Where to Find Royalty Free Music: 12 Top Platforms for 2026

Yaro

29/01/2026 10:29 AM

Finding the perfect soundtrack can transform a good project into a great one, but the maze of music licensing often leaves creators feeling confused and at risk. Terms like 'royalty-free' seem simple but carry specific legal nuances that can lead to copyright claims or demonetization if misunderstood. Before you even begin your search, it's crucial to grasp the potential implications of using protected tracks; understanding the complex rules for using copyrighted music on YouTube is a vital first step for any video creator.

This guide is designed to cut through that confusion. We have curated a definitive list of the best places where to find royalty free music, saving you hours of research and protecting your work from future legal headaches. We dive deep into 12 top-tier platforms, covering everything from massive subscription libraries like Artlist and Epidemic Sound to excellent free resources like the YouTube Audio Library.

For each source, you'll find a straightforward analysis of its licensing model, pros, cons, and ideal use cases. We provide screenshots and direct links to help you navigate each site effectively, making it easier to compare options and choose the right one for your specific needs and budget. Whether you're a filmmaker needing cinematic scores, a YouTuber looking for background music, or a small business creating social media ads, this resource provides the clarity needed to source your soundtrack confidently and legally. Let's explore the platforms that will elevate your content.

1. LesFM

LesFM positions itself as a premium, creator-centric record label and digital licensing platform. It's an exceptional choice for those seeking high-quality, mood-driven music for videos, podcasts, and commercial projects. Its catalog of over 2,500 tracks is meticulously curated, focusing on genres like acoustic, lofi, cinematic, and ambient, which makes finding the perfect atmospheric score remarkably efficient.

The platform's strength lies in its blend of a highly curated library with straightforward, scalable licensing. Unlike sprawling, search-heavy libraries, LesFM’s mood-first organization helps creators quickly match a track to their content's emotional tone. This focus on usability makes it an ideal place to find royalty free music that enhances storytelling without overwhelming the user with options. For a deeper dive into the specifics of licensing, you can learn more about what royalty-free music entails directly from their blog.

Key Features and Licensing

LesFM's licensing is designed for the modern creator. Subscribers get unlimited downloads and can publish content anywhere online. The pricing tiers are clear and cater to different needs, from individual creators to large-scale enterprises.

• Curated Catalog: Over 2,500+ tracks organized by mood, genre, and tempo.
• Flexible Licensing: Annual subscriptions (Personal, Commercial, Enterprise) and single-track licenses are available.
• Monetization Rights: Plans clearly define monetization limits. The Personal plan covers one channel per platform, while Commercial and Enterprise unlock multi-channel monetization, client work, and digital ad usage.
• Broadcast and TV: The Enterprise plan provides comprehensive rights for TV, radio, and broadcast advertising, along with a dedicated Customer Success manager for custom curation.

Pros and Cons

Website: https://lesfm.net

2. Artlist

Artlist positions itself as a premium, highly-curated platform where creators can find royalty-free music and sound effects. Its primary strength lies in its simple, all-encompassing license. A single subscription grants unlimited downloads and perpetual use for any project published while the subscription is active, offering significant peace of mind for YouTubers, freelancers, and small creative teams.

The platform's user experience is clean and modern, with powerful filters for mood, genre, instrument, and video theme that make discovering the right track efficient. This focus on curation means you're less likely to sift through low-quality options compared to larger, less-managed libraries. For video editors, the availability of stems and a Premiere Pro extension streamlines the post-production workflow significantly.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

Artlist's licensing is designed for simplicity, which is ideal for creators who publish frequently and need broad coverage without worrying about individual track licenses.

• Social Plan: Perfect for individual creators focusing on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Pro & Teams Plans: These are necessary for commercial work, client projects, and broadcast use. It's a robust solution for freelance filmmakers and small agencies. The clear terms are also a major benefit when trying to avoid copyright strikes on YouTube.

Pros:

• Simple, Perpetual License: Covers all projects published during your subscription forever.
• High-Quality Curation: Excellent track quality and discovery tools.
• Unlimited Downloads: Download as much as you need.

