Music for YouTube ads
YouTube is where unlicensed music gets caught fastest. Content ID scans everything, and a claim on a paid ad costs you the flight, not just the video.
For a YouTube ad you need a licence covering paid digital advertising in your territories, for both the recording and the composition — plus something in writing you can submit if Content ID flags the upload. YouTube explains the claim process in its own Content ID help pages, and our YouTube sync licence guide covers what to send them.
Melody licences start at $5. One fee covers the recording and the song, worldwide, for that piece of creative, with a PDF certificate issued the moment you pay.
Hear it on your own video first
Upload your cut, drop a track onto it and watch the real thing before you spend anything. No account needed, and your video stays on your device until you license.
- Licences from $5, covering the recording and the song worldwide
- Certificate issued the moment you pay, ready for any platform dispute
Tracks that work in the first five seconds
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$5 licenceSwingin Trees
Late Night Superglue - Samuele MogaveroLate Night Superglue presents something special from our dear friend in Sicily. Groovy, sleazy wonderfulness. Swaggering basslines and sly synths speak only of nocturnal mischief. It is our privilege to present Samuele Mogavero.
$150 licenceStars On Our Side
Marci GellerAn energetic anthem about believing in yourself, overcoming negativity, and aligning with optimism. Uplifting and empowering, with a driving beat, playful cosmic imagery, and an infectious sense of hope and forward momentum. A feel-good reminder to keep shining, trust yourself, and never give up.
$90 licenceUntil The End Of Time (Europa Version)
The Moons Of JupiterLike a joyride through space at lightspeed! Would suit a TV show, film or video game.
$15 licenceCyberpunk
Niki N. PhaserDark cyberpunk track driven by distorted bass, pounding electronic drums and unsettling synth textures that create an intense futuristic atmosphere. The eerie sound design and relentless groove evoke themes of artificial intelligence, dystopian cities and psychological tension. Perfect for cyberpunk games, technology promos, sci-fi trailers, hacker content, true crime documentaries and cinematic action sequences. Also suitable for esports videos, automotive advertising, product launches, YouTube content and modern thriller productions. aka Cyberpunk (included in the album The Hacker Conspiracy) Keywords: action, aggressive, ai, bass, cinematic, cyberpunk, dark, distortion, dramatic, dystopian, electronic, energetic, esports, futuristic, game, gym, hacker, hacking, industrial, mysterious, ominous, sci fi, sports, suspense, technology, tension, thriller, trailer, underground, urban
$35 licencePangea Pop
Struan CotteePangea" is a polished pop track at 90 BPM in c minor, running 3:57. Bright and full-sounding with a strong hook, it's ready to drop into your video or game. Great for: Menu and title screens Open-world exploration and travel scenes Cutscenes and emotional story beats Trailers, credits, and promo videos Racing, rhythm, or casual/mobile games with a modern pop feel Mood: Hopeful, Electronic, Fast, Running Tempo: 90 BPM | Key: C minor | Length: 3:57 The title nods to the supercontinent that joined the world together, so the track suits themes of discovery, connection, and journeys across big landscapes. This track is built in steps so you can cut and loop as much as you want to suit your project.
$50 licenceCoco Loco
Ion OdagiuTrack Title: Coco Loco Vibe: High-energy, carefree, celebratory, vibrant, sun-soaked. Ideal For: Travel vlogs, beverage commercials, summer fashion campaigns, cruise line promos, and upbeat party scenes. Description: "Coco Loco" is an infectious, high-energy tropical anthem that instantly evokes the feeling of an endless summer. Featuring a driving, hypnotic rhythm and a universally catchy hook, this track is perfect for brands and visual media looking to convey freedom, warmth, and spontaneous fun. The lyrics build a vivid, stress-free beach atmosphere that naturally drives movement and upbeat visuals.
$50 licenceStep By Step
AmelinaAn uplifting, high-energy pop track with a confident, positive vibe and a clear “keep going” message. Ideal for brands that want music that feels modern, youthful, and motivating without being aggressive or edgy. Great for: social ads and short-form videos, back-to-school content, sports/fitness and training edits, youth lifestyle, product launches, app/education promos, “before & after” and progress montages, team moments, celebrations, and feel-good storytelling. Brand safety: family-friendly and broadly suitable for mainstream campaigns. Works especially well for youth, education, wellness, lifestyle, and positive-messaging brands.
$5 licence1000 Words, All Beautiful – Energetic Cinematic Electronic Track
XABRUALVA“1000 Words, All Beautiful” is an energetic cinematic electronic track featuring pulsing synths, modern rhythmic layers and bright, uplifting textures. Designed for high‑impact digital content, it fits perfectly in tech ads, product showcases, sports highlights, fast‑paced edits, dynamic storytelling, branded videos and visually driven campaigns. Its forward motion, polished sound design and confident atmosphere make it ideal for creators and brands looking for a modern, engaging and emotionally positive soundtrack.
How Content ID actually treats ads
Content ID fingerprints the audio on upload and matches it against reference files supplied by rights-holders. A match on a monetised or promoted video triggers a claim, and the claim can redirect revenue or block the video outright.
It is automated and it does not know whether you paid for a licence. The fix is not avoiding detection, it is being able to answer it: a certificate naming the track, the ISRC and your company.
What your licence needs to say
For pre-roll, bumper, in-feed and Shorts ads, check the licence covers:
- Paid digital advertising, explicitly — not just 'online use'
- Every territory the campaign will serve in
- Both master and publishing
- All cutdowns: 6s bumper, 15s, 30s and the long cut, as one creative
- A term that outlasts the flight, so an extension does not need re-clearance
Choosing music that survives a skip button
The first five seconds decide the ad. Tracks that open on a hook rather than build for twenty bars consistently perform better in skippable placements, and edits are much easier to cut against.
Try the track on your own video before you commit — the shape of the music against your first frames matters more than the genre label.
Frequently asked questions
What music can I use in a YouTube ad?
Any music you hold a licence for that names paid digital advertising in your territories, covering both the recording and the composition. YouTube's own Audio Library is licensed for content, not for every advertising use, so read its terms before putting spend behind the video.
Will licensed music still get a Content ID claim?
It can. Rights-holders reference their own catalogue, so a match can fire even when your use is authorised. You dispute it with the licence certificate, which names the recording, the ISRC and you as the licensee.
Does a YouTube ad need a different licence to an organic upload?
Usually yes. Advertising is a distinct use with wider reach and more legal exposure, and many licences that permit organic uploads exclude paid media. Melody licences cover paid social and digital by default.
Can one licence cover all my cutdowns?
On Melody, yes — one creative concept includes every duration, aspect ratio and language version of it. A genuinely different campaign needs its own licence.
Ready to try it against your own footage?
Pick a track, drop it on your edit and see it before you decide. Licensing takes a couple of minutes when you are happy.
- Licences from $5, covering the recording and the song worldwide
- Certificate issued the moment you pay, ready for any platform dispute
Keep reading
YouTube sync licences
The rights detail, in full.
Music for ads
The wider buyer guide.
Copyright-free vs licensed
Why 'no copyright' does not stop a claim.
Music for Instagram ads
Reels, Stories and paid social.