The Ultimate Guide to Free-to-Use Music
Introduction
Hello, I'm Duskfall, one of the founders of Earth & Dusk Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and equality in the art and entertainment industries. As an amateur music producer, graphic designer, and AI content creator living with ADHD, Autism, and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), I'm passionate about harnessing my creative energy to make a positive impact. Today's article is about The Ultimate Guide to Free-to-Use Music.
At Earth & Dusk Media, we believe that creativity knows no bounds, and that living with neurodivergent conditions can lead to incredible insights and talents. Our mission is to provide a safe and empowering space for creators and enthusiasts alike, advocating for accessibility and inclusivity through entertainment.
Through my music production and content creation, I aim to break down stigmas and promote a more inclusive society. In this blog post, I'll be sharing my favorite resources for finding free, high-quality music that's perfect for content creators. Whether you're a YouTuber, Twitch streamer, or social media influencer, you'll find something that resonates with you. I'll also be sharing some of my own music, which is inspired by my neurodivergent experiences and perspectives
Top Websites for Free-to-Use Music
As a content creator, finding high-quality music that's free to use can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several websites that offer a wide range of music that's perfect for YouTube videos, Twitch streams, and social media content. Here are some of the top websites for free-to-use music, including both free and paid options:
Note: While many of these websites offer DMCA-free music, not all of them are completely free. Some may require a subscription or a one-time payment for access to their music libraries. However, we've included a mix of free and paid options to give you a wide variety of choices.
Free Music Archive (FMA): A vast library of high-quality, royalty-free music that's perfect for content creators.
Freetouse: A website that offers a wide range of free music, including electronic, hip-hop, and pop tracks.
Epidemic Sound: A popular website that offers a vast catalog of royalty-free music for both Twitch and YouTube creators. With over 40,000 original tracks, Epidemic Sound provides a wide range of music genres to fit any content type. Note: Offers a subscription-based model starting at $9.99/month, with a free trial available for 30 days.
OWN3D Pro: A platform that integrates royalty-free music and sound effects from Epidemic Sound, offering over 40,000 original tracks and sound effects. Note: Offers a free subscription limit of 30 minutes of music/day, with a starting price of $6.25/month for OWN3D Pro + Epidemic Sound.
Pretzel Rocks: A music streaming service that offers a vast catalog of copyright-free music specifically tailored for Twitch and YouTube creators. With over 550,000 Twitch-safe tracks and 114,000 YouTube-safe tracks, Pretzel Rocks provides a wide variety of genres and features, including interactive mode, chatbot integration, and playlist management. Note: Offers a subscription-based model starting at $6/month, with a free trial available.
Monstercat Gold: A popular option for content creators who want to play copyright-free music while streaming. With a large library of over 5,600 tracks, Monstercat Gold offers an affordable price of $7.50/month or $75/year, primarily featuring EDM music.
NCS (NoCopyrightSounds): A copyright-free record label and music platform that offers over 1,500 songs, primarily in the EDM genre, for free. NCS focuses on providing free-to-use music for content creators on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, without the risk of copyright strikes and legal issues.
Chillhop: A popular genre of music that provides a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere for your Twitch and YouTube content. By signing up for the Creator's Program, you can enjoy access to Chillhop's collection of over 1,500 tracks while ensuring that your videos remain monetized and free from copyright claims.
Streamlabs Music: A service that offers a library of music that is cleared for use on live streams, integrated with Streamlabs Desktop. While the music quality may be a bit "stock," it's still great for background sound to fill the void.
Bearded Beats: A newer DMCA-free music provider that offers a huge range of genres and high-quality beats across most music streaming services. With the "BeardedBeats Creator Access," you can download music files (MP3) directly for use in your videos – completely free.
Backing Track: A DMCA-free music platform that offers a curated collection of metal, synth, rock, and 80s-inspired tracks, available for free on various music streaming platforms.
Soundtrack by Twitch: A free service by Twitch that provides rights-cleared music for live streams, with a curated collection of playlists that integrate with your streaming software to separate your audio sources.
Lickd.co: A platform that offers a massive catalog of 1.4 million tracks, including viral hits and royalty-free music, with a subscription-based model that allows you to legally use copyrighted music in your content.
Outertone by RouteNote: A copyright-free label that offers a curated collection of over 1,900 EDM tracks, with a focus on high-quality music and dedication to promoting artists with unique sounds and styles. Outertone is partnered with RouteNote, a leading digital music distributor, and is officially endorsed by Twitch as one of the best places to find copyright-free music.
Streambeats: A website that offers a large library of DMCA-free music for streams and YouTubers. Note: The website is currently under construction
Streambeats.net is a different website that offers a subscription-based service.
