Original music is an important part of any content creator’s toolkit, allowing them to create unique and immersive experiences for their audiences. It can be used to add depth and emotion to videos, making them stand out from the competition.
The top YouTubers understand how important a good soundtrack is and use it to great effect in their content. But how do they source this original music? Here are the usual steps they follow.
Identifying Their Genre
The first step to finding the perfect music for a video is to identify what genre will best fit the content.
From there, YouTubers can search for songs that match their desired vibe and mood. Some popular genres on YouTube include pop, EDM (electronic dance music), rock, hip-hop/rap, and indie.
Knowing what kind of sound and feel the YouTuber is aiming for will help them narrow down their search.
Researching Music Libraries
Once a YouTuber identifies the genre of music they’d like to use in their video, they can begin searching for music libraries that offer original compositions.
Popular places to look include Soundstripe, Music Bed, and Scambler. These sites offer a variety of options with different licenses and prices that give you access to songs from a variety of genres.
What Licenses to Get?
When sourcing their music, YouTubers must also be aware of licensing restrictions. To ensure that their content does not get flagged for copyright infringement, it is important to make sure whatever song they choose has a license that allows for the specific type of use they need.
For example, if a YouTuber wants to monetize their video, then they will need to opt for a royalty-free license that gives them the necessary permissions.
Collaborating With Musicians or Labels
When YouTubers are unable to find the perfect fit among existing music libraries, they can also approach independent musicians or labels and ask for permission to use their works.
This kind of collaboration is becoming increasingly popular as more and more artists are looking to capitalize on the reach of YouTube and its influential creators.
Looking Through Playlists
YouTubers can also look through curated playlists from streaming services such as Spotify to find the perfect music for their video.
Whether it’s a modern pop track or an old-school classic rock song, there’s bound to be something that fits with what the channel is trying to create.
Another great way to find music is by searching for user-generated playlists that are specific to the desired genre. This can help a creator discover unique, original songs from lesser-known artists.
Using Music Production Tools
For those who want to make their custom music, there are also tools available that allow users to create and produce their beats.
Popular tools include Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and Ableton Live. These programs allow users to mix and match sounds to create their unique soundscape that perfectly fits the video they’re creating.
Finding a Music Supervisor
Some YouTubers opt to bring in a music supervisor to help them select the perfect soundtrack for their videos.
Music supervisors are industry professionals who specialize in finding and licensing the best music for a given project. They often have extensive knowledge of different genres and song resources, so they can quickly source great original music that fits the channel’s content.
Connecting with Other YouTubers
Lastly, YouTubers can reach out to other creators in their niche for recommendations and advice on sourcing music.
Many experienced YouTubers have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to finding and utilizing original music, so connecting with them is often the best way to get started.
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