What Music Can You Use in Your Video (and How to Do It Legally)

Why you can't use just any song

Commercial music is protected by two separate rights: the composition (copyright) and the recording. Both usually belong to labels and publishers. Using a famous track without a license can trigger claims, muted audio, or takedowns on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok. Crediting the artist does not replace permission. The practical rule is simple: if you don't have written licensing that covers your specific use, you shouldn't use that track, no matter how well it fits the visuals. Getting this right protects your brand and your campaign.

Licensed music libraries (royalty-free)

The most common route is production-music libraries: catalogs where you buy a license and use the track without paying per play. They cover everything from corporate video to ads and social. When choosing, check three things: that the license covers your platform (web, social, TV), your reach (internal use vs. paid campaign) and the territory. Always keep proof of the license. A well-chosen library track, edited tightly to the rhythm of the cut, sounds just as professional as an original score on most projects.

Custom original music

When a brand wants its own sonic identity, or the project is ambitious —a spot, a content series, a recurring intro— you commission original music. It gives you exclusivity, full control of tone, and prevents the same track showing up in another company's video. It also simplifies rights: if the agreement says so, your use is covered without platform limits. At Bostak Films we select or coordinate music inside post-production so the audio reinforces the message rather than sitting there as background filler.

Creator music and monetization

Content creators and podcasters often rely on subscription-based libraries or independent composers who license their tracks in exchange for credit or an agreement. That's perfectly valid as long as you have documented permission. Be careful with the audio libraries built into social platforms: many only allow personal use and get blocked for business accounts or commercial content. If your video is tied to sponsorships, memberships or other forms of monetization, make sure the license explicitly covers that commercial use.

How to pick the right track

Start with the emotion you want to create, not your favorite song. Set tempo and energy to match the edit: a testimonial wants something warm and restrained; a product video, something with more pulse. Make sure the music leaves room for the voices and doesn't fight the narration. Test two or three options against the actual cut before deciding. And confirm the license before you lock the edit: swapping the music at the end forces you to rebalance the whole video's sound.

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