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 

Young woman with curly hair wearing headphones and a backpack, smiling outdoors in sunlight

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

It’s no secret that great titles make great videos. In the universe of content on YouTube, captivating titles make your videos stand out from the crowd and draw viewers in, compelling them to click. While most of us might believe that thumbnails weigh much more than titles in lifting the performance of a video, it might not always be the case.

This is exactly what our residential YouTube expert Rob Wilson discussed with another YouTube expert, Jake Thomas, who has helped many creators improve their title games and bring in positive results. With the help of their discussion, we have managed to compile 10 types of YouTube titles that have proven to be very effective over the years and have a positive impact on your click-through rate. Let’s dive right into it!

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

This kind of title plays on contrast and curiosity, making the viewer feel like they are privy to some kind of information that others might not be. The information that the viewer can potentially find through the video seems too lucrative to miss out on.

Example: "The BEST R6 Attacker NOBODY Plays"

“First, there is contrast between best R6 attacker and nobody plays. It’s kinda counter intuitive, why is nobody playing it if it is the best? Also, it’s a cliffhanger. Who is this R6 attacker? So, you’ve gotta click and find out,” Jake says.

Don’t you love it when you come across a video from a creator showing how you can achieve a given goal within a certain period? Timeframes offer a tangible lens through which viewers can gauge the content, making the challenge or experiment feel attainable and relatable.


Example: "We Ran Every Day For 30 Days, Here's What Happened"

To make a claim or establish an opinion, you need to back it up with credible sources. And nothing beats a good source than an authoritative voice whom you could call an “insider.”


Example: "Ex-Employee Warns Us About Taco Bell's Meat"


What helps this title perform is the fact that people have a general suspicion toward the topic in question already, so it is always important to remember the amount of interest viewers might have while considering these types of titles.

As bad as it might sound to some of you, negativity does bring with it a healthy dose of attention. It is nothing new in the content world and creators have been using it since the very beginning. Focusing on drama and negativity, such as devastating losses, capitalizes on viewers’ love and interest for epic narratives.

Example: "Top 10 Most Devastating Wild Card Losses of All-Time"

“People on YouTube love drama! And then you have got the fact that it is really epic and extreme. It’s extremes because it is the most devastating losses,” says Jake.

Nobody wants to make the same mistakes people made before them. And what’s better than someone telling you what to avoid and how? The fear of regret can be one of the most powerful motivators for many people and curating content around that can bring you much success!


Example: "I wished I knew these BEFORE I upgraded to Windows 11!"

One of the best ways to inspire people is by showing them instead of instructing them. Sharing your accomplishments and documenting the journey can help you make impactful content that can actually change people’s lives for the better.


Videos like these can motivate viewers to aspire for the same and change their lives for the better. This is where the value of your content pays off!

The good, old, reliable strategy that seems to work most of the time–simply answer the questions your viewers want answered. Sometimes it’s all about the phrasing. If you can put a creative spin on an inquiry that is already popular, people might flock to it.


Example: "What Happens If You Jump Rope for 30 Minutes Every Day?"


It’s all about finding a new perspective to the same old queries. By posing a question, the title creates a narrative cliffhanger that viewers feel compelled to resolve by watching.

Whenever you’re in doubt, you can always fall back on being relatable to your audience. At the end of the day, people want to be heard and seen. If you can consistently and reliably address the pain points of your audience, you have yourself a solid content strategy. 
Titles that suggest everyday accessibility and relatability increase the likelihood of viewers clicking, and believing the content is directly applicable to them.


Example: "Five Dog Training Exercises You Should Do Every Day At Home"

As the culture of YouTube becomes more vast, certain words tend to attract more attention than others. Using terms like “best”, “worst”, or, “viral” taps into the desires and language of the YouTube community, instantly attracting attention. But, with that comes heavy competition for these keywords, which can make life a lot more difficult.


Example: "Testing Viral Minecraft Hacks That 100% Work"

 can help you massively with this problem. The tool analyzes monthly search volume, competitiveness, related terms, and additional questions people ask.
Read More: 

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

What if you could propose an idea that sounds preposterous and actually delivered on it? Well, if nothing else, you’d sure have tons of happy viewers! Offering to deliver on a promise adds an element of sensationalism and intrigue, promising viewers insight into highly coveted knowledge.

