YouTube Creator Music: What It Is and How Musicians Can Use It

Key Takeaways

• YouTube Creator Music is a platform allowing creators to licence music and sound effects for videos, offering both free and paid options.

• Musicians can join the Creator Music Library by partnering with digital distributors or labels, making their tracks available to YouTube creators.

• Revenue sharing and upfront licensing options enable artists to earn from track usage while retaining copyright compliance through Content ID management.

• Increased visibility on YouTube helps musicians reach wider audiences, build fan bases, and drive engagement as creators feature their music.

• Musicians’ tracks are licensed non-exclusively, so multiple creators can use the same song, expanding reach but limiting exclusivity.

Overview of YouTube Creator Music

While digital content creation continues to expand, YouTube Creator Music emerges as a dedicated platform designed to streamline the integration of licensed music and sound effects into videos.

This platform enables content creators to browse an extensive catalogue of tracks, offering both free and paid licence options. Importantly, YouTube Creator Music introduces a revenue-sharing model, allowing content creators to choose between paying upfront for a licence or splitting ad revenue with artists.

Access is currently restricted to members of the YouTube Partner Programme, with the beta phase primarily targeting US-based creators.

The platform’s interface allows efficient searching and filtering by genre, mood, duration, and price, facilitating precise music selection. Each licence is valid for a single video, ensuring copyright compliance and reducing monetisation risks.

How Musicians Can Join Creator Music

To participate in YouTube Creator Music, musicians must typically work through digital distributors or labels that support entry into the platform and manage music rights via Content ID integration.

This approach streamlines the process of making tracks available for licensing options within Creator Music, aligning with the broader objectives of the music industry to facilitate new revenue streams.

Musicians can opt in during the distribution process—services like DistroKid enable seamless submission of releases to the Creator Music Library.

Entry requires that tracks be licensed under transparent terms, fostering collaboration between artists and content creators while ensuring rights holders retain control. Additionally, digital distribution allows for immediate access to a global audience, enhancing the visibility of licensed tracks within Creator Music.

Types of Licences Available on Creator Music

YouTube Creator Music provides creators with three primary licensing options: free song licences, paid licences, and revenue sharing agreements.

Each type presents distinct terms regarding cost structure, usage rights, and monetisation potential. Understanding these options enables musicians to make informed decisions about how their music is accessed and monetised on the platform.

Free Song Licence Options

Among the various licensing options available on Creator Music, free song licences represent a cost-effective solution for creators seeking background music without financial barriers.

These licences, primarily accessed through the YouTube Audio Library, enable creators to find suitable tracks for their videos at no cost. The selection is extensive, though it generally excludes music from trending or well-known artists.

Free song licences are designed for accessibility, allowing content producers to enhance their projects while avoiding copyright complications. However, each licence obtained is valid for a single video only; creators must secure a new free licence for every individual upload.

This structure supports a wide array of content creators, especially those with limited budgets, making music integration feasible without upfront investment or ongoing royalty obligations.

Paid Licence Structures

Licensing flexibility defines the paid structures available through Creator Music, where creators can select from several options tailored to different needs and budgets.

The platform’s paid song licences operate on a single-use basis, with licence prices established according to the creator’s audience size. This system allows musicians and copyright holders to set value for their work, while providing transparency for creators seeking to clear music for YouTube videos.

Particularly, all Creator Music licences grant worldwide rights and last in perpetuity for the video’s lifetime on the platform.

• Licence prices scale with the creator’s subscriber count, ranging from £9.99 to £74.99.

• Each paid song licence is valid for one video only; reuse requires a new licence.

• Purchasing a Creator Music licence removes Content ID claims, ensuring copyright compliance.

Revenue Sharing Agreements

A range of licensing options is available through Creator Music, reflecting the platform’s effort to accommodate diverse creator needs and monetisation strategies.

Among these, revenue sharing agreements—known as revshare song licences—stand out for enabling creators to forgo upfront fees and instead split ad revenue with rights holders. This approach allows flexibility for creators who may not wish to pay for licences initially, while also generating ongoing income for musicians through shared ad revenue.

Revenue sharing percentages are determined by rights holders and can vary based on how the music is used in each video. All licences, including revshare agreements, are single-use and tailored to specific videos.

Importantly, acquiring a licence removes Content ID claims, ensuring creators retain their share of ad revenue generated from licensed content.

Revenue Sharing and Monetisation Options

YouTube Creator Music introduces flexible revenue sharing and monetisation options designed to benefit both content creators and music rights holders.

Instead of requiring an upfront licence fee in every case, the platform allows creators to choose between a traditional licence fee model or a revenue sharing arrangement. Under revenue sharing, creators split ad revenue with music artists, fostering mutual financial benefit.

