# Thematic - Free Music for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram & Podcasts > Thematic is a music licensing platform connecting 1M+ independent content creators with copyright-safe music from emerging artists. Free to use: creators get a permanent license at no cost in exchange for including a promotional link in their video description, which activates Content ID whitelisting and prevents copyright claims. Premium ($9.99/mo) and Pro ($24.99/mo) plans available. Co-founded with YouTube pioneer Michelle Phan. Serving creators across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and podcasts. --- ## How Thematic Works - [How Thematic Works](https://hellothematic.com/how-it-works/): How creators get free, permanently licensed music by including a license link in their video description. Explains Content ID whitelisting, how the promo link prevents copyright claims, and what each plan tier includes (free, Premium $9.99/mo, Pro $24.99/mo). - [Why Thematic](https://hellothematic.com/why-thematic/): The story and philosophy behind Thematic - why the platform was built, how the creator-artist exchange model works, and how it differs from traditional music licensing. --- ## Platform Pages - [Free Music for YouTube Videos](https://hellothematic.com/music-for-youtube-videos/): How to get copyright-safe music for YouTube at no cost. Explains Content ID, how the Thematic license link prevents claims, and how to find trending music matched to your content type. - [Free Music for TikTok](https://hellothematic.com/music-for-tiktok/): Licensed music for TikTok creators and business accounts. One Thematic license covers YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and more - no platform-specific fees. - [Free Music for Instagram](https://hellothematic.com/music-for-instagram/): Licensed music for Instagram Reels, Stories, and feed videos. Works for personal and business accounts with no copyright strikes. - [Licensed Music for Podcasts](https://hellothematic.com/podcasts/): Podsafe music licensed for Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and RSS platforms. Available on Premium and Pro plans. Covers intro/outro music and background tracks. - [Music for Video Editors](https://hellothematic.com/music-for-video-editors/): Copyright-safe music for video editors working in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, and other editing tools. Licensed for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and social media export. - [Royalty-Free Music](https://hellothematic.com/royalty-free-music/): What royalty-free music means for content creators, how Thematic's licensed music compares to traditional royalty-free libraries, and how to avoid copyright claims. - [Sound Effects](https://hellothematic.com/sound-effects/): Free sound effects and SFX packs for YouTube, TikTok, and social media content. Licensed for use across all major platforms. - [Music Genres](https://hellothematic.com/music-genres/): Browse Thematic's music library by genre - including indie, pop, hip-hop, electronic, ambient, and more. All tracks licensed for creator use. - [Video Themes](https://hellothematic.com/video-themes/): Browse music curated by video theme - vlogs, travel, lifestyle, gaming, fitness, cooking, and more. Matched to common content types. --- ## Mobile App - [Thematic App](https://app.hellothematic.com/thematic-app): Thematic's mobile app for iOS and Android. Creators can browse and download licensed music, manage their playlists, and track their licenses directly from their phone. --- ## Comparisons & Alternatives - [Thematic vs Epidemic Sound](https://hellothematic.com/epidemic-sound-comparison/): Side-by-side comparison of pricing, library size, licensing terms, copyright protection, and cancellation policy. Thematic offers a permanent free tier; Epidemic Sound starts at $9/month with no free plan. - [Thematic vs Uppbeat](https://hellothematic.com/thematic-vs-uppbeat/): Comparison for creators choosing between Thematic and Uppbeat. Both have free tiers; Thematic's is permanent with a promotional link, Uppbeat's free tier limits monthly downloads. - [Thematic vs YouTube Audio Library](https://hellothematic.com/youtube-audio-library/): Compares Thematic with YouTube's built-in music library. YouTube Audio Library offers limited public domain and Creative Commons tracks; Thematic offers trending music from real independent artists with a license that covers all platforms. - [Thematic vs YouTube Creator Music](https://hellothematic.com/youtube-creator-music/): Compares Thematic with YouTube Creator Music (YouTube's revenue-sharing licensing model). Covers licensing differences, cost structures, and which model suits different creator types. - [Thematic vs Bensound](https://hellothematic.com/thematic-vs-bensound/): Comparison of Thematic and Bensound for creators. Both offer free