Hey guys! Ever been in a situation where you're putting together a video and you need some awesome background music, but you're not trying to break the bank or get hit with a copyright strike? Yeah, we've all been there! Finding free music to use in videos is a common quest for YouTubers, filmmakers, and anyone who loves making video content. Luckily, the internet, and specifically, Reddit, is packed with resources and communities dedicated to helping you find the perfect tunes without spending a dime. Let's dive into how you can find and use free music for your videos, with a little help from the Reddit community.

Understanding Copyright and Licensing

Before you start downloading music, it's super important to understand copyright and licensing. You don't want your video taken down or, worse, face legal issues because you used music you weren't allowed to. When we talk about free music to use in videos, we're primarily looking for music that is licensed in a way that allows for its use without paying royalties. Here are a few key licensing types you'll encounter:

• Creative Commons (CC) Licenses: These are the most common licenses you'll find for free music. Creative Commons licenses offer a range of permissions, from allowing you to use the music freely with attribution (giving credit to the artist) to allowing commercial use and even modifications. Always check the specific CC license before using a track, as the terms can vary.
• Public Domain: Music in the public domain is free for anyone to use without restriction. This usually includes works where the copyright has expired or has been explicitly waived. However, be cautious – determining whether a work is truly in the public domain can sometimes be tricky.
• Royalty-Free Music: While not strictly free in the sense that you might pay a one-time fee, royalty-free music means you don't have to pay royalties each time the music is used. Often, this music can be found at low cost or, sometimes, for free through specific promotions or platforms.

When you're on the hunt for free music to use in videos, make sure to carefully review the license terms. Look for phrases like “Attribution required,” which means you’ll need to credit the artist in your video description. Some licenses might also have restrictions on commercial use (making money from your video). Ignoring these terms can lead to your video being blocked or, in some cases, legal trouble. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so double-check the license! It's better than getting a takedown or a strike on your account. Being careful about licenses also means respecting the artists. They're letting you use their work for free, and giving them credit is a small price to pay. It also helps them get more exposure! If you're unsure about a license, it’s always a good idea to seek clarification from the artist or the platform where you found the music.

Reddit Communities to Find Free Music

Now, let’s get down to the good stuff: where to find this free music to use in videos using the power of Reddit. Several subreddits are dedicated to sharing and discovering free music for creators. Here are some of the most popular and useful ones:

• /r/FreeMusic: This subreddit is a goldmine. It's all about sharing tracks that are free to use. You'll find a variety of genres, from electronic to classical, and you'll often find information about the license for each track. Check the rules of the subreddit as some require you to search the license terms.
• /r/NoCopyrightSounds: While not all tracks on the main NCS channel are free, this subreddit and the NCS YouTube channel are dedicated to music that is free music to use in videos. NCS is known for its high-quality electronic music, making it a great resource for energetic or upbeat video content. They usually do have certain requirements (like giving credit), so read the information for each track.
• /r/WeAreTheMusicMakers: This subreddit is focused on music production, but you can find links to free music resources and discussions about licensing. It's an awesome place to connect with musicians and learn more about music creation. There is a wide variety of sounds for your enjoyment. It’s also a good place to ask questions and get advice from other creators.
• /r/Music: A general music subreddit, but you can sometimes find threads or posts about free music resources or artists who offer their work under Creative Commons licenses. It's worth keeping an eye on it for hidden gems. This community is a vast treasure trove of musical knowledge. You can find recommendations for other resources and even discover new music.

When exploring these subreddits, pay attention to the comments and discussions. Redditors often share their experiences, recommendations, and warnings about specific tracks or licenses. This can save you a lot of time and potential headaches. Also, remember to search within the subreddits using keywords like “free music,” “Creative Commons,” or “royalty-free” to quickly find relevant posts.

Tips for Using Free Music in Your Videos

So, you’ve found some awesome free music to use in videos, now what? Here are some pro tips to make sure you use it effectively and legally:

• Always Read the License: Seriously, read it! Understand the terms of use. Does it require attribution? Is commercial use allowed? Make sure you comply with every requirement.
• Give Credit Where It’s Due: If attribution is required, give the artist credit in your video description. Include the artist's name, the song title, and a link to their work or profile. This is crucial for respecting the artist and complying with the license.
• Download Music from Trusted Sources: Download music from the official website of the artist or the platform where it's hosted. This helps ensure you're getting the correct version and avoids potential copyright issues.
• Test the Music: Before you finalize your video, listen to the music alongside your visuals. Make sure it complements the content and doesn’t overpower your voiceover or dialogue. Adjust the volume levels accordingly.
• Use a Music Editing Software: Familiarize yourself with audio editing software to trim, fade, and adjust the music to fit your video's needs. Many free options like Audacity are available. Some of the paid programs can give you more control, but it depends on your needs.
• Keep a Record: Keep a record of the music you use, including the artist's name, song title, and a link to the license. This can be helpful if you ever need to provide proof of your right to use the music. This can be as simple as a spreadsheet or a text file. It’s a good way to stay organized.
• Consider Volume Levels: Your music should enhance your video, not distract from it. Make sure it blends in and does not overpower the other sounds in your video. Try to keep it in the background at a consistent level.

Beyond Reddit: Other Resources

While Reddit is an awesome resource, don’t limit yourself! There are tons of other sites where you can find free music to use in videos. Here are a few notable ones:

• YouTube Audio Library: YouTube itself offers a library of free music that you can use in your videos. You can filter by genre, mood, and attribution requirements. This is a very safe option, as YouTube is very aware of copyright issues.
• Free Music Archive (FMA): This is a vast database of free music, with a wide range of genres and Creative Commons licenses. The FMA offers a curated selection of tracks, making it easier to find high-quality music.
• Bensound: This website offers a great selection of royalty-free music, with various licenses (including free options for attribution). It is an excellent resource for finding background music for your videos.
• Pixabay and Pexels: These sites are primarily known for their stock photos and videos, but they also have sections for free music. They often have a lot of resources for video creators.

Exploring these platforms can give you more variety and ensure you have a diverse selection of tracks for your videos. Remember to always check the license terms on each platform. It is a good idea to check multiple sources to ensure that you find the perfect song.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best resources, you might run into some common issues when using free music to use in videos. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

• Copyright Claims: If you receive a copyright claim on your video, it doesn’t always mean you did something wrong. Sometimes, automated systems can misidentify music. Check the details of the claim. Did you properly attribute the artist? If you have followed the license terms, you can usually dispute the claim. Provide evidence of the license agreement and attribution, such as a screenshot or a link to the music source. In most cases, the issue can be resolved quickly.
• Music Not Matching the Video: Sometimes, you find music that doesn’t quite fit the tone or mood of your video. In these cases, it’s best to keep searching! There's a lot of great music out there. Try to select a new track, or consider editing the music to better suit your video. You can try adjusting the volume, speed, or adding effects to make it work. Another option is to go back to the drawing board and decide what you want. You could even modify the video to better suit the music!
• Attribution Errors: Double-check your video description to ensure you’ve given the artist proper credit. Make sure the artist’s name, the song title, and a link to their work are included. Also, double-check that all links work. It is never a bad idea to refresh your links from time to time.

Conclusion

Finding free music to use in videos doesn't have to be a daunting task. By utilizing Reddit communities, understanding licenses, and exploring other resources, you can find awesome music for your videos without breaking the bank. Always remember to respect the artists, give credit, and double-check the license terms. Happy creating, and enjoy the music! Hopefully, this guide will help you produce great videos with amazing music!