Copyright Free Music for Your YouTube Videos

Adding music to your YouTube videos can be a headache if you do not know about copyrights. There isn’t much room for mistakes, YouTube has some pretty serious consequences for anyone who uploads copyrighted material. Your video(s) could be taken down and you may loose your account. After your account is gone that is it – YouTube does not allowed anyone with a terminated account to re-create another one.

Because of this many people fear using music at all, however, I want to encourage you that there is music available at no cost and without copyrights.

ccMixter is a well organized website full of copyright free music. YouTube is even mentioned specifically!

Before you dive in and start downloading your music of choice there are just a few things to note. Make sure when you search that you use the appropriate license. Is this for personal use or commercial use? Next, is it for a video, a game, or a podcast or etc? These things you can chose from the drop down menu. It is very important to narrow your search down. It would be a shame to find something you like and not be able to use it.

When you have narrowed down your search, make sure to click on the grey license buttons. They will tell you what you can and cannot do with the selected file.

And finally, two pieces of wisdom in closing:
1. Do not use ignorance as an excuse. If you do not know if something is copyright, it is best not to use it, just in case.
2. Give the authors credit. Remember that behind every username there is a real person. These authors have done a great service in offering their works for free. Giving them the credit they ask for is the least we can do.

If you would like more information on YouTube’s copyright policy, check our their Copyright Tips.