Top Copyright-Free Songs: The Ultimate 2024 Playlist

Are you looking for popular songs with no copyright? You've landed in the right spot! In today's digital world, finding the perfect soundtrack for your videos, podcasts, or streams without running into copyright issues can feel like navigating a minefield. But don't worry, guys, I’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through some of the best sources and tracks that are completely copyright-free, ensuring your content remains safe and sounds amazing. Whether you're a content creator on YouTube, a podcaster looking for intro music, or a streamer wanting background tunes, understanding royalty-free and Creative Commons music is essential. Copyright-free music allows you to use tracks without needing to obtain permission from or pay royalties to the composer or copyright holder. This is a huge advantage, as it saves you both time and money, and keeps you out of legal trouble. Now, let's dive into how you can find and use these fantastic tunes. First, let's talk about Creative Commons licenses. These licenses allow creators to grant certain usage rights to the public while still retaining copyright. There are various types of Creative Commons licenses, each with different conditions. For instance, some licenses allow commercial use, while others restrict it to non-commercial purposes only. Always make sure to carefully read the terms of the specific license before using a track. Another excellent source is public domain music. Music in the public domain is no longer protected by copyright, meaning anyone can use it for any purpose, without needing permission or paying royalties. This typically includes music created a long time ago, where the copyright has expired. However, be cautious, as some modern recordings or arrangements of public domain works may still be subject to copyright. Understanding these basics is crucial for navigating the world of copyright-free music. In the following sections, I'll share some of my favorite resources and tracks to get you started. So, stick around, and let's make sure your content always has the perfect, legally sound soundtrack!

Where to Find Copyright-Free Songs

Finding popular songs with no copyright can be a breeze if you know where to look. Let's explore some of the best platforms and resources offering royalty-free music. One of the top contenders is YouTube Audio Library. YouTube itself provides a vast collection of music tracks and sound effects that you can use in your videos for free. The library is easily accessible from your YouTube Studio dashboard. You can filter tracks by genre, mood, instrument, and duration, making it super easy to find exactly what you need. Just be sure to check the license details for each track, as some may require attribution. Another great option is Free Music Archive (FMA). FMA offers a wide variety of music under Creative Commons licenses. The platform is well-organized, allowing you to search by genre, artist, or license type. It's an excellent resource for discovering independent artists and unique tracks that you won't find anywhere else. Bensound is also a fantastic source for royalty-free music. Bensound offers a curated collection of tracks created by Benjamin Tissot. The music is high-quality and covers a range of genres, from acoustic and electronic to cinematic and corporate. Bensound's music is free to use as long as you provide attribution to the artist. For those looking for more premium options, Epidemic Sound and Artlist are worth considering. These platforms offer subscription-based access to vast libraries of high-quality, royalty-free music. While they require a paid subscription, the quality and variety of music they provide can be well worth the investment, especially for professional content creators. SoundCloud is another platform where you can find copyright-free music. Many artists on SoundCloud offer their music under Creative Commons licenses, allowing you to use it for free with proper attribution. Use keywords like "royalty-free" or "Creative Commons" when searching to filter your results. Lastly, don't forget about Internet Archive. This digital library contains a wealth of public domain music, including vintage recordings and historical tracks. While the quality may vary, it's a treasure trove for finding unique and interesting music that you won't find anywhere else. Remember, always double-check the license terms before using any track, even if it's labeled as royalty-free. This will ensure you're complying with the usage rights and avoid any potential copyright issues. With these resources at your fingertips, finding the perfect copyright-free songs for your projects will be a piece of cake!

Popular Copyright-Free Songs to Use

Now that you know where to find popular songs with no copyright, let’s dive into some specific tracks and artists that are worth checking out. These songs are not only copyright-free but also widely used and loved by content creators. First up, let's talk about Joakim Karud. Joakim Karud is a master of chill, atmospheric beats. His tracks are perfect for background music in vlogs, podcasts, and streams. Some of his most popular songs include "Good Old Days", "Vibe With Me", and "Canals." These tracks are available on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud under Creative Commons licenses, meaning you can use them for free with attribution. Another fantastic artist is Nicolai Heidlas. Nicolai Heidlas creates upbeat and inspiring tracks that are perfect for motivational videos, commercials, and presentations. His song "Sunny Afternoon" is a classic choice for YouTube creators, while "Drive" is great for action-packed content. You can find his music on his website and YouTube channel, often offered under Creative Commons licenses. Bensound, whom we mentioned earlier, also has a plethora of popular tracks. "Energy" is a high-energy track that's perfect for workout videos or fast-paced content, while "Acoustic Breeze" is ideal for creating a relaxed and calming atmosphere. Remember to attribute Bensound when using his music for free. Scott Buckley is another artist worth exploring. He specializes in cinematic and orchestral music that can add a touch of drama and emotion to your projects. His tracks are available on his website and YouTube channel under Creative Commons licenses. "Titan" and "Haelos" are particularly popular choices. For those looking for something a bit different, check out Monk Turner + Fascinoma. They create quirky and fun tracks that are perfect for adding a touch of humor to your content. Their music is available on platforms like Free Music Archive and SoundCloud under Creative Commons licenses. "The Sausage Song" is a particularly memorable track. Finally, let's not forget about Kevin MacLeod. Kevin MacLeod is a prolific composer who has created thousands of royalty-free tracks across various genres. His music is available on his website, Incompetech, under Creative Commons licenses. Some of his most popular songs include "Carefree", "Sneaky Snitch", and "* Monkeys Spinning Monkeys*." These tracks are widely used in YouTube videos and other online content. When using these tracks, always double-check the specific license terms to ensure you're complying with the requirements. In most cases, you'll need to provide attribution to the artist. This usually involves including the artist's name and a link to their website or social media profile in your video description or podcast notes. By using these popular songs with no copyright, you can enhance your content without worrying about legal issues. So go ahead and explore these amazing tracks and artists, and let your creativity shine!

