As a content creator, you want to produce your content as inexpensively as possible. One way to do that is to use free vlog music. It makes sense in many ways, as it reduces expenses and lets you focus on bringing new ideas to your channel. But using free music may be hurting you. The sources that you have access to are generally used by thousands and thousands of other content producers.
As a result, your music makes your channel sound samey. So how do you stand out? Simple: Don’t use the same free vlog music as everyone else.
1. Create Your Own Music
If you can, create your own music. All you need is a decent microphone, a modest recording studio, a few instruments, the ability to play them and time. And inspiration. If you have good musical skills, this is a viable option, and it ensures that the music is unique. Alternatively, you might create electronic music, which doesn’t necessarily need a recording studio. However, you will need a way to mix music and record sounds.
2. Pay Someone to Create Music
This is much pricier, but it can be rewarding. If you have the budget, you can pay for the band and the recording studio. Typically, a recording studio costs between $30 and $200 per hour, depending on its amenities. This way, the band produces music to your specifications, and you get a complete product. If the band has a home studio, you may be able to include studio services in the price of the tune.
3. Collaborate With a Band
In this case, you pay for part of the recording studio, and the band is able to use the track as a demo. While this isn’t free vlog music, it would likely be unique. The band gets exposure as well, which can be worthwhile if your channel is popular. Again, it’s not free music, but for the cost of studio time and a well-placed attribution, it could be worth it.
4. Choose Obscure Tracks
Most composers have a huge back catalog, but only a few of their tracks get played frequently. These are the ones that we all recognize. These include (among many others):
- Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries
- Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
- Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (or Air on a G String)
- Pachelbel’s Canon in D
- Beethoven Symphony No. 5
But how many of their other pieces do we hear? Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony has some gorgeous lines that stand out, but few people know about them. Wagner’s Lohengrin includes beautiful uplifting melodies, especially the prelude (and you can see the bits that inspired Strauss). AndMozart produced more than 600 pieces. Choosing something different isn’t hard if you want free music for YouTube vlogs.
5. Hunt For Free Vlog Music Through the Depths of Creative Commons
Creative Commons licenses are popular with many vlog creators because they explicitly give away the rights to royalties for music. Sort of. In some cases, Creative Commons licenses allow you to use pieces commercially and permit remixing. Other Creative Commons licenses are much more restrictive. You can, of course, search through various sites that offer Creative Commons audio for free background music. But to find something unique, you may need to search for quite a while.
In addition, there is an inherent risk when relying on Creative Commons licenses. If there is a dispute over copyright, it’s you who gets the copy strike. And, there isn’t a guarantee that the license is even valid. And if the audio has the wrong kind of license or you don’t attribute it properly, you’re still on the hook.
6. Record and Use Local Noises
While sound effects are not strictly music, the sound of birdsong or white noise may fit the video. These will be unique if you record them yourself, but they may only work for a very limited subset of videos. The sound of bells might work as free Christmas vlog music.
7. Use a Pre-Cleared Library
While this is not free music, using a pre-cleared library can be highly cost-effective. That’s because you can download dozens of different genres at a relatively low cost per month. And you don’t have to pay for a recording studio, either. Because a good stock, production or pre-cleared library is a paid-for source, fewer people use it meaning your videos become more unique. And, finding the right genre for your needs is simple. This potentially royalty-free vlog music is ideal if you just want a one-off cost for your blog.
With more than 80,000 tracks, 200+ genres and an array of licensing options, Audiosocket gives you the audio you need. Ditch the samey free vlog music, and search our site today to find the perfect piece to kick-start your project.
