Using copyrighted material without permission can lead to YouTube copyright claims, demonetization, or, worst-case scenario, your channel being taken down entirely.
Even if you think no one will notice that background track or 5-second clip you grabbed off a random website, YouTube’s Content ID system is smarter than you think. Once flagged, your monetization is gone, or worse, you could get hit with multiple strikes and lose your account.
So, what’s the solution?
Use original content when possible, but when you can’t, rely on truly free resources for music, videos, and sound effects.
Below is a list of the best free stock sites where you can find high-quality sound and video content without worrying about copyright issues.
The resources on these sites are available for commercial use.
Free Music Resources
YouTube Audio Library
The YouTube Audio Library is one of the easiest ways for creators to access free music without worrying about copyright strikes. Since it’s part of YouTube Studio, you don’t even have to leave the platform to find music for your videos.
The selection is surprisingly good, with tracks ranging from chill background music to epic cinematic pieces. You can browse by genre, mood, or even instruments to find exactly what you need.
Most of the tracks are completely free with no attribution required, though a few might ask for credit to the artist. It’s reliable, simple to use, and best of all, designed specifically for YouTube creators.
Incompetech
Incompetech is a well-known resource created by composer Kevin MacLeod. It’s packed with royalty-free music in almost every genre imaginable. Whether you’re working on a vlog, podcast, or short film, you’ll find something that fits.
The site’s intuitive search options make it easy to browse by genre or feel. Most tracks are free to use with attribution, and the quality of music is top-notch. It’s a favorite among YouTubers and indie filmmakers for good reason.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud isn’t just for discovering new indie artists—it’s also a great place to find royalty-free music. Many creators on the platform upload tracks under Creative Commons licenses, meaning you can use them as long as you follow the specific terms.
There’s a bit of digging involved, but the range of genres and unique tracks makes it worth the effort. Just make sure to double-check the licensing on each track before using it.
CapCut Audio Library
CapCut’s audio library is an awesome hidden gem for anyone editing videos. Known for its easy-to-use video editing tools, CapCut also offers a growing selection of free music.
The tracks are pre-cleared for use in your projects, making it a great choice for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels. Since it’s built into the CapCut app, you can quickly find and add music without needing to hunt down tracks elsewhere.
Pixabay Music Library
Pixabay isn’t just about free stock photos and videos—it also has a fantastic music library. The collection features high-quality, royalty-free tracks that can be used in both personal and commercial projects.
From relaxing background music to upbeat tunes, there’s something for every kind of content. The best part? No attribution is required, so you can just download and use it hassle-free.
Mixkit
Mixkit offers a carefully curated collection of free music that feels anything but generic. Unlike some other sites with endless lists of mediocre tracks, Mixkit focuses on quality over quantity.
The library is perfect for finding polished, professional tracks for commercial projects. Whether you’re creating a corporate video or a travel vlog, Mixkit makes it easy to find music that stands out.
Audionautix
Audionautix is a personal project by musician Jason Shaw, offering a wide selection of free music for creative projects. The site is easy to navigate, with tracks sorted by genre, mood, and tempo.
It’s especially popular for upbeat and acoustic-style music, but you’ll find a bit of everything here. All tracks are free to use with attribution, making it a reliable option for creators on a budget.
Purple Planet
Purple Planet specializes in atmospheric music, perfect for setting a mood. Whether you’re looking for something spooky, uplifting, or cinematic, you’ll find plenty of great options here.
The tracks are free to use for non-commercial projects with attribution, and there’s also an option to purchase a license for commercial use. It’s a solid choice for creators looking for something a little more unique.
ccMixter
ccMixter is a vibrant community of musicians and remix artists who share tracks under Creative Commons licenses. It’s an excellent resource for finding background music, remixes, and even vocals for your projects.
Since the tracks are user-uploaded, you’ll get a lot of variety, but you’ll also need to pay close attention to each track’s specific license. For creative, one-of-a-kind music, ccMixter is hard to beat.
Epidemic Sound (Free Trial)
Epidemic Sound is a premium music library that offers a 30-day free trial, giving you full access to thousands of high-quality tracks. It’s known for its professionally produced music and sound effects, all cleared for commercial use.
Unlike many free resources, Epidemic Sound covers you for multiple platforms, ensuring your content is safe from copyright claims. It’s a fantastic option if you need high-quality audio for a big project without committing to a subscription right away.
Free Video Resources
Pixabay
Pixabay is a great place to find free videos, but don’t expect super artsy stuff. The footage is more practical, and you won’t find tons of clips with people’s faces. However, it’s got a ton of options, including videos with transparent backgrounds—super handy if you want to overlay things like a “likes” counter or other effects.
It's ideal for creators looking for simple, high-quality footage to get the job done without worrying about copyright. Plus, you can use it for commercial projects without attribution, so it’s a win all around.
Coverr
Unlike other libraries that mostly focus on landscapes and abstract footage, Coverr makes it easy to find authentic, real-life moments featuring people. The library has a solid mix of everything: city scenes, nature, and even AI-generated videos.
Plus, there’s no need to create an account or worry about attribution—just download and start creating.
Pexels
Pexels stands out with its more lifestyle-focused library. While it shares some similarities with Pixabay, Pexels leans toward natural, real-life moments and casual settings - ideal for vlogs, product promotions, and relatable content.
Its videos often have a more candid, authentic vibe, giving your project a personal touch. Like Pixabay, Pexels videos are free to use for commercial purposes without attribution, but the focus on people-centric content makes it the better option for certain kinds of projects.
Archive.org
Archive.org is a goldmine for vintage and historical footage. If you’re working on a documentary, educational video, or something that needs a retro vibe, this is the place to go. From historical events to government documentaries and even old sports highlights, the site contains an extensive collection of public domain videos and old films.
Keep in mind that the quality can vary, as much of the content is older, but for unique or nostalgic visuals, it’s unbeatable. Always double-check the licensing information, as some videos may have usage restrictions.
The downside? Archive.org can be painfully slow at times. Still, for those willing to dig a bit, it’s a goldmine of unique visuals that are hard to find elsewhere.
Alibaba Videos
Alibaba is an unconventional but valuable resource for business and product-related content. If you’re looking for factory footage, machinery in action, product footage or scenes from industrial settings, this is where you’ll find it. Best of all, these videos feel like user-generated, meaning that they often have a more authentic and raw feel compared to highly polished stock footage.
These videos are generally not copyright-protected, but it’s always wise to credit the source and, when possible, ask for permission from the video uploader. To download these videos, you can use browser extensions like Video DownloadHelper or Flash Video Downloader.
This is a great option for niche content that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Videvo
Videvo offers a mix of free and premium stock footage, with a strong focus on high-quality content. Its free collection is constantly updated with new clips, making it a great resource for fresh visuals.
The site’s library includes everything from cinematic drone shots to simple looping backgrounds. Some videos require attribution, so pay attention to the licensing details.