Hey guys! Ever wondered about the catchy tunes Casey Neistat uses in his vlogs? You know, those awesome tracks that just make his videos so engaging? Well, you're not alone! A lot of creators and fans alike are always on the lookout for the copyright-free music that Casey frequently features. Using copyright-free music is super important, especially if you're creating content and want to avoid those pesky copyright strikes. Let's dive into the world of Casey Neistat's music choices and how you can find similar tracks for your own projects.

Understanding Copyright-Free Music

First off, let's break down what copyright-free music actually means. When a song is protected by copyright, you typically need permission (a license) from the copyright holder to use it in your videos, podcasts, or other content. This permission often comes with a fee. Copyright-free music, on the other hand, gives you the right to use the music without needing to obtain specific permission or pay royalties each time you use it. There are several types of licenses that allow this, such as Creative Commons licenses, or music specifically released into the public domain.

Types of Copyright-Free Licenses

• Creative Commons (CC): This is a popular option where the artist allows you to use their work for free, sometimes with specific conditions. For example, you might need to give them credit or you might not be allowed to use the music for commercial purposes. Always double-check the specific terms of the license!
• Public Domain: Music in the public domain is free for anyone to use, no strings attached! This usually applies to older works where the copyright has expired.
• Royalty-Free Music Libraries: These are services that offer music under a license where you pay a one-time fee (or a subscription) for the right to use the music in your projects. While it's technically not "free," it saves you from paying ongoing royalties.

Why Use Copyright-Free Music?

Using copyright-free music is a smart move for several reasons:

• Avoid Copyright Claims: The biggest benefit is avoiding copyright claims or strikes on platforms like YouTube. These strikes can lead to your video being taken down or your monetization being disabled.
• Save Money: Paying for music licenses can be expensive, especially if you're creating content regularly. Copyright-free music helps you keep your costs down.
• Creative Freedom: With a wide variety of copyright-free tracks available, you can find the perfect music to match your creative vision without restrictions.

Where Casey Neistat Gets His Music

Okay, so where does Casey Neistat find all that amazing copyright-free music? While Casey doesn't always reveal his exact sources (gotta keep some secrets, right?), he often uses a mix of different platforms and services. Let's explore some of the most likely places he and other vloggers find their tunes.

Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound is a super popular choice among content creators, and there's a good chance Casey has used it at some point. It's a subscription-based service that gives you access to a huge library of high-quality music and sound effects. The great thing about Epidemic Sound is that as long as you have an active subscription, you're covered for copyright claims on platforms like YouTube. This means you can use their music without worrying about getting a strike. Epidemic Sound's library is constantly updated with new tracks, ensuring you always have fresh options. The platform is user-friendly, allowing you to easily search for music by genre, mood, tempo, and more. This makes it simple to find the perfect track for your video, whether you need something upbeat and energetic or something more mellow and atmospheric. Plus, Epidemic Sound offers a wide range of sound effects, which can add that extra layer of polish to your content. Many creators appreciate the peace of mind that comes with an Epidemic Sound subscription, knowing they can use the music without copyright concerns. They also offer different subscription tiers to suit various needs and budgets, making it accessible for both individual creators and larger production companies.

Artlist

Artlist is another fantastic subscription service that provides royalty-free music. Like Epidemic Sound, it offers a vast catalog of music spanning various genres and styles. Artlist prides itself on the quality of its music, ensuring that everything in its library is top-notch. The platform's interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to find the perfect track for your project. One of the standout features of Artlist is its universal license, which covers almost any use case. Whether you're creating YouTube videos, films, commercials, or podcasts, the Artlist license has you covered. This eliminates the need to worry about the specifics of different licenses and usage restrictions. Artlist also offers a selection of sound effects, further enhancing its value to content creators. The platform regularly adds new music to its library, keeping the selection fresh and diverse. Many creators appreciate the quality and simplicity of Artlist, making it a go-to resource for their music needs. Artlist's focus on high-quality music and straightforward licensing has made it a favorite among filmmakers and video producers alike. They also offer curated collections and playlists, helping you discover new music that fits your style.

