If you’ve ever uploaded a video and suddenly got hit with a copyright claim, you know how painful it feels. Your monetization gets shut off, your video might get blocked, and all your hard work can be undermined by one short music clip.

The truth is, even if you think you’re using royalty-free or “safe” music, you can still end up in copyright trouble if the license isn’t clear or properly managed.

So let’s break down how to find affordable music that keeps your content completely safe — and how to avoid the traps that cause copyright strikes in the first place.

1. Understand What a Copyright Strike Actually Is

A copyright strike happens when a copyright owner tells a platform (like YouTube or Instagram) that your content uses their work without permission.

There are two main types of copyright issues:

  • Content ID claims – These are automatic. A system detects matching audio and flags your video. Sometimes it’s harmless, but it can still demonetize or limit your content.
  • Copyright strikes – These are manual and more serious. They can remove your content or even suspend your account.

Even if you use “royalty-free” or purchased music, you can still get claims if your provider doesn’t properly control rights across all platforms.

2. Avoid “Free” Music That Isn’t Actually Free

There’s a lot of so-called free music floating around online – but much of it comes with hidden restrictions.

Sites that offer “free” downloads often:

  • Don’t own the full copyright to the tracks they host
  • Require attribution or credit links
  • Allow non-commercial use only
  • Don’t protect you if the track later gets registered in Content ID

That means you could legally download a track today, then get a copyright claim six months later when someone registers it.

Bottom line: If it’s 100% free, it’s usually not safe for serious creators.

3. Choose Trusted Licensing Platforms

To stay safe, you should always get your music from legitimate licensing platforms that:

  • Have clear, written usage rights
  • Work directly with artists and rights holders
  • Handle Content ID claims for you
  • Provide perpetual (forever) use licenses

These platforms cost a little, but they save you a lot of time, stress, and lost revenue.

When you use licensed music, you’re not just paying for the track – you’re paying for peace of mind.

4. Look for “Forever-Use” or “Perpetual” Licenses

Some platforms lock your rights to the length of your subscription.
That means if you cancel, you lose permission to use the music in new videos – or worse, your old videos become unlicensed.

A forever-use license means that once you’ve licensed the track, you can use it indefinitely. Even if you unsubscribe later, your content stays safe.

This is crucial for YouTubers, streamers, and brands who want long-term protection for their growing library of videos.

5. Balance Quality and Affordability

The best licensing platforms find a middle ground between price and reliability.

You don’t need to spend hundreds on one track, but you also shouldn’t risk using random “royalty-free” sites that don’t verify ownership.

Look for platforms that:

  • Offer monthly or yearly subscriptions
  • Include both music and sound effects
  • Let you preview and download easily
  • Have transparent, flat pricing (no hidden tiers or usage upsells)

Why RouteNote Licensing Is the Smart Choice

If you want affordable, safe, and perpetual licensing – RouteNote Licensing checks every box.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

  • 🎵 Massive library: Over 7,000 tracks and 30,000 sound effects from trusted, verified artists.
  • 💸 Affordable pricing: Just a few dollars per month for full access – no hidden fees.
  • 🛡️ No copyright strikes: RouteNote provides full claim control across platforms, keeping your videos monetised and safe.
  • 🔁 Forever-use license: Once you’ve licensed it, it’s yours to use forever – no surprises later.
  • 🌍 Full commercial use: You can use music across YouTube, Twitch, podcasts, ads, and client projects with one simple license.

Instead of worrying about copyright strikes or takedowns, you can focus on what actually matters – creating.

Final Thoughts

Copyright strikes are one of the biggest threats to a creator’s momentum – but they’re also completely avoidable.


By using trusted, verified licensing services and avoiding risky “free” music sources, you can protect your content and your income.

RouteNote Licensing makes it simple:

Affordable, perpetual, and fully protected.

👉 Check out RouteNote Licensing and get music that’s safe, affordable, and built for creators like you.