Published on May 1, 2025 5 min read

10 Reliable Sources for Music That Complements Your Videos

When you’re putting together a video, music isn’t just filler. It’s what gives a scene its feeling, sets the rhythm, and sometimes carries the whole thing. You can film the perfect shot and say all the right words, but without the right soundtrack behind it, the moment doesn’t hit the same. That’s why choosing the right music matters more than people think. It’s not just about sound—it’s about setting the mood without saying anything at all.

So, if you’re tired of scrolling through piles of tracks that either cost too much or sound like elevator noise, you’re in the right spot. Below are the top 10 places that actually make it easy to find background music you’ll want to use, not just settle for.

Top 10 Sites to Find Background Music for Video

Artlist – For When You Want Choice Without the Headache

Artlist cuts out the guesswork. You pay a flat rate, and you get access to everything. No credits. No surprise fees. The library is solid, too—not just in quantity but in quality. There’s something about their tracks that just feels polished without sounding too “stock.” If you’re looking for tracks that could pass for something off a Netflix show, this one’s worth a look.

Epidemic Sound – The One with Built-In Confidence

If you’ve been on YouTube for a minute, you’ve probably already bumped into Epidemic Sound. There’s a reason. Their tracks are made for creators, and they get the balance right between unique and safe to use. Everything is cleared for content, which means you’re not going to wake up to a copyright strike because someone sampled a beat from 2002. Plus, their search filters are a lifesaver when you’re in a crunch.

YouTube Audio Library – When Free Still Gets the Job Done

Here’s the thing: not everyone wants to spend money, especially when you’re just starting out. The YouTube Audio Library is free and legal to use on their platform, which already makes it worth checking out. The interface isn’t much to write home about, but if you dig around a little, you can find some tracks that actually sound good. It’s not where you’ll find experimental stuff or big-budget quality, but it works for vlogs and background filler.

Bensound – Clean Interface, Cleaner Licensing

Bensound keeps things simple. There’s a clean site, easy navigation, and tracks that fit all kinds of vibes—from corporate to cinematic. What’s nice is that even their free tracks have style. They offer royalty-free licenses, so once you’ve paid, you don’t need to think twice. For anyone who hates reading license fine print, that alone is a win.

Soundstripe – Feels Like a Music Studio, Not a Stock Library

Soundstripe has this way of making stock music feel like it wasn’t made for stock. There’s texture, soul, and actual variety across their categories. The monthly subscription gives access to unlimited downloads, which is great if you’re putting out content regularly. Plus, their playlists are curated well, so finding a mood instead of a genre is actually doable.

Free Music Archive – For That Indie Underground Flavor

This one’s been around a while, and while the interface can feel a little clunky, the gems are there if you’re willing to dig. Free Music Archive hosts music from creators who just want their work out there. It’s a mix—some stuff sounds like a demo tape, while other tracks feel like they belong on vinyl. It’s a gamble, sure. But sometimes, those are the best finds.

PremiumBeat – For When You Want Cinematic Without the Crew

PremiumBeat has tracks that sound like they belong in a short film festival. Big, cinematic, and with real movement. This is where you go if you need music that helps tell a story—especially if your visuals are already strong. It’s not cheap, but the quality backs the price tag. Think of it as hiring a freelance composer but without the email threads and contracts.

Incompetech – The OG of Free and Flexible

If you’ve been around editing forums long enough, you’ve probably seen Incompetech pop up more than once. Kevin MacLeod’s music is everywhere, and there’s a reason—he made it simple to use, simple to credit, and wide-ranging enough to fit everything from horror shorts to how-to videos. There’s something charming about how straightforward it is. No fluff. Just music that works.

HookSounds – Curated, Not Crowdsourced

What sets HookSounds apart is how curated everything feels. They don’t just take submissions from anyone—they vet. That means less scrolling through weak tracks to get to the good ones. Their modern, clean sounds fit well with lifestyle, tech, and branding videos, and their licensing gives you peace of mind whether you’re uploading to TikTok or building a commercial.

Jamendo – For Projects with a Pulse

Jamendo doesn’t get talked about as much as it should. It leans more toward commercial use, but there’s still plenty for creators who want something that feels different. Think more indie band, less audio loop. If you want your background music to actually be noticed (in a good way), Jamendo can help with that. There’s something more alive in their tracks—a little less factory, a little more human.

Closing Thoughts

Picking music isn’t just a checkbox on your editing list. It’s one of the last things you do, but it’s the part people will feel before they even notice what they’re hearing. You don’t have to spend hours searching or hundreds of dollars just to find a few good tracks. The sites above all bring something different to the table, depending on what you need—whether that’s budget-friendly, film-ready, or something that just feels right. So go ahead. Try a few. Your videos deserve more than silence.