10 Free Music for Commercial Use Resources - Make Income

10 Free Music for Commercial Use Resources

Music is the secret sauce that can transform good content into something truly memorable. Whether you’re working on a marketing campaign, social media post, podcast, or explainer video, music can elevate your creative work and help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. But sourcing music for commercial use isn’t always easy. What if you need it for free?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the nuances of commercial use and introduce you to five incredible resources where you can find high-quality, free music for your projects. Let’s dive in.

What Is Commercial Use?

Before we jump into the resources, it’s crucial to understand what qualifies as commercial use. Simply put, if you’re using music for any business-related purpose—whether to promote your brand, create content for profit, or support your marketing efforts—it falls under commercial use.

Even if you’re not directly making money from the project, it’s best to assume it’s commercial if it’s tied to your brand. Misusing copyrighted music can lead to legal consequences like cease-and-desist notices or fines.

Why Free Music for Commercial Use Matters

Free music for commercial use is a lifesaver for businesses and creators on a budget. While hiring composers or purchasing licenses can get expensive, these resources allow you to access music legally without breaking the bank. However, free doesn’t always mean “limitless”—most platforms come with usage rules, such as attribution requirements or restrictions on how the music can be used. Always check the licensing details for each track.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some of the best platforms for free music.

1. Bensound

Bensound is a popular platform for royalty-free music, offering a wide range of tracks for commercial and non-commercial use. While Bensound’s free tier is excellent for small projects, they also provide subscription options for more extensive needs.

Key Features:

  • Genres: From cinematic to jazz, electronic to acoustic, Bensound offers a broad selection of styles.
  • Free Downloads: Choose the free option by clicking the black download button. Attribution is required for free use.
  • Licensing: Suitable for online videos, presentations, and social media.
  • Limitations: Free downloads cannot be used in podcasts, audiobooks, or remixes.

Pro Tip:

If you need more flexibility, consider their paid subscription. It unlocks additional tracks and usage options, including broader rights for advertising and stage productions.

2. Audionautix

Audionautix is a one-man project created by musician Jason Shaw, offering a library of original music that is free for commercial use. The platform is known for its straightforward licensing terms and diverse music selection.

Key Features:

  • Search Filters: Explore music by mood, tempo, genre, and style.
  • Free Downloads: No cost, but attribution to the creator is required.
  • Unique Selling Point: All music is composed by Jason Shaw, ensuring originality and quality.

How to Use Audionautix:

  1. Browse the site’s filters to find the perfect track.
  2. Click “Listen Now” to preview the song.
  3. Download the MP3 file by clicking the “Download Mp3” button.

3. Free Music Archive (FMA)

The Free Music Archive (FMA) is a curated library of music shared by independent artists and creators. Founded by the radio station WMFU, the platform’s mission is to provide high-quality music for digital creators while supporting musicians.

Key Features:

  • Genres: A wide variety of styles, from indie rock to classical to experimental.
  • Attribution Requirements: Vary depending on the Creative Commons license of each track.
  • Licensing Details: Look for tracks without the “dollar sign” icon, as these can be used for commercial purposes.

How to Use FMA:

  1. Browse by genre, mood, or artist.
  2. Click the play button to preview a track.
  3. Download by clicking the downward arrow icon. Review the licensing details in the pop-up window.

Pro Tip:

Bookmark your favorite artists on FMA to quickly find new music from them in the future.

4. MusOpen

If you’re looking for classical music or tracks in the public domain, MusOpen is an invaluable resource. As a non-profit organization, MusOpen focuses on providing free access to music for educational and creative purposes.

Key Features:

  • Library: Includes recordings, sheet music, and educational resources.
  • Search Options: Browse by composer, instrument, era, or mood.
  • Licensing: Public domain tracks are available for commercial use without attribution.

How to Use MusOpen:

  1. Create a free account to access downloads.
  2. Explore unique categories like “happy,” “relaxing,” or “fun.”
  3. Download tracks suitable for your project and check licensing information.

5. DL Sounds

DL Sounds offers original music, sound effects, and loops for multimedia projects. While most of their content is subscription-based, the platform includes a selection of free music for commercial use.

Key Features:

  • Variety: Includes songs, sound effects, and looping tracks.
  • Search Filters: Sort by genre, mood, or beats per minute.
  • Licensing: Look for the “free” icon on specific tracks.

Pro Tip:

Even if you don’t subscribe, check back regularly—DL Sounds frequently updates its free offerings.

6. Uppbeat

Uppbeat is a relatively new platform that has quickly gained popularity among creators. It offers a large library of free music, specifically designed for use in commercial and creative projects.

Key Features:

  • Free Tier: A robust selection of free tracks with attribution.
  • Categories: Organized by mood, genre, and project type.
  • Licensing: Easy-to-understand licensing terms.

7. Pixabay Music

Pixabay, known for its free stock photos and videos, also offers a vast library of royalty-free music for commercial use. Their music collection is perfect for creators looking for quick, high-quality tracks.

Key Features:

  • Wide Variety: From orchestral pieces to electronic beats.
  • No Attribution: Many tracks don’t require attribution.
  • Simple Interface: Easy to browse and download.

8. TunePocket

TunePocket is a subscription-based service offering a massive library of royalty-free music, sound effects, and loops. While their main content is premium, they also provide some free downloads for commercial use.

Key Features:

  • Genres: Offers everything from corporate music to cinematic scores.
  • Licensing: Clear and straightforward licensing for commercial projects.
  • Free Music: Check their free downloads section for high-quality tracks.

7. Chosic

Chosic is an excellent platform for finding free music tailored to corporate and commercial projects. With an intuitive interface and a wide variety of genres, it’s a go-to for business-oriented creators.

Key Features:

  • Search Filters: Sort by genre, mood, or tempo.
  • Free Downloads: Fully free tracks with attribution details provided.
  • Corporate Focus: Curated selection for professional use.

Tips for Using Free Music Effectively

To make the most of these resources, follow these best practices:

  1. Understand Licensing Terms: Always read the fine print to ensure you’re compliant with usage restrictions.
  2. Credit the Creator: If attribution is required, provide proper credit in your video descriptions, captions, or project acknowledgments.
  3. Plan Ahead: Licensing agreements can vary. Ensure the music you choose fits both your creative vision and the licensing terms.

Also read Free Music for Commercial Use: Your Ultimate Guide to Legal and Quality Tracks

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