Video Platform-Provided Libraries advice has gotten complicated with all the outdated tips and platform changes flying around. Here’s what actually works in 2026.
Got hit with a copyright claim on a video that was getting good traction. Monetization gone instantly. Now I’m paranoid about music selection.
Platform-Provided Libraries
YouTube Audio Library – free, cleared for commercial use, actually decent selection. Not exciting but safe.
Meta Sound Collection for Reels – same deal. Use their provided tracks and you’re covered. Some are overused but they work.
TikTok’s commercial music library exists but it’s complicated. Some tracks cleared for business accounts only.
Royalty-Free Services
Epidemic Sound and Artlist charge subscriptions but have huge libraries. Professional quality, cleared for monetization. Worth it if you’re serious.
Subscription covers unlimited use. Way cheaper than licensing individual tracks.
The Trending Sound Trap
Popular song clips on TikTok aren’t always cleared for YouTube Shorts or Reels. You can use them on TikTok (platform has licenses) but repurposing gets flagged.
That Drake song everyone’s using? Fine on TikTok. Upload to YouTube? Claim incoming.
What Claims Actually Mean
Copyright claim ≠ strike. Claims affect monetization but don’t hurt your channel. Strikes are different and serious.
Some creators accept claims on viral videos – who cares about $50 in monetization if the video builds your audience?
Safe Strategy
Platform library for anything you need monetized. Trending sounds for pure growth plays on the platform they’re trending on. Don’t cross-post without checking clearance.
When in doubt, use royalty-free. Not worth losing monetization over a sound choice.
