Free BGM Sites for YouTube
Getting Background Music Without Copyright Worries
The most important thing when adding BGM to YouTube videos is copyright. Using regular music without permission can trigger Content ID, sending revenue to the original creator, or worst case, getting a channel strike.
Free BGM Sites
YouTube Audio Library (Official)
Download directly from YouTube Studio → Audio Library
All tracks free for YouTube videos
Some tracks require credit attribution
Filter search by genre, mood, and length
DOVA-SYNDROME (Japan's Largest Free BGM)
10,000+ tracks, free for commercial use
No credit required (except some composers)
Most popular among Yukkuri commentary and gaming YouTubers
Genres: pop, rock, jazz, classical, ambient, etc.
Amacha Music Studio
Run by individual Japanese composer, atmospheric BGM
Free commercial use, no credit required
Rich in fantasy, fairy tale, and healing BGM
Maou Damashii
Strong in game/RPG style BGM + sound effects
Free commercial use, credit recommended
Categorized by game scenes: battle, boss, field, town
MusMus
Sophisticated jazz, lounge, bossa nova BGM
Free commercial use, credit required
Paid BGM Sites
Artlist ($16.60+/month)
Pro-quality, unlimited downloads
Can continue using downloaded tracks after cancellation
Epidemic Sound ($15+/month)
40,000+ tracks, detailed search by mood, genre, BPM
Auto YouTube Content ID clearance
AudioJungle ($1+/track)
- Per-track purchase, useful for small budgets
Step-by-Step
Decide genre matching video mood (bright/calm/tense)
Search YouTube Audio Library first (safest option)
If not found, search DOVA-SYNDROME / Amacha Music
Check license terms before download (credit required, commercial use allowed)
Credit BGM source and composer in video description (recommended even if not required)
Pros
- ✓ Free sites alone can provide sufficient quality
- ✓ YouTube Audio Library has zero Content ID concerns
- ✓ DOVA-SYNDROME is hassle-free with no credit required
Cons
- ✗ Free BGM has high chance of overlapping with other channels
- ✗ Misunderstanding license terms can cause copyright issues
- ✗ Paid sites have monthly subscription costs ($15-20/month)