GUIDE2024-12-09·11 min read
AI Music for YouTube: Copyright-Free Tracks Guide (2025)
Never worry about music copyright again. AI music generators, licensing, and best tools for YouTube creators.
#ai music#copyright free#royalty free#background music
Finding music for YouTube videos is a constant struggle. AI music generators offer unlimited, copyright-free tracks. Here's how to use them effectively.
The YouTube Music Problem
- Copyright claims: Popular music = demonetization
- Royalty-free libraries: Everyone uses the same tracks
- Licensing costs: Premium music is expensive
- Content ID: Even "free" music can get claimed
AI Music Solutions
Mubert
- What: AI-generated royalty-free music
- Best for: Background music, ambient tracks
- Genres: Electronic, ambient, lo-fi, corporate
- Pricing: Free (with attribution) / $14/mo (no attribution)
- License: Clear YouTube/commercial use on paid
How to use:
- Select mood and genre
- Set duration
- Generate track
- Download with license
AIVA
- What: AI composer for cinematic music
- Best for: Documentaries, emotional content, trailers
- Genres: Orchestral, cinematic, electronic
- Pricing: Free (limited) / €15/mo Standard / €49/mo Pro
- License: Full copyright on Pro plan
How to use:
- Choose composition style
- Set mood and instrumentation
- Generate composition
- Edit in their editor if needed
- Download stems or full track
Suno
- What: AI song generator with vocals
- Best for: Intros, jingles, full songs
- Genres: All popular music genres
- Pricing: Free tier / $10/mo Pro
- License: Commercial use on paid (check terms)
How to use:
- Describe song style and mood
- Add lyrics or let AI generate
- Generate multiple versions
- Pick best result
Udio
- What: High-quality AI song generation
- Best for: Full songs, complex arrangements
- Genres: All genres, especially complex ones
- Pricing: Free tier available
- License: Check current terms for commercial use
Soundraw
- What: Customizable AI music generator
- Best for: YouTube background music
- Genres: Corporate, upbeat, ambient
- Pricing: $16.99/mo
- License: Clear YouTube license included
How to use:
- Select genre and mood
- Customize tempo, instruments
- Adjust song sections
- Download unlimited
Comparison Chart
| Tool | Best For | Price | YouTube Safe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mubert | Background/ambient | $14/mo | ✓ (paid) |
| AIVA | Cinematic/orchestral | €15-49/mo | ✓ (Pro) |
| Suno | Songs with vocals | $10/mo | Check terms |
| Soundraw | Customizable tracks | $17/mo | ✓ |
| Udio | Complex songs | Free tier | Check terms |
Choosing the Right Tool
By Content Type
- Documentary/educational: AIVA (cinematic, emotional)
- Tech/tutorial: Mubert (modern, electronic)
- Motivation: AIVA or Soundraw (epic, inspiring)
- Gaming: Mubert (electronic, upbeat)
- Horror: AIVA (tension, orchestral)
- Lo-fi/relaxation: Mubert (chill, ambient)
- Intros/jingles: Suno (custom songs)
Licensing Deep Dive
What You Need for YouTube
- Commercial use rights
- No Content ID registration against you
- Clear terms for monetized videos
- Proof of license (keep receipts!)
Red Flags
- "Personal use only" restrictions
- Attribution requirements (can be fine, just comply)
- Unclear commercial terms
- No YouTube-specific mention
⚠️ Important: AI music licensing is still evolving. Always check current terms before commercial use. Keep records of your subscriptions and downloads.
Workflow for YouTube
- Determine mood: What emotion should the video evoke?
- Set duration: Match to your video length
- Generate options: Create 3-5 variations
- Test with video: Does it enhance or distract?
- Adjust volume: Music should support, not overpower
- Keep license proof: Screenshot subscription/download
Audio Mixing Tips
- Background music: -20 to -25 dB below voice
- Ducking: Lower music when speaking
- Intro/outro: Can be louder when no voice
- Consistency: Same levels across video
Traditional Alternatives
If AI music doesn't work for you:
- Epidemic Sound: $15/mo, huge library, YouTube-safe
- Artlist: $16/mo, high-quality tracks
- YouTube Audio Library: Free, limited selection
- Uppbeat: Free tier available
Cost Comparison
- Free options: YouTube Audio Library, free tiers of AI tools
- Budget ($10-20/mo): Mubert, Suno, Soundraw
- Premium ($40-50/mo): AIVA Pro + Epidemic Sound
- Per-track licensing: $20-200 per song (traditional)
Recommended Setup
For most faceless creators:
- Primary: Mubert ($14/mo) for background music
- Cinematic: AIVA (free tier or Standard) for emotional content
- Custom: Suno (free tier) for unique intros
- Backup: YouTube Audio Library (free, always safe)
AI music removes one of YouTube's biggest headaches—copyright claims. Pick a tool that matches your content style, verify licensing, and focus on creating content instead of worrying about music rights.