The 12 Best Royalty Free Music Sites for Creators in 2025

Yaro

22/12/2025 6:48 AM

Finding the perfect soundtrack can transform a good project into an exceptional one, but navigating the complexities of music licensing can be a significant roadblock. Whether you're a filmmaker, YouTuber, podcaster, or marketer, securing the right to use a piece of music legally is non-negotiable. This is where royalty-free music platforms become an indispensable resource, offering vast libraries of high-quality tracks that you can use across your projects without fearing copyright strikes or recurring fees.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you find the best royalty-free music sites for your specific needs. We've gone beyond surface-level descriptions to provide a detailed analysis of the top platforms available today. For creators using automated tools to produce short-form videos, pairing them with the right audio is crucial; finding quality royalty-free music to elevate their TikTok content is a perfect example of this synergy.

Instead of a generic list, you will find a practical breakdown of each service, including:

• Honest pros and cons based on real-world usage.
• Clear licensing explanations to avoid confusion.
• Pricing snapshots for quick budget assessment.
• Best-use recommendations for different types of creators.

Each entry includes screenshots for a better feel of the user interface and direct links to get you started immediately. We will explore everything from subscription giants like Epidemic Sound and Artlist to versatile marketplaces like AudioJungle and free resources like the YouTube Audio Library. Our goal is to equip you with all the information needed to make a confident, informed decision and find the perfect audio partner for your creative work.

1. LesFM

LesFM secures its position as one of the best royalty-free music sites by blending a highly curated, mood-driven library with a straightforward, creator-first licensing model. It’s an ideal platform for YouTubers, editors, and agencies who need to find the right track quickly without sacrificing quality. The platform streamlines the discovery process, allowing users to bypass endless scrolling and match music to their content’s emotional tone with precision.

The core strength of LesFM lies in its meticulously organized catalog of over 2,500 tracks. Instead of overwhelming users with sheer volume, it focuses on quality and usability, with intuitive categories like “Mood,” “Genre,” and “Tempo.” This makes it exceptionally efficient for scoring videos, finding background music for podcasts, or selecting the perfect tune for a digital ad campaign.

Key Features & Licensing

LesFM's licensing is designed for modern creators. Subscribers get unlimited downloads and the right to publish content anywhere online, with clear monetization allowances. The plans are structured to scale with your needs, from a single monetized channel to full broadcast rights. This flexibility, combined with a 30-day money-back guarantee and responsive support, makes it a reliable partner for creative projects. For those still learning the ropes, LesFM also provides helpful resources that explain the fundamentals of royalty-free music licensing.

Pricing & Plans at a Glance

LesFM offers several annual subscription tiers, providing significant value compared to single-track licensing.

A limited-time lifetime personal license is also sometimes available for a one-time fee.

• Best for: YouTubers, podcasters, and freelance editors who prioritize speed and mood-matching.
• Pros: Expertly curated library, simple and scalable licensing, strong focus on creator needs.
• Cons: The Personal plan limits monetization to one channel; creators with multiple channels will need the Commercial tier.
• Website: https://lesfm.net

2. Artlist

Artlist positions itself as a premium, highly curated platform, making it one of the best royalty free music sites for creators who value quality and efficiency. Its key differentiator is a simple, universal license that covers everything from YouTube videos to commercial ads, removing the typical project-by-project licensing anxiety. Subscribers get unlimited downloads, and any project published during the subscription remains covered for life.

The platform’s user experience is a major strength. Its powerful search filters and AI-driven recommendations, combined with expertly curated playlists and a "Spotlight" section, make discovering the perfect track surprisingly fast. The music quality is consistently high, feeling less like stock audio and more like genuine artist creations.

Key Features & License Tiers

Artlist offers several subscription plans tailored to different users. The Social plan is ideal for personal content creators, covering major social media platforms. The Pro plan expands coverage to include client work, commercial projects, broadcasting, and paid ads, making it a professional standard. Team and enterprise tiers are also available.

• Unlimited Downloads: A core benefit during your subscription period.
• Lifetime Use: Projects published while subscribed are licensed forever.
• Pro Licensing: A single, straightforward license for commercial use.
• Optional Bundles: The "Max" plans bundle music with stock footage, templates, and plugins.

Pros & Cons

Ultimately, Artlist is a fantastic investment for serious creators and professionals who need a reliable, high-quality library without complex licensing hurdles.

Website: https://artlist.io

3. Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound is a powerhouse in the royalty-free music space, offering a massive, modern catalog designed for the fast-paced world of digital content creation. It simplifies licensing with a subscription model that provides unlimited downloads and clears music for use across major platforms. Its main draw is the direct relationship with artists, allowing it to offer a completely "worry-free" license that covers all rights, including public performance, meaning fewer headaches for creators.

