When you finish editing a video in DaVinci Resolve, visuals alone aren’t enough to tell the full story. Music sets the tone, drives emotions, and makes your content memorable. But finding free music for DaVinci Resolve that is both legal and high quality can be a challenge.
Between copyright strikes on YouTube, licensing issues, and low-quality tracks, choosing the right soundtrack for your project requires careful research. This guide will break down the best sources for royalty-free music, how to add them into DaVinci Resolve, and tips to make sure your video sounds as professional as it looks.
Why You Need Royalty-Free Music for Video Editing
Copyright laws around music are strict. If you use copyrighted tracks in your DaVinci Resolve project without permission, your video can be muted, demonetized, or even removed from platforms like YouTube or Instagram.
Royalty-free music solves this by providing licenses that allow creators to use tracks legally—sometimes completely free, sometimes with affordable subscriptions.
According to a 2024 YouTube Creator Academy report, over 36% of copyright disputes on the platform were linked to unauthorized music usage. That’s why editors need reliable royalty-free sources.
What Makes a Good Source of Free Music for DaVinci Resolve?
Not all “free” music is the same. When choosing tracks, look for:
Clear Licensing Terms – Make sure the site explicitly states the music is royalty-free.
High-Quality Audio – WAV or high-bitrate MP3 files ensure professional sound.
Variety of Genres – From cinematic scores to upbeat background music.
Attribution Requirements – Some platforms require you to credit the artist; others don’t.
Platform-Safe – Music should be cleared for YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, and client projects.
The Best Free Music Sources for DaVinci Resolve
Here’s a breakdown of reliable platforms offering free or royalty-free music:
1. YouTube Audio Library
Why It’s Great: Directly integrated with YouTube, offering a large catalog of free tracks cleared for monetized content.
Genres Available: Ambient, cinematic, electronic, pop, rock, and more.
Attribution: Some tracks require credit, others don’t.
Pro Tip: Sort by “Attribution not required” if you want to avoid extra credits.
2. Free Music Archive (FMA)
Why It’s Great: Curated collection of Creative Commons-licensed tracks.
Genres Available: Folk, jazz, hip-hop, experimental.
Attribution: Many tracks require attribution, so check carefully.
Pro Tip: Use their advanced search to filter tracks licensed for commercial use.
3. Artlist (Free Trial)
Why It’s Great: Premium library with a free trial option that lets you download some royalty-free music.
Genres Available: Cinematic, corporate, lifestyle, sports.
Attribution: None required for subscribed users.
Pro Tip: If you’re working on client projects, Artlist’s license covers unlimited commercial use.
4. Bensound
Why It’s Great: A popular option for free background music.
Genres Available: Corporate, acoustic, cinematic, electronic.
Attribution: Free tracks require credit; paid licenses remove the need for attribution.
Pro Tip: Great for small businesses and YouTubers looking for upbeat, non-distracting music.
5. Pixabay Music
Why It’s Great: 100% free stock music, no attribution required, and cleared for commercial use.
Genres Available: Lo-fi, cinematic, motivational, EDM, corporate.
Pro Tip: Their integration with stock video and images makes it easy to find complete creative assets.
6. Epidemic Sound (Trial Option)
Why It’s Great: Premium-quality tracks with a 30-day free trial. Used by major YouTubers.
Genres Available: Cinematic, pop, R&B, world music, atmospheric.
Attribution: Not required.
Pro Tip: Even after the trial, tracks used in your projects remain cleared, which is a big advantage.
How to Add Free Music into DaVinci Resolve
Adding free music for DaVinci Resolve is straightforward:
Download the Track – Save it as MP3 or WAV.
Open the Edit Page – In DaVinci Resolve, click the “Edit” workspace.
Import Media – Right-click in the Media Pool > Import Media > Select your track.
Drag to Timeline – Place the audio file onto an empty audio track under your video clips.
Adjust Levels – Use the Mixer to balance background music with dialogue or voiceover.
Add Fades – Smooth transitions with fade-in and fade-out at the start and end of music clips.
Pro Tips for Using Music in DaVinci Resolve
Match Mood and Pace – Choose upbeat tracks for fast edits, ambient music for emotional storytelling.
Use Markers – Place markers on beats to sync edits with the rhythm of the music.
Layer Sounds – Combine background music with subtle sound effects for richer storytelling.
Volume Automation – Use keyframes to lower music when dialogue is happening.
Test on Multiple Devices – Always preview your audio mix on headphones, laptop speakers, and external monitors.
Real-World Example: YouTube Travel Vlog
Imagine editing a 5-minute travel vlog in DaVinci Resolve:
You want upbeat, copyright-safe tracks for background music.
You choose a free lo-fi beat from Pixabay Music for the intro.
Then, you layer in a cinematic track from YouTube Audio Library for the drone footage.
Finally, you adjust audio levels so the narration is clear, while the background music adds energy without overpowering speech.
This workflow keeps your video professional and legally safe.
Conclusion
Music is one of the most powerful tools in video editing. By choosing the right free music for DaVinci Resolve, you protect yourself from copyright issues while enhancing the storytelling impact of your projects. Whether you’re a YouTuber, freelancer, or business creator, platforms like YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay Music, and Bensound provide excellent royalty-free tracks.
With the right sources and careful editing inside DaVinci Resolve, your projects will not only look cinematic but also sound professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Spotify music in DaVinci Resolve?
No. Spotify music is licensed for personal listening only. You cannot use it in projects without a license.
2. Is free music really safe to use?
Yes, as long as you download from trusted sources like YouTube Audio Library or Pixabay Music. Always check licensing terms.
3. Which audio format is best for DaVinci Resolve?
WAV provides the highest quality, but MP3 is fine for most projects if sourced from a reliable platform.
4. Do I need to credit artists when using free music?
It depends on the platform. Sites like Pixabay don’t require attribution, while Free Music Archive often does.
5. What’s the difference between royalty-free and copyright-free?
“Royalty-free” means you don’t pay per use after obtaining the license. “Copyright-free” usually refers to public domain works with no copyright restrictions.
