlog, editing a short video, recording a podcast, or preparing a livestream, the right music can give your work energy and emotion. Finding that music is often difficult: audio is harder to search than imagery, and its licensing rules can be more complicated.
Here are eight useful music libraries for creators. Licenses can vary between tracks, plans, and distribution channels, so always review the current terms before publishing a project.
1. Bensound
Bensound offers music across pop, electronic, folk, and many other genres. Some tracks in its free collection can be used in personal or educational projects with attribution. Its clean interface makes browsing and previewing tracks straightforward.
Website: https://www.bensound.com/
2. Incompetech
Created by composer Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech covers a wide range of moods and genres, from suspenseful scores to romantic pieces. You can filter music by genre, tempo, and mood. Many tracks are available at no cost when the required attribution is included.
Website: https://incompetech.com/
3. Pixabay Music
Pixabay is best known for photos and videos, but it also maintains a useful music and sound-effects library. It includes background music, instrumental tracks, and audio effects with a polished search and download experience. Check each asset against the current Pixabay Content License before use.
Website: https://pixabay.com/music/
4. YouTube Audio Library
YouTube Audio Library gives YouTube creators access to music and sound effects that can be filtered by genre, mood, instrument, and duration. Some tracks require attribution, while others do not; the library shows the relevant requirement alongside each download.
Website: https://studio.youtube.com/
5. Free Music Archive
Free Music Archive collects work from musicians across many genres and provides several discovery filters. Its tracks use different licenses: some allow commercial use or modification, while others have narrower restrictions. Review the license shown on the individual track page rather than assuming the entire library follows one policy.
Website: https://freemusicarchive.org/
6. Jamendo
Jamendo has a large catalog of independent music spanning rock, pop, classical, and more. Personal and commercial projects may require different licenses, and Jamendo offers paid licensing options designed for business use.
Website: https://licensing.jamendo.com/
7. Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound is a subscription library of polished music and sound effects for YouTube videos, podcasts, livestreams, advertisements, and other productions. It commonly offers a trial and is a strong option for creators who need a consistent source of professional audio.
Website: https://www.epidemicsound.com/
8. Artlist
Artlist provides music, sound effects, footage, and templates for professional creators. Its music can be explored by mood, genre, and intended use, while its subscription plans cover different publishing needs. Confirm that your plan includes the platforms and commercial uses required by your project.
Website: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music
Whichever library you choose, do not rely only on labels such as “free” or “royalty-free.” Check the specific track’s license, attribution requirements, commercial-use scope, and approved distribution channels before releasing your work.