- Epidemic Sound alternatives side by side
- Ten Epidemic Sound alternatives worth a look
- The copyright-safe library built into YouTube
- What to check before you use free music
- How to use free music without claims
- Which kind of music source suits you
- Free music mistakes to avoid
- Checks before you use free music
- My plain advice on Epidemic Sound alternatives
- Frequently asked questions
Epidemic Sound alternatives are other sources of music for videos, streams and podcasts, from free libraries that ask for a credit to AI music generators and streaming-safe catalogues. Free sources suit creators starting out, while dedicated libraries suit people publishing a lot. Read each licence for credit and monetisation rules before you hit publish.
Epidemic Sound is a go-to for many creators, but not everyone needs a subscription. If you're starting out, publishing occasionally or streaming, there are good free and low-commitment options.
Here are ten Epidemic Sound alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from free music libraries to AI music makers. Each description comes from the source's own website, re-checked today. If you're unsure how long your videos stick around, my answer to whether YouTube deletes old videos is worth a look.
Start with the credit rules. Many free tracks are free on condition that you credit the artist in a particular way.
Then check monetisation. Some free licences cover monetised videos, and some don't.
Epidemic Sound alternatives side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the service's own site describes a free version, free plan or free library, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free options usually come with conditions, such as credit or limits, so read the terms.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bensound | Royalty-free music library | Simple background tracks | Yes |
| Chosic | Free music library | Free tracks by mood | Yes |
| Free Music Archive | Free music library | Independent artists | Yes |
| Incompetech | Royalty-free music collection | Classic free tracks | Yes |
| Melody Loops | Royalty-free music library | Loops and full tracks | No |
| Mixkit | Free media library | Free music and sound effects | Yes |
| Mubert | AI music generator | Custom AI tracks | Yes |
| StreamBeats | Streaming-safe music | Twitch and live streams | Yes |
| Uppbeat | Free music for creators | YouTube creators | Yes |
| YouTube Audio Library | Free music and sound effects | Videos on YouTube | Yes |
Ten Epidemic Sound alternatives worth a look
Bensound
Best for: Creators who want simple background music with a free licence that needs credit.
Chosic
Best for: Creators who want free music sorted by mood and genre.
Free Music Archive
Best for: Creators who want music from independent artists under open licences.
Incompetech
Best for: Creators who want a long-running collection of free music with credit.
Melody Loops
Best for: Editors who want loops and tracks that fit different video lengths.
Mixkit
Best for: Creators who want free music, sound effects and video clips in one place.
Mubert
Best for: Creators who want AI-generated tracks for videos and streams.
StreamBeats
Best for: Streamers who want music made to be safe on live streams.
Uppbeat
Best for: YouTubers who want free music for videos with a simple credit system.
YouTube Audio Library
Best for: YouTubers who want free music and sound effects inside YouTube Studio.
The copyright-safe library built into YouTube
Here's a source many creators forget they already have. YouTube's own help page says music and sound effects from the YouTube Audio Library are copyright-safe, and that the library is found exclusively in YouTube Studio, where you can filter by attribution.
That attribution filter matters. Some tracks ask you to credit the artist and some don't, so filter for what suits you and copy any credit into your description. For quick videos, it's often the simplest choice.
What to check before you use free music
- Credit: whether and how to credit the artist.
- Monetisation: whether monetised videos are covered.
- Platforms: YouTube, social, podcasts and streams.
- Changes: whether you can edit or loop the track.
- Source: that the uploader owns the music.
How to use free music without claims
- Download tracks only from the source's own site.
- Copy the exact credit text the licence asks for.
- Paste it into your video description.
- Keep a list of tracks and videos.
- Check for claims after uploading.
Which kind of music source suits you
If you're just starting a channel, free libraries with clear credit rules are more than enough for your first videos.
If you stream live, look for music made to be safe on streams, so you don't get muted halfway through.
And if you want tracks nobody else has, AI music tools can make something new for each video, as long as their licence fits your use.
Free music mistakes to avoid
- Skipping credits. Copy the exact wording.
- Downloading from reposts. Use the original source.
- Assuming monetisation. Check the licence.
- No records. Note every track you use.
If you're growing a channel outside the US, my guide to monetising YouTube in South Africa shows how rules vary by country.
Checks before you use free music
Free music is brilliant, but each source has its own rules.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
- Is credit required, and in what format?
- Is commercial use allowed?
- Does the licence cover monetised videos?
- Can I use it on every platform I post to?
- Is the track the artist's own work?
Keep a simple list of every track you use and where it came from.
Do you make music sources? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Epidemic Sound alternatives
Free music is a great start, as long as you follow the credit rules every time. It takes seconds and avoids almost every problem.
And when your channel grows, revisit the decision. A library that saves you time can be worth it once you publish often.
Frequently asked questions
Is there free music like Epidemic Sound?
Yes. Several libraries offer free tracks, often with credit.
Is YouTube's own music library safe to use?
YouTube says music from its library in YouTube Studio is copyright-safe.
Do I need to credit free music?
Often yes. Check each track's licence.
Can I monetise videos with free music?
Many free licences allow it, but check.
What's streaming-safe music?
Music cleared for use on live streams without claims.
Can I use free music on podcasts?
Some licences cover podcasts. Read the terms.
Is AI music copyright-free?
It depends on the tool's licence.
Can I loop or cut free tracks?
Usually yes. Check for any limits.
Where do I put the credit?
Usually in the video description.
Can free music get claimed?
Sometimes. Keep the source and licence handy.
Can I edit free music tracks?
Usually, but check the licence for any limits.
Is AI-generated music safe to use?
Check the tool's licence and whether commercial use is allowed.
Can I use free music on Instagram?
Often, but check each licence and the platform's own rules.
What's Creative Commons music?
Music shared under licences that allow reuse, often with credit.
Can I use free music in ads?
Some licences allow it, others don't. Read the terms.
Where do I put music credits?
Usually in the video description, as the licence asks.