attribution-based tiers, but Thematic's license link activates Content ID protection; Bensound's free tier does not. Covers pricing, library size, and licensing differences. - [Best Free Music Websites for Creators](https://hellothematic.com/best-free-music-websites/): Roundup of the best free and royalty-free music platforms for YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram creators, including pricing, library size, and copyright claim risk for each option. --- ## Copyright & Licensing Guides - [How Copyright Works on YouTube](https://hellothematic.com/how-copyright-works-on-youtube/): Explains YouTube's Content ID system, the difference between copyright claims and copyright strikes, what happens when a claim is filed, and how licensed platforms prevent claims. - [How to Use Copyrighted Music on YouTube Legally](https://hellothematic.com/use-copyrighted-music-on-youtube/): Covers Creative Commons licensing, music licensing platforms, fair use, and the difference between platforms that eliminate claims vs. those that only reduce risk. - [I Received a Copyright Claim on YouTube - What Now?](https://hellothematic.com/so-you-received-a-copyright-claim-on-your-youtube-video/): Step-by-step guide for creators who have received a Content ID claim. Explains the difference between a claim and a strike, how to dispute, and how to avoid future claims. - [About YouTube Content ID Abuse](https://hellothematic.com/about-youtube-content-id-abuse/): Explains how bad actors misuse Content ID to claim revenue on videos they don't own, how creators can identify false claims, and how Thematic's licensing model protects against this. - [YouTube Content ID Explained](https://hellothematic.com/youtube-content-id/): A comprehensive explanation of how YouTube's Content ID system works, who can register music, what happens when a fingerprint match is detected, and what rights creators have. - [How to Find Out If a Song Is Copyrighted](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-find-out-if-a-song-is-copyrighted/): How creators can check whether a song is registered in Content ID before using it. Covers YouTube's audio recognition, Creative Commons licenses, and how licensed platforms handle this. - [Is No Copyright Music Safe?](https://hellothematic.com/is-no-copyright-music-safe/): Explains what "no copyright music" actually means and why it can still trigger Content ID claims. Covers the difference between Creative Commons, public domain, and properly licensed music, and which platforms provide genuine Content ID protection. - [Can You Use AI Music on YouTube?](https://hellothematic.com/ai-music-for-youtube/): Whether AI-generated music is safe for YouTube monetization and content. Covers Content ID risk, platform policies, disclosure requirements, and how AI music compares to licensed music from real artists. - [What Is Royalty-Free Music?](https://hellothematic.com/what-is-royalty-free-music/): Explains what "royalty-free" actually means (and doesn't mean), why royalty-free music can still trigger Content ID claims, and how licensed music platforms provide stronger protection. - [Understanding Music Publishing and Royalties](https://hellothematic.com/understanding-music-publishing-and-royalties/): Explains music publishing rights, the difference between master rights and publishing rights, how royalties flow, and what this means for creators using music in their content. - [Music Licensing for Brand Videos](https://hellothematic.com/music-licensing-brand-videos/): How businesses and brands license music for promotional videos, social media ads, and marketing content. Covers Thematic's options for commercial and brand use. - [Copyright-Free Music for Podcasts](https://hellothematic.com/copyright-free-music-for-podcasts/): How podcasters can find and license music for intros, outros, and background use without copyright issues on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms. - [Music for Podcasts](https://hellothematic.com/music-for-podcasts/): Curated music for podcast use cases - intro themes, background music, and ambient tracks - licensed for audio distribution on all major podcast platforms. --- ## How to Add Music (by Tool) - [How to Add Music to YouTube Videos](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-to-youtube-videos/): Step-by-step guide for adding background music to YouTube videos in the YouTube editor and during post-production. Includes licensing guidance. - [How to Add Music to YouTube Shorts](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-to-youtube-shorts/): How to add music to YouTube Shorts using YouTube's built-in tools and third-party editors. Covers copyright considerations specific to Shorts. - [How to Add Music to Instagram](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-to-instagram/): Adding music to Instagram Reels, Stories, and feed