How to choose a source
Start with where the video will end up. A monetized channel, a client project or an ad needs a source whose terms clearly allow that. A school project or a private video gives you more choice. Then check the Credit column: some sites need a credit line in every video description, others need none.
| Type of site | Good for | Check before use |
|---|---|---|
| Single-license libraries | Fast picks with one set of rules | Monetization, credit, resale rules |
| Creative Commons archives | Large choice of indie music | The license on each track |
| Sound effect sites and bundles | Whooshes, ambience, foley | Per-sound license, account needed |
On archives like Free Music Archive, ccMixter, Freesound, OpenGameArt and SoundBible the license differs per file, so the table says "Depends". Read the license next to the download button every time.
Creative Commons licenses in plain words
Many tracks here use a Creative Commons license. Each one is built from a few parts:
- BY: you must credit the creator. CC BY 4.0 lets you share and adapt the work for any purpose, even commercially, as long as you give credit, link the license and say if you changed it.
- NC: noncommercial use only. Creative Commons defines this as not primarily intended for commercial advantage or monetary compensation. The Freesound FAQ puts it bluntly: with CC BY-NC you cannot earn money with the work you create.
- ND: no adaptations. The Free Music Archive license guide says an ND song cannot be put in a video or other derivative work.
- SA: adaptations must be shared under the same license.
CC0 is different: the creator waives their rights, so you can use the work for any purpose and no attribution is required. For a monetized video, stick to CC0, CC BY or a site license that clearly allows it, and skip NC and ND tracks.
How to write a credit line
Creative Commons recommends TASL: the Title, the Author, the Source and the License, with links where you can. A credit in a video description could look like this:
Music: "Track Title" by Artist Name, from site.com/track-page, licensed under CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Some sites give their own wording. The Incompetech FAQ asks for the track title, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and the CC BY 4.0 line, placed where viewers can find it, such as the description. Scott Buckley wants the credit in the description, not in the video itself. Bensound asks for its attribution text plus a license code that is valid for one video only. For Creative Commons tracks from the YouTube Audio Library, YouTube says you must credit the artist in the description, and the library can create that text for you.
Content ID claims
YouTube explains that Content ID scans every upload against files submitted by copyright owners. A match creates a claim, and the owner's settings decide whether the video is blocked, monetized with ads or only tracked. YouTube says tracks downloaded from its Audio Library will not be claimed through Content ID.
If you get a claim on music you have the rights to, you can dispute it, but YouTube warns that disputing without a valid reason can lead the owner to request removal of your video, and a valid removal request gives your account a copyright strike. Keep your download records ready. Several sites in this list also forbid you from registering their music with Content ID yourself, including Bensound and Scott Buckley.
Prepare the audio and keep records
For every track or sound you use, save the page URL, the artist, the license name and the download date, plus a screenshot of the license page. Freesound even lists your downloads on an attribution page in your account.
To fit a track to your edit, cut it with Trim Audio, change the format with the audio converter and shorten your clip with Trim Video. To reuse the sound of your own recording, use Extract Audio from Video or the MP4 to MP3 converter. For templates and other free files, see our freebies.
How we checked
On 2026-10-20 we opened each site's own license, terms, FAQ or help page and wrote down only what it says. If a page did not mention commercial use or credit, the table says "Not stated". Some well known music sites are missing because their license page could not be opened on that day or the service has moved or closed. This list is not legal advice; for an ad campaign or a TV project, read the full terms or ask a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this music in monetized YouTube videos?
Only where the terms say so. YouTube says creators in its Partner Program can monetize videos with Audio Library music, and the Incompetech FAQ allows monetized YouTube videos with credit. Fesliyan Studios says free use does not cover monetization; it asks for a donation for a commercial license.
Do I always have to credit the artist?
No. Pixabay, Sonniss and 99Sounds say credit is not required. CC BY tracks, such as those from Incompetech and Scott Buckley, always need a credit, and Creative Commons tracks in the YouTube Audio Library need one in the video description. On archives with mixed licenses, check each file.
What does NC mean for my video?
NC stands for NonCommercial. Creative Commons defines it as use not primarily intended for commercial advantage or monetary compensation, and the Freesound FAQ says you cannot earn money with work that uses a CC BY-NC sound. If your video earns money or promotes a business, choose CC0, CC BY or a site license instead.
Why did my video get a Content ID claim for free music?
Content ID matches uploads against files submitted by rights owners, so a track can match even if you used it under a free license. Scott Buckley notes a common cause is a missing credit in the description. If you have the rights, you can dispute the claim, but YouTube warns that a dispute without a valid reason can lead to removal and a strike.
Can I sell or reupload these tracks and sounds?
Generally not on their own. Pixabay forbids selling or distributing audio on a standalone basis, 99Sounds and Sonniss forbid redistributing or reselling their sound files, and Scott Buckley does not allow resale or uploading to streaming platforms. Using them inside your own finished video is what these licenses are for.
What is the difference between CC0 and CC BY?
With CC0 the creator waives their rights and no attribution is required. With CC BY you may also use the work for any purpose, even commercially, but you must credit the creator, link the license and say if you made changes.