Cons:

• Annual-Only Pro Tiers: Higher-tier plans for commercial use require an annual commitment.
• Price Point: Can be more expensive than single-license platforms if you only need music for a few projects per year.

Website: https://artlist.io/

3. Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound is a powerhouse in the subscription-based royalty-free music space, particularly popular among social-first creators. It provides access to a massive library of over 50,000 tracks and 200,000 sound effects under a simple subscription model. Its key differentiator is the seamless integration with social platforms, allowing users to connect their channels (like YouTube or TikTok) to automatically clear music and avoid copyright claims, making it an excellent place to find royalty-free music for frequent publishers.

The platform is designed for discovery, offering curated playlists, advanced search filters, and a "Find Similar" feature that helps creators quickly find the perfect vibe. For editors, the option to download stems (individual instrument tracks) provides granular control over the final audio mix. This focus on both a vast library and user-friendly tools makes it a go-to for creators who need a high volume of quality audio assets without licensing headaches.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

Epidemic Sound's licensing is built around the creator's publishing channels, with clear tiers for personal and commercial projects. Content published while your subscription is active remains cleared forever.

• Personal Plan: Aimed at individual creators for use on their own social media channels. It covers one channel per platform (one YouTube, one TikTok, etc.), making it ideal for hobbyists and influencers.
• Commercial & Enterprise Plans: Necessary for freelancers, agencies, and businesses creating content for clients or for commercial use like digital ads. These plans offer broader usage rights and coverage for multiple channels.

Pros:

• Effortless Social Channel Clearance: Simple linking process automates YouTube Content ID safety.
• Extensive SFX Library: A huge collection of sound effects is included with the music subscription.
• Flexible Billing: Offers both monthly and annual payment options for its plans.

Cons:

• Channel-Based Limits: Lower-tier plans restrict usage to one channel per platform, requiring an upgrade for multi-channel creators.
• Pricing Clarity: Some pricing details and plan specifics can require logging in or starting the free trial flow to view.

Website: https://www.epidemicsound.com/our-plans/

4. PremiumBeat (by Shutterstock)

Backed by Shutterstock, PremiumBeat offers an exclusive, tightly curated library of royalty-free music and sound effects. It distinguishes itself with consistently high production quality, positioning its catalog for more professional and corporate projects. The platform caters to both ongoing creators with an unlimited subscription model and those needing single tracks for specific, high-stakes projects like broadcast advertisements or films.

The user experience feels premium, with an intuitive search engine that allows for deep filtering by genre, mood, instruments, and even beats per minute (BPM). Each track comes with hand-picked alternatives and is available with loops and stems, which is a major benefit for video editors needing to customize their soundscape. This makes PremiumBeat a reliable place where to find royalty free music that meets high-end production standards.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

PremiumBeat’s dual licensing model provides flexibility. The subscription is great for web-based content, while the single-purchase licenses offer clear terms for larger commercial uses.

• Creator Subscription: Aimed at individuals and businesses creating content for web and social media. It provides unlimited downloads from a curated collection.
• Single Purchase Licenses: These are essential for broadcast use, film, TV, VOD, and apps. The clear, tiered pricing makes it simple to buy the exact rights needed for a specific distribution channel.

Pros:

• Strong Curation: Consistent, high-quality tracks suitable for professional use.
• Flexible Licensing: Offers both unlimited subscriptions and targeted single-purchase licenses.
• User-Friendly Features: Includes stems, loops, and a clear interface.

Cons:

• Smaller Library: The focus on exclusivity means the catalog is smaller than some competitors.
• Annual Subscription Billing: The unlimited plan is billed annually, which is a significant upfront cost.
• Broadcast Requires Upgrades: The subscription does not cover TV, radio, or film use.

Website: https://www.premiumbeat.com/pricing

5. Musicbed

Musicbed positions itself as a premium, artist-first platform, focusing on label-quality music from indie artists and composers. It's a go-to resource for filmmakers, brands, and agencies seeking cinematic, emotionally resonant tracks that elevate a narrative. The platform’s strength is its meticulous A&R curation, which ensures a high standard of quality and artistic integrity, moving beyond generic stock audio.

