You’ve got your video cut. You know the vibe you’re creating. Now it’s time to
that will bring it all together. Once you’re ready to add music to your project, the next steps of finding the right sound with the right license is critical.If you're still wondering why you even need one, we break it down in “What Is Music Licensing? (And Why It Matters)”. But in short: skip the sketchy stuff. Stick with professional music libraries that specialize in licensing.
Step 1: Find a Solid Selection of Tracks That Fits Your Story
Use a professional music library with tools that let you filter by genre, emotion, tempo, or even instrumentation. For inspiration, check out our
page to explore how the ALIBI Music search features work and learn tricks (hint: negative keywords) that help you hone in on the right track fast.Once you have a list of tracks to listen through, try using the waveform to find peaks and valleys in the music. This will help you pinpoint the perfect section in the track more quickly, instead of listening through the whole track for that right moment. For example, if you are creating a moment with increasing intensity, you can scrub through the track to where the waveform gets bigger.
Step 2: Check the Media Type, Territory, and Term
Before you hit "license," read the fine print. Ask:
- Is this cleared for Youtube?
- What about broadcast or film festivals?
- Can I use it globally? Forever?
Good libraries will spell this out clearly.
Step 3: Complete the Licensing Process
Once you’ve chosen a track and confirmed the terms, you’ll either:
- Buy a license directly,
- Use your subscription to unlock access, or
- Request a quote if your use case is custom.
Either way, make sure you walk away with written proof of the license before making your work public.
Step 4: Keep Your License on File
Whether you’re working solo or as part of a production team, keep a copy of your license somewhere safe. That way, if a platform flags your content or someone questions your rights, you can show the receipt and move on with your day.
When All Is Said and Done
Music licensing isn’t just a box to check. It’s how you respect the craft, protect your work, and keep your creative momentum rolling.
So
. Nail the tone. And release your project knowing you’ve got the legal green light and the paperwork to back it up.Have a question about licensing for your project?