Disclosure: I am not associated with any of the brands mentioned in this post. I have not been paid or asked to create the following content. The views expressed are my own. In full disclosure I have a paid Artlist.io subscription
Uploading content with copyrighted material will not only have bans and strikes placed on your online account, it’s also breaking the law.
In this quick blog, I’m going to share with you some free and paid options to take your video production or digital media to the next level, and why you should use them.
But If I buy the song on iTunes it’s mine right? – No!
What is royalty free music?
To put it simply, royalty free music, is music that you can use that you have been granted a license to and that you don’t have to pay royalties every time it’s played.
Why Use Royalty Free Music?
- Firstly, using someone else’s music without permission or without written consent is illegal, and could land you in a lawsuit.
- Secondly, most online platforms have some form of automatic detection to prevent this from happening. On YouTube it’s referred to a Content ID, and on Facebook it’s called Rights Manager. These systems identify and remove content that infringes on someone else’s intellectual property.
- Thirdly, not abiding by platform rules can see you loose the ability to monetise your content.
- Lastly, platforms such as YouTube & Facebook can impose bans, bars and complete account removal for violating terms of use.
So now I’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff.
If you are creating content exclusively for YouTube & Facebook, both these platforms have audio libraries that you can use for free, these also won’t effect your ability to monetise your videos.
I would recommend these for Vlogs etc.
1. YouTube Audio Library, accessed through the Creator Studio.
2. Facebook Creator Studio
The best part about these libraries of music is they are free, however if you are looking for a higher quality library of music, you might like to consider;
AudioJungle
AudioJungle is part of the Envato Market network of sites, and offers royalty free music for use for projects with wide range of audiences including everything from Online Video to Broadcast.
AudioJungle is not free however for the occasional video project you can grab a cheap song, just be sure to have a read of the license as a different license is required depending on where you wish to distribute the content.
Artlist.io
Artist is a yearly subscription based audio library that give you unlimited and complete access to it’s library for $16 a month (billed annually).
Unlike other services mentioned, this license granted is commercial meaning their isn’t a restriction to use it. Provided you paid for a license you can use the music anywhere you want, including in client work.
If you are creating a great deal of content this option can definitely save you some serious cash of a year.
Grab Two Month’s Extra (Free)
If you decide to purchase Artist, you can grab an extra two month’s for both of us using my referral link. (click)
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