Whether you’re a content creator, small business owner, podcaster, or someone making a slideshow for your best friend’s birthday, one thing can really tie your project together—background music. The right music adds emotion, sets the tone, and helps your content feel complete. But let’s face it, finding music that’s both high-quality and free can feel like a wild goose chase.
In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the best ways to find free background music, what to watch out for in terms of licensing, and how you can legally use music in your projects without spending a dime. Whether you need something soft and mellow or bold and cinematic, we’ve got your back.
Where to Find Free Background Music
There are a surprising number of places that offer free background music, as long as you know where to look and what to look for.
- YouTube Audio Library
One of the most popular and easy-to-use sources for free background music. If you have a YouTube account, you already have access. You can search by genre, mood, instrument, and duration. Some tracks require attribution, but many do not. - Free Music Archive (FMA)
A curated library of music for a wide range of uses. Some tracks are public domain while others use Creative Commons licenses. It’s a great spot for discovering hidden gems from independent artists. - Incompetech
Created by composer Kevin MacLeod, this site has hundreds of tracks available under Creative Commons. It’s one of the oldest and most reliable sources for free music on the internet. - Bensound
Offers a collection of royalty-free music for videos and presentations. Most tracks are free with attribution, and you can purchase a license if you want to skip attribution requirements. - ccMixter
This community music site is filled with remixes and original tracks by artists around the world. It’s Creative Commons-based, so be sure to check licensing for each track. - Audiomass Music Library
A lesser-known but growing library of royalty-free music. The interface is simple and makes it easy to preview and download tracks.
Understanding Music Licensing: What “Free” Really Means
Just because music is labeled “free” doesn’t always mean you can use it however you want. It’s important to know the types of licenses you might come across.
- Public Domain
These tracks have no copyright restrictions. You can use them in any way, commercially or non-commercially, without attribution. This is the safest and easiest type of free music to use. - Creative Commons (CC)
Creative Commons licenses vary. Some allow commercial use and modifications, others don’t. Here are some common variations:- CC BY: You can use it freely, even commercially, as long as you give credit.
- CC BY-SA: Same as above, but derivative works must carry the same license.
- CC BY-NC: Non-commercial use only, with attribution.
- CC0: Basically public domain—no attribution or restrictions.
- Royalty-Free (But Not Always Free)
Sometimes this term is used in confusing ways. Royalty-free means you pay once (or not at all), and you don’t have to keep paying the creator every time you use it. Some royalty-free tracks are free, but many come with an upfront cost.
How to Use Free Background Music in Your Projects
Once you’ve found the right music and checked the license, using it is usually straightforward. But here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Credit the Artist When Required
If a license says attribution is needed, include the artist’s name and track title, along with a link to the license or their website. For example: “Music: ‘Dreamscape’ by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under CC BY 4.0.” - Don’t Modify Without Permission
Some licenses don’t allow changes, which includes altering the speed, cutting parts of the song, or remixing. Always double-check if modifications are allowed. - Check for Commercial Use Approval
If you’re monetizing your project—whether it’s a YouTube video, podcast, or online course—you need to be sure the music license allows commercial use. - Avoid Copyright Claims on YouTube
Even if you’re using music that’s free and properly licensed, YouTube’s Content ID system might flag your video. Keeping good records and providing clear attribution can help resolve disputes if they happen.
Comparison Table: Top Sources for Free Background Music
| Source | Commercial Use Allowed | Attribution Needed | License Type |
| YouTube Audio Library | Yes (varies by track) | Some do | Varies (Some public domain) |
| Free Music Archive | Yes (varies by track) | Often | Creative Commons |
| Incompetech | Yes | Yes | Creative Commons |
| Bensound | Yes | Yes (free version) | Creative Commons/Royalty-Free |
| ccMixter | Varies | Yes | Creative Commons |
| Audiomass Library | Yes | Varies | Royalty-Free |
FAQs About Free Background Music
Can I use free background music for my YouTube videos?
Yes, but make sure the license allows for commercial use if your video is monetized. YouTube’s Audio Library is a safe bet.
What happens if I use copyrighted music by mistake?
You might get a copyright strike or your video could be taken down. On platforms like YouTube, your monetization might go to the copyright holder instead.
How do I know if attribution is required?
It should be stated clearly in the music’s license terms. If you’re downloading from a reputable site, they’ll usually explain how to give proper credit.
Is there truly free music that doesn’t require any credit?
Yes, tracks in the public domain or under a CC0 license don’t require attribution and are free to use however you want.
Can I modify free background music to better fit my video?
That depends on the license. Some Creative Commons licenses allow changes, others don’t. Always read the terms before making edits.
Conclusion
Free background music can be a powerful tool when used correctly. It elevates your content, adds personality, and keeps your audience engaged. But the key is understanding where to find it and how to use it legally. From YouTube’s own library to independent composer websites, the options are broader than ever before.
Make sure to check the license every time, give credit when needed, and keep track of what you use and where it came from. With a little attention to detail, you can stay out of legal trouble and focus on what really matters—making great content.
So whether you’re editing a podcast, putting together a wedding slideshow, or building a video course, don’t settle for silence. Grab some free music and bring your project to life.