Royalty Free vs Copyright Free Music: What’s the Difference?
Learn the difference between royalty free and copyright free music. Understand how each works, what licenses mean, and how to use music legally in your projects.
When searching for background music for your video, ad, or podcast, you’ve probably seen terms like “royalty free” and “copyright free.” They may sound similar — but in fact, they mean very different things. Understanding the difference is crucial if you want to use music legally and avoid copyright issues.
What Is Royalty Free Music?
Royalty free music is music you can legally use after purchasing or obtaining a license — without paying ongoing royalties every time it’s used.
You don’t own the track, but you have permission to use it under the terms of the license. That means one payment gives you lifetime usage rights in videos, ads, games, social media content, and more.
Example
You buy a royalty free track for your YouTube video for $29. You can use it forever in that video without paying again — even if it gets millions of views.
Key idea: Royalty free ≠ free music. It simply means you’re free from paying repeated royalties.
What Is Copyright Free Music?
Copyright free music (also known as public domain or Creative Commons Zero) means the music is not protected by copyright at all — anyone can use it, remix it, or distribute it without permission or payment.
This usually happens when:
- The copyright has expired (for example, classical music by Bach or Mozart).
- The creator intentionally releases the work into the public domain.
However, it’s important to be careful — even if a song is copyright free, a recording of that song might still be copyrighted. For example, Beethoven’s symphony is public domain, but a modern orchestra’s recording of it might not be.
Key Differences Between Royalty Free and Copyright Free
| Feature | Royalty Free Music | Copyright Free Music |
|---|---|---|
| Copyright Status | Copyright protected | No copyright protection |
| License Required | Yes | No |
| Payment | One-time fee (or free with license) | Free |
| Usage Rights | Limited by license terms | Unlimited |
| Creator Keeps Copyright | Yes | No |
| Quality & Availability | Professionally produced | Often limited or older works |
Which One Should You Use?
For most modern creators, royalty free music is the best choice. Here’s why:
If You’re a Content Creator
- Clear, legal permission to use the track
- Professional quality recordings
- Safe for monetization on YouTube and social media
If You’re a Business
- Perfect for ads, presentations, and stores
- Affordable and risk-free
- One-time payment for lifetime usage
Copyright free music can be useful for experimental projects or educational content, but it’s often harder to find and may not fit commercial needs.
Common Misconceptions
- “Royalty free means I can use any music for free.” → Not true. You still need to buy or obtain a license.
- “Copyright free music is always safe to use.” → Not necessarily — recordings or arrangements may still be protected.
- “Royalty free means I own the track.” → You don’t own the music; you only own the license to use it.
Final Thoughts
The main difference is simple:
- Royalty free music is licensed for use without ongoing payments.
- Copyright free music is completely free of copyright protection.
If you’re creating videos, ads, or digital content — royalty free music is the most reliable, professional, and safe option.
Key Takeaways
- “Royalty free” ≠ “free music”
- “Copyright free” = public domain or open license
- Always read license terms before using music
- Choose royalty free for commercial projects
Looking for high-quality royalty free music? Explore our curated [Royalty Free Music] — professional tracks for videos, ads, podcasts, and creative projects.