The user experience on Musicbed is highly refined, with powerful search filters and expertly curated playlists that make discovery intuitive. For creators wondering where to find royalty free music that feels authentic, this platform delivers. It offers both single-song licenses and subscriptions, along with tools like SyncID for quick YouTube clearance, making it a flexible choice for various project scales.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

Musicbed's dual licensing model caters to both one-off projects and ongoing content creation, with a clear distinction between personal and client work.

• Subscriptions: Tiered plans are available for individual creators, non-profits, and businesses. The "Business" plan is essential for those creating commercial content for clients, such as freelancers and creative agencies.
• Single-Song Licenses: Ideal for specific high-stakes projects like a wedding film, a brand campaign, or a short film where one perfect track is needed. Pricing is customized based on usage.

Pros:

• Artist-First Catalog: Features high-quality, cinematic music from real artists.
• Flexible Licensing: Offers both subscriptions and per-project licenses.
• Excellent Curation: Strong playlists and discovery features simplify finding the right mood.

Cons:

• Higher Price Point: Generally more expensive than mass-market libraries.
• Subscription Exclusions: Some popular tracks may not be included in the subscription plan.
• Gated Pricing: Exact pricing for many licenses is often only shown after signing in and specifying usage.

Website: https://www.musicbed.com/

6. Soundstripe

Soundstripe offers a comprehensive subscription service providing unlimited downloads of royalty-free music and sound effects, making it a strong contender for creators who consistently need new audio. It stands out by integrating practical tools directly into the creator's workflow, such as its auto-clearance feature for YouTube and extensions for Adobe Premiere Pro and Twitch. This focus on utility makes it an efficient choice for those producing content at a steady pace.

The platform's library is extensive, with over 60,000 tracks and nearly 100,000 sound effects. Discovery is streamlined through themed playlists curated by music experts and a unique AI search assistant that helps you find the perfect track faster. For teams, Soundstripe’s Business plans provide multi-user access, which is a valuable feature for collaborative projects within agencies or production houses.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

Soundstripe’s licensing model is built around unlimited use, which is ideal for high-volume creators looking for a simple, all-in-one solution for their audio needs.

• Creator & Creator Pro Plans: These are tailored for individual creators and freelancers. The Pro plan adds stems and off-line use, making it suitable for more advanced video editing and podcast production.
• Business & Enterprise Plans: Designed for teams and larger organizations, these plans offer multiple seats, API access, and broader licensing coverage for commercial and broadcast use cases.

Pros:

• YouTube Auto-Clearance: Simplifies the process of avoiding content claims for YouTubers.
• Strong Search Tools: Themed playlists and an AI assistant make track discovery quick and effective.
• Workflow Integrations: Direct plugins for Premiere Pro, Frame.io, and Twitch streamline post-production.

Cons:

• Complex Feature Tiers: The differences between plans can be dense, requiring careful review to ensure you have the right features.
• Broadcast Use is a Premium: Full broadcast and national ad rights are reserved for the highest-tier plans.

Website: https://app.soundstripe.com/pricing

7. Pond5

Pond5 is a massive stock media marketplace where creators can find royalty-free music alongside millions of other assets, including video footage, images, and After Effects templates. Its key differentiator is flexibility. Instead of locking users into a single subscription model, Pond5 offers pay-per-track options, credit packs for bulk savings, and monthly or annual subscriptions, making it a versatile one-stop shop for mixed-media projects.

The sheer volume of content is impressive, catering to almost any niche imaginable. While the interface can feel overwhelming due to the vast selection, its advanced search filters help narrow down choices effectively. This platform is particularly useful for creators who need a specific song for one project or agencies that require a steady stream of diverse assets beyond just audio.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

Pond5’s varied licensing and purchasing models cater to different production scales, from single projects to ongoing content creation.