Incompetech: A website that offers a large collection of royalty-free music, with a focus on classical and instrumental tracks.
CCMixter: A website that offers a wide range of free music, including electronic, hip-hop, and pop tracks, all under Creative Commons licenses.
TunePocket: TunePocket is a royalty free stock music library. Get unlimited download access to thousands of music tracks, loops, and sound effects with an affordable subscription plan. Use our music in personal and commercial videos, films, games, and other projects. New music added daily.
Soundstripe provides copyright-free music for Twitch and YouTube, giving you access to a vast library of tracks from Grammy-winning artists. As a streamer, you can trust Soundstripe to supply the highest quality music for your videos without running into copyright issues.
How to Use Free Music in Your Content
When it comes to using free music in your content, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you're using it effectively and legally.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choosing the Right Music for Your Content
Choosing the right music for your content can make all the difference in setting the tone and atmosphere of your video or stream. Here are a few things to consider when selecting music:
Mood and tone: Think about the mood and tone you want to convey in your content. Do you want to create a relaxing atmosphere or an energetic vibe? Choose music that fits the mood and tone you're going for.
Target audience: Consider your target audience and what type of music they would enjoy. For example, if you're creating content for a younger audience, you may want to choose more upbeat and modern tracks.
Tempo and pace: Think about the tempo and pace of your content. If you're creating a fast-paced tutorial or a high-energy workout video, you'll want to choose music that matches that pace.
Adding Music to Your Videos and Streams
Adding music to your videos and streams is a relatively straightforward process. Here's how to do it:
YouTube videos: You can add music to your YouTube videos using the YouTube Audio Library or by uploading your own music files. To access the YouTube Audio Library, simply click on the "Audio" tab in the YouTube video editor and browse through the available tracks.
Twitch streams: You can add music to your Twitch streams using popular streaming software like OBS Studio or XSplit. Simply add the music file to your streaming software and adjust the volume levels to ensure it's not overpowering your audio commentary or other sound effects.
Using Music Legally and Ethically
Using music legally and ethically is important to avoid any copyright issues or legal troubles. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Permissions and licenses: Always make sure you have the necessary permissions or licenses to use a particular song or track. Check the terms and conditions of the music platform or website you're using to ensure you're allowed to use the music for commercial purposes.
Copyright laws: Be aware of copyright laws and music licensing agreements. Some music may be free to use for personal projects, but not for commercial use.
Giving credit: Give credit to the artists and creators of the music you use. This can be as simple as including a link to the music track in your video description or credits.
Tips for Using Music to Enhance Your Content
Here are a few tips for using music to enhance your content:
Consistency: Use music to create a consistent brand identity. Choose music that fits your brand's tone and style to create a recognizable sound.
Experimentation: Experiment with different music genres and styles to find what works best for your content.
Uniqueness: Don't be afraid to try out new and unusual music choices. This can help you stand out from the crowd and create a unique sound.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Free Music
When using free music in your content, there are several common mistakes to avoid. These mistakes can lead to copyright issues, legal troubles, and a negative impact on your brand. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Not checking the licensing terms
One of the most common mistakes when using free music is not checking the licensing terms.
Make sure to read and understand the licensing terms of a music track before using it in your content.
Check if the music is licensed under Creative Commons, and if so, what the specific terms are.
Some music may require attribution, while others may not allow commercial use.
Using music that's not meant for commercial use
Another mistake is using music that's not meant for commercial use.
Some music may be free to use for personal projects, but not for commercial use.
Make sure to check the terms and conditions before using a track, and ensure it's allowed for commercial use.
If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and choose a different track.
Not giving credit to the artist
Failing to give credit to the artist or creator of the music can be seen as disrespectful and may lead to legal issues.
Make sure to give credit to the artist in your video description, credits, or on your website.
This not only shows respect for the artist's work but also helps to promote their music.
Using low-quality music
Using low-quality music can detract from the overall quality of your content and make it less engaging for your audience.
Choose music that's high-quality and well-produced.
Avoid music with low bitrate or poor sound quality.
Instead, opt for music that's professionally produced and sounds great.
Not considering the tone and mood of the music
Using music that doesn't fit the tone and mood of your content can be jarring and off-putting for your audience.
Make sure to choose music that fits the tone and mood of your content.
Consider the tempo, genre, and style of the music when selecting a track.
Experiment with different music options to find the one that works best for your content.
Dealing with False Copyright Claims
Sometimes, despite having a legitimate license to use a music track, you may receive a copyright claim or strike on YouTube.