The platform is incredibly user-friendly, with powerful search tools, curated themes, and AI-powered recommendations that make finding the right sound efficient. A standout feature is the ability to download individual stems (like vocals, drums, or bass), giving editors immense creative control. The "channel clearance" feature is a crucial tool for YouTubers, as it helps proactively avoid copyright claims, a common pain point for creators. For more insight on this topic, you can learn more about how to avoid copyright strikes on YouTube.

Key Features & License Tiers

Epidemic Sound offers plans for every creator level. The Personal plan covers one channel per platform (YouTube, Facebook, etc.), while the Commercial plan expands this to include client work and digital ads. A free trial is available to test the full library.

• Massive Library: Over 50,000 tracks and 200,000 sound effects.
• Channel Whitelisting: Connect your channels to automatically clear content.
• Downloadable Stems: Get full creative control by editing individual track elements.
• Worry-Free License: All rights are included for online use during your subscription.

Pros & Cons

Epidemic Sound is one of the best royalty free music sites for YouTubers and social media creators who need a vast, high-quality library and a streamlined way to manage music rights without fear of copyright issues.

Website: https://www.epidemicsound.com

4. Soundstripe

Soundstripe delivers a streamlined, all-in-one subscription service that bundles royalty-free music, sound effects, and even video clips. It’s an excellent choice for creators who need a comprehensive media toolkit without juggling multiple subscriptions. The platform is built for speed and efficiency, offering unlimited downloads and a clear licensing structure that covers everything from YouTube monetization to client projects, making it one of the best royalty free music sites for fast-paced production environments.

What sets Soundstripe apart are its workflow integrations and powerful technology. The platform offers extensions for Adobe Premiere Pro and Frame.io, allowing editors to browse and add music directly within their software. Furthermore, its AI-powered search tools and features like auto-clearance for YouTube channels significantly reduce administrative friction, letting creators focus on their work.

Key Features & License Tiers

Soundstripe offers three core tiers: Creator, Pro, and Pro Plus. The Creator plan is perfect for individual YouTubers and podcasters, while the Pro plan unlocks commercial use for freelancers and small businesses. Pro Plus adds expanded music access and API capabilities. Enterprise plans are also available for larger teams.

• Unlimited Downloads: Access the full music and SFX library with any plan.
• Workflow Integrations: Direct extensions for Adobe Premiere Pro, Frame.io, and Twitch.
• AI-Powered Tools: Smart search and recommendations to quickly find the right sound.
• Team Access: Business plans include team seats and role-based permissions.

Pros & Cons

Ultimately, Soundstripe is an ideal solution for creators and businesses who prioritize an efficient, integrated workflow and need a vast library of both music and sound effects under a single, simple subscription.

Website: https://soundstripe.com

5. PremiumBeat (by Shutterstock)

Backed by the stock media giant Shutterstock, PremiumBeat operates as a highly curated, professional-grade library. It distinguishes itself with exceptionally high production value and a focus on polished, cinematic-quality tracks, making it one of the best royalty free music sites for corporate videos, commercials, and high-end productions. The platform offers both subscription and per-track licensing, providing flexibility for different project scales.

The user experience is clean and efficient, with powerful search filters that allow users to drill down by genre, mood, instruments, and even BPM. Its curated playlists are particularly useful for finding inspiration or quickly matching a specific video theme. The backing of Shutterstock’s robust licensing infrastructure provides peace of mind, especially for commercial and enterprise-level clients who require clear and indemnified usage rights.

Key Features & License Tiers

PremiumBeat's licensing is clearly defined. The Creator subscription is for web-based, non-commercially distributed content on one channel per platform. The Standard License (available per track or via subscription) covers web use and business projects that are not paid advertising. For broadcast, film, or paid ads, an Enhanced License or custom enterprise plan is required.

• Subscription & Per-Track: Choose between unlimited downloads or buying single licenses.
• Curated Collections: All tracks are hand-picked by music experts for quality.
• Stem & Loop Files: Many tracks include shorts, loops, and instrument stems for custom editing.
• Clear Licensing Tiers: Easy to distinguish between personal, standard commercial, and broadcast use.

Pros & Cons

PremiumBeat is an excellent choice for creators and businesses who prioritize a premium sound and need the assurance of a major industry player. It’s ideal for those who are willing to invest a bit more for guaranteed quality and straightforward commercial licensing.

