The Essential Guide to Choosing Music for Your Videos (And Avoiding Copyright Issues)

One of the things I learned as a DJ was the power of music. When it comes to creating compelling videos, music is the finishing touch that ties everything together. Whether you're creating a “lazy video” (text overlays to B-roll footage) or crafting a product demo, music can increase audience engagement and ensure your message resonates.

In this issue, I’ll share some tips on how to avoid copyright headaches, where to purchase royalty-free music (including the sites I use and why), and take a quick look at some AI tools that allow you to create your own custom music.

WHY MUSIC IS ESSENTIAL

Imagine watching a video with no sound—just visuals and text. While the content might still be informative, it’s unlikely to be memorable. Music elevates your video, giving it energy, emotion, and a sense of professionalism. 

For example, if you're creating a text-overlay video using raw footage, a background track adds depth and keeps viewers engaged. Music does more than fill the silence—it helps create a mood that complements your message, whether that’s inspiring, calming, or energizing.

I generally use terms like inspiring, energetic, happy, etc. when choosing music for my Livestreams and podcasts.

If you want your videos to stand out, be sure to spend time choosing the right music.

MUSIC COPYRIGHT OVERVIEW

Just as with images, using music has rules. Copyright law protects almost all music, so you need permission—or the appropriate license—to include it in your content.

I’m not a lawyer,  but based on my experience, if you use a track without permission, videos can be flagged, muted (or partially muted), or removed from platforms like YouTube or Instagram.  

Music that’s provided within apps – like Canva, Instagram, or TikTok – may not be licensed to use on other platforms.

To avoid these issues, make sure you’re using music that is either royalty-free, licensed for your specific use, or explicitly cleared for the platform where you’re posting.

It’s not just about avoiding problems—it’s about respecting the work of other creators while building your own.

TYPES OF MUSIC LICENSING

Navigating music licensing can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. These are the most common types:

Royalty-Free Music: Pay a one-time fee to use the track as often as you like.

Platform-Specific Licenses: Music provided by platforms like Instagram or TikTok is typically restricted to use within those apps. Using the same track on YouTube could lead to copyright issues.

Commercial Licenses: For videos that promote products or services, ensure the license specifically covers commercial use.

Choosing the right type of license depends on how and where you plan to use the music. Take the time to research the terms of the license before you purchase royalty-free music.

WHERE TO FIND ROYALTY-FREE MUSIC

If you’re looking for quality music that won’t get flagged or break the bank, there are plenty of platforms offering royalty-free tracks. I’ve found the best way to avoid copyright problems is to use platforms that offer royalty-free music and provide clear licensing terms 

The two that I use are Depositphotos and Epidemic Sound. Both offer a wide variety of music. Monthly and yearly subscriptions, with unlimited music during the subscription period.

Depositphotos BTS Peek⏬

 Music from some “royalty-free sites, like Epidemic Sound, requires the company to “whitelist” the channel where you will be using it.

For example, if you use music purchased from Epidemic Sound for your Livestream to YouTube you will need to have Epidemic Sound “whitelist” your YouTube channel to avoid having your videos flagged. And according to their site, your channel is whitelisted during your subscription period.

Epidemic Sound BTS Peek ⏬

In my experience, music that I’ve purchased from Depositphotos and used for Livestreaming has never been flagged on YouTube. Which is why I purchase music for livestreaming there.

I do love the music on Epidemic Sound, but I used that on other projects.

What is Whitelisting?

Whitelisting is a feature that allows content creators to legally use copyrighted music by linking their account to the music provider. This ensures your video isn’t flagged for copyright violations, especially on platforms like YouTube. Many royalty-free music platforms offer whitelisting as part of their service, so it’s worth checking when you choose a provider.

AI TOOLS FOR MUSIC CREATION

AI is transforming the way creators approach music. I learned about SUNO from a couple of friends who are using it and recently discovered that Canva has introduced a music generator to its AI features.

Canva AI Music

Known for its design tools, Canva now offers several AI music generation apps, letting you pair your visuals with a personalized soundtrack. (The app demonstrated here is Muziac.)

NOTE: Canva AI features are available on pro plans only.

SUNO AI Music

This tool uses advanced algorithms to create unique tracks based on simple inputs, making it a great option for creators who want something truly one-of-a-kind.

I've included examples of both tools in action so you can see how easy it is to create music that fits your brand.

Watch CANVA AI Music Demo

Watch SUNO AI Demo

MOVING FORWARD

Music can take your videos from blah to engaging, but it requires some planning. By understanding copyright rules, choosing the right licensing, and exploring new tools like AI, you can ensure your videos are engaging, professional, and legally sound.

Start experimenting with music today—whether it’s finding a track that perfectly matches your message or creating something entirely new with AI. The right soundtrack could be the key to making your videos more memorable and impactful. 

P.S. I uploaded both the Canva AI Music Demo and the SUNO AI Music Demo videos to YouTube, and neither was flagged for music copyright infringement 😊

5 Top Takeaways (In case you'd rather skim 😉)

🔹Music Elevates Videos Music isn’t just background noise—it sets the tone, adds emotion, and keeps viewers engaged, especially when paired with text-overlay or raw footage.

🔹Understand Copyright You need permission or the proper license to use music in your videos. Using tracks without the right license can lead to flagged or removed content on platforms like YouTube or Instagram.

🔹Types of Licenses Familiarize yourself with different types of music licenses—royalty-free, platform-specific, and commercial licenses—to ensure your music fits your video’s use and platform.

🔹Where to Find Music Platforms like Depositphotos and Epidemic Sound offer royalty-free music with clear licensing terms. Be aware of the need for whitelisting, especially for channels like YouTube.

🔹AI Tools for Music Creation AI tools like Canva AI and SUNO AI allow creators to generate custom music tailored to their content, making it easier than ever to find or create a unique soundtrack.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found this edition helpful and relevant.

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Thanks!

Annette 😉