Where to Get Music for Your Videos Legally
Free and paid music libraries compared: what they cost, what the license covers, and where copyright claims can still happen.
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In short
- A song you like is not a song you may use. Downloading a track from YouTube or Spotify gives you no right to put it in your video. Expect a copyright claim, muted audio or the ad money going to the label.
- Free options exist: the YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay Music and Uppbeat's free plan. Read the license of each track before you publish.
- For regular uploads a subscription is easier: Epidemic Sound and Uppbeat let you add your channel, so claims on their music get released.
- Client work and ads need a commercial plan. The cheapest plans usually cover only your own channels.
Why you can't just use a song
Songs and music videos are protected by copyright, usually owned by a label and a publisher. On YouTube, Content ID recognises the track and the owner can block the video, mute it or take the ad revenue. TikTok and Instagram let personal accounts use songs from their in-app library inside the app, but that license stays in the app. Business accounts on TikTok are limited to the Commercial Music Library. As soon as you export a video with a song and upload it elsewhere, or use it for a brand, you need a license of your own.
That is also why Shortform Kit does not download music: songs, music videos and copyrighted sounds are blocked on our downloaders.
The options compared
| Library | Price | What the license covers | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Audio Library | free | License differs per track; some need a credit in the description. Check the track's terms before using it outside YouTube. | YouTube videos on a budget |
| Pixabay Music | free | Pixabay Content License: free use without credit, but not as a standalone file. Some tracks are registered in Content ID, so a claim can still come; keep the license. | Small projects, tests |
| Uppbeat | free: 3 downloads a month; paid from $6.99 a month | Free and Essentials: your own channels (free needs a credit). Pro ($14.99) adds client projects and commercial digital use. | YouTubers starting out |
| Epidemic Sound | Creator €11.99 a month billed yearly (€143.88), 30 days free | Creator: social media, podcasts, websites, sponsored posts on your channels, monetization on 1 channel per platform. Pro (€16.99): digital ads, client work, 3 channels. | Creators who post every week |
| Artlist | Music & SFX from €9.99 a month | Personal and commercial use of music and sound effects; bigger plans add footage, templates and AI tools. | Editors who also need sound effects |
| TikTok Commercial Music Library | free inside TikTok | Cleared for business use on TikTok, in the app. | Brand accounts on TikTok |
Prices as shown on the official pricing pages on 22 October 2026 (in Europe in euros, Uppbeat in US dollars), without VAT. They change often and can differ by country.
Which one should you pick?
- One video, no budget: YouTube Audio Library or Pixabay. Save the license page with the file.
- A channel you post to every week: a subscription. Epidemic Sound and Uppbeat are the most creator-focused, Artlist is strong if you also want sound effects. We use Artlist's sound effects in our own edits.
- Client videos or ads: a plan that names client work and ads (Epidemic Sound Pro, Uppbeat Pro, Artlist's commercial license). The cheapest creator plans don't cover them.
How to avoid copyright claims
- Keep the license or download receipt for every track, next to the project file.
- Add your channel in the library's dashboard (often called safelist or clearing) before you publish.
- If a claim comes anyway, dispute it in YouTube Studio with the license. Claims on licensed library music are usually released.
- Keep music clearly below the voice and check the finished mix with our LUFS meter and add the song with add music to video.
FAQ
Can I use a song if I credit the artist?
No. A credit is not a license. You need permission from the rights holders or a license from a library that covers your use.
Is the YouTube Audio Library free to use on TikTok or Instagram?
Often yes, but the license differs per track and some need a credit. Open the track's details and follow its terms.
What is the cheapest legal music for a YouTube channel?
Free libraries like the YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay Music and Uppbeat's free plan. For weekly uploads, paid plans start around €7 to €12 a month when billed yearly.
Can I download music with Shortform Kit?
No. Songs, music videos and copyrighted sounds are blocked. Use a music library that licenses the track for your video.