When it comes to adding music to your videos, you have to be careful about your selection, not just creatively but legally. You don’t want to infringe on any copyrights and risk having your video taken down or, worse, being served a lawsuit. The good news is that you have a ton of options. A quick Internet search
of the phrase “Royalty-Free Music” will result in multiple hits, offering you some great music— with and without lyrics—that you can use free of charge. Google even has its own Creator Studio Audio Library, which allows you to audition tracks and download them right from your web browser. Google has clear information on how you can use the tracks, including how to properly attribute the music used and about monetizing your video.
Be sure to read the terms of use carefully for royalty-free music. Some services allow you to use the music for free as long as you’re not making any money from the video on which it’s being used.
Robert Rodriguez, founder, Society of Aerial
Cinematography