YouTube Audio Library

Don't forget the YouTube Audio Library! This is a goldmine of free music that you can use in your YouTube videos. YouTube provides this library to help creators find music without worrying about copyright issues. The library includes a wide range of tracks and sound effects, all of which are free to use. You can search by genre, mood, instrument, and more to find the perfect fit for your video. While the quality might not always be as high as some of the subscription services, it's a great option if you're on a budget or just starting out. One of the advantages of the YouTube Audio Library is that it's directly integrated into the YouTube platform, making it incredibly easy to access and use. You can browse the library directly from your YouTube Studio dashboard. The library also includes attribution information for each track, so you can properly credit the artist if required. Many creators use the YouTube Audio Library as a starting point for their music needs, and it's a valuable resource for anyone creating content on YouTube. The fact that it's free and readily available makes it an attractive option for both new and experienced creators. YouTube regularly updates the library with new tracks, ensuring there's always something fresh to discover.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud can also be a great resource for finding copyright-free music, but you need to be extra careful. While SoundCloud is known for its vast collection of music from independent artists, not all of it is free to use. You need to look for tracks that are specifically labeled as copyright-free or released under a Creative Commons license. When you find a track you like, be sure to check the license terms to ensure you're allowed to use it in your project. Some artists may require attribution, while others may not allow commercial use. Always respect the artist's wishes and follow the license terms. SoundCloud can be a bit trickier to navigate than dedicated royalty-free music libraries, but it can also lead you to discover unique and interesting music that you won't find anywhere else. Many independent artists use SoundCloud as a platform to share their music and offer it for free to creators. By carefully searching and checking the license terms, you can find some real gems on SoundCloud. It's a great way to support independent artists and add a unique touch to your content. Just remember to do your due diligence and ensure you have the right to use the music before incorporating it into your project.

Tips for Choosing the Right Music

Choosing the right music for your videos is crucial. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choices:

• Consider the Mood: Think about the overall mood you want to create in your video. Is it energetic and upbeat, or calm and reflective? Choose music that matches the tone of your content.
• Match the Pace: The tempo of the music should align with the pace of your video. If you have fast-paced action shots, opt for music with a higher tempo. For slower, more contemplative scenes, choose something more relaxed.
• Avoid Distractions: Make sure the music doesn't overpower your voiceover or other important audio elements. The music should enhance your video, not distract from it.
• Check the License: Always double-check the license terms before using any music. Make sure you understand the conditions and requirements for using the track.
• Give Credit: If the license requires attribution, be sure to give proper credit to the artist in your video description.

How to Credit Music Properly

Giving credit where it's due is super important, not just legally but also ethically. Here’s how to do it right:

• Include the Artist's Name: Always mention the artist's name in your video description.
• Include the Track Title: Include the title of the song you used.
• Link to the Source: If possible, provide a link to the artist's website or the platform where you found the music.
• Specify the License: Mention the type of license the music is under (e.g., Creative Commons Attribution).

Here's an example of how to credit music in your video description:

Music: "Awesome Song" by [Artist Name]

Source: [Link to Artist's Website or Platform]

License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0

Staying Updated on Copyright Rules

Copyright rules can change over time, so it's essential to stay updated. Here are some tips for staying informed:

• Follow Copyright Blogs: Subscribe to blogs and newsletters that cover copyright law and music licensing.
• Check Platform Policies: Regularly review the copyright policies of platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
• Consult a Legal Professional: If you have complex questions or concerns about copyright, consider consulting with a legal professional.

By staying informed and following best practices, you can ensure that you're using music legally and ethically in your content. So go out there, find some awesome copyright-free tracks, and create amazing videos like Casey Neistat! Just remember to always double-check those licenses and give credit where it's due. Happy creating!