Example: "1000 Days of Coding in 10 Minutes ( Self-Taught Developer Journey )"

Irrespective of the niche these examples are used from, the cool thing about understanding this concept is realizing that it can be applied all across YouTube. That’s the skill that would help you utilize those 100 characters to the fullest. The best titles are short and sweet and if used correctly can change the YouTube content creation game for you.

The other important factor that drives clicks to your videos, as mentioned earlier, is thumbnails. 

Learn how to make thumbnails that work for you right here!

Excited young woman with glasses holding pencil and notebook on pink background

Certain types of titles seem to have greater success than others on YouTube. Find out what they are!

10 Types of YouTube Titles That Go Insanely Viral

In the fast-paced world of YouTube, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends and tactics for growing your channel. However, it's important to remember that what works today may not necessarily work in the future. With that in mind, here are ten pieces of YouTube advice to ignore.

From the outside, this looks like good advice for creators of all sizes. After all, more videos mean more opportunities to get those numbers up. But is it applicable to everyone?

Woman looking frustrated at the work desk

If you're primarily a Shorts creator and do not require long hours for each video, putting out content daily might be doable. But, for creators who are primarily focused on long-form videos, it does not seem feasible. If you're trying to give your audience the highest-quality videos, posting every day stands contrary to that. So, depending on the type of creator you are, you can choose your strategy accordingly.

Alright, this might sound controversial right off the bat, given that we've encouraged new creators to follow this advice in the past. And it does make sense to do so. But not everyone has the same creative style or is inspired by the same kind of content.

A more attuned way would be to follow the type of content that draws you in, not the creator. Simply put, make the kind of videos you would want to watch and try to give your best shot at it.

3. Starting a Separate Channel for Your YouTube Shorts

Some creators worry that mixing long videos with shorter ones will hurt their channel. It makes sense when you’re following the most crucial rule of YouTube growth: Make videos for your audience and no one else.

That begs the question: If viewers support your Shorts, why would they suddenly want longs? And if they currently like your longs, why would they want Shorts?

Fortunately, that’s a problem you no longer have to worry about. YouTube has bridged the gap between longs and Shorts so they can exist on the same channel. The platform will recommend your longs as people watch your Shorts, allowing you to grow your channel with both content types.



YouTube Will Recommend Long-Form Videos to Shorts Viewers [Algorithm Update]

There’s nothing wrong with saying “hello” at the start of a video, but try not to introduce yourself, your channel, and your niche every time. Once a viewer knows this information, repeating it is pointless.

 you promised viewers before they clicked on the video. That could be the main idea or storyline they saw in your title, thumbnail, or video description. After all, that’s what they came to see!

YouTube Intros - 8 Ways to Hook Viewers In the First 8 Seconds

Many people think they get more views by adding tags to a video, but that’s not how they work. Tags help people find your content, especially if the topic is frequently misspelled.

“Tomatoes” is a good example. Many people leave the E out by typing “tomatos,” so if you’re video is about growing that vegetable, you can add the common misspelling (tomatos) as a tag.

Overall, tags play a minimal role in boosting your views. The video title, description, and thumbnail are most important for video discovery, according to YouTube.

An image from YouTube's support page, which explains that tags don't lead to more views

A magnifying glass enlarges the YouTube logo on a smartphone

People discover videos in many parts of the YouTube app or website. Search pages are just one of those places, so you don’t need to prioritize them over everywhere else.

So if you’re only making search-based videos that rely on keywords, you’re missing out on tons of views. We know this because 

That means it’s better to make videos that complement the popular, viral content within your niche (so YouTube recommends your video next).

Two women filming a YouTube video on one phone

Going viral on YouTube comes with many benefits, like attracting new viewers and boosting your confidence as a creator.

But no one talks about how these benefits turn into setbacks for creators who aren’t used to going viral. They could spend months trying to chase that high again, all while targeting the wrong audience and burning out creatively.

That’s why going viral on YouTube is overrated

Going viral is addictive — a pressure you don’t need this early.

The views don't always come from your “real” audience.

Sometimes, going viral comes with criticism.

Going viral skews your perception of quantity vs. quality.

You think less about your audience and more about yourself.

A seasoned creator can resist those things, but it’s more challenging when you’re new to YouTube.

