Royalty-free music isn’t a perk reserved for large creators. YouTubers of all sizes need 

 to make better content and attract more viewers.

Think about it: Have you watched a video that seemed OK, but everything improved once the music kicked in? At that moment, you probably felt the “cinematic mood” as the music paced the story.

Well, viewers can feel that, too. They might not leave a comment saying so, but there’s a reason polished videos get significant views. And that reason alone is why you should 

find royalty-free music for YouTube content

If a song is royalty-free, you don't need to pay 

 it's used in a video.  At most, you'd pay a one-time fee to use the song if it's not free already.

By doing this, you'll skip the hassle of dealing with copyright holders and reduce copyright claims and strikes on your channel.

What's the Difference Between a Copyright Claim and a Copyright Strike?

If that sounds good to you, here’s your guide for finding high-quality stock music.

 This resource is from YouTube itself and pretty much guarantees you won’t use copyrighted music. Every sound in the collection is copyright-free and ready to download.

3. Here you can see Paid and Free options for the music you want. You can also choose to split your revenue with the original artist!

Ways to use music from YouTube Audio Library


4. Use the Browse tab to search for music by title, genre, mood, artist name, duration, and attribution requirements.


5. Hover over the icon for the music file and click the play button to hear what a track sounds like.

Ready to download from the YouTube audio library? Hover your mouse over any track and click 

As a creator, you’re allowed to use these tracks and continue 

There’s a good selection of music, too: jazz, rock, reggae, pop, folk, country music, and other genres. Just make sure you don't distribute the music yourself or use it in illegal content.

Best Royalty-Free Music Sites for YouTube

The music library on YouTube is helpful, but some people just need 

They might want royalty-free background music that sounds better, uses different instruments, or creates a specific vibe.

If that sounds like you, it’s time to find a music website and pay for original tracks. This isn’t the same as paying for 

Here are the best royalty-free music sites:

The sites above require a little cash, but that’s better than going to risky sites to find free music.

Technically, an artist offering royalty-free music (for free) could change their mind in the future. After that, what’s stopping them from slapping a copyright claim on your video?

It’s not a common situation, and people usually aren’t that sneaky. But there’s a slight chance it could happen. In that case, it's best to reach out to the individual artist and offer a mutual agreement that benefits both parties. In such a case, you need to make sure that you have a written contract that lays out the details to avoid conflict in the future.

Now that you have some royalty-free jams, learn how to 

Do you want to add royalty-free music to your YouTube videos? Here’s how to find the perfect tunes and take your channel to the next level.

How to Get Royalty Free Music for Your YouTube Videos

Welcome to our celebration of the fastest-growing small channels in the vidIQ community! Last month, 10 creators brought the 

 with energetic dance tracks, soothing sounds, and bass that shook the walls.

And oh, yeah: They all passed 1,000 subscribers in the last 30 days! We're here to say 

and share your success with other vidIQ-ers!

As always, we define the vidIQ community as anyone using our growth tools to reach YouTube success. So if you've 

 to optimize your videos, find keywords, or even get video ideas, this roundup is for you. We're celebrating 

Ready to see who got the most subscribers? These were the fastest-growing channels last month.

Top Channels Passing 1,000 Subscribers in April

PokiNewbTCG does deep dives into the world of Pokémon trading cards.

 helps you live a more holistic life by improving your lifestyle.

 uploads engaging Shorts on choice-based games like "Would You Rather."

 creates engaging and entertaining shorts that tell different stories.

 gives reviews and tutorials on beauty products.

gives you helpful tips for your business, in terms of online marketing, software, tools, membership systems, video hosting, etc.

 tells us stories about the highest achievers throughout history with the help of AI.

 Music is using music therapy as a powerful tool to promote mental wellness.

Congrats to everyone who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

 and get robust tools, data, and video ideas.

Which small YouTube channels grew the fastest in April? Click here to discover these rising creators! 

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 1,000 Subs FAST [April 2024]

As one of the highest-paying social media platforms in the world

, YouTube has always been lucrative for potentially earning big paychecks. Making money through Google AdSense is also pretty straightforward; if your viewers watch ads on your video, you get paid based on that!

Almost every creator who starts out on YouTube has the same goal, which is reaching monetization status. And most of the time, creators look at CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions), to understand how profitable their channel is. However, there’s a better way to see the monetary value of your content! In the video below, Rob shows us how much YouTube pays per 1000 views to the creators and what goes on behind that. Watch it here!

