How to Safely Use Background Music on YouTube (2025 Guide)

HaiMusic Product Team

2025-09-29

1 min read

Content creators worry about copyright claims or strikes, and nobody wants to see their hard work muted or demonetized. The good news is there are safe ways to use music that make your videos fun and engaging.

From free YouTube background music to paid libraries, you have options that fit any budget. In this 2025 guide, we’ll share easy YouTube background music tips for creators so you can add great sound, avoid copyright problems, and keep growing your channel with confidence.

Why You Need Background Music on YouTube

Good videos often need good sound. Good music makes your channel feel more fun and professional. When you learn how to use music on YouTube legally, you can share your work with peace of mind. Picking safe songs for YouTube monetization also helps you earn money without the fear of copyright strikes. With the right background music, your videos can stand out, connect with viewers, and grow your channel safely.

A Quick Review on Youtube Music Policies

YouTube has clear music policy for YouTube creators. There are two main types of copyright actions. First, a Content ID claim happens when YouTube’s system finds a match. It might block your video, send ad money to the music owner, or just track views. This is not a strike.

Second, a copyright removal request is more serious. It creates a strike under the law (DMCA), and three strikes in 90 days can shut down your channel. You will be receiving the strike through official email and a notice in your Youtube studio account.

Most claims come from YouTube’s automated system, not people. In fact, YouTube says 99.5% of music claims are automated with 99.7% accuracy. That’s why even short clips can get caught.

To stay safe, you can use licensed music for YouTube videos. Plus, YouTube now has “Upload Checks,” a tool that scans your video before it goes live to help catch problems early. Still, the best way to avoid unnecessary strike is to find a reliable royalty free music library provider.

YouTube now has “Upload Checks,” a tool that scans your video before it goes live to help catch problems early.

What Is Copyright Free / Royalty Free Background Music?

Many creators get confused about the difference between copyright free and royalty free music.

Copyright free usually means the song is in the public domain, so no one owns it anymore. Royalty free means the song is still copyrighted, but you can buy or get a license to use it without paying each time.

That’s why most creators use royalty free music for YouTube—it’s safe, easy, and gives you the right to use songs in your videos.

Royalty Free Music Explained (vs Copyright-Free & DMCA-Free) — Royalty Free Music

Another option is Creative Commons music for YouTube. Some artists share their music under Creative Commons licenses, which may let you use their songs for free if you give credit.

But be careful—some CC music does not allow monetization or changes. Always check the license rules before using it. Picking the right kind of music helps you stay safe and keep your channel growing.

Top Sites for Safe YouTube Background Music (2025 Update)

Ready to explore top-quality free music websites for your projects? Here’s where to find the best royalty free music sites available:

Hai Music
Public Domain
YouTube Audio Library

Hai Music

When it comes to background music for YouTube videos, there are many places to look, but some are better than others.

Our top pick is Hai Music, a library built for creators who want studio-quality sound without the stress of copyright problems.

HaiMusic, the best royalty free music library for content creators

It offers royalty free music for YouTube with easy filters for genre, mood, and instruments, so you can find the perfect track fast.

Hai Music also curates editor’s picks to match your video theme, saving time and sparking creativity. You’ll find everything from action tracks to chill vibes, making it easy to set the right tone.

Travel Vlog Music

Suggested Music: Starlight Ignition

Perfect for: travel vlogs, destination reveals, sunny getaways or urban adventures—upbeat electronic vibes (with optional world-music flavors) that immerse viewers in your journey; ideal for drone shots, B-roll montages, and timelapses.

Inspirational Cinematic Music

Suggested Music: Dawn of My Life

Perfect for personal documentaries, coming-of-age stories, inspirational trailers, and cinematic projects that show renewal and new beginnings.

Relaxed Cooking Music

Suggested Music: Toast Time

Perfect for: brunch prep, café-style scenes, and plating shots—warm keys, light swing, and pop snap for a fresh, appetizing vibe.

EDM Party Music

Suggested Music: Never Fade Away

Perfect for: club promos, dance-floor highlights, Twitch/YouTube streams, frag montages, aftermovies, recap reels

Public Domain

Other helpful sources include public domain music (songs published in 1929 or earlier in the U.S.), which counts as copyright free music for YouTube. While these tracks are free, they often sound dated and can be tricky to use since many creators rely on the same songs.

YouTube Audio Library

Ways to use music in your videos

YouTube also has its own free YouTube background music library, offering around 1,400 tracks with simple search filters by genre and mood. Another option is Creative Commons music for YouTube, but you need to check the license carefully—some allow monetization, while others don’t. Always double-check the rules before you hit upload.

How to Add Background Music to YouTube Videos Without Copyright Strikes

✅ Safe formula:

Stick to YouTube’s Audio Library + trusted royalty-free services (like Hai Music) + your own licensed music = no copyright worries.

The best way to avoid copyright claims on YouTube background music is to prepare before you publish. Always follow the music policy for YouTube creators by using safe sources like YouTube’s Audio Library, Creator Music, or licensed royalty free tracks. Keep copies of your licenses or receipts, just in case.

YouTube also has a tool called “Checks” that scans your video for copyright problems before it goes live. This is one of the easiest tips on how to add background music to YouTube videos safely and save yourself stress later.

But what if you still get a Content ID claim? Decide fast: fix it or fight it

Fix (lowest risk, fastest):

Use YouTube Editor → Replace song / Mute segment / Trim segment for the flagged timestamps.
Or re-export your video with a clearly licensed track, then re-upload.

Fight (only if you’re sure you have rights):

Click Dispute and attach proof. While pending, revenue is typically held and paid to the winner after resolution.

FAQs About YouTube Background Music

What background music can I use on YouTube without copyright?

You can use royalty free or copyright free background music for YouTube or licensed tracks that are safe for creators. The best option is Hai Music, which offers high-quality songs you can use legally without worrying about strikes.

Can I monetize videos with free background music?

Yes, you can monetize your videos if you’re using safe sources of copyright free background music for YouTube or tracks with the right license. YouTube’s Audio Library and services like Hai Music provide free or licensed music that’s cleared for monetization. By following the music policy for YouTube creators, you can earn money while keeping your channel safe.

What’s the difference between royalty free and copyright free music?

Royalty free background music means the song is still copyrighted, but you can use it after buying or getting a license without paying extra fees each time. Copyright free background music for YouTube usually means the song is in the public domain or released without copyright. The difference is that royalty free music has rules you must follow, while copyright free music is free for anyone to use. Knowing this helps you follow the music policy for YouTube creators.

How to avoid copyright strikes on YouTube music?

To avoid strikes, always use royalty free background music or copyright free background music for YouTube from trusted sources like Hai Music. Before posting, run YouTube’s “Checks” to see if your video has problems. If a claim shows up, fix it by muting, trimming, or replacing the song. By sticking to the music policy for YouTube creators, you’ll keep your channel safe and focus on growing your audience.