8. Doing ‘Sub4Sub’ to Get More Subscribers

A person tapping the YouTube subscribe button on their phone

Sub4Sub is when two creators subscribe to one another’s channel to boost their overall subscriber count. It sounds harmless enough, but this is the worst thing you can do for two reasons:

According to YouTube, you’re not allowed to “cause or encourage any inaccurate measurements of genuine user engagement with the service, including by paying people or providing them with incentives to increase a video’s views, likes, or dislikes, 

9. Making Videos for the YouTube Algorithm and Not Your Audience

Close up of a man concentrating while analyzing data

Some creators are obsessed with beating the YouTube algorithm. They want to know all of the tips and tricks to 

Of course, there’s no “beating” the YouTube algorithm because the algorithm isn’t working against anyone or anything. Its only job is matching viewers to the right videos.

If you know your audience well, just make videos they want to see! That allows the YouTube algorithm — or more accurately, the recommendation system — to serve that content to your viewers.

5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About the YouTube Algorithm

10. Not Seeking Brand Deals as a Small Creator

There’s a misconception that small creators can’t 

, let alone get brand deals. But guess what? You don’t need millions of subscribers to show a brand you’re worth the money. Your proof is an audience that takes action when you ask them to, like when they download an ebook or smash the like button.

If you can show that type of engagement, the next step is reaching out to brands aligned with your channel’s focus. You’ll want to 

 first, then pitch some ideas around how you would advertise their latest product or service.

When it comes to YouTube education, there’s good advice, so-so advice, and shady tips that get your channel terminated. That’s why it’s important to do your research. Seek out multiple sources and only follow the advice that makes sense for your channel.

Want more details? This video explains more about the worst YouTube advice to ignore.

YouTuber with a camera staring at the sea from a cliff

Man with camera and backpack perched on rocky cliff overlooking the ocean on cloudy day

There’s a lot of advice on how to grow a YouTube channel, but which information should you trust?

Outdated YouTube Advice You Should Ignore in 2024

Reaction content has exploded on YouTube over the past 10 years. Today, almost anyone can watch a popular video, react to it, and bring in tons of views on their YouTube channel.

Best of all, reaction content works for most niches. You can react to your favorite sports matches, viral memes, or even news stories that align with your channel's focus. The opportunities are endless, and it's pretty hard to run out of ideas.

But people love reacting to videos on YouTube for more than just the flexibility. Creators can get personal, share honest opinions, and cover trending topics at the same time.

Whether you're reacting to classic movies or video game fails, this guide is your starting point. You'll learn how to create reaction videos that engage viewers while 

Before hitting the record button, decide how you want to do reaction videos on YouTube. There are plenty of ways to create engaging videos in this genre.

 Ideal for music enthusiasts, these videos attract fans of the artists you're reacting to.

 Capitalize on the hype of upcoming releases.

 These are universally relatable and can quickly attract views.

 Perfect for capturing genuine, in-the-moment emotions, especially during pivotal moments.

 Offer your perspective on current events, such as sports, politics, entertainment, and more.

 Give your reaction to another creator's reaction on YouTube.

Creators shoot most of their reaction videos in a "solo" format. This is where one creator reacts to one video at a time.

But there's also group reacting, where several people react to something together and take turns sharing their opinions. Solo reacting is more convenient and personal, but group reacting delivers the most entertainment value.

Solo reacting is easy to pull off, but assembling a group of people may be worth it if you have the time and resources.

First, a high-definition camera is a must.

 For good visuals, choose a DSLR, a reliable smartphone with a good camera, or a webcam.

After all, you're going to layer multiple video tracks in one project. You want it to look good!

 A good microphone is important for recording your voice, especially if you're reacting to sound-driven content. A lapel mic works well for this, but a condenser mic creates a more professional sound. You should also invest in a pair of headphones so you can hear everything clearly while reacting.

Also, you might need screen recording software 

to make quality reactions. This piece of equipment does exactly what it sounds like, which is to capture the audio and video playing on your screen. Try a free solution like OBS Studio to capture your reaction while watching video content simultaneously.

is another crucial element for condensing your reactions. As you react to something, there will be downtime or essentially "dead air" where you don't have much to say. Use a video editor like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro to remove uninteresting sections.