, which is pretty outdated, RPM takes into account the various ways a monetized channel can generate income. Let's understand the difference better.

RPM vs CPM: The Two Metrics Of Monetization

First off, RPM is not to be confused with its close relative, CPM (cost per mille). While CPM focuses solely on ad revenue, RPM (revenue per mille) is the all-encompassing metric. It includes not just ads but channel memberships, Super Chats, and even YouTube Premium revenue. So while CPM shows you what advertisers are paying, RPM estimates what you'd earn after YouTube takes its cut.

And, by the way, YouTube receives 45% of your ad revenue and 30% of your fan-funding revenue.

Notably, RPMs do not show what you've actually earned

, but they're closer to reality than CPMs.

Like every other metric, you can look at the numbers on your YouTube Studio to find your RPM. Follow these steps:

1. Head over to the YouTube Studio and click on the 

Analytics option on the YouTube Studio menu

 tab in the top navigation bar and click on 

The YouTube revenue tab and the see more option below it

4. Take a look at your overall RPM for a specific date range. Notice how the vidIQ channel has an RPM of $2.73 and a CPM of $15.74 (for the month of August). CPM is typically the higher number, while RPM is more realistic.

The overall RPM for the vidIQ channel in August

If you want to calculate RPM for yourself, it's not too difficult. Take your total revenue for a given period, divide it by the total number of views you received, and then multiply by 1,000. Here's the formula to make it even simpler:

RPM = (Total Views/Total Revenue) × 1000

Fun fact, the average in RPM in 2023 is between $1.25 to $2.5.

Certain factors influence the behavior of your channel’s RPM. They are as follows:

Advertiser spending varies significantly across different regions. For instance, advertisers are willing to pay more for viewers in economic hubs like New York and London than in areas with a weaker economic landscape. This discrepancy is because the economic conditions, cost of living, and local purchasing power in each region affect how much advertisers are willing to invest.

YouTube allows the inclusion of more ads in videos longer than 8 minutes, potentially increasing revenue. However, longer videos risk losing viewer engagement, balancing the benefits of additional ad spots with the need to maintain viewers' interest.

Different niches have varying RPM rates due to advertiser preferences and audience demographics. For example, finance and digital marketing channels often enjoy higher RPM rates because of the lucrative nature of their content and their audience's potential for higher disposable income. Yet, anomalies exist, such as gaming channels and music channels, which can sometimes outperform the average earnings in their category.

The 47 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

Ready to give your RPM a facelift? Here's how:

Make sure you’ve turned on all ad formats and at every eligible position on your videos.

 The more likes and shares you get, the more YouTube's algorithm favors you. And guess what? A favored video equals more views, and, possibly, a higher RPM.

 Don't rely solely on ad revenue. Explore channel memberships and Super Chats to give your RPM a boost.

These actions will bring about a holistic change to your channel for the better and your improved RPM will reflect that!

Smart creators diversify their income streams beyond YouTube ad revenue. They engage in brand partnerships, sell merchandise, offer online courses, or use fan funding options available on YouTube. This diversification helps creators maximize their earnings potential and not solely rely on the fluctuating ad revenue model.

RPM may be the go-to metric for a snapshot of your channel's financial health,

 but it's not the all-knowing oracle. So, what's missing from the RPM narrative?

 If you're rocking that merch shelf and raking in sales, RPM doesn't factor that in.

 Cashing in on brand collabs? Awesome, but RPM won't include this (unless it's through YouTube BrandConnect).

 Offering consulting services or hitting the speaking circuit? RPM turns a blind eye to these income avenues.

Here's where it gets tricky. RPM lumps together various revenue sources, making it a bit of a mystery box. You might see your RPM dip even when your views are soaring—why? Because not all those views are ad-enabled. On the flip side, your RPM could be climbing even if your view count hasn't budged, thanks to new Channel Memberships.

Our advice? Don't rely solely on RPM to gauge your channel's financial pulse. YouTube offers a smorgasbord of analytics to help you decode the fluctuations in your RPM. Use them to get the full picture.

It may look like a long-winded process, but taking deliberate steps to improve your channel’s RPM is a crucial goal in the path to making it as a full-time creator.

RPM is more than just a number; it's a comprehensive look at your channel's earning potential. The next time you're knee-deep in analytics, give your RPM the attention it deserves. Trust us, your future self will thank you. 