Licence fees, meanwhile, are tiered according to subscriber count and grant creators the right to retain ad revenue for licensed videos. This system also removes Content ID claims, ensuring clarity in monetisation outcomes.

• Revenue sharing splits ad revenue 50/50 between creators and publishers.

• Licence fees range from £9.99 to £74.99 depending on subscriber base size.

• Purchasing a licence eliminates Content ID claims and secures monetisation rights.

Accessing Creator Music in YouTube Studio

Many creators seeking to enhance their video content with music can efficiently utilise the Creator Music feature directly within YouTube Studio. Accessible from the left panel, this tool provides a streamlined interface for browsing a wide range of music options.

Users can search for tracks by artist or genre and refine results using filters such as Genre, Mood, Vocals, BPM, Duration, and Price. Previewing is straightforward; hovering over album art and clicking play allows for immediate evaluation of track suitability.

Each track displays clear icons denoting the song licences available, whether they require an upfront payment or offer a revenue-sharing arrangement with artists. Additionally, creators can save preferred selections to “Your library,” facilitating quick retrieval and efficient management of music options for future projects within YouTube Studio.

Understanding Licence Costs and Pricing

Licence costs within YouTube Creator Music are determined by several factors, most importantly the size of the creator’s channel.

Larger channels incur higher fees, reflecting their broader audience reach, while all licences are priced per individual video.

This structure incentivises careful selection of music and budgeting, especially for creators producing frequent content.

Licence Price Determinants

Several factors influence the cost structure of music licences within YouTube Creator Music, chief among them being the subscriber count of the creator’s channel.

Licence price determinants are set by music labels or publishers, who scale fees from £9.99 for those with 1,000–100,000 subscribers up to £74.99 for channels exceeding 5 million subscribers.

This tiered system means the licence is good for a single video, raising costs for creators who reuse tracks. Additionally, licence fees are split evenly with publishers, and rightsholders set revenue sharing terms that impact the revenue generated from monetised content.

Key licence price determinants include:

• Channel subscriber count influencing base price

• Single-use licence model elevating repeated use costs

• Revenue sharing and fee splits affecting total earnings

Channel Size Impact

While licence price determinants set the overall framework for YouTube Creator Music, the specific impact of channel size warrants closer examination.

The platform employs a tiered pricing structure based on a creator’s subscriber count, with fees starting at £9.99 for channels between 1,000 and 100,000 subscribers and reaching £74.99 for those exceeding 5 million.

This approach to music licensing guarantees that smaller creators can use licensed tracks at a more accessible cost, aligning with Licence Rules that aim to lower financial barriers for emerging channels.

Conversely, larger channels encounter higher fees, reflecting their broader reach and revenue potential.

Given that licences are non-exclusive, the same track may appear across multiple channels, which could influence content differentiation strategies for creators.

One-Time Use Fees

A defining feature of YouTube Creator Music is its one-time use licence structure, which obliges creators to purchase a separate licence for each individual video using a particular track. This means that one-time use fees can accumulate quickly for creators who wish to reuse the same music across multiple videos.

Licensing fees are tiered according to the creator’s subscriber count, with prices ranging from £9.99 for smaller channels to £74.99 for those with over five million subscribers. The pricing is set by rights holders and reflects the creator’s potential audience reach.

Once a licence is obtained, Content ID claims are removed from the corresponding video, ensuring copyright protection. However, creators must manage music selection strategically due to recurring licensing costs.

• Single-video usage per licence

• Fees scale with channel size

• Content ID claim removal per licensed video

One-Time Use and Licence Restrictions

Steering through YouTube Creator Music’s licensing model reveals a strict one-time use policy, where each song licence applies exclusively to a single video.

Under these licence restrictions, creators cannot reuse a previously licensed track in additional videos without securing and paying for another licence. This approach enforces careful planning, as the one-time use rule prevents ongoing deployment of the same song across multiple projects, potentially increasing costs for creators with recurring content needs.

Licence restrictions typically mandate that a licensed song be confined to the specific video for which it was obtained, limiting flexibility and requiring strategic music selection.

Furthermore, to avoid continued fees or obligations associated with a song, creators may need to remove the relevant video from YouTube altogether, underscoring the policy’s rigidity.

Free vs. Paid Music Options

When considering free versus paid music options on YouTube Creator Music, licensing cost structures and usage rights present notable differences.

Free licences allow for unlimited use across multiple videos, while paid licences are restricted to single-use and vary in price according to channel size.

These distinctions influence both the creative flexibility and budgetary decisions of content creators.

Comparing Licensing Cost Structures

Evaluating the licensing cost structures of YouTube’s music offerings reveals distinct differences between free and paid options.

