Adding great music is key for engaging content. But finding legal, copyright-free tracks can be challenging. DMCA takedown notices are on the rise, with over 500 million sent last year alone. Fortunately, dedicated royalty-free music platforms make avoiding copyright claims easy.
In this post, we compare the top 5 sites to legally get music for your YouTube, Twitch, TikTok and more. As a small business consultant who has helped thousands of creators protect their channels, I‘ll share key details on each based on extensive research and client experiences. Let‘s explore the options!
1. Pretzel – specialized for live streaming
With over 500,000 tracks pre-cleared for Twitch and 75,000 for YouTube, Pretzel is designed specifically for streaming creators.
Pretzel shines with:
- 60+ themed radio stations for endless music queues auto-DJ‘ed to your preferences
- Over 50 customizable hotkeys to transition smoothly between songs, control volume, skip tracks, and more while live
- Direct integration with streaming software like OBS and Streamlabs
For example, one of my clients streams World of Warcraft runs on Twitch. Pretzel‘s Upbeat Gaming station gives him endless epic, energizing music to match the adventure. With hotkeys set up in Streamlabs OBS, he effortlessly skips tracks and adjusts volume without interrupting the stream.
Pricing tiers range from free listening to unlimited downloads starting at $4.99/month. Pretzel‘s full terms breakdown covers license details for monetized videos.
2. Epidemic Sound – 35,000 tracks designed for online creators
Epidemic Sound offers one of the largest DMCA-free catalogs at over 35,000 tracks, all owned by them and exclusive for members.
Key perks include:
- 175+ expertly curated playlists across genres, moods, and uses
- Unlimited downloads and edits from their Echo smartphone app
- Waveform thumbnails in editing programs to easily find the perfect part of a song
I worked with a fitness YouTuber who needed endless upbeat workout music. With Epidemic Sound‘s Workout Fuel playlist, they can download new motivational songs every week hassle-free.
Plans start at $12/month for individuals. Epidemic‘s licensing guide covers commercial usage rights.
3. Artlist – 30,000+ tracks plus templates and editing tools
Artlist offers a robust creative toolkit with:
- Over 30,000 songs across genres from cinematic to electronic
- 60,000+ high-quality SFX for any production need
- Video templates, After Effects plugins, and editing software
For creators looking for an all-in-one solution for music, graphics, edits, and more, Artlist delivers.
A YouTube fashion vlogger used Artlist‘s Chic and Modern Chill playlist to score an entire video series with a stylish, upbeat vibe. The songs instantly set the tone for viewers.
Unlimited downloads are just $199/year with their Pro plan. Read Artlist‘s licensing agreement for specifics on usage rights.
4. SoundStripe – 8,000+ tracks tailored for creators
With an in-house production team crafting music designed for creators, SoundStripe is all about enabling you to make great content easily.
Standout features include:
- Song stems available to customize tracks perfectly
- 65,000+ sound effects from explosions to nature sounds
- Automatic platform release forms to approve your videos for monetization
A gamer I consulted used SoundStripe‘s Pop Gaming Vol. 1 album for all his stream intros and transitions. The catchy melodic tracks amp up viewers right from the start.
Pricing starts at $12/month for individuals. See SoundStripe‘s license guide for specifics on commercial use rights.
5. PremiumBeat – Shutterstock‘s exclusive tracks
With curated music from world-class composers, PremiumBeat delivers professional quality.
Top highlights:
- 5 complimentary downloads a month to start your music library
- Unlimited downloads via Track Packs or yearly memberships ($299/year)
- Platform-specific licenses covering monetization needs
For example, a lifestyle vlogger used his free monthly downloads for catchy acoustic songs on travel and cooking videos. The music set a warm, engaging tone.
See PremiumBeat‘s licensing details for specifics on allowed monetized uses.
When researching DMCA free music sources, keep these tips in mind:
- Review terms to confirm licenses allow monetized or commercial use
- Consider content needs like playlists, stems, or sound effects
- Budget for subscriptions or individual purchases to license tracks legally
- Search smart using filters like mood, genre, or keywords to find the perfect fit
With the right music platform, you can quickly find stylish, engaging songs for videos, live streams, and other content – completely legally. Protect your channel while keeping viewers entertained.
Hope this overview of the top 5 platforms helps you discover new amazing tunes for your next video! Let me know if you have any other DMCA free music site recommendations below.
