Using video in your marketing strategy is crucial in today’s digital landscape. Did you know that every minute, 72 hours worth of videos are uploaded to YouTube alone? Cisco even predicts that by 2021, 82% of all Internet traffic will consist of video content! It’s clear that you need to incorporate video into your strategy. However, you might be wondering how to do this effectively without a substantial budget. Creating a video involves various costs, ranging from equipment to post-production. Therefore, finding ways to cut costs is essential. One area where you can save money without compromising quality is background music. Numerous platforms offer fantastic free or affordable music options.

What Does Background Music Cost?

Before we delve into the music sources, let’s quickly examine the costs associated with acquiring background music for marketing videos. Keep in mind that royalty-free music isn’t actually free. It involves a one-time licensing fee, granting you unlimited usage rights. On the other hand, public domain and Creative Commons works are free. However, public domain works don’t require permission for use, while Creative Commons often involves obtaining permission or providing attribution. Now, let’s explore some fantastic music sources!

1. YouTube Audio Library

YouTube offers a treasure trove of music through its Audio Library, located in the “Create” section. This library boasts a diverse collection of music spanning various genres, from Dance & Electronic to Country & Folk. You have the freedom to use any track from this library in your video content without any cost. The music is a combination of public domain works and Creative Commons, requiring only attribution to the owner. To maximize your use of the library, take advantage of its search filters. You can search by mood, such as “calm,” “dramatic,” or “funky,” or even by track duration to ensure it aligns with your content’s length. Another noteworthy section on YouTube is the Music Policies area. Here, you’ll find a curated list of popular tracks along with information on their usage in YouTube videos, including any restrictions and guidelines. Are you concerned about wasted spending in Google Ads? Get a clear picture with a free and instant audit » Google Ads Performance Grader

2. Free Music Archive

The U.S. radio station WFMU curates the Free Music Archive, a platform featuring a diverse range of tracks with different licenses in its Music for Video section. Most of these licenses are various types of Creative Commons licenses. While some are exclusively for non-commercial use, others require attribution, and so on. For comprehensive information on specific licenses, visit their dedicated FAQ section page. One of the platform’s strengths is the ability to filter search results based on licenses. Since your goal is to utilize the music for marketing, you can simply uncheck the “non-commercial use” box. Similar to other similar platforms, you won’t find tracks from top-tier artists like Beyoncé. However, FMA’s music is incredibly pleasing and perfectly suitable for various purposes. And the best part? It’s completely free to download. Don’t miss out on their insightful Music for Video blog, which provides recommendations on music usage across different content types. RELATED: How to Use Music in Ads (without Getting Sued!)

3. Incompetech

Incompetech boasts an extensive collection of royalty-free music, comprising approximately 2,000 tracks crafted by the talented musician Kevin MacLeod. You can download these tracks for free, provided you credit both the musician and the website. Incompetech categorizes tracks into collections based on genre, such as “Disco and Lounge” or “Rock Classic.” Additionally, there’s a dedicated “Film Scoring Moods” section featuring tracks tailored for specific themes like “Horror,” “Mystery,” or “Noire.” You’ll also find a captivating selection of world music inspired by rhythms from different countries, including Africa and Brazil. Be sure to explore their curated lists of most recent music and most downloaded, which provide a fantastic way to discover the diverse offerings on the site. If you prefer access to the entire music library, a one-time fee of $38 grants you unlimited downloads. Are you seeking effective ways to attract more visitors to your website? Get your Free guide » 25 Ways to Increase Traffic to Your Website

4. Envato Market

Envato Market, also known as AudioJungle, offers a wide variety of royalty-free background music, with paid tracks starting at $1. This platform thrives on a global community of musicians who upload their own original tracks. You can easily explore tracks through various categories, browse recent additions, or dive into the most popular selections. Once you’ve found music that resonates with you, you can download individual tracks or opt for bundles called music packs. One of the platform’s most exciting features is its music kits. These kits provide music in a modular format, empowering you to manipulate and customize the tracks to your liking. This unique feature allows you to avoid generic jingles and create a distinctive audio experience. Signing up on the site grants you access to a monthly package of premium freebies, including a selection of music, stock footage, and premium video effects – a fantastic deal for regular creators.

5. SoundCloud

Chances are, you’re already acquainted with SoundCloud. This platform serves as a hub for amateur musicians and DJs to upload and share their musical creations. While you might stumble upon some questionable tunes, SoundCloud remains an excellent source for finding background music for your marketing videos. By applying the “licensed for reuse” filter to your search, you can discover tracks that perfectly suit your needs. Explore options like “background music,” “uplifting background music,” “ambient beat,” and more. The platform’s social element is another advantage, allowing you to gauge the popularity of tracks based on the number of “likes.” Incorporating well-received tracks increases the likelihood of your video resonating with viewers. What sets SoundCloud apart is the authenticity of its tracks. Unlike some platforms offering generic, purpose-built marketing music, SoundCloud provides access to music that feels real and relatable.