And if you’ve just unlocked monetization on YouTube, use these tips to boost your ad revenue!

Woman holding money with a surprised look

RPM, CPM — what do these strange abbreviations mean on YouTube? In this post, we'll explain what RPM is (and isn't) regarding your channel's revenue.

Understanding YouTube RPM and Your Channel's Real Revenue

Have you been feeling like your Shorts have suddenly stopped getting views? You're certainly not alone here! Most creators have seen their Shorts behave very differently from other forms of content, and it's almost baffling!

while others barely see the light of day? Keep reading, and we'll explain how the YouTube Shorts algorithm works!

Forget traditional metrics like impressions and click-through rates; in the world of Shorts, 

. Compared to the traditional route of using impressions to test your content, the YouTube Shorts algorithm is more straightforward. So, if some of your Shorts look like the graph below, and you’re convinced that YouTube is out to limit your Shorts reach, we have good news! There is a reason why.

First, the Shorts algorithm operates in two distinct phases: 

 Initially, your Short is exposed to a small, targeted, “seed audience”. If this group engages well with your content, your Short gets promoted to a broader audience. That initial audience is crucial, because if they're not engaged, your views may become stagnant.

, Todd Sherman, the product lead for YouTube Shorts, explains why this is the case. Unlike long-form videos, Shorts views mostly seem to come from the feed itself, and the element of a conscious choice on the part of the viewer is missing. So, the algorithm tests the Shorts for hundreds of thousands of views to determine its value. We can see the effect of this under the “

Swipe-away analytics are a new feature that can help you understand how viewers are interacting with your Shorts: Are they sticking around, or are they swiping away before the video ends? Here’s how to check it out:

the youtube analytics menu option and the content tab

3. On the right, you can see how many chose to view your Shorts and how many swiped away from them.

Viewed versus swiped away data for youtube Shorts

What would you learn after studying 35 billion Shorts views on YouTube? Well, 

 has the answer! And our YouTube experts got some brilliant insights in a recent interview with him. In fact, they learned enough to help you 

Nate found out that Shorts that are either 13 or 60 seconds long tend to perform best. Additionally, there are specific categories, such as original showcases and sensory experiences like ASMR videos, that consistently attract more views.

He also observed that channels that have published at least 200 Shorts tend to see a consistent increase in views over time. So, before you get disheartened with your Shorts views, be sure to upload a lot of them! Also, the first three seconds of your Short are crucial for capturing viewer interest. Make them count!

How to Get 10 Million YouTube Shorts Views: A 90-Day Plan

Equipped with this knowledge, we must take care of certain factors when it comes to YouTube Shorts.

Timing and consistency are key when it comes to Shorts. Knowing when your audience is most active and aligning your publishing schedule accordingly can significantly impact your Shorts' performance.

Fortunately, it's easy to find out the best time to post your Shorts. From the YouTube Studio, click Analytics and then the 

 Scroll down to the “When your viewers are on YouTube” tab, and you'll see the best time to post on YouTube for your specific viewers!

Would you believe it, thumbnails still matter! And for Shorts, it’s the most visible asset of your video. When your Shorts appear in regular YouTube feeds, 

a compelling thumbnail can be your secret weapon for attracting more clicks.

Viewer satisfaction remains a top priority, even in Shorts. A compelling hook within the first three seconds can make or break your content. Every Short should make a clear promise at the beginning and deliver on it by the end. Failing to do so can result in a less-than-satisfying experience for the viewer.

Consistency and experimentation go hand in hand. Don't be afraid to try different types of content to see what resonates with your audience. This might help you solidify the proper seed audience for your content!

Getting more YouTube views is always a hot topic, and we're guessing that's why so many of you want to understand the Shorts algorithm! 

 Sure, the big numbers look good, but how do you translate that into more valuable, monetizable views?

Well, rest assured: the YouTube Shorts algorithm is 

 when it comes to attracting more long-form views. A new update on YouTube has addressed this very issue, and it’s a great first step! 

A new feature allows YouTube creators to include a persistent link in their Shorts,

 directing viewers to long-form content. This feature aims to bridge the gap between Shorts and traditional YouTube videos. Watch the video below to learn more!

Unlock the secrets of the YouTube Shorts algorithm! Learn why views matter, the ideal length for Shorts, and how to keep your audience hooked in this comprehensive guide.

