Background music for videos
Follow the lead of 70% of the top 300 US YouTube channels and use Epidemic Sound to find the perfect background music for your videos. Stop worrying about licensing and copyright issues, with an Epidemic Sound subscription you are safe from copyright claims.
Popular background music for videos
Where can I get background music for videos?
You can get background music for videos through the Epidemic Sound, which provides a safe and legal way to enhance your content. Unlike "copyright-free" music, which often lacks clear ownership, our tracks are fully cleared for use on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch.
Using the right background music solves several creator pain points:
- Eliminates copyright strikes: Avoid video takedowns or lost revenue due to unauthorized music use.
- Simplifies licensing: One subscription covers all necessary rights, replacing complex individual song negotiations.
- Professional quality: Access studio-grade audio produced by world-class musicians.
- Search efficiency: Use AI-powered tools like Studio to find tracks based on your video's visual energy.
- Mobile accessibility: Download music directly to your phone via our mobile app for on-the-go editing in apps like CapCut.
- Unlimited usage: Download as many tracks as you need for a single monthly or yearly fee.
- Commercial safety: With a Pro or Business plan, ensure you are legally protected when promoting products or services.
- Global rights: Use your content anywhere in the world without worrying about regional licensing restrictions.
- Platform diversity: Sync your social media channels to your account to automatically whitelist your content.
- Customization: Access stems to remove vocals or specific instruments to perfectly fit your voiceover.
Check out our post unpacking everything about copyright-free music here.
How do I choose the best background music for my videos?
The best background music for your videos is chosen by identifying the core emotion of your scene and matching it to the track's tempo (BPM) and genre. A fast-paced vlog requires high-energy tracks, while a cinematic documentary may need orchestral .
To streamline your music selection:
- Define the mood: Filter by moods like "Suspenseful," "Happy," or "Dark" in our search bar.
- Match your content type: Browse specific themes, such as high-intensity tracks for action sequences or relaxing tracks for meditation content.
- Find similar tracks: Use our Soundmatch tool on any track you like to instantly find other songs from our catalog with a similar vibe.
- Check the BPM: Ensure the music’s rhythm matches the speed of your visual cuts. Browse our curated songs by BPM.
Need to find the perfect track quickly? Our experts have curated these playlists just for you.
Do I have a limit on the amount of music I can use with Epidemic Sound?
Nope — the sky’s the limit! All our plans allow you to use as many tracks as you want. Connect your channels to your Epidemic Sound account and you’re cleared to use as many tracks and sound effects as you need. We can’t wait to see what you create.
How do you edit background music on a video?
Background music is edited by importing an audio file into video editing software, anything from free options such as iMovie and CapCut to software used by the pros, like Premiere Pro or Final Cut. If you’re wondering which is best for you, check out our post all about the best video editing software.
Add your track of choice, then play around with its placement, length, and volume just as you might a video clip. Professionals typically lower the music volume to between -18dB and -24dB when a voiceover is present, a technique essential for where clarity is king.
For more advanced results, use Stems. Stems are audio files that break a track into four parts: melody, instruments, bass, and drums. This allows you to remove the melody if it clashes with your dialogue while keeping the rhythm intact.
Already soundtracked a video, but want to change the music? Import the file into your video editing software, then split the audio from the clip. You can then change the background music to a better-suited track, or just edit what’s already there.
How do I download background music for my videos?
To download background music for your video, you first have to source the music. If you’re stuck, check out our guide to finding the perfect soundtrack here.
That should be the trickiest part over and done with. However, before hitting that “download” button, you’ll need to clear the track of any potential legal issues. That means knowing about copyright law and royalty-free music.
Learn about royalty-free music here ->
Find the perfect background music and download reliably copyright-cleared tracks from Epidemic Sound’s curated playlists.
How to add music to your videos from mobile
Creating videos on your phone has never been easier, with apps like CapCut, TikTok, and Instagram all offering their own video editing experiences.
If you’re creating from your mobile and need to download background music, Epidemic Sound has you covered. Our mobile app allows you to download music straight to your iOS or Android device.
Background music and stems
Looking to up your music game and add greater customizability to your creativity? Stems are your new best friend!
Stems are a type of audio file that breaks down a complete track into individual mixes. For example, a track might have separate stems for the melody, instruments, bass, and drums. Using individual stems gives you more control over which parts you want to include or exclude from your project.
When you download a track from Epidemic Sound, stems are included. So, you get to create your perfect background music freely.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid copyright claims when using background music?
To avoid copyright claims, use a licensed service like Epidemic Sound. By connecting your social media channels to your account, we "safelist" your content. This happens automatically, ensuring you can monetize your videos without the risk of legal interference, muted audio, or third-party strikes.
Is Epidemic Sound’s music "copyright-free"?
Technically, no music is "copyright-free" if it has a creator. However, Epidemic Sound is royalty-free because we own 100% of the rights to our catalog. This is safer than "copyright-free" music, which often has ambiguous ownership. We provide a direct legal guarantee that protects your videos globally.
How do I download background music for my videos?
Once you find a track you love in our catalog, simply click the download icon and choose between high-quality WAV or MP3 formats. You can also download "stems" to get full control over the individual instruments and vocals. Remember to link your social profiles in your dashboard before you hit publish!
What happens to my videos if I cancel my subscription?
Don't worry, any videos published and cleared while you had an active subscription remain protected forever. You only need an active subscription for new content you create and publish. Your old videos are safe from claims even after you leave.
Can I use this music for commercial ads or client projects?
Yes. Our Pro plan is designed for freelancers creating commercial content and digital ads for clients. For agencies and businesses creating advertisements or branded content for their own brand, our Business plan provides the most comprehensive coverage.