Copyright-Free Music for YouTube: How to Avoid Claims
Last updated 22 September 2026
Where to find royalty-free background music for YouTube and how to check licences so your videos stay monetised.
Royalty-free doesn't always mean free
Royalty-free means you don't pay per play, but licences still have rules — attribution, commercial use limits, or bans on redistribution. Always read the licence page.
Safe sources
The YouTube Audio Library, Creative Commons (CC0 and CC-BY) catalogues and reputable royalty-free libraries are the safest options. Keep a record of each track and licence link in case of a dispute.
Balance music with voice
Background music should sit well below your voiceover — roughly 15–25% of the voice level is a good starting point. ScriptEngine's mixer lets you preview the balance before exporting.
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