• Pay-Per-Item: Ideal for one-off projects where a subscription is not cost-effective. You simply pay for the single track you need.
• Subscriptions: Best for agencies and creators who consistently need a mix of assets (music, video, etc.). Plans come with a set number of monthly downloads that can roll over.
• Credit Packs: A good middle-ground option that provides a discount on future purchases without the commitment of a recurring subscription.

Pros:

• Flexible Buying Models: Choose from pay-per-item, credits, or subscriptions.
• Massive Selection: A huge library of music, SFX, video, and other stock assets.
• Free Collection: Includes a curated selection of free music tracks for budget-conscious projects.

Cons:

• Complex Licensing: Navigating different licenses for various asset types can be confusing.
• Subscription Value: The best subscription pricing heavily favors an annual commitment.

Website: https://www.pond5.com/pricing

8. Storyblocks

Storyblocks is an all-in-one content platform offering unlimited downloads across a massive library of not just royalty-free music and sound effects, but also stock footage, video templates, and images. Its core value proposition lies in its All-Access subscription model, making it a powerful resource for creators who need a constant supply of diverse media assets without the friction of per-asset licensing or download credits.

The platform is designed for efficiency, with straightforward navigation and workflow integrations like an Adobe Premiere Pro plugin. While its music library is vast and covers all major genres, it’s less of a boutique, curated experience and more of a comprehensive stock resource. This makes it an ideal place to find royalty-free music if your projects also require a steady stream of video clips and other visual elements, consolidating your stock needs into a single, cost-effective subscription.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

Storyblocks’ simple, unlimited model is built for high-volume creators who work with various media types and need broad coverage for online use.

• Individual Plans: Perfect for YouTubers, social media managers, and freelance editors who need unlimited access to music, SFX, and footage for their own channels and projects.
• Business Plans: Tailored for small agencies and teams, offering expanded licensing for commercial client work, indemnification, and collaborative tools. Upgraded terms may be required for broadcast or national advertising.

Pros:

• Excellent Value: Unbeatable value if you also need stock footage, images, and templates.
• Unlimited Downloads: Ideal for frequent content creation and experimentation.
• Simple Licensing: Easy-to-understand terms for most digital and commercial use cases.

Cons:

• Broad Music Curation: The music library is less specialized compared to dedicated music platforms.
• Upgrades Needed for Broadcast: Standard plans may not cover large-scale advertising use.

Website: https://www.storyblocks.com/pricing

9. AudioJungle (Envato Market)

AudioJungle, part of the larger Envato Market, operates on a pay-per-track model, making it a go-to marketplace for creators needing a single piece of music for a specific project. Unlike subscription services, you purchase a license for an individual track, which can be highly cost-effective for one-off videos, presentations, or advertisements. Its sheer size means you can find music in nearly any genre imaginable, from cinematic scores to upbeat corporate jingles.

The platform's strength lies in its tiered licensing system. Each track comes with clear, detailed licensing options that scale based on usage, such as audience size for broadcast or the number of sales for a commercial product. This granular control is ideal for freelancers and agencies managing varied client projects, as you only pay for the specific rights required without committing to a recurring subscription.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

AudioJungle's à-la-carte system is perfect for those who need high-quality music infrequently and want to avoid ongoing costs.

• Standard Licenses: Best suited for most web-based projects, including YouTube videos, social media content, and free-to-use apps. It covers one end product.
• Broadcast & Film Licenses: These more expensive tiers are necessary for projects intended for television, radio, or theatrical release. The transparent license pages provide concrete examples to help you choose the right one.

Pros:

• Pay-Per-Use Model: Excellent for one-off projects, as you only buy what you need.
• Transparent License Tiers: Clear and detailed licensing terms with scalable options for commercial use.
• Massive Variety: A huge library with contributions from thousands of independent artists.

Cons:

• Single-Application License: A license is tied to a single project, requiring a new purchase for use in another video.
• Variable Quality: As an open marketplace, the production quality can vary between different artists.

