Struggling to find the perfect royalty-free music for streaming? I know how overwhelming it can be with so many options and opinions out there.
Picking the right music platform can be time-consuming and confusing. That’s where this guide comes in. I’ll break down the best options for royalty-free music for streaming, comparing key features, pricing, and more to help you make an informed decision.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which platform fits your needs, saving you hours of research. Let’s figure this out together
Best Platforms for Streaming Royalty-Free Music
Finding the right platform for royalty-free music depends on factors like the type of music you need, your budget, and where you’ll be streaming. Here are some of the best options for streamers:
1. YouTube Audio Library
The YouTube Audio Library offers a wide variety of free music and sound effects for use in YouTube videos and live streams.
It’s ideal for creators looking for royalty-free tracks without worrying about copyright strikes.
The library is easy to navigate and offers both free and paid options, allowing you to find music that fits your needs.
2. Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound is known for its extensive library of high-quality, DMCA-safe music. With various subscription plans, it offers a wide range of tracks suitable for streaming and video content.
Epidemic Sound guarantees that all music in its catalog is copyright-free, making it a top choice for streamers and content creators who want peace of mind while broadcasting.
3. SoundStripe
SoundStripe provides royalty-free music and sound effects tailored for content creators. Their library features a variety of genres, ensuring that streamers and video makers find tracks that match their style.
With a simple subscription model, SoundStripe offers unlimited downloads, making it easy for creators to access high-quality music without worrying about copyright issues.
4. Pretzel Rocks
Pretzel Rocks is specifically designed for streamers, offering DMCA-safe music perfect for Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms.
It features an automatic music bot that plays tracks in chat, making it easy for streamers to keep their content fresh.
Pretzel Rocks offers both free and premium plans, catering to different streaming needs.
5. StreamBeats
StreamBeats, curated by Harris Heller of AlphaGaming, provides a collection of free, DMCA-safe music and beats.
This platform is specifically designed for streamers, ensuring they can access copyright-free tracks without worrying about takedowns.
With a focus on chill beats and instrumental music, StreamBeats is perfect for live streams and background music.
6. Monstercat Gold
Monstercat Gold offers premium, DMCA-free music for streamers. Their tracks are designed to work seamlessly across platforms like Twitch and YouTube, with added protection to prevent channel takedowns.
Monstercat Gold is known for its energetic electronic music, making it a popular choice for gamers and high-energy streamers.
7. NCS (No Copyright Sounds)
NCS (NoCopyrightSounds) is a popular record label offering royalty-free music for streamers. Their catalog includes a wide range of electronic and instrumental music perfect for Twitch, YouTube, and other streaming platforms.
All tracks are free to use, but it’s important to credit the artists when using their music, as per the license terms.
8. SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a massive platform that hosts music from a variety of genres, including some royalty-free tracks.
However, it’s essential to check the license of each song before use, as not all music on the platform is free to stream.
Look for tracks that are marked as royalty-free or under Creative Commons licenses for safe streaming.
9. ccMixter
ccMixter is a community-driven platform offering royalty-free music under various Creative Commons licenses.
The site allows creators to access a wide selection of tracks and remixes for streaming and video projects.
Be sure to check the specific license of each track, as some may require attribution or have restrictions on commercial use.
10. Artlist.io
Artlist.io provides high-quality, royalty-free music and sound effects tailored for content creators. Their subscription service grants unlimited access to a vast library of tracks suitable for both video and live streaming.
Artlist.io is known for its high-quality sound and ease of use, making it a popular choice among professional creators.
Understanding Licenses: What You Need to Know
Before you start using royalty-free music for streaming, it’s important to understand the different types of licenses available.
Here’s a breakdown of key terms and tips to help you stay compliant and avoid issues:
What is Royalty-Free Music?
Royalty-free music means you don’t have to pay ongoing royalties or licensing fees each time the music is used.
However, this doesn’t always mean the music is free. Some royalty-free music requires a one-time purchase or subscription. Always check the terms to see if there are any restrictions on its use.
What is DMCA-Safe Music?
DMCA-safe music refers to tracks that are free from copyright issues and are safe to use on platforms like Twitch and YouTube without triggering DMCA takedowns.
These platforms often issue copyright claims when protected music is played, but DMCA-safe music ensures your content won’t be flagged or removed for copyright violations.
How to Verify License Terms for Each Platform
It’s important to check the license of each track before using it in your streams. Here’s how to verify the terms:
- Look for license details on the platform.
- Check if the track is labeled as royalty-free or DMCA-safe.
- Make sure you know whether you need to credit the artist or follow any usage restrictions (like non-commercial use only).
- Review whether the platform offers a one-time fee or a subscription model.
