Soundsnap - A Music Source for Videos

Music plays a such a large part in our lives it is no wonder that we would want to include music in our videos. This is an area that you do have to be careful. You can't use any tune you happen to have (in generational order) on Vinyl, 8-Track, Cassette, CD, or mp3s.

On the one hand is the right livelihood of musicians, artists and performers. Musicians need compensation; they need to be paid!

On the other hand, getting an invitation to stand before a judge to explain what he/she doesn't care to understand as attorneys from the RIAA, ASCAP and BMI glare at you like cougars waiting to pounce on a deer is not a good thing.

SoundSnap.com might be an option for you. But first, before you download music or Sound FX from any website you need to understand the terms of service, the music license and what you can and cannot do with the content.

I am not a lawyer. I don't want to be a lawyer. This is my best understanding of the Terms of Use (also known as Terms of Service). You need to read them for yourself because if you download the music you will be bound by them.

My Understanding:

• You have to be 13 years or older to use the content on the website.
• You have to create a user account to gain access to the musical content. Soundsnap.com has a limited free access, 5 downloads a month and a premium access where you can get what you want when you want.
• You are free to use the music and to transform the music for non-commercial and commercial use.
• You cannot, however download the music and then sell that same song to another person.

Music, Loops and SoundFX

At Soundsnap.com you can download songs in a variety of genres, music loops for intros, games transitions or SoundFX, such as animals, heartbeats and pile drivers. You can mix or match but again, if you use the free option, you are limited to 5 items a month.

There is a search box where you can filter your selection. You can preview the sound before making a commitment. The content is available as .wav, .mp3 or .aiff but not all sound formats are available for each music, loop or SoundFX.

So If I Want Premium Stuff How Much?

Yeah, I had a little trouble with finding that information. I didn't want to register at this time. You can register to get the free account and I assume that they will inform you of the cost of the premium service once you complete registration.

Or you do what I did, check out the Educational option where I learned that the regular price for one month is $29 U.S. and for the Educational option (with proof) it is $29 U.S. for three months.

So there you have it, music for your video for as much or as little as you can afford. Again check it out for yourself and see if you can find your perfect beat.