I’m often asked about music for reels and videos – specifically, which music tracks can be used for commercial use without copyright infringement?
Visuals are eye-catching, but background music is what truly grabs attention, sets the mood and makes your content memorable. For pet and vet businesses, the right background track can add warmth, energy or a touch of professionalism to videos, slideshows and stories, keeping audiences engaged and more connected to your brand.
Using music without the proper licence can lead to content removal, fines or even legal consequences—all issues that can damage your business’s reputation. Whether you’re creating in Canva or exploring other music sources, you can focus on making content that’s both engaging and legally compliant.
1. Understanding Music Copyright Basics
What Is Copyright, and Why Does It Matter?
Copyright is a legal right that grants creators exclusive ownership over their original work, whether that’s music, art, writing or video. For music, copyright ensures that composers, musicians and producers are compensated for their work and can control how it’s used. When using music in your social media posts, respecting copyright means securing the appropriate licence or permission to use it, especially if your posts are intended for business purposes.
The Risks of Ignoring Copyright
Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to serious consequences, especially on social media platforms with strict content policies. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok regularly scan for unauthorised music and may mute or remove your videos if copyright rules aren’t followed. In some cases, repeated copyright infringements can result in temporary or permanent account suspensions, while more severe breaches might lead to fines or legal action from the copyright holder. For a business, these risks can tarnish your brand’s reputation and disrupt your social media strategy.
2. Knowing the Types of Music Licences
Types of Licences: Personal vs. Commercial Use
Music licences generally fall into two main categories: personal use and commercial use. Personal use allows you to incorporate music in content intended for private or non-business purposes, such as a family video or personal social media account. Commercial use, on the other hand, is required when content is associated with a business, brand or any platform where profit, advertising or public promotion is involved. For pet and vet businesses, this distinction is critical, as most social media posts promoting your services fall under commercial use.
Key Terms: Royalty-Free, Copyright-Free and Licensed for Commercial Use
- Royalty-Free: This does not mean free of cost. It simply means that after a one-time fee, you don’t owe ongoing royalties to the creator. Many platforms offer royalty-free music that is available for a single upfront fee or under a subscription.
- Copyright-Free: True “copyright-free” music is rare and usually in the public domain, meaning it has no copyright restrictions. However, some creators use this term loosely, so it’s always wise to double-check.
- Licensed for Commercial Use: This designation explicitly permits the use of music in profit-driven or brand-related content. Platforms that offer music licensed for commercial use usually specify this, and it’s the safest option for business-related posts.
3. How to Find Copyright-Safe Music
There are numerous resources available for finding copyright-safe music to use on social media. Here are a few popular options:
- Canva’s Audio Library: Canva allows you to browse a library of music tracks with filters for “Pro” and “Free” tracks. By clicking the three dots next to each track, you can check whether it’s licensed for personal or commercial use, helping ensure your music choices are suitable for business posts.
- Social Media Platform Libraries: Instagram, TikTok and Facebook provide music libraries directly on their apps, simplifying the licensing process for personal accounts. However, I’ve found this to be very limited for business accounts. Verify if commercial use is permitted on a track-by-track basis.
- YouTube Audio Library: Offers a variety of free music tracks that can be filtered by genre and mood. Be sure to check each track’s licence details, as some require attribution.
- Premium Services: Platforms such as Epidemic Sound, Artlist and AudioJungle offer high-quality music specifically licensed for commercial use. While these are paid services, they often have extensive libraries and customisable licensing options.
4. Using Music in Canva for Social Media
Even within licensed platforms such as Canva, it’s essential to double-check the use terms of each track (click the three dots next to each track). Music licences can vary, and some tracks may have restrictions on certain platforms or types of use. Keeping a habit of reviewing each track’s details before adding it to your content will help you avoid any copyright issues and ensure that your business posts are fully compliant. Following these practices not only safeguards your brand but also demonstrates respect for content creators and the intellectual property they’ve developed.
5. Creating a Social Media Copyright Checklist
Creating a simple copyright checklist can help keep your music usage compliant and stress-free. Here are some essential steps:
- Check Platform Rules: Each social media platform has specific rules regarding music use for business accounts. Familiarise yourself with these guidelines, as they may restrict certain types of music for commercial use.
- Verify the Licence Terms: Always review the licence terms of the music track you plan to use. For Canva users, this includes clicking on the three dots next to each track to ensure it’s labelled for commercial use.
- Document Usage: Make a note of which tracks you use in each post or campaign. This not only helps with organisation but also makes it easier to manage usage rights across multiple platforms. It can also help to remind you which tracks you’ve already used recently, and which ones worked well for you.
Using music legally on social media is essential for protecting your brand and staying compliant with copyright laws. By understanding different licence types, finding copyright-safe music and using tools responsibly, you can enhance your content while respecting creators’ rights. As you plan your next social media posts, take some time to explore the music options in Canva and verify each track’s licensing details. With the right music, your content can captivate audiences and reflect the professionalism of your pet or vet business—legally and effectively.
I’d love to know where you source your music tracks from! Do you manage your socials with free music, or do you pay for tracks that can be used commercially? Feel free to reply to this email and share your experiences.