Website: https://audiojungle.net

10. Jamendo Licensing

Jamendo Licensing provides a straightforward, tiered approach to royalty-free music, making it a reliable option for creators who need clear usage rights based on project scope. Its main advantage is a predictable pricing model where the cost of a track is determined by its intended distribution, from online-only use to national or international broadcasts. This removes ambiguity for businesses and filmmakers planning multi-territory campaigns.

The platform caters to different needs with both single-track licenses and subscription plans. While the catalog quality can be mixed compared to more heavily curated services, its transparent structure is a major plus. For users needing background music for physical locations or web radio, Jamendo also offers separate, specialized solutions, diversifying its offerings beyond typical content creation.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

Jamendo’s territory-based pricing is its defining feature, perfect for projects with specific distribution goals. It simplifies the process of finding royalty-free music when you know exactly where your content will be seen.

• Single-Track Licenses: Ideal for one-off projects like a specific commercial, film, or presentation. You simply select the license tier (e.g., Online, National) that matches your needs.
• Subscription Plans: The Personal, Professional, and Agency plans offer unlimited downloads for ongoing online use, suited for YouTubers, social media managers, and agencies producing frequent web content.

Pros:

• Consistent, Predictable Pricing: Clear tiers based on distribution scope simplify budgeting.
• Good for International Projects: The licensing structure provides explicit clarity for campaigns crossing borders.
• Subscription Option: Offers flexibility for creators with high-volume online content needs.

Cons:

• Mixed Catalog Curation: May require more searching to find premium-quality tracks.
• Pricing in EUR: Costs are listed in Euros, and VAT may apply, which can affect the final price for international buyers.
• Broadcast Use Requires Higher Tiers: Using music for television or large-scale broadcast can become costly.

Website: https://licensing.jamendo.com/pricing

11. YouTube Audio Library

The YouTube Audio Library is an essential, no-cost resource integrated directly within YouTube Studio. It offers a surprisingly large collection of music and sound effects that are pre-cleared for use in videos on the platform. Its primary advantage is its seamless integration and absolute safety regarding YouTube's Content ID system, making it the go-to choice for creators who need a quick, budget-friendly, and risk-free audio solution.

Navigating the library is straightforward. Creators can filter tracks by genre, mood, instrument, duration, and, most importantly, license type. This clear labeling system is a key feature, telling you instantly whether a track requires attribution in your video description or not. While it may not have the cinematic quality of premium paid services, it's an indispensable tool for finding background music and simple sound effects without leaving the YouTube ecosystem.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

The Audio Library's licensing is designed exclusively for content creators on YouTube, offering a simple and direct path to using royalty-free music safely.

• No Attribution Required: Many tracks are completely free to use without any credit needed, ideal for quick vlogs, tutorials, or social media shorts uploaded to YouTube.
• Attribution Required: For these tracks, you must copy and paste the provided text block into your video's description. This is a small trade-off for access to a wider variety of quality music at no cost.

Pros:

• Completely Free: No hidden costs or subscriptions.
• YouTube Safe: Guaranteed to be free of Content ID claims on the platform.
• Convenient Integration: Accessible directly from your YouTube Studio dashboard.

Cons:

• Limited Off-Platform Use: The license is primarily intended for use within the YouTube ecosystem.
• Variable Quality: The catalog can be less curated and more utilitarian compared to premium services.

Website: https://studio.youtube.com

12. Bensound

Bensound is a well-regarded source for royalty-free music, known for its straightforward approach and clean, accessible library. It caters to creators who need high-quality tracks without navigating complex licensing terms, offering both an All-Access subscription and per-track purchasing options. The platform’s key strength is its simplicity; the licenses are written in plain English, making it easy to understand what is and isn't allowed.

The user experience is friendly and efficient, allowing creators to quickly find suitable music for podcasts, social media content, and small business videos. A standout feature for YouTubers is the option to whitelist their channel ID, which automatically clears any copyright claims and streamlines the publishing process. This makes it an excellent choice for creators who want to focus on content rather than licensing administration.

Best Use Cases & Licensing

Bensound's flexible model works well for both one-off projects and continuous content creation, with clear distinctions for personal and commercial use.