Website: https://www.premiumbeat.com

6. AudioJungle (Envato Market)

AudioJungle operates on a pay-per-track model, making it a standout choice for creators who need music for a single project without committing to a subscription. As part of the massive Envato Market ecosystem, it offers a sprawling, community-driven catalog of royalty-free music and sound effects. Its strength lies in its flexibility, catering to both hobbyists and large-scale productions through a tiered licensing system.

The platform is less curated than subscription sites, which means users may need to sift through more options to find a high-quality track. However, its vast selection includes unique offerings like music kits and packs, which provide stems and variations for custom editing. The detailed license pages clearly define usage rights for each tier, helping users make informed purchasing decisions.

Key Features & License Tiers

AudioJungle’s licensing is based on the intended use and audience size of the end product. The Standard Music License covers most web uses like YouTube videos and corporate presentations. For broader reach, Broadcast and Film Licenses are available, covering advertising, theatrical releases, and television, with pricing scaled accordingly.

• Pay-Per-Track Model: Purchase individual licenses for songs as needed.
• Tiered Licensing: Multiple license types scale from web to broadcast.
• Massive Catalog: A huge library driven by a community of artists.
• Music Kits & Packs: Get stems and loops for greater creative control.

Pros & Cons

AudioJungle is ideal for creators with occasional music needs or those working on specific projects, like a short film or a single ad campaign, who prefer to pay only for what they use.

Website: https://audiojungle.net

7. Envato Elements

Envato Elements is more than just a music library; it’s an all-encompassing creative subscription for creators who need a wide array of assets. Its unique value proposition lies in offering unlimited downloads from a massive catalog of over 26 million items, including music, sound effects, video templates, graphics, and more, all under one simple license. This makes it one of the best royalty free music sites for anyone working on multi-faceted projects.

The platform operates on a project-based licensing system. Each time you download an asset, you register it for use in a specific project, granting you a broad commercial license for that single use case. The user interface is clean, making it easy to navigate between different asset categories and find what you need. While the music selection is vast, the sheer volume means quality can vary, requiring some filtering to find top-tier tracks.

Key Features & License Tiers

Envato Elements keeps its pricing straightforward with plans for individuals, teams, and enterprise clients. The core offering is unlimited access to the entire library. The license covers most commercial and non-commercial online uses, but has specific limitations for broadcast media.

• Unlimited Downloads: Access millions of creative assets with no download caps.
• One Simple Commercial License: All assets are covered by the same straightforward license terms.
• Project-Based Licensing: Register each asset to a project for full commercial rights for that use.
• Multi-Asset Library: Get music, SFX, video templates, graphics, and more in one subscription.

Pros & Cons

Envato Elements is an unbeatable choice for creators and agencies who require a steady stream of diverse creative assets, not just audio. It simplifies budgeting and licensing across entire projects.

Website: https://elements.envato.com

8. Pond5

Pond5 is a massive stock media marketplace where music is just one part of a much larger creative ecosystem. It stands out for its incredible purchasing flexibility, making it one of the best royalty free music sites for creators who need a one-off track for a specific project or prefer a more traditional, asset-by-asset approach over a mandatory subscription. The platform’s sheer scale means its catalog is vast and constantly growing with daily new additions from artists worldwide.

This model caters to diverse needs, from a student filmmaker buying a single song to a large agency utilizing credit packs for multiple projects. The user experience is that of a classic stock library, with robust search filters that let you drill down by genre, mood, instrumentation, and price. While it may lack the curated, boutique feel of some competitors, its strength lies in its comprehensive selection and straightforward licensing.

Key Features & License Tiers

Pond5’s primary model is pay-per-item, but it offers subscriptions for frequent users. The Music Subscription provides a set number of monthly downloads with rollover credits. A more inclusive Music & SFX Subscription is also available. All downloaded content comes with a simple, worldwide, perpetual license for a wide range of uses, including commercial and monetized content.

• Pay-Per-Track: Ideal for one-off projects without recurring needs.
• Credit Packs: Purchase credits in bulk for a discount on future assets.
• Music Subscriptions: Monthly downloads for music or music and SFX.
• Free Collection: A curated selection of free music, SFX, and video clips.

Pros & Cons

Pond5 is an excellent choice for creators who value choice and flexibility, allowing them to buy exactly what they need, when they need it, from one of the largest stock libraries available.

Website: https://www.pond5.com

9. Storyblocks

Storyblocks stands out by bundling royalty-free music and sound effects with a massive library of video, templates, and images under a single subscription. This makes it one of the best royalty-free music sites for creators who need an all-in-one solution. The platform's value proposition is its "Unlimited All Access" model, which removes download limits and simplifies asset acquisition for high-volume content producers.