How to Properly Credit Copyright-Free Music

Crediting popular songs with no copyright correctly is not just a nice thing to do; it’s often a requirement of the license under which you’re using the music. Let’s break down how to properly give credit to the artists and composers whose work you're using. First, understand the license. Most Creative Commons licenses require attribution. This means you must give credit to the original creator of the work. The specific requirements can vary slightly depending on the type of Creative Commons license used (e.g., CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC BY-NC). Always check the license details for the specific track you’re using to ensure you comply with the terms. The most common method for crediting music is to include the following information in your video description, podcast notes, or website footer: The title of the song, The artist's name, A link to the artist's website or social media profile, The type of license (e.g., Creative Commons Attribution 3.0), A link to the license deed. Here’s an example of how you might credit a song: "Song Title" by Artist Name is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. [Link to the license deed]. [Link to the artist's website]. For YouTube videos, the best place to include this information is in the video description. Make sure the attribution is clear and easy to find. Some creators also add a visual credit at the end of their videos, displaying the artist's name and song title on screen. For podcasts, include the attribution in the show notes on your website or podcast hosting platform. You can also verbally mention the artist's name and song title during the podcast episode. For websites, include the attribution in the footer or on a dedicated credits page. Make sure the attribution is visible and accessible to visitors. If you’re using multiple tracks in your project, you can create a list of credits at the end of your video or in your show notes. Be sure to include all the required information for each track. Some platforms, like YouTube, have specific guidelines for attributing music. YouTube's audio library, for example, often provides pre-written attribution text that you can simply copy and paste into your video description. Always follow the platform's guidelines to ensure you're giving proper credit. If you’re unsure how to credit a song, don’t hesitate to contact the artist or composer directly. They’ll be able to provide you with the correct attribution information and answer any questions you may have. Properly crediting copyright-free music is not only a legal requirement but also a way to support the artists and creators whose work you’re using. By giving credit where it’s due, you’re helping to promote their music and encourage them to continue creating. So, take the time to credit your music properly, and let’s support the amazing artists who make it possible for us to create awesome content without breaking the bank.

Staying Safe: Avoiding Copyright Traps

Navigating the world of popular songs with no copyright can be tricky. It’s essential to stay vigilant and avoid potential copyright traps that could lead to legal issues. Let’s explore some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them. One of the biggest mistakes content creators make is assuming that a song is copyright-free simply because they found it on a free music website. Always double-check the license terms before using any track, even if it’s labeled as royalty-free. Some websites may contain music that is not properly licensed, or the license terms may be unclear. Relying on these sources without verification can lead to copyright infringement. Another common pitfall is misunderstanding the terms of a Creative Commons license. As we discussed earlier, there are various types of Creative Commons licenses, each with different conditions. Some licenses allow commercial use, while others restrict it to non-commercial purposes only. Some licenses also require you to share your work under the same license (ShareAlike). Make sure you fully understand the terms of the license before using a track to avoid violating the license agreement. Modifying a copyrighted song without permission is another way to run into trouble. Even if you’re only using a small portion of the song, or if you’re making changes to the melody or lyrics, you still need to obtain permission from the copyright holder. Otherwise, you could be liable for copyright infringement. Using music for commercial purposes without the appropriate license is another common mistake. If you’re using music in a video that you’re monetizing on YouTube, or in a podcast that you’re selling, you need to make sure you have a commercial license for the track. A non-commercial license is not sufficient for commercial use. Relying solely on YouTube’s Content ID system to identify copyrighted music is also risky. While Content ID can help you identify potential copyright issues, it’s not foolproof. Some copyrighted songs may not be in the Content ID database, or the system may make mistakes. It’s always best to do your own research and verify the copyright status of a song before using it. To avoid copyright traps, always download music from reputable sources, such as YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, Bensound, Epidemic Sound, and Artlist. Read the license terms carefully before using any track. Keep records of your licenses and attributions. If you’re using music under a Creative Commons license, keep a copy of the license deed and the attribution information. This will help you prove that you have the right to use the music. When in doubt, seek legal advice. If you’re unsure about the copyright status of a song, or if you have any questions about copyright law, consult with an attorney who specializes in intellectual property. By following these tips, you can stay safe and avoid copyright traps when using popular songs with no copyright. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to copyright.

Conclusion

Finding and using popular songs with no copyright doesn't have to be a headache. By understanding the different types of licenses, knowing where to find reliable sources, and properly crediting the artists, you can enhance your content without the fear of copyright strikes. We've explored various platforms like YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, and Bensound, along with amazing artists such as Joakim Karud and Nicolai Heidlas. Remember to always double-check the license terms, give proper attribution, and stay vigilant to avoid copyright traps. Whether you're creating videos, podcasts, or streams, the right music can make all the difference. So go ahead, explore these resources, and let your creativity flow with the perfect, legally sound soundtrack!