This can happen when a third-party copyright troll or someone who doesn't own the rights to the music tries to claim ownership and monetize your content.
If this happens, don't panic! Check your license agreement and make sure you have the necessary permissions to use the music.
Provide proof of your license to YouTube and dispute the claim. You can do this by filling out a counter-notification form and providing evidence of your license.
If the claim is invalid, YouTube will remove the claim and restore your video.
In some cases, you may need to contact the music producer platform or licensing agreement directly to resolve the issue.
Remember, just because someone claims copyright over your content doesn't mean they have the legal right to do so. Stand up for your rights and fight false claims!
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you're using free music legally and effectively in your content.
My Music: A Resource for Content Creators
As a music creator and advocate for neurodiverse individuals, I'm passionate about providing high-quality music resources for content creators. My music is a reflection of my unique perspective and creative vision, and I'm excited to share it with you.
AI-Generated Music
I create both AI-generated and non-AI-generated music, with a focus on EDM and semi-pop fusion styles. My AI-generated music may not always be on the same level as my non-AI-produced content, but it adds a touch of innovation and flair to the future of music creation. You are welcome to use this content, but be aware of local laws, and regulations when it comes to this content.
Non-AI-Generated Music
My non-AI-generated music covers a wide range of moods and emotions, from energetic and uplifting to calm and introspective. I want to provide a variety of options for content creators to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit for your project. Many of my tracks are also inspired by my own experiences with ADHD, Autism, CPTSD and Dissociative Identity Disorder and overall other mental health, and I hope that they can bring a sense of authenticity and relatability to your content.
Licensing and Usage
I'm committed to making my music DMCA-free for all sorts of content, as long as you credit and link back to me. I believe that music should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or abilities.
I distribute my music through Distrokid, so if there are any issues with a claim or otherwise, please let me know. One such track is "NEON DREAMS", which has a complex history due to its original upload on Soundcloud. Eventually, I'll be removing the claim payment feature from Distrokid, as I realize that it's unfair to the end user seeking free and fair content. My non-AI music is produced with licensed samples and loops, and I want to ensure that my music is available to everyone without any restrictions.
Future Developments
We're excited to announce that we're working on a new system that will allow users to download MP3s for free with a license file that outlines the requirements for use. While this feature is not yet available, if you're interested in downloading our content, feel free to use the site messaging system to request this. We'll keep you updated on our progress and let you know when this feature is live.
Important Note
Please note that our AI-generated music will not be part of this package, at least not initially. While we have commercial use licensing agreements with Suno and Udio, we're aware of the ethical questions surrounding "Who owns the original rights" and the potential for automated claims on YouTube. To avoid any frustration and ensure that we're operating with transparency, we'll be offering our self-produced music line for future downloads. We're committed to providing high-quality music that's free from any legal or ethical issues.
Where else to find our music:
We regularly upload content to our Youtube and have music across major streaming platforms.
Youtube (Duskfall) (Kieran Somerville)
Spotify (Duskfall) (Kieran Somerville) (DMCA Free playlist)
Apple Music (Duskfall) (Kieran Somerville)
Deezer (Duskfall) (Kieran Somerville)
Amazon (Duskfall) (Kieran Somerville)
Boomplay: (Duskfall) (Kieran Somerville)
Please note, sometimes "DUSKFALL" is still listed under "THE VOID CREW" due to previous DID system name changes, we are aware that Apple takes forever to process these changes and it's been nearly a year or two. Also noting due to similar namespaces - some albums listed are not the same as our own releases on different platforms. We are working with Distrokid to fix this. We don't have an active list of all platforms we're listed on and are trying to consistently update this list for you! Suno & Udio resources for our AI music are usually featured on our youtube (Duskfall).
Samples:
Conclusion
In conclusion, using free music in your content can be a great way to add depth and emotion without breaking the bank. However, it's essential to understand the licensing terms and conditions of the music you use to avoid any legal issues.
By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can find high-quality, free music that fits your content's tone and style. Remember to always check the licensing terms, give credit to the artist, and use music that's appropriate for your content.
At Earth & Dusk Media, we're committed to providing a range of free resources and support for content creators, with a focus on promoting inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility. Our music, inspired by our own experiences with neurodivergencies and mental health, is just one part of our mission to empower creators and foster a sense of community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves and tell their stories, regardless of their background or abilities.
Through our nonprofit organization, we're working to create a platform that provides access to resources, education, and support for creators who may not have had the same opportunities as others. We're dedicated to promoting a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and understanding, and we hope that our music and resources can play a small part in making a positive impact.
Thanks for reading, and we hope you find the perfect music for your next project!
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