Tips to Avoid Copyright Strikes on Twitch and YouTube
To avoid copyright strikes on your Twitch or YouTube streams, follow these tips:
- Use DMCA-safe music platforms like Pretzel Rocks or StreamBeats.
- Always check the license terms before using any music.
- If you’re unsure, use music from the YouTube Audio Library or other trusted royalty-free sources.
- If the platform allows, provide credits to the artist when required.
- Avoid playing popular tracks that may not be royalty-free, even if they’re available on streaming platforms like SoundCloud.
How to Integrate Music Into Your Stream
Adding music to your stream can improve the atmosphere and engage your audience. Here’s how you can integrate music into your stream with ease:
Using OBS with Music: Step-by-Step Guide
To add music to your streams in OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open OBS and create a new scene or use your existing scene.
Step 2: Click the “+” icon in the Sources box and select “Media Source.”
Step 3: Browse and select the music file you want to use.
Step 4: Ensure the “Loop” box is checked if you want the music to play repeatedly.
Step 5: Adjust the audio settings in OBS to ensure the music is at the right volume and balanced with other sound sources.
Step 6: Click OK, and you’re all set to play music during your stream.
Stream Bots
Stream bots like Pretzel Rocks are designed to help automate music playback during live streams. Here’s how they work:
Pretzel Rocks offers a DMCA-safe music bot that integrates directly with platforms like Twitch.
The bot automatically plays your selected tracks from Pretzel Rocks’ library and allows viewers to interact with the music via chat commands.
These bots can be set up with OBS or directly on streaming platforms like Twitch for seamless music integration, saving you time and effort.
Playlists: Curating the Best Playlists for Streams
Curating the right playlist can set the tone for your stream. Here are a few genre ideas:
- Chill: Perfect for casual or relaxing streams, these tracks should be low-key and non-distracting.
- Gaming: Fast-paced, energetic music works great for gaming streams to keep the energy up.
- Lo-fi: This genre is a go-to for study streams or background music. It’s calm and unobtrusive, creating a peaceful environment.
Organize your playlists around your stream theme to keep the music fitting the vibe of the content.
How to Choose the Best Platform for Your Needs
Selecting the best music platform depends on your streaming requirements and budget. Here’s how to make an informed choice.
Free vs. Paid Platforms
Free Platforms: Options like YouTube Audio Library and StreamBeats offer music at no cost, but may have limitations in music selection and quality.
Paid Platforms: Services like Epidemic Sound or SoundStripe offer extensive libraries with higher-quality tracks and DMCA-safe music. These typically come with a subscription fee.
Pricing Models: Subscription vs. One-Time Purchase
Subscription: Platforms like Epidemic Sound and SoundStripe operate on a monthly or annual subscription model. This gives you access to unlimited downloads, ensuring you have a wide range of music at your disposal.
One-time Purchase: Some platforms may offer music for a one-time fee. While this might be cost-effective in the short term, it can be limiting for streamers who need ongoing music.
Platform-Specific Benefits
Twitch: Services like Pretzel Rocks and StreamBeats are ideal for Twitch streamers due to their focus on DMCA-safe music.
YouTube: If you’re creating content for YouTube, platforms like Epidemic Sound and YouTube Audio Library are excellent options that align with YouTube’s copyright policies.
Personal Streams: If you’re streaming for personal use or smaller platforms, SoundCloud or ccMixter offer more flexibility with genre variety, but make sure to check licensing terms.
Legal Tips to Protect Your Stream
Using the right music in your stream is essential to avoid legal issues. Here are some important legal tips to help protect your stream from copyright violations:
Understanding Copyright Laws
You can legally use music that is royalty-free, DMCA-safe, or music you’ve purchased a license for.
Always verify licensing terms before use. Avoid using mainstream music or tracks protected by copyright without permission, as this can result in DMCA takedowns and account bans.
Some music can be used under fair use for commentary, parody, or review, but this is a gray area and risky for streamers.
Best Practices for Using Music in Streams
Always check the license terms of any music you plan to use. Some music may require attribution or have limitations on use.
Stick to platforms like Epidemic Sound, Pretzel Rocks, and StreamBeats for guaranteed DMCA-safe music.
If the license requires attribution, make sure to give proper credit to the artist in your stream description or overlay.
Don’t use music from uncertain sources. Prioritize legally safe, copyright-free music to protect your channel.
Wrapping Up
I’ve broken down the best platforms for royalty-free music for streaming, comparing features, pricing, and ease of use.
Now, you’ve got a clearer picture of your options, making it easier to choose the platform that works best for your streaming needs.
By following the tips on licensing and integration, you can steer clear of copyright issues and keep your streams running smoothly.
Just remember to double-check those music licenses before you use them.
If you’re looking for more tools and tips, check out my other blogs for additional insights to help you grow as a creator.