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work?

Reaching 100K subscribers is one of the most lucrative milestones for a YouTube career. The number proves your credibility as a creator and establishes your position as a strong voice in your domain. It takes a balanced mix of the correct niche, consistent hard work, and a content strategy that works for you.

These 10 creators have done it impeccably and within just 30 days. They're all in the vidIQ community, so we're taking time to say congratulations and welcome to the 100K Subs Club! Let’s celebrate this achievement!

As always, we define the vidIQ community as anyone using our growth tools to reach YouTube success. So, if you've 

 to optimize your videos, find keywords, or even get video ideas, this roundup is for you. We're celebrating your wins.

Top Channels Passing 100,000 Subscribers in March

 makes entertaining videos based on Minecraft characters

 does entertainment and lifestyle content.

 creates engaging edits over gameplay videos.

 is a Physical education teacher and instructor specializing in parkour and gymnastics.

 shares commentary on good news and moments around the world.

 creates content based on the game Brawlstars.

 is a chiropractor and carbonation therapist.

 makes engaging videos and tutorials on different drawing techniques.

They've done it again! 10 creators, who once had small channels, hit 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Discover who they are and how they blew up so quickly!

10 YouTube Channels that Hit 100K Subs FAST! [March]

Throughout the last year, YouTube has rolled out many updates on the platform for creators. While some of these updates are minor, several have changed how we look at YouTube forever. And when we peek into the future, it doesn't look like the pace of innovation will be slowing anytime soon.

To help you stay informed, we've compiled the biggest YouTube updates every creator should know!

phone laying on pile of money and showing youtube logo

 is the most important step in growing a sustainable career. And YouTube seems to have acknowledged that loud and clear. Changes to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), Shorts monetization, and the positioning of video ads are helping creators earn 

 for joining the YPP. However, this new monetization tier doesn't include ad revenue. Creators can make money through fan funding instead, via features like Super Chats, Super Thanks, Channel Memberships, and the shopping feature.

You can apply to the YPP as soon as you have:

3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months (instead of 4,000)

If YouTube rejects your YPP application, you can re-apply in 21 days instead of waiting the original 30 days. Also, creators who are rejected a second time will have to wait 90 days before reapplying.

This Update Could Change the YouTube Partner Program Forever

Creators can earn ad revenue from YouTube Shorts now, and there's a new pathway to get there: 1,000 subscribers plus 10 million Shorts views over 90 days. However,

 the monetization structure for Shorts is different.

YouTube pools all of the Shorts ad revenue on its platform.

YouTube calculates how much money goes to the creator pool, which depends on views and music usage across all Shorts. If creators use no music in their Shorts, they retain all of the revenue at this point. If they use music, the revenue is split between the creator pool and music publishers.

YouTube distributes the ad revenue to monetized Shorts creators. This is based on a creator's total share of Shorts views on the platform, whether that's 5%, 10%, 15%, etc.

Creators keep 45% of their revenue share.

Instead of allowing you to select the video ads you want to show, such as pre-rolls, post-rolls, skippable, or non-skippable, YouTube will make those decisions for you. It will happen automatically when you decide to monetize an upload.

YouTube Monetization Update: Key Changes for Video Ads

YouTube has said that activating pre-roll ads can potentially boost revenue by over 15%, with a watch time reduction of less than 5%. Creators will still have full control over mid-roll ads and can place them manually.

Creators who use coarse language in the first 7 seconds of a video are still eligible for monetization (unless harsh profanity is used throughout the video). Here are the exact rules:

Not all kinds of profanity will be treated the same. Words like "f**k" are now classified as "stronger profanity," while "b***h," "d***ebag," "a**hole," and "s**t" are all considered "moderate" profanities.

Videos containing “moderate” profanity will be eligible for complete monetization. Those containing “stronger” profanity in the first 7 seconds will receive limited monetization.

You won't be demonetized for profanity in background music, backing tracks, or intro or outro music.

Profanity in thumbnails or video titles will still lead to demonetization.

YouTube is taking steps to discourage the use of ad blockers

, encouraging viewers to support creators through YouTube Premium. This is happening for several reasons:

To continue producing high-quality content, creators need financial support. Ads provide that cushion.

 By watching ads, viewers help to compensate creators for their effort and time.