6. Musopen

Musopen distinguishes itself from other options with its dedicated focus on classical music. All royalty-free tracks available on this platform fall under this genre. Prepare to immerse yourself in the timeless masterpieces of legends like Johann Sebastian Bach and countless others. The platform’s search functionality allows you to refine your search based on instrument, composer, and author, making it incredibly convenient to find the specific feel or theme you’re aiming for. While the music selection might not be cutting-edge, it’s perfect for conveying a sophisticated, elegant, or intellectually stimulating atmosphere. Additionally, the familiarity of these classical pieces can enhance your video’s memorability factor.

7. Audioblocks

Audioblocks specializes in royalty-free stock audio, encompassing a vast library of music, sound effects, and loops. (Loops are short musical segments designed for seamless repetition.) With a catalog exceeding 100,000 tracks, Audioblocks provides ample choice. While not free, they offer an attractive a good deal: for $149, you gain unlimited downloads for a year, providing incredible value considering the extensive music selection. The platform’s filtering options allow you to find music that precisely matches your video’s duration, saving you valuable editing time. One of Audioblocks’ standout features is its categorization of tracks based on feelings or emotions, including options like “Aggressive,” “Sad,” “Happy,” “Playful,” and more. This thoughtful categorization simplifies the process of finding music that evokes specific emotions in your viewers.

8. ccMixter

<ccMixter is another community-driven platform that showcases the works of talented artists. Musicians, singers, and DJs generously share their creations for free, requiring only attribution. This platform is an excellent source for discovering unique and original background music. To uncover free music, explore the editor’s picks section or browse the highest-rated tracks. If you find an artist whose style you particularly enjoy, delve deeper into their work by visiting their dedicated profile in the “People” section. Alternatively, there’s a traditional tag cloud available, simplifying the search for specific track types. Clicking on a track reveals detailed information, including its Creative Commons license. While navigating the platform might require a bit of exploration, ccMixter is a valuable resource for unearthing distinctive and captivating background music.

9. Jamendo

Jamendo was specifically designed with advertisers and marketers in mind. This platform’s music library features a unique search function that allows you to filter tracks based on project type – an incredibly useful feature for marketing purposes. The platform provides two drop-down boxes for refined searching. The first box lets you choose your project type, such as “advertising,” “software,” or “video games.” The second box allows you to specify the platform where your music will be featured, with options like “Facebook,” “YouTube,” “Internet,” or “Kickstarter.” For instance, selecting “advertising” and “YouTube” yielded a selection of upbeat, jazzy tracks commonly heard in those types of ads. In addition to project-based filtering, a traditional search bar is available, along with the ability to refine results based on genre, theme, instrument, speed, and duration. While Jamendo impresses with its features, it’s worth noting that it’s not as budget-friendly as some other options. Licensing a track costs around $50, which is reasonable if you have even a small budget. For unlimited access to the entire music library, consider their subscription option.

10. Netlabels

Netlabels, hosted by the Internet Archive, offers a vast collection of music. Virtual record labels contribute to this collection, making it available for free download and use under a Creative Commons license. Currently boasting over 65,000 tracks, Netlabels allows for filtering based on various criteria, including year, artist, and genre. Additionally, there’s a dedicated section for foreign-language music, which can be valuable for specific projects. A notable feature of Netlabels is the inclusion of view counts for tracks. Tracks with higher view counts generally indicate greater popularity, offering insights into music choices that resonate with a wider audience.

11. Audionautix

Audionautix, the brainchild of composer/producer Jason Shaw, offers all its music under a Creative Commons license – a commendable initiative! Finding your ideal background track here is a breeze. Simply select your desired genre from an extensive list, including options like “Acid Jazz” and “Techno.” Additionally, you can filter by mood, with choices like “suspenseful,” “bright,” or “pensive.” Finally, specifying your preferred tempo allows the site to curate a selection of perfect matches. Alternatively, you can explore the music library by genre. It’s worth noting that Shaw accepts commissions for a minimal fee. So, if you have a highly specific vision for your video’s music, consider reaching out to him.

12. Envato Elements

An Envato Elements subscription grants you access to a wealth of creative resources, including music, video, sound effects, and more. The platform’s royalty-free music is crafted by professional musicians, covering a diverse spectrum of genres, tempos, and instruments. Additionally, the stock video library comes with user-friendly, ready-to-use templates, significantly reducing your editing time. A single subscription unlocks unlimited downloads without the need for attribution. You can try it free for seven days risk-free and explore its benefits.