Affordable background music options for your video

Choosing a background music track for your video production is not as easy as you might think. An common request is to use well known commercial music, however this would require prohibitively expensive licensing as they are covered by both copyright and a strict commercial usage policy. The alternatives are not so widely known, so here are a few options to cover all budgets.

1. Annual payment. Sites such as www.jamendo.com offer a large catalog (over 93,00 tracks)for use on a number of different project types. For internet use the annual fee is 19€. This website has a number of high quality tracks with good descriptions and sensible pricing. All tracks can be listened to in full online and there is a ‘lo-fi’ download facility for testing tracks with your video before purchase. This is a good affordable option well worth considering.
2. Single payment, continuous use. www.stockmusic.net offers a selection of tracks available for commercial use. Each track incurs a single fee which once paid does not need to be renewed and therefore lasts forever. Tracks cost approx. $40 or can be bought by the album. This website allows you to download a demo track containing an audio watermark, this allows you to test your track before purchase. A comprehensive search facility allows you to select tracks by type and length. Although a cost effective solution, the choice can be limited and some tracks a bit ‘musaky’.
3. Free music with credit. www.incompetech.com, www.anthonykozar.net and www.danosongs.net offer unlimited commercial usage free of charge in exchange for a credit. These composers are very talented and are looking for as much exposure as possible hence the requirement to be listed in your video credits. Although a tempting solution, often the choice is limited and therefore their music often only works for certain types of videos.
4. Free music no credit. Similar to above but with no need to offer a credit (unless you want to). One of the best sites we have seen is www.taylorhayward.org as this composer even offers to write you a bespoke composition for free!

If you want maximum selection and the best quality then start at the top of this list. If you want minimal cost and are prepared to compromise choice then go straight to option three or four.

When selecting your music remember to choose the correct length to cover your video. If you are using a voice-over or presenters then the track need not be too exciting or complex as it may make listening difficult. Ambient or chill-out tracks without vocals work well as background music, although some videos may need a different style depending on their content.

If you are purchasing music for your video production it may well be a good idea to check suitability with your video editor before ordering any tracks.

Share

•