The YouTube Audio Library provides free song licences, enabling creators to utilise music across multiple videos without incurring any licensing fees, making it highly cost-effective for ongoing content production.

In contrast, paid licences through YouTube Creator Music are single-use and tiered by subscriber count, with fees ranging from £9.99 to £74.99 per song. This model can quickly increase costs, especially for creators reusing the same track.

Remarkably, paid licences allow creators to retain full ad revenue or opt for revenue-sharing agreements with artists, providing some flexibility.

• Free music from the YouTube Audio Library has no licensing fees.

• Paid licences are single-use with tiered pricing.

• Paid licences can include full ad revenue retention or revshare.

Usage Rights and Restrictions

Although both free and paid music options on YouTube Creator Music grant creators access to a wide array of songs, the usage rights and restrictions attached to each type of licence differ considerably.

Free music, typically sourced from the YouTube Audio Library, often comes with more permissive usage rights but may still include certain limitations, especially regarding sponsored or branded content.

Paid licences, priced according to channel size, offer a broader selection and professional tracks but are single-use, meaning each licence covers only one video.

Additionally, revenue-sharing licences present flexible alternatives for creators with budget constraints but require careful adherence to licensing terms.

Failure to comply with these terms can expose creators to copyright claims.

Music creators benefit by setting licensing conditions and monetisation options for their work.

Filtering and Browsing Tracks in Creator Music

How can creators efficiently navigate the vast selection of tracks available in YouTube’s Creator Music? The platform’s music catalogue is integrated directly into YouTube Studio, allowing creators to browse, search, and organise tracks with ease.

Robust filtering options—such as filter by Genre, Mood, Vocals, BPM, Duration, and Price—enable users to swiftly pinpoint music that suits their content needs. Track previews are available by hovering over album art and clicking play, streamlining the decision-making process.

Additionally, tracks can be saved to "Your Library" for future reference, supporting a more organised workflow. Licensing icons further clarify usage terms, aiding compliance and planning.

• Filter tracks by Genre, Mood, BPM, and more

• Preview tracks instantly before selection

• Save preferred tracks to "Your Library" for easy access

Copyright Compliance and Legal Protections

Beyond the convenience of browsing and filtering tracks, YouTube Creator Music addresses a critical concern for content creators: copyright compliance. By offering licensed music, the platform enables creators to use tracks legally in their videos, greatly reducing the risk of copyright claims.

Each licence is single-use, applying to only one video, which prevents unauthorised reuse and guarantees continued legal protection. Licensing terms vary, with creators able to select either upfront payment or revenue sharing models, depending on their monetisation needs. This flexibility not only facilitates compliance but also aligns with diverse revenue strategies.

Importantly, acquiring a licence through Creator Music removes Content ID claims, allowing creators to monetise videos without interruption. This framework strengthens trust and clarity between creators and the music industry.

Community Engagement and Artist Exposure

A growing number of independent musicians are utilising YouTube Creator Music as a conduit for community engagement and increased exposure. This platform enables artists to have their music featured in a wide array of videos by YouTube creators, substantially expanding their audience reach.

By entering licensing agreements, musicians not only monetise their work but also foster collaborative relationships within the vibrant YouTube community. The regular update of the music catalogue guarantees ongoing opportunities for artist exposure, while partnerships with digital distributors like RouteNote facilitate equitable revenue sharing.

This ecosystem supports musicians in building their fan base and engaging with new listeners. Additionally, YouTube's algorithm-driven recommendations enhance the visibility of featured tracks, further amplifying artist reach and engagement.

• Artists benefit from increased visibility as YouTube creators use their tracks.

• Community engagement is enhanced through audience interactions on diverse content.

• Sustainable revenue streams are developed via licensing agreements.

Challenges With Exclusivity and Overused Tracks

Despite the breadth of YouTube Creator Music’s library, the platform’s non-exclusive licensing model introduces challenges regarding track uniqueness and content differentiation.

Since multiple creators can licence the same songs, it becomes difficult for individual channels to establish an audio identity using unique tracks. This widespread use of popular selections often leads to overused music, resulting in a repetitive auditory experience for viewers who frequent different channels.

The platform’s general filtering system, lacking in customisation, further complicates the process for creators seeking tracks that precisely fit their content needs. Additionally, competition for trending songs crowds the creative space, reducing the potential for distinctive audio branding.

The one-time use licence also restricts repeat use, increasing costs and limiting the ability to maintain a consistent sound palette.

Long-Term Considerations for Musicians and Creators

Sustainability emerges as a critical factor when evaluating YouTube Creator Music from the perspective of both musicians and content creators. The platform’s licensing model introduces several long-term considerations that impact financial planning and content strategy.