videos. Explains the difference between Instagram's music library and using externally licensed tracks. - [How to Add Music to Instagram Edits App](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-to-edits-instagram-app/): How to add music inside Instagram's Edits app (formerly Clips). Covers both Instagram's music library and importing externally licensed tracks. - [How to Add Music to CapCut](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-to-capcut/): Adding background music and sound effects to videos in CapCut, including how to import licensed tracks from Thematic for use on YouTube and TikTok. - [How to Add Music to InShot](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-to-inshot/): How to add music to videos in InShot for iOS and Android, including importing external tracks and managing audio levels. - [How to Add Music to iMovie](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-in-imovie/): Adding background music to videos in iMovie on Mac and iOS. Includes how to import licensed tracks and adjust timing and volume. - [How to Add Music to DaVinci Resolve](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-to-davinci-resolve/): Adding and mixing music tracks in DaVinci Resolve for YouTube videos and professional productions. - [How to Add Music to Adobe Premiere](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-to-adobe-premiere/): Adding licensed music to Adobe Premiere Pro (desktop) and Adobe Premiere AI Video Editor (mobile). Covers importing audio, adjusting volume, export settings, and pricing for each app. - [How to Add Music to Canva Video](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-add-music-to-canva-video/): Adding music to Canva video projects for social media, presentations, and promotional content. - [Post-Production Audio Basics](https://hellothematic.com/post-production-audio-basics/): Introduction to mixing music, dialogue, and sound effects in post-production for YouTube and social media videos. --- ## Music by Genre & Mood - [Best Music for Vlogs](https://hellothematic.com/best-music-for-vlogs/): Curated music for vlogging - upbeat, background-friendly tracks from real independent artists that complement daily life and travel content. - [Free Cinematic Music for Videos](https://hellothematic.com/free-cinematic-music-for-videos/): Copyright-safe cinematic and film-score style music from independent artists for YouTube, vlogs, and short films. - [Best Lofi Music for YouTube Videos](https://hellothematic.com/best-lofi-songs-and-music-artists/): Trending lofi hip-hop and chill beats from independent artists. Free to use for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok creators. - [Free Chill Music for Videos](https://hellothematic.com/free-chill-music-for-videos/): Relaxed, ambient music for lifestyle vlogs, study content, and background use. No copyright claims. - [Free Music for Gaming Videos](https://hellothematic.com/free-music-for-gaming-videos/): Energetic and background music for gaming YouTube channels and stream highlight videos. - [Best Instrumental Music for YouTube Videos](https://hellothematic.com/best-instrumental-music-for-youtube-videos/): Curated instrumental tracks for tutorials, cooking channels, and content where vocals would compete with narration. - [Free Music for Workout Videos](https://hellothematic.com/free-music-for-workout-videos/): High-energy tracks for fitness YouTube channels, gym content, and workout tutorials. Licensed and copyright-safe. - [Best Feel-Good Music for YouTube Videos](https://hellothematic.com/best-feel-good-music-for-youtube-videos/): Upbeat, positive music from independent artists for lifestyle, travel, and feel-good content creators. - [Top Aesthetic Music for YouTube Videos](https://hellothematic.com/top-aesthetic-music-for-youtube-videos/): Music curated for aesthetic-driven YouTube content, including soft indie, dream pop, and ambient styles popular in lifestyle and beauty channels. - [Halloween Music for YouTube Videos](https://hellothematic.com/halloween-music-for-youtube-videos/): Spooky, dramatic, and atmospheric music for Halloween content, horror vlogs, and October-themed YouTube videos. - [Best Free Music for Vlogmas](https://hellothematic.com/best-free-music-for-vlogmas/): Festive and wintery music for Vlogmas content, holiday vlogs, and Christmas-themed YouTube videos. --- ## Aesthetic Discovery - [Discover Aesthetics](https://hellothematic.com/discover-aesthetics/): Browse Thematic's music library by aesthetic category - lofi, cottagecore, dark academia, y2k, vaporwave, and more. - [Find Your Aesthetic](https://hellothematic.com/find-your-aesthetic/): Tool for matching creators with music that fits their channel's visual and thematic aesthetic. - [Lofi Aesthetic Music](https://hellothematic.com/lofi-aesthetic/): Lofi hip-hop and chill music curated for creators building