The platform is designed for efficiency, offering powerful search filters that let you sort music by mood, genre, instrument, and duration. For video editors and agencies, the real power comes from its seamless integration with tools like the Adobe Premiere Pro plugin and an AI Toolkit, which streamlines the entire creative workflow. The license is straightforward, covering both personal and commercial projects worldwide, in perpetuity.

Key Features & License Tiers

Storyblocks offers several plans to accommodate different user needs. The Individual plans provide unlimited downloads for a single user, perfect for freelancers and YouTubers. Business and Enterprise tiers add team licenses, enhanced legal indemnification up to $1 million, and dedicated account support, making it a secure choice for commercial productions and agencies.

• Unlimited Downloads: Core feature of All-Access plans, covering music, SFX, video, and more.
• Perpetual Licensing: Any asset downloaded during an active subscription is licensed for use forever.
• Business Indemnification: Business plans provide significant legal protection for commercial work.
• Creator Tools: Includes an AI Toolkit and plugins for Adobe and other software to speed up creation.

Pros & Cons

Ultimately, Storyblocks is an unbeatable choice for creators and businesses that regularly use a mix of stock media, offering a cost-effective and efficient way to source high-quality audio alongside a full suite of creative assets.

Website: https://www.storyblocks.com

10. Jamendo Licensing

Jamendo Licensing provides a flexible, a la carte approach, making it one of the best royalty free music sites for users needing a single track for a specific project. Rather than a subscription, it focuses on individual sync licenses for online ads, corporate videos, or presentations, with pricing tiered by the project's scope, from web-only to national or international use. This model is ideal for one-off commercial projects or small businesses.

The platform also offers background music subscriptions, called "In-Store," designed for retail stores, restaurants, and other physical venues. Its catalog is built around independent artists and is organized effectively by moods, themes, and genres, simplifying the discovery process. The transparent, upfront pricing removes the guesswork often associated with per-project licensing.

Key Features & License Tiers

Jamendo’s primary offerings are its Standard and Extended licenses for audiovisual productions. The Standard license typically covers web and social media use, while Extended licenses can cover TV, radio, and cinema depending on the tier selected (local, national, or worldwide). The In-Store subscription provides curated radio stations for business environments.

• Per-Track Sync Licenses: Buy individual tracks with clear usage rights.
• Transparent Tiered Pricing: Costs are determined by use (online, national, international).
• In-Store Radio: Background music subscriptions for commercial venues.
• Independent Artist Catalog: A diverse library organized by moods and themes.

Pros & Cons

Jamendo Licensing is a strong choice for businesses needing a clear, straightforward license for a specific advertising campaign or for those looking to legally stream background music in a physical space.

Website: https://licensing.jamendo.com

11. Bensound

Bensound has been a staple in the creator community for years, earning its spot as one of the best royalty free music sites by offering a simple, dual-path licensing model. It caters effectively to both hobbyists and professionals by providing a solid selection of free music that only requires attribution, alongside more comprehensive paid licenses for commercial projects. This straightforward approach removes ambiguity, making it an excellent starting point for new creators.

The platform guides users clearly on which license is appropriate for their needs, whether it's a single track for a client project or an all-encompassing subscription for ongoing content. The ability to link a YouTube Channel ID for automatic clearance is a practical feature that streamlines the workflow for YouTubers, preventing unnecessary copyright claims on licensed tracks.

Key Features & License Tiers

Bensound offers a flexible licensing structure. The Free License allows use on web platforms like YouTube and social media with proper credit. For commercial use without attribution, users can choose a Standard per-track license. The All-Access subscription provides unlimited downloads and broad usage rights for creators, freelancers, and businesses.

• Free Music with Attribution: A generous collection of tracks available at no cost when credit is given.
• Per-Track & Subscription Options: Flexibility to buy single tracks or get unlimited access with an annual plan.
• YouTube Channel Linking: Simplifies the clearance process by whitelisting a channel to avoid copyright claims.
• Clear Use-Case Guidance: The site helps users easily determine which license fits their project scope.

Pros & Cons

Bensound excels in its simplicity and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for creators who need a reliable source of music without navigating complex licensing tiers.

Website: https://www.bensound.com

12. YouTube Audio Library

For creators whose primary platform is YouTube, the YouTube Audio Library is an essential and incredibly convenient resource. Integrated directly into the YouTube Studio, it offers a surprisingly large collection of free music and sound effects specifically cleared for use on the platform. This makes it one of the best royalty free music sites for beginners or anyone needing a quick, copyright-safe track without leaving their workflow.

