Selecting music for your video project isn’t just a creative choice. It’s a business decision as well! And when it comes to using music legally, the license you get is only half the equation. The pricing model behind that license can impact your budget, workflow, and even your creative freedom. Whether you’re licensing one track or managing content at scale, it’s worth understanding three common pricing structures so you can pick the one that fits your needs.
Custom Project-Based Pricing: Often generated after an initial custom quote request, this sort of pricing is your boutique, personalized option. There’s no guesswork, just exactly what you need. Typically, you work with a licensing expert to discuss your project scope, which would include sharing things such as: territory, term (or duration), and media type in order to receive tailored pricing.
Who benefits from this price structure?
- High-stakes ad campaigns
- Film festival submissions
- Exclusive trailers
Royalty-Free Pricing: Don’t let the name fool you. “Royalty free” doesn’t mean “free.” It simply means you pay one flat fee upfront to use the music without needing to track or pay ongoing royalties. Royalty-free gives you peace of mind: pay once, use forever. Just make sure the terms truly cover your intended usage.
Who benefits from this price structure?
- Indie filmmakers and freelancers
- YouTubers, streamers, and creators on a budget
- Small businesses and content marketers
Subscription Pricing: This is perfect for those creators generating a lot of volume. Also called a blanket license, this pricing model is as simple as it can get. One flat fee, typically paid by month or annually, that gets you access to a catalog for a set period of time. You can use any track, as many times as you want, within the agreed terms.
Who benefits from this price structure?
- Agencies or corporate companies churning out content
- Weekly podcast production
- Social teams with tight turnarounds
At the End of the Day
Each pricing structure has its strengths. The best choice comes down to how often you need music, how you plan to use it, and whether your project calls for custom control or fast execution. If you’re unsure, working with a professional music library like ALIBI Music can help match your goals with the right licensing setup by saving you time, stress, and surprise costs down the line.
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