a lofi or study aesthetic on YouTube and TikTok. - [Baddie Aesthetic Music](https://hellothematic.com/baddie-aesthetic/): Confident, high-energy music for baddie aesthetic content on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube. - [Summer Aesthetic Music](https://hellothematic.com/summer-aesthetic/): Warm, upbeat music for summer vlogs, beach content, and seasonal lifestyle videos. - [Vaporwave Aesthetic Music](https://hellothematic.com/vaporwave-aesthetic/): Retro synth and vaporwave-influenced music for creators building an 80s or retrowave aesthetic. - [Y2K Aesthetic Music](https://hellothematic.com/y2k-aesthetic/): Early 2000s-influenced pop and electronic music for Y2K aesthetic content on TikTok and YouTube. --- ## Artist Resources - [Get Your Music Featured by Influencers](https://hellothematic.com/get-music-featured-by-influencers/): How independent artists can get their music placed in YouTube and TikTok creator videos through Thematic's platform. Covers the submission process and what creators look for. - [Best Free Music Marketing Tools for Independent Artists](https://hellothematic.com/free-music-marketing-tools-for-music-artists/): Honest breakdown of the best free music marketing tools for independent artists - what each costs, how it works, and who it's best for. Covers Thematic, Spotify for Artists, SubmitHub, Groover, Soundcampaign, and organic social. - [How to Promote Your Music After Release](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-promote-your-music-after-release/): Guide for independent artists on promoting new releases through playlist pitching, creator partnerships, and social media strategies. - [Artists on Thematic](https://hellothematic.com/artists/): How the platform works for independent musicians - submitting music, getting matched with creators, and tracking where songs are used. - [Artists' Rights](https://hellothematic.com/artists-rights/): How Thematic protects artist rights - music ownership, licensing terms, Content ID registration, and how artists retain full control of their catalog. --- ## Creator Resources - [Creator Toolkit](https://hellothematic.com/creator-toolkit/): Free guides, tutorials, and tools for content creators covering YouTube tips, video editing, copyright help, and music. - [Creator Signal](https://hellothematic.com/creator-signal/): Thematic's creator intelligence product - audience signals, trending content data, and insights for creators and brands. - [Creators' Rights](https://hellothematic.com/creators-rights/): How Thematic protects creator rights - what the license covers, what happens if a copyright claim is filed, and how to resolve disputes. - [Podcasting on YouTube](https://hellothematic.com/podcasting-on-youtube/): Guide to publishing and growing a podcast on YouTube, including music licensing, chapter markers, and YouTube-specific podcast features. - [Podcast Structures and Formats](https://hellothematic.com/podcast-structures-and-formats/): Overview of podcast episode formats - interviews, solo shows, narrative, panel - and how music choices support each format's tone and pacing. - [How to Start a Podcast](https://hellothematic.com/how-to-start-a-podcast/): Step-by-step guide to launching a podcast - equipment, hosting, distribution, and music licensing for intros and background tracks. - [Vlogging 101: How to Start a Vlog](https://hellothematic.com/vlogging-101-how-to-start-a-vlog/): Beginner's guide to starting a YouTube vlog - gear, filming, editing, and choosing background music that fits your channel's style. - [Faceless YouTube Channel Ideas](https://hellothematic.com/faceless-youtube-channel-ideas/): Ideas and strategies for building a YouTube channel without appearing on camera. Music plays a central role in faceless content - covers formats, niches, and how to source the right tracks. - [How Music Grows Your YouTube Audience](https://hellothematic.com/music-grows-youtube-audience/): How the right music increases watch time, improves viewer retention, and helps creators build a recognizable channel identity on YouTube. - [Top Video Editing Software for Creators](https://hellothematic.com/top-video-editing-software-for-creators/): Comparison of video editing tools for YouTube and social media creators, including how each handles music import, audio mixing, and licensed track integration. - [How to Monetize on TikTok](https://hellothematic.com/monetize-on-tiktok/): Guide to TikTok monetization requirements in 2026 - follower and view thresholds for the Creator Rewards Program, how earnings are calculated ($0.40-$1.00+ per 1,000 views), and what creators need to know before applying. --- ## Brand & Business - [Music for Brands](https://hellothematic.com/music-for-brands/): How brands and businesses license music for marketing videos, social media ads, and promotional content through Thematic. - [Amplify