• Pay-Per-Track: Ideal for a single video, presentation, or podcast episode where a subscription isn't justified. You get a perpetual license for one project.
• All-Access Subscription: A great value for frequent creators, small businesses, and freelancers. It provides unlimited downloads, license certificates, and covers commercial use, including client work. Understanding the nuances is key when properly licensing music for YouTube to avoid issues.

Pros:

• Simple, Human-Readable Licenses: Removes confusion and builds confidence for creators.
• Flexible Licensing: Choose between a subscription or paying for individual tracks.
• Good for Individuals & Small Businesses: Caters perfectly to the needs of smaller-scale creators.

Cons:

• Smaller Catalog: The library is more limited compared to massive marketplaces.
• Custom Quote for Enterprise: Larger businesses (250+ employees) must contact them for pricing.

Website: https://www.bensound.com/pricing

Top 12 Royalty-Free Music Sources Compared

Choosing the Right Music for Your Creative Vision

Navigating the vast landscape of royalty-free music can feel overwhelming, but as we've explored, the perfect soundtrack for your project is well within reach. The journey of finding where to find royalty free music isn't about discovering a single "best" platform; it's about identifying the right partner for your unique creative and business needs. Your choice will ultimately shape not just the final product but also your workflow, budget, and legal peace of mind.

We've covered a wide spectrum of providers, from the massive, all-in-one subscription services like Epidemic Sound and Artlist, which offer immense value for prolific creators, to the highly curated, cinematic libraries of Musicbed, perfect for filmmakers seeking an emotional, artist-forward sound. We've also seen the utility of large marketplaces like Pond5 and AudioJungle, where you can find nearly any asset imaginable, albeit with more variability in quality and licensing complexity.

Key Takeaways for Your Music Search

As you move forward, keep these core principles in mind. They are the strategic filters that will help you narrow down the options and make a confident decision.

• Licensing is Paramount: This cannot be overstated. Before you fall in love with a track, understand its license. Does it cover monetization on YouTube? Can you use it in client work? Is it cleared for paid advertising? Platforms like LesFM and PremiumBeat prioritize clear, straightforward licensing, while marketplaces may require more diligence on your part. Always read the fine print.
• Workflow Integration Matters: The best music library is one that fits seamlessly into your creative process. Consider the search functionality, the user interface, and any integrations with editing software. A platform with intuitive filters for mood, genre, and instrumentation can save you hours of searching, allowing you to stay in your creative flow.
• Subscription vs. Single License: Your production frequency dictates this choice. If you are constantly creating content for YouTube, social media, or podcasts, a subscription model from a service like Soundstripe or Storyblocks offers unbeatable value. However, for one-off projects, freelance client work, or specific high-stakes campaigns, a perpetual, single-track license from PremiumBeat or Jamendo Licensing provides a more targeted and cost-effective solution.

Making Your Final Decision

To select the ideal resource, reflect on your primary goals. Are you a solo YouTuber who needs a reliable source of background music without copyright claims? The YouTube Audio Library is a fantastic starting point, and services like LesFM provide a significant step up in quality with creator-friendly terms.

Are you a freelance video editor juggling multiple client projects? A subscription to Artlist or Epidemic Sound could be a game-changer, giving you a vast toolkit to satisfy diverse client needs under a single, predictable cost. For creative agencies producing high-end commercial work, the premium, cinematic quality of Musicbed or the rock-solid licensing from Shutterstock's PremiumBeat might be the most professional and safest choice.

Ultimately, the search for where to find royalty free music concludes when you find a platform that feels like a creative partner. It should empower your storytelling, not complicate it. By carefully considering your project types, budget constraints, and long-term goals, you can move beyond simply finding music and begin strategically curating the perfect audio identity for your work. This thoughtful approach transforms music from a simple background element into a powerful tool for connection, emotion, and impact.

Ready to find high-quality, mood-focused music with refreshingly simple licensing? Explore the curated library at LesFM, designed specifically for content creators who need an inspiring soundtrack without the legal complexity. Start your search today and discover the perfect track to elevate your next project.

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