Just like with other social platforms, YouTube gives creators access to a massive potential audience—especially when your content is fresh and engaging. But for new creators, stepping into the YouTube world can feel overwhelming, especially when it's time to upload videos.

One of the biggest concerns? Copyright strikes. YouTube’s copyright system can be confusing, particularly for beginners. While a single strike may expire after 90 days, getting three strikes in that window can lead to serious consequences—like having your channel shut down, your videos removed, and being banned from starting a new one. This raises an important question: How can you use music in a video without breaking copyright rules?

Understanding Copyright and Licensing

While catchy music can help boost views, steering clear of copyright strikes is a smarter long-term strategy for your channel. Copyright protection gives creators exclusive rights to their original work—such as music and other content. As a result, using copyrighted material in your YouTube videos requires permission to stay compliant and avoid strikes.

Licensing, meanwhile, refers to the permission granted by a copyright owner allowing others to use their work under specific terms. There are different types of licenses—some are strict and limit usage, while others, like Creative Commons, allow broader use. To safely include copyrighted content in their videos, creators must first have a solid understanding of copyright and licensing.

Using Royalty-Free Music and Creative Commons Licenses

One of the simplest ways to include music in your content without worrying about copyright issues is by using royalty-free music and Creative Commons licenses. Unlike traditional copyrighted music that often involves recurring fees, royalty-free tracks can typically be used multiple times without additional charges. Still, it’s important to note that some royalty-free music may require an upfront license purchase.

Copyright protection grants creators exclusive rights to their original work, including music and other forms of content. Therefore, using copyrighted material on your YouTube channel requires proper permission to avoid potential copyright strikes. Licenses come in different forms, each outlining specific terms of use. Key aspects include “Attribution” (BY), which requires giving credit to the original creator, and “ShareAlike” (SA), which mandates that any modified content be shared under the same licensing terms.

Utilizing Music Libraries and Stock Music Websites

Another option for adding music to your content is to use tracks from online music libraries and stock audio websites. These platforms provide a wide variety of music—both royalty-free and licensed—making it easier to find a track that fits your creative vision. This allows you to enhance your videos with suitable background music while staying compliant with licensing agreements.

Although music libraries often feature a broad range of genres and categories, stock music sites typically offer subscription-based access. Since these platforms include both royalty-free and licensed content, it's essential to verify the copyright details before using any track in your projects.

Youtube Audio Library and Other Free Resources

While many content creators rely on music libraries for their projects, YouTube also offers an impressive built-in solution: the YouTube Audio Library (YAL). In addition to its vast selection of music tracks, the YAL is entirely free to use. You can even filter tracks by mood or genre, making it a highly convenient resource for creators.

Moreover, platforms like Bensound, Jamendo, SoundCloud, and Free Music Archive are excellent free alternatives to enrich your videos. They provide royalty-free music and often include options to purchase extended licenses for commercial use.

Understanding Fair and Its Limitations

Fair use is a legal concept that allows limited use of copyrighted material without requiring permission from the copyright holder. This can include, but is not limited to, parodies, commentary, educational content, and news reporting. However, fair use comes with limitations based on factors like the amount and significance of the original work used. Content that is non-commercial and includes factual information is generally less likely to trigger a copyright strike, while the use of creative works tends to carry a higher risk.

Understanding Fair and Its Limitations

Taking proactive measures is key to avoiding copyright strikes and Content ID claims on YouTube. Producing original content, understanding the basics of fair use, and using royalty-free or properly licensed music—while covering any required fees—are all essential steps. Although copyright laws are accessible online, it’s equally important to stay informed about updates and policy changes. As a best practice, creators should regularly review their videos to identify and remove any potentially infringing material.

It’s also important to respond quickly to Content ID claims and challenge any false accusations with supporting evidence. Following these practices helps ensure a stable, compliant, and successful presence on YouTube.

Properly Crediting Music in Your Video

The first step in properly crediting music in your videos is identifying the source of the track. After that, include the artist’s name and song title in your video description. YouTube also provides guidance on how to add proper music credits. When using Creative Commons music, it’s important to mention the specific type of CC license, and you may also include on-screen credits within the video itself. Giving credit not only shows respect for the original creator but also supports the creative community and helps you stay compliant with copyright regulations.

Consulting Legal Professionals For Complex cases

Dealing with complex copyright issues can be highly time-consuming, and the results may not always meet your expectations. That’s why it’s wise to consult experienced attorneys who specialize in this area. They can evaluate your case, clarify legal terms, and recommend the most effective course of action. If necessary, legal professionals can represent you in court and negotiate favorable outcomes on your behalf. Their expertise helps protect your rights and increases your chances of a successful resolution.

Legally using music in your videos requires an understanding of copyright, proper licensing, and accurate crediting. Fortunately, these practices are easy to grasp and become second nature once you consistently apply them. Staying informed about changes in copyright law and seeking expert legal advice when needed can make a significant difference. By taking these steps, content creators can thrive on YouTube while honoring copyright laws and building strong, respectful ties within the creative community.