Royalty-Free Music for Creators: A 2025 Guide to the Best Music Libraries

By Contributor Content  |  October 1, 2025 | 10:57am
Image credits: Pexels
Tech Features Epidemic Sound
Royalty-Free Music for Creators: A 2025 Guide to the Best Music Libraries

Are you a creator? Then you already know how much sound matters. And how hard it can be to find the right track.

First, a quick clarification: royalty-free doesn’t mean free. It means you pay once through a subscription or license and can then use the music without worrying about extra fees every time it’s played. Typically, your payment unlocks an entire catalog of tracks and sound effects.

There are many platforms to choose from. The big names in the field are reviewed—Artlist, Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe, PremiumBeat, Musicbed, Uppbeat, and Mixkit—to help you find the best fit.

Four essentials are highlighted that matter to every creator:

  • License terms. Can you use the music on YouTube, in ads, or in client projects without takedowns, Content ID claims, or backend fees? “Royalty-free” can mean different things.

  • Pricing. What is the monthly cost or per-track cost? Are there tiered plans?

  • Catalog. How extensive and varied is the music catalog? Does it offer only music or also sound effects and voiceovers?

  • Usability. How quickly can you find the right track? Are search, filters, and software integrations strong?

 

Epidemic Sound offers a broad catalog of music and sound effects, making it a versatile option for many users. The all rights included license avoids Content ID issues for social platforms and client work. Epidemic Sound offers a big, ever-growing catalog built entirely around sound and music. Epidemic Sound also recently launched Adapt, its own AI tool that lets creators customize tracks to fit their content in smart and seamless ways.

Artlist is the best choice if you want a broad creative package. Beyond music and sound effects, some subscriptions also include stock footage and editing templates.

Soundstripe stands out for its workflow. AI search and Adobe/Frame.io integrations help agencies and producers run multiple projects.

PremiumBeat is ideal when you need individual tracks for premium productions. Per-project licensing is transparent, though costs can increase depending on the frequency of use.

Musicbed excels at film and storytelling with a curated, indie-leaning catalog.

Uppbeat is an accessible option for streamers and small creators, offering a free plan and affordable premium tiers. The licensing is straightforward, with a catalog that may be smaller compared to some other providers.

Mixkit is entirely free and includes music, SFX, and stock video. The model may suit smaller-scale or hobby projects, while professional users may require broader options.

 

Epidemic Sound

What you get: Music, sound effects, AI voices, and access to the new Adapt feature, which helps users trim, rearrange, and adjust tracks so they fit their content with ease.

Pricing: 

Creator: $9.99/month billed yearly (or $17.99 monthly). For personal use, such as YouTube or TikTok channels.

Pro: $16.99/month billed yearly (or $39.99 monthly). For client projects, digital ads, and multi-channel publishing.

Enterprise: Flexible pricing. Best suited for larger organizations handling TV, film, and multi-user teams.

License: All rights included. You can use the music and sound effects on YouTube, social platforms, in ads, and in client projects without takedowns, claims, or restrictions. According to the platform, projects published during an active subscription remain cleared, even after cancellation.

 

Artlist

What you get: Music, stems, sound effects, stock footage, video templates, LUTs, and AI tools. The Max plan also adds AI voiceovers.

Pricing:

Music & SFX: $9.99/month billed yearly (or $14.99 monthly). Covers music and sound effects for social channels.

AI Suite: $24.92/month billed yearly. Adds stems and broader licensing coverage.

Footage & Templates: $31.99/month billed yearly. Includes stock video, LUTs, and editing templates.

Artlist Max: $39.99/month billed yearly. The all-in-one package with music, SFX, footage, templates, LUTs, and AI tools.

License: Universal license. The license applies across a variety of platforms and project types, including social media and ads, while your subscription is active.

 

Soundstripe

What you get: Music and sound effects. Higher-tier plans also include stock video. Features AI search and integrations with Adobe and Frame.io. Single-track licenses are also available.

Pricing:

Personal: $9.99/month billed yearly (or $19.99 monthly). For personal use on YouTube, Twitch, and small projects.

Pro: $19.99/month billed yearly (or $39.99 monthly). For client projects, digital ads, and up to five cleared channels.

Pro Plus: $33.99/month billed yearly (or $69.99 monthly). Adds stock video and full professional licensing.

License: Content published while subscribed is generally intended to remain covered, though terms may vary.

 

PremiumBeat

What you get: Music and sound effects. Available through subscription or single-track licensing.

Pricing:

Creator: $9.99/month billed yearly (or $19.99 monthly). For personal use on a single channel.

Standard: $24.99/month billed yearly (or $59.99 monthly). Allows client projects and monetization across multiple channels.

Single-track licenses: From $59 (Standard) to $199 (Premium/broadcast). Business-level licenses run higher.

License: Licensed per track or via subscription. Each track comes with a unique ID to avoid YouTube Content ID claims.

 

Musicbed

What you get: A curated library with strong indie and cinematic music. Offers both subscriptions and custom licenses for filmmakers and brands.

Pricing:

Creator (non‑client work): Starts at $29.99/month. Ideal for personal or YouTube/social content.

Business (covers client projects): Starts at $99.99/month. Designed for client work and agency-level needs.

License: Scales with usage. Standard plans cover YouTube and social media, while larger productions require business-level licensing.

 

Uppbeat

What you get: Music and sound effects. Higher plans also include motion graphics and LUTs. Designed for YouTube and Twitch creators.

Pricing:

Free: $0/month. Get three downloads per month and basic catalog access.

Essentials: $5.59/month billed yearly. Full access to music and SFX, plus a safelist for one channel. 
Creator: $7.99/month billed yearly. Adds motion graphics, LUTs, and safelists up to three channels. 

Pro: $13.99/month billed yearly. Business-level access with unlimited usage, high-quality WAV files, safelists for 10 channels, and priority support.

License: Paid plans include options to register your channels, which can help reduce the risk of Content ID claims.

 

Mixkit

What you get: Free music, sound effects, stock video, and video templates.

Pricing: Free for all users. No subscription or hidden fees.

License: Much of the content can be used commercially without attribution. Some categories carry restrictions, so always check the license on individual files.

 

Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Please check the retailer’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

The Paste editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.

 
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