 Use something with a fast processor, ample RAM, and a robust graphics card. You need each one for a smooth production and editing process!

Picture-in-Picture mode (PiP) is the best way to record your reactions and make engaging content. For this format, there will be one video layered on top of another one. The smaller video frame will show you, the creator, nestled within the original video you're reacting to.

Or, you can make yourself larger while making the original video smaller, like this example from 

 a screenshot of funnylilgalreacts reacting to a movie trailer

This allows viewers to see both the original content and your reactions at the same time. Plus, PiP just makes the video easier to digest! Viewers are more engaged because they understand the context behind your reactions.

In reaction videos, your unique perspective is what sets you apart from other creators. Be authentic and share your genuine reactions and thoughts. Your commentary should go beyond what's happening on screen to provide insights, a little humor, or a gentle critique. Overall, your reaction should add value to the original video.

You can do this by drawing on personal experiences, sharing knowledge about the topic, or simply being humorous.

Remember, viewers come to reaction channels for the content and the personality of the reactor. Engage with viewers by asking questions and sharing personal stories.

Also, be open to exploring different types of content to react to. This not only keeps your channel fresh but also showcases the breadth of your interests and perspectives.

Reacting to other videos is a blast, but it does bring up the issue of using other people's content. For example, your channel may collect 

 if you use video content that doesn't belong to you.

A copyright claim means YouTube found copyrighted content (music, videos, images, etc.) in your video. A strike happens when a copyright owner asks YouTube to delete your video for using their work without permission. Claims reduce your revenue, but too many strikes will risk your entire channel.

The copyright takedown process on YouTube

That doesn't mean shouldn't make reaction videos. You just have to understand 

. Fair use allows you to use copyrighted material under certain conditions, like commentary, criticism, education, or parody.

But fair use is a legal grey area that's determined on a case-by-case basis. For the best outcome, make sure your reaction video adds original commentary or educational value. Keep the clips of the original content as short as possible and only use as much as necessary to convey your point. Also, avoid using copyrighted music in your reactions unless it's integral to the video.

And, you can always reach out to creators and ask for permission to use their content. That way, you won't have as many copyright issues, and you might even make a friend or two!

Now that you know how to make reaction videos, learn how to create video tutorials on YouTube!

Man laughing while reacting to another video

Man wearing headphones and glasses smiling while gaming on a computer in low light.

Ready to start reacting on YouTube? This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right equipment to avoiding copyright claims and strikes.

How to Make YouTube Reaction Videos

It’s time to quit stalling and get uploading! 

Yes, that video you have held out from putting on YouTube for so long is ready for the world to see. But how do you make sure it has the best chance of being watched?

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

For most creators, it's hard to feel perfectly satisfied by the first attempt at making a YouTube video. If that sounds familiar or you're going through the same thing, the best thing to do is 

 Give it a fair chance on YouTube, and then simply press publish.

In the video above, our expert Dan talks about all the things he wished he had known before starting a YouTube channel. Using his experience and our expertise, we'll help you create a first video that truly stands out.

Most creators start on YouTube either with a niche or a particular type of video in mind. So, for your very first video, try to stay as close to your original point of interest as possible. Replicating what has already worked on YouTube works well as long as you have your unique input to add.

Start by exploring your interests, trends within your niche, and questions your target audience might have. Use tools like Google Trends, YouTube itself, or 

 to gather ideas and inspiration. Finding out what has worked before is necessary to remove the guesswork from this process!

Identify who your videos are for. Are they beginners in your field, or are they looking for advanced techniques? Understanding your audience's needs and preferences is crucial for creating relevant and engaging content.

For your first video, the YouTube dashboard won't help you 

 or your audience’s preferences. That will come much later when you have dozens of videos posted and a few subscribers on your channel. Today, your best bet is to make a video that 

 would like to see and that attracts your target audience.

Once you've brainstormed and researched, choose a concept that excites you and meets your audience's needs. Pick an idea that has succeeded across multiple areas, because that means it works. Tools like vidIQ's outlier marker also make finding these outliers super easy.

As important as it is to get the content right, the way it's presented is equally important, if not more. The whole point of good packaging for your video is to reel in viewers and deliver on what you promised in the title and thumbnail. There are mainly three ways to do this: by designing a stunning thumbnail, crafting a good title, and writing an effective video hook.

