Music can make or break your video. The right soundtrack can set the tone, drive emotion, and elevate your message — while the wrong one (or worse, a copyright strike) can derail your entire project.
Whether you’re creating YouTube videos, IG Reels, or background tracks for your Wealth Machines content, understanding where to find quality — and legal — audio is essential.
Let’s break it down into paid and free sources.
🔊 Paid Audio Sources — For Serious Creators
If you’re building a brand and want consistent, high-quality sound without copyright worries, paid platforms are worth every dollar.
1. Artlist
- Why use it: Unlimited downloads, lifetime usage for any project (even after your subscription ends).
- Best for: YouTubers, entrepreneurs, and creators building monetized channels.
- Pricing: Around USD 120/year.
- Bonus: Includes SFX and even footage libraries.
2. Epidemic Sound
- Why use it: Massive collection of curated tracks and seamless YouTube integration to avoid copyright claims.
- Best for: YouTube and social media creators who want safe, ready-to-use music.
- Pricing: Around USD 9/month for personal use.
3. AudioJungle (Envato Market)
- Why use it: Pay per track instead of a subscription. Great if you only need occasional background music.
- Best for: Short projects, ad videos, or one-off brand campaigns.
- Pricing: From USD 5 per track.
4. PremiumBeat (by Shutterstock)
- Why use it: Studio-grade quality, clean licensing, and categorized mood-based search.
- Best for: Corporate videos, podcasts, and polished brand projects.
- Pricing: Around USD 49 per track.
🎵 Free Audio Sources — When You’re Starting Out
If you’re testing ideas, producing educational content, or running a non-monetized channel, free sources can help you get started safely.
1. YouTube Audio Library
- Why use it: 100% free, easy to access from YouTube Studio, and includes attribution-free options.
- Best for: YouTube creators who want simple, copyright-safe music.
2. Free Music Archive (FMA)
- Why use it: A community-driven archive of Creative Commons tracks.
- Best for: Background music for non-commercial or educational projects.
- Tip: Always check the license — some tracks require credit.
3. Incompetech (by Kevin MacLeod)
- Why use it: One of the oldest sources of royalty-free music.
- Best for: Podcasts, vlogs, and explainer videos.
- License: Free with attribution or pay for a no-attribution license.
4. Bensound
- Why use it: Professional soundtracks across genres — cinematic, corporate, or chill.
- Best for: Creators looking for quality free music with simple licensing.
- License: Free with attribution; paid license available for broader use.
⚠️ A Word on Copyright
Always double-check the license type before using a track.
Even “free” music may have restrictions such as:
- Requiring attribution
- Limiting commercial use
- Prohibiting modification or remixing
If you’re monetizing your channel, investing in a paid music subscription can save you from future legal and copyright headaches.
🧠 Wealth Machines Takeaway
Think of music as part of your brand DNA — it should align with your message and audience emotion. Whether it’s the calm focus of lofi beats, the motivation of cinematic tracks, or the optimism of acoustic tunes, your audio choices should reinforce your story.
Start with free libraries to experiment, but as your brand grows, move toward licensed platforms like Artlist or Epidemic Sound for long-term freedom and consistency.
