Legal Music for Your Videos
🎵 The Power of Music in Video
Music has incredible power: it can set the tone, evoke emotions, provide rhythm, and transform your video’s impact. But using it in your videos isn’t as simple as adding your favorite song from Spotify. Let’s talk about legal and effective music!
We’ve already established how crucial it is to have impeccable sound in your videos. Now, let’s add another fundamental audio layer: music. Choosing the right soundtrack can completely transform the perception of your video, making it more professional, exciting, or memorable. However, here’s where many creators hit a major obstacle: copyright.
You can’t simply use any song you like from Spotify or the radio. Doing so can bring serious problems—from having your video muted to facing legal claims. At EdicionVideoPro, we know that navigating the world of music licensing for video can be confusing. That’s why we want to clarify where you can find music legally and, just as importantly, how to choose and use it effectively.
The Copyright Ghost 👻 Why You Can’t Use Any Song
⚠️ The Reality Check
Most music you hear is protected by copyright. This means the creator (composer, lyricist, performer) and/or record label have exclusive rights over how that music is used. Using it without permission (a license) is illegal and can have serious consequences.
🔇 Muting or Blocking
Platforms like YouTube or Instagram can detect copyrighted music and mute your video or block it in certain countries.
💰 Demonetization
If you monetize your videos (e.g., on YouTube), the revenue could go to the music rights owner instead of you.
⚖️ Legal Claims
In more serious cases, you could face legal action for copyright infringement.
🚫 Myth Busted!
Giving credit to the artist does NOT give you permission to use their copyrighted music. Neither does using just a few seconds. The only safe way is to have the proper license.
Types of “Legal” Music for Your Videos Let’s Clarify Terms
Click to Learn About Each Music Type
💎 Royalty-Free Music
Most common and often misunderstood! It does NOT mean free music. It typically means you pay a one-time fee (per song or subscription to a library) to get a license that allows you to use the music in your projects without paying additional royalties each time the video is played.
💰 Cost: One-time payment or subscription
📋 Usage: According to specific license terms
Where to Find Music for Videos Our Top Recommendations
💳 Subscription Platforms (Best for Regular Use)
Pay a monthly/annual fee for access to large catalogs. Clear licenses and professional quality.
🎧 Epidemic Sound
Huge variety, great quality, sound effects included. Clear licensing while subscribed.
Price: ~$15-50/month
🎬 Artlist.io
Carefully curated high-quality catalog, focused on filmmakers and creators. Lifetime license for downloads.
Price: ~$200/year
📦 Envato Elements
Not just music—also stock videos, templates, graphics. Great value if you use many creative resources.
Price: ~$30/month
💰 Pay-Per-Track Markets (Occasional Use)
Ideal if you only need music occasionally.
🎵 AudioJungle
MASSIVE catalog, variable prices, different licenses per song. Read license terms carefully!
Licenses: Various options available
👑 PremiumBeat
High-quality, well-curated music. Clear licenses but pricier than competitors.
Quality: Premium, professional grade
🆓 Free Options (Read the Fine Print!)
📺 YouTube Audio Library
Free music and effects for YouTube videos. License may not cover other platforms.
📚 Free Music Archive
Lots of Creative Commons music. Must verify each song’s specific license!
🎹 Incompetech
Kevin MacLeod’s compositions under CC licenses. Usually requires attribution.
☁️ SoundCloud
Filter by Creative Commons license. Always verify on artist/song page.
💡 EdicionVideoPro Pro Tip:
If you create videos regularly, especially for commercial purposes, investing in a subscription to a library like Epidemic Sound or Artlist is usually worth it for legal peace of mind, quality, and variety. Free options require more time to search and verify licenses.
Don’t Just Find It, Choose Right! How to Select Perfect Music
You have access to thousands of songs. How do you choose the right one?
Think About Mood
What emotion do you want to convey? Joy, tension, calm, inspiration, nostalgia? Music is your main ally for this.
Consider Rhythm & Pacing
Do you need something energetic for fast cuts or slow and atmospheric for contemplative shots? Music should complement visual rhythm.
Align with Genre & Style
Music should fit your video’s theme and brand identity. Rock, electronic, classical, folk, corporate…?
Instrumental vs Vocal
If you have voiceover or important dialogue, instrumental usually works better. Songs with lyrics can work for montages or if lyrics reinforce your message.
Test with Your Video!
Download options (many libraries allow watermarked previews) and put them on your timeline with images. It’s the only way to know if it really works!
Using Music in Editing Final Tips
🔊 VOLUME IS KING!
Music should almost always be in the BACKGROUND when there’s voice. Level dialogue first (-6dB peaks), then lower music until it accompanies without interfering (-18dB to -25dB below dialogue).
🌊 Fades to the Rescue
Use fade-ins when starting music and fade-outs when ending or when important dialogue enters. Avoid abrupt music cuts.
✂️ Edit the Music
Sometimes you need to shorten a song, loop a section, or remove parts that don’t fit. Make sure cuts sound natural (often work best at musical section changes).
🎯 “Stings” and Accents
A short music hit or sound effect can emphasize a title, transition, or key moment.
🤫 Silence is Also Music
Don’t feel the need to fill every second with music. Pauses can be very effective.
📋 Review the License
Make sure to comply with all requirements (attribution if necessary, usage limitations, etc.). Keep a copy of your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Legal Music, Well Used = Enhanced Video
Music is an incredibly powerful tool in video editing, but using it correctly involves two key steps: making sure you have the legal rights to do so, and choosing and mixing it with intention so it supports your message rather than hindering it.
Explore the platforms we’ve mentioned, always read license terms carefully, and above all, listen to how music interacts with your images and voice. With a little care and practice, you’ll make your videos not only look good but sound spectacular too.
Want Expert Music Selection and Mixing?
If music selection, licensing, and mixing feels overwhelming, EdicionVideoPro is here to help you find and apply the perfect soundtrack. We can help you navigate licensing and ensure professional audio mixing where everything fits perfectly.
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