Long-term costs accumulate as creators must pay for licensed music per use, which can add up considerably if tracks are reused across multiple videos. Changes to licensing terms on expiry may affect ongoing revenue, as continued usage of tracks could require renegotiation or removal of content.

Additionally, barriers to monetisation exist for those not meeting the YouTube Partner Programme requirements.

• Ongoing fees for licensed music can escalate with increased usage and audience growth.

• Expiring licences may compel creators to remove content or face additional costs.

• Monetisation options remain limited for non-Partner Programme participants.

• Creators should also consider music distribution and streaming as a complementary revenue source to mitigate potential losses from licensing fees.

Alternatives to YouTube Creator Music

Beyond YouTube Creator Music, creators are increasingly turning to subscription-based licensing platforms and direct collaborations with independent artists.

These alternatives often provide greater flexibility in pricing, access to distinctive music catalogues, and more transparent licensing terms.

Such options can better align with creators’ budgetary needs and content goals, while also reducing reliance on widely-used tracks.

Subscription-Based Licensing Platforms

How do subscription-based licensing platforms like Track Club and Thematic compare to YouTube Creator Music for musicians seeking flexible solutions?

Subscription-based licensing offers creators a flat monthly or annual fee, bypassing the per-track charges found on YouTube Creator Music. This approach guarantees transparent pricing, simplifying budgeting for musicians and content creators.

Additionally, these platforms often provide access to curated and unique music catalogues, enabling creators to distinguish their content and reduce overlap with others using the same tracks. Licence durations are typically longer, allowing continued use of music across multiple videos while the subscription remains active.

Key advantages include:

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

• Access to unique content opportunities through curated catalogues

• Flexible licensing terms supporting ongoing content creation

Independent Artist Collaborations

While subscription-based licensing platforms offer structured access to music libraries, some creators and musicians seek greater customisation and originality through independent artist collaborations. By choosing to collaborate directly with independent artists, content creators can secure unique soundtracks tailored to their projects. This arrangement not only enhances originality but also allows both parties to negotiate direct licensing agreements, often resulting in more flexible and favourable terms. Platforms such as Bandcamp and SoundCloud facilitate these connections, making it easier to discover and work with emerging talent. Building these relationships opens doors for future collaborations and community growth. The table below summarises key distinctions:

Maximising Benefits as a Musician on Creator Music

Strategically utilising YouTube Creator Music enables musicians to generate revenue, expand their audience, and retain control over their intellectual property.

Musicians can monetise music directly by participating in Creator Music, offering tracks for creators to licence for their content. Licensing fees are tiered according to the creator’s subscriber count, providing scalable income—ranging from £9.99 to £74.99 per video use. Each licence is specific to a single video, granting musicians detailed oversight of their catalogue.

Submission through digital distributors, such as DistroKid, streamlines the process and increases visibility among content creators. By maximising these features, musicians benefit from increased exposure, collaborative opportunities, and consistent revenue streams. Additionally, utilising data-driven music promotion can enhance your visibility within the creator ecosystem.

• Retain copyright and manage single-use licensing agreements

• Monetise music via upfront licensing fees or ad revenue sharing

• Increase exposure within YouTube’s vast creator ecosystem

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between YouTube Audio Library and Creator Music?

The main difference lies in YouTube Licensing and Music Monetisation: the Audio Library offers royalty-free options for unlimited use, while Creator Music provides licensed tracks with varied monetisation models, including paid or revenue-sharing licences for individual videos.

Who Is Eligible for YouTube Creator Music?

Eligibility criteria for access require creators to participate in the YouTube Partner Programme, comply with monetisation policies, and be located in the United States. Music licensing options and content creation capabilities may vary based on subscriber counts and regional restrictions.

How Are YouTubers Able to Use Copyrighted Music?

YouTubers utilise copyrighted music by selecting music licensing options, adhering to fair use guidelines, and manoeuvring through the Content ID system, which determines whether music can be used, monetised, or requires revenue sharing or additional permissions from rights holders.

Can I Use 20 Seconds of Copyrighted Music on YouTube?

Using 20 seconds of copyrighted music on YouTube does not guarantee protection under fair use principles. Duration limitations alone do not eliminate copyright infringement risks, and creators may still face claims or legal consequences regardless of clip length.

Conclusion

YouTube Creator Music presents musicians with new avenues for exposure, revenue, and integration into the creator economy. While its licensing options and monetisation models offer flexibility, challenges such as exclusivity and potential track saturation remain. Musicians must weigh these factors against alternative platforms and long-term career goals. By understanding the system and strategically utilising its features, artists can maximise opportunities, but ongoing evaluation is essential as the platform and digital music environment continue to evolve.