MY FAVOURITE MUSIC LIBRARIES FOR FILM MAKING

26 Nov MY FAVOURITE MUSIC LIBRARIES FOR FILM MAKING

The question I get asked the most via email, comments and DMs is “Where can I find music for my films, so that I can share them online?”

Please understand that using unlicensed copyrighted material on your films is illegal. This means you can’t just use a song that you’ve purchased from the iTunes store or downloaded via an app. It must come from a Royalty/Copyright Free library or source that gives you permission to share online.

Places like YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo and Facebook remove films that infringe these laws and they can suspend your account if you continue to use music without permission. 

I share my favourite places and other options that I’ve discovered over the years with people taking my online courses, but I thought I’d create this resource for everyone.

For free music

This means you can download and use without payment, you often just have to credit the artist. Please check out each sites FAQs for more guidance.

FREE MUSIC ARCHIVE is an incredible resource of free music. The search ability needs a little improving, but the amount and variety of music on there, is impressive. Once you’ve found a track you like, check out what kind of licence it has, so you know how to credit it and where you’re allowed to share it.

BENSOUND – This library is used all the time by participants of my courses. It’s fun happy music! I think they have something for everyone… 

YOUTUBE MUSIC LIBRARY– You’ll need a YouTube account to access it and then you can search a wide music of genres to use on your films straight away.

FILMMUSIC.IO – This is a new addition, as it was recommended to me since publishing this post. They seem to have a great collection of tunes that are free to use, as long as you credit the artist and site. It’s worth taking a look.

For subscription services

Monthly and annual subscriptions are available, for unlimited downloads of tracks.

SOUNDSTRIPE is a favourite of mine. I’ve been using it consistently since it launched back in 2016. It’s a library full of a wide range of tracks at a really good price. They have great introduction offers and you can try tracks out for free initially. I like how some vocal tracks are available as instrumentals and there’s the option to download different durations/mixes of your chosen track.

I’ve written about my love for it before OVER HERE there’s music on there for all tastes. I’ve used it for every weekend film I’ve made over past few years, plus plenty of other projects.

Feel free to use the code “xantheb” (affiliate) for 10% off your subscription.

EPIDEMIC SOUND –  Similar to Soundstripe, it’s another wonderful service and great subscription price for unlimited tracks and they offer a free 30 day trial to get you started. It’s a huge library to choose from, which makes finding music really quick and easy. I’ve become a big fan over this year.

THE MUSIC BED – Is a little more pricey than the two above, but it’s still great value considering the extensive library of really great music available. I’ve purchased individual tracks in the past, but I don’t have a subscription, as I’m happy with Soundstripe and Epidemic. They offer a 30 day trail for a personal subscription, so you could check that out. But do be aware, you have to commit to a year long subscription for all your previous licenses to remain valid, even if you opt for monthly payments.

One off payments for individual tracks.

PREMIUM BEAT – All sorts of music can be found here. I’ve used it for lots of commercial & personal projects. You pay for each track individually and then you can use it on as many projects as you like. I like that each track comes with 15/30/60 second versions.

AUDIO JUNGLE – I used to use this service many years ago, before there were more library options available, but I still think it’s good value for each individual track.

POND5 – I’ve used this library a few times when I’ve been looking for a particular song with a theme, like Christmas etc. It’s good value and you pay for each track depending on its usage.

Hope one of these helps you when searching for the right music track for your latest film. There are other music libraries out there, but I wanted to share the ones I’ve actually used or had experience with.

All the best with your music hunting!

Please note – The links to Soundstripe and Epidemic Sound are affiliate links. It won’t affect the price to you, but I may earn a small commission or free months subscription. 

If you’d like more guidance to start making your own videos – check out my online courses where I share everything you need to get started and inspiration to take you through the whole process and find the love of making films!