let me just start with this: if you create videos — YouTube, short-form, motion graphic stuff, client projects, whatever — you already know how freaking important background sound is.
Trust me, I’ve delivered videos that looked amazing… and the client still said:
“Hmm… something’s missing.”
And yep — it was always the audio.
So yeah, I’ve been using background-sound sites almost every day for years.
Some of them are lifesavers.
Some of them… well, let’s just say they’ve destroyed my nerves more than once 😂
Why Background Sound Matters More Than You Think
I used to think background sound was just… background. Like something no one would notice anyway.
But oh man, was I wrong.
The moment I started adding cleaner ambiance, subtle loops, and those “barely noticeable but kinda cool” textures, my projects suddenly looked more expensive. Even when they weren’t.
People underestimate sound — but clients don’t.
At least mine don’t 😅
If you create content for social media or clients, having the right background sound isn’t a luxury.
It’s survival.
The Real Benefits of Using Background Sound Websites
Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way… or the fun way… depends on the project, honestly.
1. You instantly level up the mood of the video
One loop can transform a “meh” clip into “wow, this actually slaps.”
I’ve used a simple ambient pad behind a boring B-roll, and the client thought I had rebuilt the whole scene 😂
2. Saves time (and sanity)
Finding sound manually?
Recording it yourself?
No thanks.
These websites literally save hours. And as a freelancer, time = more projects = more money.
I’m not ashamed to admit it.
3. Avoid copyright hell
YouTube claims, demonetization, a random email from a company in Germany saying “you used our audio illegally”…
Yeah, I’ve been there.
Not fun.
Good sound websites protect you from that nightmare.
4. Makes cheap videos look expensive
Sometimes I deliver a project where the background sound is doing 70% of the work — and nobody even realizes it.
It’s like cheating… but legally 😂
5. Huge variety for any mood/story
Dark cinematic?
Chill lofi?
Corporate but not too boring?
Epic but not Avengers-level epic?
All there.
Ready.
Waiting for you.
The Downsides (Yeah, There Are a Few Annoying Ones)
1. Some sites use confusing licenses 🙄
I hate when a track says “Free”…
Then you download it and boom —
“Credit required”, “non-commercial only”, “no redistribution”, “no modifications”…
Bro what?
I just want to add it to a 13-second Instagram reel 😩
2. Many “free” tracks are overused everywhere
If you hear a song on 40 TikToks, and then you use it on your client’s video…
Yeah, they will notice.
And they will say something like:
“Didn’t I hear this in a meme?”
3. Quality is hit or miss
Some free libraries sound like they were recorded inside a washing machine.
With the door open.
While someone was yelling in the background.
4. Some platforms limit downloads unless you pay
Not a dealbreaker, but annoying enough.
Especially when you’re broke and caffeine-dependent (like me, most days).
5. Too much choice = losing 40 minutes for no reason 😭
You know that moment when you WANT to choose fast…
But suddenly you’re listening to 47 different lofi tracks and now it’s dark outside?
Yeah.
It happens.
⭐ 5 Background Sound Sites I Actually Use (My Real Experience, Not Sponsored)
1. Pixabay Music – My “emergency” choice
This site has literally saved me during deadlines.
Clean tracks, no copyright issues, no weird licensing.
Perfect when you have 10 minutes before delivery and your brain has stopped working 😅
2. Mixkit – My go-to for clean, modern vibes
Mixkit is like that friend who never disappoints.
Aesthetic UI, great categories, good loops.
If I don’t know what type of sound I want yet, Mixkit usually figures it out for me 😂
3. FreeSound – My weird, chaotic, creative sanctuary
This one is wild.
You’ll find the most bizarre sounds ever:
rain on metal roofs, a cat sneezing, footsteps on leaves…
Everything.
Perfect for sound design or VFX-heavy stuff.
Just check the license every time.
4. YouTube Audio Library – Safe, simple, reliable
Not the most exciting collection in the world, BUT…
If you want zero copyright issues on YouTube, this is the one.
Sometimes boring = safe = perfect.
5. Bensound – My “client project” resource
When a client has a bigger budget (rare, lol), Bensound is the one I open.
The tracks sound expensive, polished, and studio-made.
Even the free ones pack a punch.
My Real Advice (After Years of Trial, Error & Coffee Addiction)
Here’s the honest truth:
Don’t rely on only one site.
Every project has a different vibe.
Every client wants something weirdly specific.
And every platform has its own “personality”.
Here’s what I do:
- Pixabay → fast projects
- Mixkit → modern social media videos
- FreeSound → sound design & VFX scenes
- YouTube Library → safe uploads for YT
- Bensound → premium client projects
This combo has never failed me.
(Okay, maybe once. But that was because the client wanted “a sound that feels like tasting purple”. I still don’t know what that means.)
Should You Pay for a Premium Sound Library?
If you’re just starting and money is tight → No.
Free options are more than enough.
If you do client work or want a unique brand identity → Yes.
Premium tracks make your content stand out big time.
Final Thoughts
Background sound is one of those things you don’t notice…
Until it’s missing.
If you’re smart with your sound choices, you’ll instantly look more professional — even if the rest of your setup is just your phone, a cheap tripod, and a window for lighting (yes, I’ve been there too 😂).
Anyway…
Bookmark this if you constantly forget where to find good audio (like me).
And try at least two of these sites on your next project — the difference will surprise you.