The library's main advantage is its seamless integration and zero cost. Creators can filter tracks by genre, mood, instrument, and duration, then download them directly for use in their videos. The licensing is straightforward; some tracks require attribution, while others don't, and this information is clearly displayed for each file. Using this official library helps creators avoid Content ID claims, a common headache on the platform.

Key Features & License Tiers

The YouTube Audio Library operates on a simple, free-to-use model. There are no subscription tiers or fees. Its license is designed for on-platform use, covering monetized videos and general content uploaded to YouTube.

• Completely Free: No costs or subscriptions are required to access the entire library.
• Direct Integration: Accessible within YouTube Studio, streamlining the content creation process.
• Clear Licensing Info: Each track clearly states whether attribution is required.
• Monetization Safe: Designed to be used in monetized YouTube videos without copyright issues.

Pros & Cons

While its features are more basic than premium services, the YouTube Audio Library is an unbeatable starting point. Understanding how to use it is a key part of learning about licensing music for YouTube. It's the perfect choice for new creators or for finding simple background music without any budget.

Website: https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary

Top 12 Royalty-Free Music Sites — Features & Pricing

How to Choose the Right Royalty-Free Music Site for Your Project

Navigating the world of royalty-free music can feel like an overwhelming task, but armed with the right information, you can pinpoint the perfect platform for your creative endeavors. We've explored a dozen of the best royalty free music sites, from the massive, all-in-one subscription services like Artlist and Epidemic Sound to the meticulously curated, creator-focused library of LesFM, and even the completely free resources like the YouTube Audio Library. The ideal choice isn't about finding a single "best" site; it's about finding the one that aligns perfectly with your specific workflow, project scope, and budget.

Recapping Your Options: The Big Picture

Let’s quickly distill the key takeaways from our deep dive. Your decision will likely hinge on one of three primary models:

• Subscription Dominance: Platforms like Artlist, Epidemic Sound, and Storyblocks offer incredible value if you're a prolific creator. For a flat monthly or annual fee, you get unlimited access, which is a game-changer for YouTubers, agencies, and full-time editors who need a constant stream of fresh tracks without worrying about per-track costs.
• A La Carte Precision: For those working on a single, high-stakes project or needing just one perfect track, marketplaces like PremiumBeat and AudioJungle excel. The ability to purchase a single-track license provides flexibility and control, ensuring you only pay for exactly what you need.
• The Hybrid and Free Models: Services like LesFM and Bensound offer a fantastic hybrid approach, providing a generous selection of high-quality free tracks alongside premium options for those who need more. And, of course, the YouTube Audio Library remains an essential, no-cost starting point for creators on a tight budget.

Key Factors for Your Final Decision

As you weigh your options, filter your choice through these critical questions. Your answers will illuminate the clear winner for your needs.

• What's Your Primary Use Case? A filmmaker scoring a short film has vastly different needs than a YouTuber creating weekly vlogs. If you need cinematic, high-production-value tracks, a platform like PremiumBeat or Artlist might be your best bet. For background music for podcasts or corporate videos, a library with extensive ambient and corporate categories, like Soundstripe or LesFM, will serve you well.
• How Important is License Simplicity? The "royalty-free" label can be deceptive, with complexities lurking in the fine print. Epidemic Sound and Artlist offer some of the simplest, most all-encompassing licenses, covering nearly every use case under one subscription. Conversely, sites like AudioJungle require you to carefully select the right license tier based on audience size or advertising spend. Always double-check the terms.
• What is Your Content Volume and Budget? Be realistic about your output. If you produce multiple videos per week, a subscription is almost certainly the most cost-effective path. If you only create a few major projects per year, paying per track might save you money in the long run.
• Does the User Experience Matter? Don't underestimate the power of a great search function. The ability to filter by mood, genre, BPM, and instrumentation can save you hours. Test the search and discovery features on each site. A platform that helps you find the right track faster is an invaluable asset.

For creators, especially podcasters, choosing the right soundtrack is vital, but equally important are effective strategies to grow your audience, exploring topics like various podcast marketing strategies. The right music enhances your content, but a strong growth plan ensures it reaches the ears that need to hear it.

Ultimately, selecting from the best royalty free music sites is a strategic decision that directly impacts the quality and professionalism of your final product. Take the time to align a platform's strengths with your creative vision, and you'll build a sonic toolkit that empowers you to create compelling, emotionally resonant content for years to come.

Ready to find the perfect track without the hassle? Dive into the curated library at LesFM. We focus on high-quality, emotionally impactful music that's easy to find and simple to license, making it the ideal partner for creators who value both quality and efficiency. Explore the LesFM library today and hear the difference.

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