Every YouTube video has a thumbnail, whether you create one from scratch or let the system pick a random frame to display. But because they're so good at attracting views, you should always aim to upload a custom thumbnail.

“Your thumbnail is that first peek into your content, the make-or-break moment. A killer thumbnail could literally be the difference between getting your big break on YouTube or going completely unnoticed,” Dan says.

Use high-contrast colors, readable fonts, and a clear image that represents the video's content to grab attention. Make your image pop out so that viewers can notice them.

How to Choose a Winning Thumbnail Style for Your YouTube Channel

 should be catchy yet descriptive. Look at titles that have worked for others in your niche or category, and adapt accordingly with keywords that fit your content.

Also, think of the actual brainstorming process. You might go through dozens of titles before landing on the perfect one, but that doesn't mean you should throw out the other ideas. Save the best ones just in case they lead you to a better idea.

“Make sure you have a preferred first, second, and third title, even extra thumbnails if you can,” Dan says.

The first 30 seconds of your video can almost decide the fate of the rest of your video, because this is where retention typically starts falling. So, whatever you’ve thus far promised with your title and thumbnail, must be paid off.

“At the very beginning of the video to minimize drop off you want to assure the viewer that their expectations are being met,” Dan says.

YouTube Intros: 8 Ways to Hook Viewers In the First 8 Seconds

A script that is well-structured and snappy

 is just what you need to guide your video's flow. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can't leave space for changes and ad-libs, though. Practice your script, but remember that you don't have to memorize it verbatim. The important thing is to understand how your content generates value.

The viewer that you’re trying to attract should get their proverbial "money’s worth" from your video. Try to create loops within your script to keep them hooked for answers and information. Use intrigue and creatively work your way toward the final payoff!

Let's be real here, the first few times are going to be a little awkward, especially if you’re not used to being in front of a camera. But everybody has to go through it, and you will too! Creators have started with all kinds of equipment, so make the best of what you have.

“You already know that in concept it doesn’t really matter what equipment you use. I promise people have created pretty amazing things with just the phone in their pocket,” Dan says.

Now it’s time to edit your video and kill your remaining darlings. This is where you may have to make some of the toughest decisions about your video’s final form. But what matters is that you cut out the fluff and deliver the goods as best as you can. Sloppy editing doesn't indicate a lack of special effects and transitions; most of the time, it's a sign of bad storytelling.

It’s important to learn certain techniques to enhance your video, but that will happen with time. And, if you ever want to make a viral video, 

If you haven't already, set up your YouTube channel with a clear, descriptive channel name. Use keywords in your title, description, and tags to improve your video's performance. 

A compelling description can also encourage more clicks from YouTube search pages. Choose the right category, add captions for accessibility, and select an engaging thumbnail. 

But once your video is uploaded, you have a new task ahead of you.

“The beginning of a video's life is critical for optimization. Be prepared to monitor closely the first 24-48 hours and make changes to underperforming elements like the title and thumbnail. Act quickly to maximize viewership and retention from the start,” Dan says.

man recording a cooking video in a kitchen

How do you start your first video on YouTube?

Begin with a clear idea of what you want to share. That makes it easier to plan your content, script, and recording setup. Be authentic and speak directly to your audience, focusing on delivering value.

How do you start as a beginner on YouTube?

Start by defining your niche and understanding your audience. Equip yourself with basic recording and editing tools, and don't be afraid to learn as you go. Consistency and passion are key. 

Step into the world of YouTube with confidence. From finding ideas to writing scripts to uploading your project, here's everything you need for your first YouTube video.

YouTube Tips & Tricks

How to Get Royalty Free Music for Your YouTube Videos

10 Types of YouTube Titles That Go Insanely Viral

Outdated YouTube Advice You Should Ignore in 2024

How to Make YouTube Reaction Videos

How to Make Your First YouTube Video Stand Out

12 YouTube Myths that Distract You from Getting More Views

4 Mistakes to Avoid if You Have a Small YouTube Channel

How to Create a YouTube Tutorial Video: Full Guide

Starting a YouTube Channel? 9 Videos to Make Right Now

How to Pick a Good YouTube Channel Name

YouTube Skills: How to Become a Pro at Speaking on Camera

6 Popular Apps to Promote Your YouTube Channel