by Thematic](https://hellothematic.com/amplify-affiliate/): Thematic's creator network for brands and affiliate programs looking to connect with 1M+ pre-qualified creators matched by content type, audience, and brand affinity. - [Creator Marketing - Thematic Perks](https://hellothematic.com/perks/): Brand partnership and creator perks program. Puts brand offers in front of Thematic's creator community, targeted by follower size, location, and content type. - [Thematic for Partners](https://hellothematic.com/partners/): Partnership opportunities for labels, distributors, and platforms looking to work with Thematic's creator community. --- ## Creator & Artist Stories Real stories from independent artists and content creators building their audiences through Thematic. New stories published regularly. - [Stories - Thematic Blog](https://hellothematic.com/category/stories/): Archive of artist and creator case studies. Real people, real outcomes - how independent musicians and content creators use Thematic to grow audiences, earn streams, and make music licensing work for them. - [He Stopped Treating Release Week Like a Deadline. Now His Songs Keep Finding People.](https://hellothematic.com/irg-artist-story/): Artist story from Isaac Gutierrez (.irg), a lofi and indie artist who discovered that consistent creator placements through Thematic kept his catalog surfacing to new listeners long after release - including inside a UK doctor's day-in-the-life vlog watched by thousands. - [Anja Kotar Artist Story](https://hellothematic.com/anja-kotar-artist-story/): Artist story from Anja Kotar, an independent musician building her audience through creator placements on Thematic. - [Mykyl Artist Story](https://hellothematic.com/mykyl-artist-story/): Artist story from Mykyl, an independent musician building an audience through creator placements on Thematic. - [Friends of Artist Story](https://hellothematic.com/friends-of-artist-story/): Artist story from Friends of, an independent musician building an audience through creator placements on Thematic. --- ## Help Center - [Thematic Help Center](https://help.hellothematic.com): Documentation and FAQs for creators and artists using Thematic. Covers how the license works, Content ID, the promotional link requirement, account setup, and platform-specific guidance for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts. --- ## Help Center - Compare Platforms - [Best Free Music Platforms for YouTube Creators](https://help.hellothematic.com/best-free-music-for-youtube-creators): How the main free music platforms compare on downloads, Content ID protection, and music style - including Thematic, Uppbeat, Bensound, and YouTube Audio Library. - [Free Alternatives to Epidemic Sound](https://help.hellothematic.com/free-alternatives-to-epidemic-sound): Comparison of Thematic vs. Epidemic Sound - Thematic is permanently free with no subscription required; Epidemic Sound starts at $17.99/mo or $119.88/yr with no free plan. - [Free Alternatives to Uppbeat](https://help.hellothematic.com/free-alternatives-to-uppbeat): Thematic vs. Uppbeat - both have free tiers, but Thematic's points accumulate with no monthly reset, one download covers a song across unlimited videos, and commercial use is included on all plans. - [Free Alternatives to Bensound](https://help.hellothematic.com/free-alternatives-to-bensound): Thematic vs. Bensound - both have free attribution-based tiers, but Thematic's license link activates Content ID protection; Bensound's free tier does not. --- ## Help Center - Getting Started - [Is Thematic Free?](https://help.hellothematic.com/is-thematic-free): What the permanent free plan includes, what requires a paid plan (podcast use, full catalog access, unlimited downloads), and how the points-based download system works. - [What Platforms Does Thematic Cover?](https://help.hellothematic.com/what-platforms-does-thematic-cover): One Thematic license covers YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, Twitch, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Podcast licensing requires Premium or Pro. --- ## Help Center - Crediting & Licensing - [How Does the Thematic License Link Work?](https://help.hellothematic.com/how-does-the-license-link-work): The license link in your video description activates Content ID protection for that song. One download covers the song across unlimited videos - no need to redownload for each upload. --- ## About - [About Thematic](https://hellothematic.com/about-thematic/): Thematic's mission, story, and team. Co-founded with Michelle Phan (YouTube pioneer, 9M+ subscribers). Serving 1M+ creators and 10,000+ independent artists across 220+ countries. Over $120M in earned media value generated for artists. - [Thematic Press & Newsroom](https://hellothematic.com/press/): Media coverage, brand assets, and press inquiries for Thematic.