 Ad revenue creates long-term sustainability for the platform.

wrench with the red and white youtube logo

YouTube launched a host of tools last year (and some are yet to come in 2024) to aid creators in their process and make life easier. YouTube isn’t just providing a space to upload videos anymore; it wants to enhance your creative process with a slew of shortcuts!

YouTube will share AI-powered insights with creators, which they can use to make engaging content. The new tool suggests video ideas and even provides a content outline using powerful data and analytics! Essentially, YouTube is going to share personalized insights for your channel based on what people are viewing.

Using the assistive search feature for Creator Music, you can swiftly pinpoint the perfect tracks for your YouTube videos. Just describe what you need, be it lively dance tunes or mellow lo-fi beats, and the search assistant will recommend tracks. This is much faster than sifting through YouTube's Audio Library.

In 2024, YouTube will test a new tool called Dream Screen. The name of this feature is spot-on because it sounds exactly like what it does. Whatever you can “dream of”, YouTube will place it in the background of your YouTube Shorts! Just describe what you want to see, and the AI will make it happen.

Coming Soon: YouTube Announces New AI Tools for Video Creation

Late last year, YouTube introduced a new feature that draws attention to the subscribe button as well as the like button. Now, the buttons light up with colorful animations when a creator says "like" or "subscribe."

YouTube will now have a video editor that creators can use for their content. Here’s what it can do:

Synchronize video clips to the beat of your music.

YouTube Create is in beta right now, but a few Android markets have access to the free app.

Creators can now test up to three thumbnails

 per video, with YouTube selecting the best one based on share of watch time. This is a significant update for those who want to optimize their video's packaging.

In 2024, YouTube will introduce labels to indicate 

, aiming to prevent misinformation and creator impersonation. Soon, creators must self-certify their AI content or risk harsh penalties, like content removal or suspension from the YPP.

YouTube has recently launched a brand-new product that allows creators to stream their content in a vertical, 9:16 format that is usually popular with platforms like TikTok and Instagram. With this new live format, both veterans and newbies of the "Shorts" and "Live" categories have a new way of growing their channel and audience.

 A new feature in the community tab allows creators to engage with their audience through quizzes.

 A new section on channel pages recommends content based on viewer interests.

 Enhanced integration of podcasts into the YouTube ecosystem, including a dedicated tab and playlist.

 Creators can now select a frame from their Shorts as a thumbnail, but custom uploads are not yet supported.

 External links have been removed from Shorts descriptions to combat spam and scams. However, now you can link your Shorts to a related long-form video and redirect your viewers to more monetizable content.

 Updated policies require fan channels to disclose that they don't represent the actual artist or creator.

New detailed activity graphs in analytics, changes to the About section on channel pages, and new metrics for analyzing audience behavior.

Want more details about these updates? Watch our video below for a deeper guide.

While the community hasn’t always been on the same page with YouTube’s changes, most of these updates have been received well. We can expect more updates coming our way in 2024. 

kickstart your year on YouTube the right way!

From monetization changes to quirky new tools, check out the biggest YouTube updates from the past year.

20 YouTube Updates that Will Affect Your Channel in 2024

As a creator, only a few feelings compare to reaching 10,000 subscribers on YouTube. And it’s even more impressive when this feat is achieved in just 30 days. That’s why we are celebrating creators who accomplished that! To all those talented creators, welcome to the 10K Subs Club!

As always, we define the vidIQ community as anyone using our growth tools to reach success. So, if you've 

Top Channels Passing 10,000 Subscribers in March:

 helps you level up in life through personal development and productivity tips.

 makes videos about delicious food items and recipes.

 gives makeup tips and tutorials with her videos.

 posts refreshed versions of classic jokes in the form of comics.

, as the name suggests, tells interesting facts on many topics.

Celebrating these 10 creators from the vidIQ community who reached 10,000 subscribers in just a month.

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

How to Get Royalty Free Music for Your YouTube Videos

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 1,000 Subs FAST [April 2024]

Understanding YouTube RPM and Your Channel's Real Revenue

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work?

10 YouTube Channels that Hit 100K Subs FAST! [March]

20 YouTube Updates that Will Affect Your Channel in 2024

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [March]

10 Types of YouTube Titles That Go Insanely Viral

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 1,000 Subs FAST [March]

YouTube Vertical Live: Is It For You?

10 YouTube Channels that Hit 100K Subs FAST! [February]

How Much Does YouTube Pay For 1,000 Subscribers?