Casey Neistat's Music: Find Copyright-Free Tracks

by Alex Braham 50 views

Hey everyone! Ever watched a Casey Neistat video and thought, "Wow, that music is awesome!"? Well, you're not alone. Casey has a knack for picking really catchy and inspiring tunes that perfectly match his energetic and creative style. But here's the thing: finding those exact tracks and making sure they're safe to use can be a bit of a challenge. So, let's dive into the world of Casey Neistat's copyright-free music and figure out how you can get your hands on some great background tracks for your own videos.

Why Copyright-Free Music Matters

Before we get into specifics, let's talk about why using copyright-free music is so important, especially if you're a content creator on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or even Instagram. Copyright law protects musicians and their creative work, which means you typically need permission (a license) to use their music in your videos. If you don't have that permission, you could face some serious consequences, including:

  • Copyright Strikes: YouTube, for example, has a system that detects copyrighted material. If you use a song without permission, the copyright holder can issue a strike against your channel. Too many strikes, and your channel could be taken down.
  • Content ID Claims: Even if you don't get a strike, the copyright holder can place a Content ID claim on your video. This means they can run ads on your video and collect the revenue, or even mute the audio altogether.
  • Legal Issues: In more serious cases, you could face legal action from the copyright holder for using their music without permission.

So, to avoid all these headaches, using copyright-free music is the way to go! It allows you to add awesome soundtracks to your videos without worrying about getting into trouble. Now, let's look at where Casey Neistat gets his music and how you can find similar tracks.

Where Does Casey Neistat Find His Music?

Okay, so where does Casey Neistat actually source his music? While he doesn't always reveal the exact songs he uses, we can make some educated guesses based on his videos and what he's said in the past. Casey often relies on a few key sources for his background music:

  • Music Libraries: Platforms like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Musicbed are popular choices for YouTubers because they offer royalty-free music. These libraries have huge catalogs of tracks that you can use in your videos after paying a subscription fee. The great thing about these services is that they handle all the licensing for you, so you don't have to worry about individual copyright claims. Epidemic Sound, in particular, seems to be a favorite among many content creators.
  • Creative Commons Music: Creative Commons is a non-profit organization that allows creators to offer their work for public use, sometimes with certain restrictions. You can find a ton of Creative Commons music online, but you have to be careful to check the specific license terms for each track. Some licenses require you to give credit to the artist, while others might prohibit commercial use. Always read the fine print!
  • Direct Licensing: Sometimes, Casey might license music directly from artists. This involves contacting the artist or their representatives and negotiating a fee for using the song in his videos. This can be a more expensive option, but it gives you more control over the music you use.

While it's difficult to pinpoint every single song Casey uses, these are the most likely sources for his music. Now, let's talk about how you can find similar tracks for your own videos.

Finding Music Similar to Casey Neistat's Style

So, you love the vibe of Casey Neistat's music and want to find similar tracks for your own videos? Here's a breakdown of how to find that perfect sound:

  • Identify Key Characteristics: Think about what makes Casey's music choices so effective. Generally, his tracks are upbeat, energetic, and often have an indie or electronic feel. They're the kind of songs that make you want to get up and do something! Identifying these characteristics will help you narrow down your search.
  • Explore Music Libraries: Head over to those royalty-free music libraries we talked about earlier (Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Musicbed) and start searching. Use keywords like "upbeat," "indie electronic," "motivational," "travel vlog," and "corporate pop" to find tracks that match the vibe you're looking for. Most libraries allow you to filter by genre, mood, and tempo, which can be super helpful.
  • Browse Creative Commons Platforms: Check out platforms like the Free Music Archive, Jamendo, and SoundCloud's Creative Commons section for free music. Again, be sure to read the license terms carefully before using any track.
  • Use Music Discovery Tools: There are some great online tools that can help you discover new music based on your preferences. Websites like Every Noise at Once and Musicovery allow you to explore music genres and find similar artists.
  • Pay Attention to Video Descriptions: Sometimes, YouTubers will list the music they use in their video descriptions. Keep an eye out for these credits, as they can lead you to some great copyright-free tracks. You might even discover some new music libraries or artists that you weren't aware of.
  • Dive into Specific Genres: Casey often uses music that falls into genres like indie pop, electronic, and house. Explore these genres on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to find artists and tracks that you like. Then, see if those artists offer royalty-free versions of their music or if they're part of a music library.

Tips for Using Copyright-Free Music

Okay, you've found some awesome copyright-free music – great! But before you start adding it to your videos, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Always Read the License: This is the most important tip! Even if a track is labeled as "copyright-free," it's essential to read the license terms carefully. Some licenses may require you to give credit to the artist, while others may have restrictions on how you can use the music. Make sure you understand the terms before using the track.
  • Keep a Record of Your Licenses: It's a good idea to keep a record of all the licenses you've obtained for the music you use. This will help you prove that you have the right to use the music if you ever receive a copyright claim.
  • Credit the Artist: Even if it's not required by the license, it's always a good idea to give credit to the artist in your video description. This is a nice way to show your appreciation for their work and help them get more exposure.
  • Edit the Music to Fit Your Video: Don't be afraid to edit the music to fit your video. You can use audio editing software to trim the track, fade it in and out, or even add effects. This can help you create a more polished and professional-sounding video.
  • Test the Music Before Uploading: Before you upload your video to YouTube or another platform, test the music to make sure it doesn't trigger any copyright claims. YouTube has a tool called the "Checks" feature that allows you to check your video for copyright issues before it goes live.

Recommended Copyright-Free Music Platforms

To make your life a little easier, here are some highly recommended platforms for finding copyright-free music that resonates with Casey Neistat's style:

  1. Epidemic Sound: As mentioned earlier, Epidemic Sound is a go-to for many YouTubers. They have a vast library of high-quality tracks and a straightforward licensing system. Their music is generally very polished and production-ready.
  2. Artlist: Artlist is another excellent option, offering a curated selection of music from independent artists. They have a strong focus on cinematic and emotional music, which can be great for vlogs and storytelling.
  3. Musicbed: Musicbed is similar to Artlist, but they also offer a selection of stock footage. Their music is generally more high-end and geared towards professional filmmakers.
  4. Soundstripe: Soundstripe is another subscription-based service that offers unlimited access to their music library. They have a wide variety of genres and styles, making it easy to find the perfect track for your video.
  5. AudioJungle (Envato Elements): AudioJungle is a marketplace where you can buy individual tracks rather than subscribing to a library. This can be a good option if you only need a few songs. Envato Elements is their subscription service with unlimited downloads.
  6. YouTube Audio Library: Don't forget about YouTube's own Audio Library! It's free to use and offers a decent selection of tracks, although the quality can vary. It's a great starting point if you're on a tight budget.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect copyright-free music for your videos doesn't have to be a daunting task. By understanding the importance of copyright, exploring different music sources, and following the tips outlined above, you can create awesome soundtracks that enhance your content without getting into trouble. So go ahead, start exploring, and find those amazing tracks that will take your videos to the next level – just like Casey Neistat!