Chill Vlog Music: No Copyright Background Tracks
Hey guys! Finding the perfect background music for your vlogs can be a real headache, especially when you're trying to avoid those pesky copyright issues. Trust me, I've been there! You want something that sets the right mood, enhances your content, and doesn't get you a copyright strike. That's why I've put together this guide to help you find chill background music for vlogs that's totally copyright-free. Let's dive in!
Why Use Chill Background Music?
Chill background music can significantly elevate your vlogs. It's like the secret sauce that adds flavor and depth to your videos. Imagine watching a travel vlog with breathtaking scenery but no music β it feels a bit flat, right? Music helps to create an emotional connection with your audience, making your content more engaging and memorable.
Setting the Mood: The right music can instantly set the tone for your vlog. Whether you're going for a relaxed, adventurous, or reflective vibe, chill background music can help you achieve that.
Enhancing Engagement: Music keeps viewers hooked. A well-chosen track can prevent your audience from getting bored and clicking away.
Professionalism: Using high-quality, appropriate music makes your vlog look and sound more professional. It shows that you've put thought and effort into every aspect of your content.
Emotional Connection: Music evokes emotions. By selecting music that aligns with your vlog's theme, you can create a stronger emotional impact on your viewers.
Understanding Copyright and Royalty-Free Music
Okay, let's talk about the not-so-fun but super important stuff: copyright. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your video being taken down, or worse, legal trouble. Nobody wants that! That's where royalty-free music comes in. But what exactly does that mean?
Copyright Basics: Copyright protects the rights of music creators. If you want to use a copyrighted song, you typically need to obtain a license, which often involves paying a fee.
Royalty-Free Explained: Royalty-free music doesn't necessarily mean free music. It means that you pay a one-time fee to use the music, and you don't have to pay ongoing royalties to the copyright holder. This can be a much more affordable option in the long run.
Creative Commons Licenses: Another option is to use music with a Creative Commons license. These licenses allow you to use music for free under certain conditions, such as giving credit to the artist. Always read the fine print to make sure you're complying with the terms of the license.
Public Domain Music: Music in the public domain is free for anyone to use, without permission or payment. This includes very old compositions where the copyright has expired. However, be careful β some recordings of public domain music may still be copyrighted!
Where to Find No Copyright Chill Background Music
Alright, now for the good stuff! Where can you actually find chill background music that you can use without worrying about copyright issues? Here are some of my favorite resources:
YouTube Audio Library
The YouTube Audio Library is a goldmine for vloggers. It's a collection of free music and sound effects that you can use in your YouTube videos. The best part? YouTube has already cleared the rights, so you don't have to worry about copyright strikes.
How to Use It:
- Go to the YouTube Studio.
- Click on "Audio Library" in the left-hand menu.
- Browse or search for music by genre, mood, artist, etc.
- Download the tracks you like and use them in your videos.
- Important: Some tracks require attribution, meaning you need to give credit to the artist in your video description. Check the license details for each track.
Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound is a subscription-based service that offers a huge library of high-quality music and sound effects. While it's not free, the cost is often worth it for the peace of mind and the quality of the music.
Why I Like It:
- Vast Library: They have an incredible selection of music in every genre imaginable.
- High Quality: The music is professionally produced and sounds fantastic.
- Clear Licensing: Their subscription covers you for all your YouTube videos, so you don't have to worry about copyright issues.
Artlist
Artlist is another subscription-based service similar to Epidemic Sound. They offer a curated library of music from independent artists, with a focus on quality and originality.
What Makes It Great:
- Unique Music: Artlist has a more curated feel, with a focus on indie and alternative music.
- Simple Licensing: Their license covers you for any type of video project, including YouTube, Vimeo, and commercial work.
- User-Friendly: The website is easy to navigate and find the perfect track for your vlog.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a popular platform for artists to share their music. While not all music on SoundCloud is copyright-free, many artists offer their music under Creative Commons licenses.
How to Find Copyright-Free Music on SoundCloud:
- Search for music using keywords like "chill background music creative commons."
- Filter your search by licenses to find music that's free to use.
- Always check the license details to make sure you're complying with the terms.
Free Music Archive
The Free Music Archive (FMA) is a project that provides free, high-quality music to the public. It's a great resource for finding unique and interesting tracks for your vlogs.
Key Features:
- Wide Variety: The FMA features music from a wide range of genres and artists.
- Creative Commons: Most of the music is available under Creative Commons licenses.
- Community: The FMA has a vibrant community of artists and music lovers.
Tips for Choosing the Right Music
Okay, so you know where to find no copyright chill background music, but how do you choose the right track for your vlog? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Consider the Mood:
Think about the overall mood and tone of your vlog. Are you going for a relaxed and peaceful vibe, or something more upbeat and energetic? Choose music that complements the mood of your video.
Match the Genre:
Select music that fits the genre of your vlog. If you're creating a travel vlog, consider using world music or acoustic tracks. If you're making a tech review, electronic or ambient music might be a better fit.
Pay Attention to the Pace:
The pace of the music should match the pace of your video. If you have a lot of fast-paced action, choose music with a similar tempo. If your video is more slow-paced and contemplative, opt for slower, more mellow tracks.
Avoid Distracting Music:
The music should enhance your video, not distract from it. Avoid tracks with overly complex arrangements or vocals that might compete with your voiceover.
Test It Out:
Before you finalize your video, test out different music tracks to see what works best. Get feedback from friends or fellow vloggers to get a fresh perspective.
How to Properly Credit Music (When Required)
So, you've found some awesome chill background music that requires attribution. No problem! Giving credit is easy, and it's a great way to support the artists who create the music you love. Here's how to do it:
Include the Artist and Track Name:
In your video description, include the name of the artist and the track title. For example:
"Music: [Track Name] by [Artist Name]"
Provide a Link to the Source:
If possible, include a link to the artist's website or the platform where you found the music. This helps viewers discover more of their work.
Specify the License:
If the music is licensed under a Creative Commons license, be sure to specify the type of license. For example:
"Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International"
Place the Credit in a Visible Location:
Make sure the credit is easy to find in your video description. You can also include a text overlay in your video with the credit information.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect chill background music for your vlogs doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With the right resources and a little bit of creativity, you can create videos that sound amazing and don't get you into copyright trouble. So go ahead, explore these resources, experiment with different tracks, and find the music that perfectly complements your unique style. Happy vlogging, guys!