It's time to replace what I have now as it's over 20 years old and sounds like it :(
I've checked out the offerings from Digital Juice, Stock20 and Smart Sound and they're ok but I'm curious as to what other folks use and like.
All suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I previously used Freeplay and there was never any mention of money. I just downloaded what I wanted.
Now you add it to a cart. When I go to the cart you have to select how you will use it. If you select personal, the price is $.99. If you select personal for YouTube, the price is $.00. I don't understand that.
Some of the prices are very high, but that is usually for professional or broadcasting.
I'm in the same boat. My libraries are old. I typically have to provide my clients with either documentation or my personal assurance that music used in the videos I create for them is properly licensed. That makes using free stuff a little iffy. I analyzed my current libraries and came to the conclusion that only about 10% or less of the tracks are likely to fit my corporate videos and documentaries. That makes buying a package pretty wasteful. So, I now go to various on-line library music distributors and purchase music a track at a time as needed. Often, when I need several tracks for a production (or even across several videos) I can negotiate a good discount. I budget for music in my proposals and I mark up my costs, so music is a small profit center for me. Of course, I keep the royalty-free tracks I purchase on a drive and can occasionally re-use purchased tracks, which is a bonus.
Thanks to all for the suggestions. I work in a local community college and have students looking for music for their productions which is why I need a collection instead of making them go a site and downloading something that my department has to pay for. I also deal with people who say "I'll know it when I hear it" :(
I've sent students to the Freeplay site but have warned them that if they want to enter it in a festival that they'll have to pay for it.
For those of you who were wondering, the FAQ section of the Freeplay site says this about it being free.
Is any of the music on FPM free?
Yes. True to our name - all of the tracks in the Freeplay Music library are available to download for free in the following specific circumstances: Youtube: All Freeplay Music tracks are available for free use on Youtube for PERSONAL USE, however Freeplay Music and YouTube retain the right to insert ads in any manner on, before, or otherwise connected to your video when posted on YouTube or any other YouTube-based platform. Businesses need to purchase a YouTube license for business. Education: All Freeplay Music tracks are available for free for use in the classroom & class projects. National Television Broadcast: All Freeplay Music tracks are available for free for qualifying Network Broadcasters.
All other uses of Freeplay's music requires the PURCHASE of a license.
Incompetech also has a big library of royalty free music. For a nominal sum (as I recall, less than $100) I received about 7GB of music. Some Kevin has produced himself, some is public domain. I have had no trouble fending off Youtube when I identify the music's source as Incompetech.