How to use royalty-free music for social media

Music makes content more vibrant, evokes emotions, and increases reach – especially on social media. For companies and freelancers, the use of music is not only a creative issue but also a legal one. Incorrect usage can lead to warnings, content blocks, or even claims for damages.

In this article, you will learn how to use Instagram & Facebook (Meta Sound Collection), TikTok (Commercial Music Library), and LinkedIn legally with royalty-free music – and what alternatives exist.

Royalty-Free Music on Instagram & Facebook (Meta Sound Collection)

What is the Meta Sound Collection?

The Meta Sound Collection is a free library of music and sound effects that are specifically made available for use on Facebook and Instagram. It is available for both creators and business accounts and includes thousands of royalty-free tracks.

Use for Business Accounts

For companies, it is particularly important: The Meta Sound Collection can be freely used for organic content (Reels, Stories, Posts). However, for ads, the respective license conditions of the tracks should be checked, as not every track is automatically cleared for Ads.

👉 Example:

• Reels: Product presentation with a royalty-free background track from the Sound Collection

• Stories: Event teaser with sound effects from the library

Restrictions & Tips

• The use applies only within Meta platforms (no download for external use)

• For brand-sensitive campaigns, it is advisable to choose neutral music pieces

• Regular check of the Sound Collection – the catalog is continuously updated

Royalty-Free Music on TikTok (Commercial Music Library)

Private vs. Business: The Big Difference

While private TikTok users are allowed to use almost any song from the catalog, companies are restricted in the Commercial Music Library (CML). This library only contains tracks that are legally cleared for commercial use.

Where to Find the Commercial Music Library?

• Open the TikTok Sound Selector in the app

• Select the Commercial Music Library automatically as a Business Account

• Filter by genres, mood, or length

👉 Example:

• Behind-the-scenes video with a neutral track from the CML

• Tutorial video with a royalty-free beat from the CML

Restrictions

• No use of current chart hits or popular songs for business accounts

• For custom branding music: Acquire licenses from external platforms like Artlist or Epidemic Sound

Music Use on LinkedIn

No Integrated Music Library

LinkedIn does not provide its own music library. Anyone wishing to use music in videos must rely on external royalty-free sources.

Possible Sources for Royalty-Free Music

• Artlist (subscription model, commercial use)

• Epidemic Sound (subscription model, flexible use on all platforms)

• YouTube Audio Library (free, use subject to licensing conditions)

• PremiumBeat or AudioJungle (individual licenses for specific projects)

👉 Important: Always ensure that the license covers commercial use – and ideally document screenshots of the license terms.

Possible Consequences of Copyright Violations

Errors in music selection can quickly become expensive.

Possible Consequences:

• Content Blocking or Muting (videos will be shown without sound or deleted)

• Account Blocking for repeated violations

• Warnings & Claims for Damages – depending on the rights holder and extent of use

👉 Example:

A company uses a current chart hit in an Instagram ad without a license. Result: Campaign is blocked, the rights holder demands damages.

Practical Tips & Tools for Companies

• Meta Sound Collection (Instagram & Facebook) for organic content

• TikTok Commercial Music Library for business accounts

• Artlist, Epidemic Sound, PremiumBeat, AudioJungle for cross-platform use

• Develop Own Branding Music (Corporate Sound) – the safest long-term solution

💡 Extra Tip: Our Splendid Learning Social Media Guide offers companies practical assistance, including checklists for content creation, tips for music usage, and creative ideas for campaigns.