Hey guys! Want to spice up your YouTube videos with some awesome tunes without worrying about copyright strikes? You've probably heard of NCS (NoCopyrightSounds), and you're in the right place to learn how to use their music safely and effectively. Let's dive in!

What is NCS (NoCopyrightSounds)?

NoCopyrightSounds (NCS) is a record label and collective that provides royalty-free music for content creators. Founded by Billy Woodford in 2011, NCS revolutionized the way YouTubers and other online content creators access music for their projects. The core idea behind NCS is to allow creators to use high-quality music without the fear of copyright claims, strikes, or takedowns, which can be a huge headache. NCS operates primarily on YouTube, where they host their vast library of electronic music, spanning genres like EDM, dubstep, house, and more. Each track is released under a specific license that allows creators to use the music, typically requiring attribution to NCS and the artist in the video description.

The beauty of NCS lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Instead of navigating complex licensing agreements and paying royalties, creators can simply download the music from the NCS YouTube channel or their website and use it in their videos. This has made NCS an incredibly popular resource for YouTubers, gamers, podcasters, and anyone else who needs background music for their content. The label has also provided a platform for numerous artists to gain exposure and build their careers. Many artists who started on NCS have gone on to achieve mainstream success, proving the label's impact on the music industry. By fostering a community of creators and artists, NCS has become a cornerstone of the online content creation ecosystem, offering a sustainable and ethical way to use music in digital media. Understanding this background is crucial before we get into how to properly use NCS music, ensuring you respect their terms and continue to support the creators and the platform.

Benefits of Using NCS Music

Using NCS music comes with a plethora of benefits for content creators. First and foremost, it eliminates the risk of copyright strikes and takedowns, which can seriously impact your YouTube channel's standing and monetization. Copyright issues can lead to videos being blocked, demonetized, or even your channel receiving a strike, which can eventually result in termination. By using NCS music, you avoid these pitfalls and can focus on creating great content without the legal worries.

Another significant advantage is the cost savings. Licensing music can be expensive, especially for independent creators who may not have a large budget. NCS music is free to use, as long as you adhere to their licensing terms, which typically involve giving credit to the artist and NCS in your video description. This makes it an incredibly accessible resource for creators of all sizes, from beginners just starting out to established channels looking for quality background music. Moreover, NCS offers a diverse range of genres and styles, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're creating a gaming video, a vlog, a tutorial, or a short film, you can find the perfect track to complement your content. The high-quality production and variety of NCS music can significantly enhance the overall viewing experience, making your videos more engaging and professional. Additionally, using NCS music supports the artists and the NCS community. By providing attribution, you're helping to promote the artists and their work, contributing to their growth and success. This fosters a collaborative environment where creators and artists can thrive together. Finally, NCS simplifies the music selection process. With a vast library of readily available tracks, you can quickly find and download the music you need without spending hours searching through complicated licensing websites. This saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of video production. In summary, the benefits of using NCS music include copyright protection, cost savings, diverse music selection, enhanced video quality, artist support, and simplified music selection.

How to Find NCS Music

Finding the right NCS music for your YouTube videos is a straightforward process, thanks to their well-organized platform. The primary source for NCS music is their official YouTube channel. Simply search for "NoCopyrightSounds" on YouTube, and you'll find their main channel, which features a vast library of tracks. The channel is regularly updated with new releases, so there's always fresh music to discover. Each track is uploaded as a separate video, making it easy to preview and select the music you want to use. Another great resource is the NCS website. The website offers a user-friendly interface where you can browse music by genre, mood, or artist. This can be particularly helpful if you have a specific type of music in mind or want to explore different styles. The website also provides detailed information about each track, including the artist, release date, and licensing terms.

In addition to the YouTube channel and website, NCS also has a strong presence on other streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. These platforms can be useful for discovering new NCS tracks and creating playlists for your projects. For example, you can create a Spotify playlist of your favorite NCS tracks and easily access them whenever you need music for a video. Social media is another excellent way to stay updated on the latest NCS releases. Follow NCS on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get notifications about new music, artist spotlights, and community updates. This can help you stay ahead of the curve and find trending tracks that resonate with your audience. When searching for NCS music, it's essential to use relevant keywords to narrow down your options. Try searching for specific genres like "NCS EDM," "NCS Dubstep," or "NCS House" to find music that matches the theme and style of your video. You can also use keywords related to mood or emotion, such as "NCS Uplifting," "NCS Energetic," or "NCS Relaxing," to find music that complements the tone of your content. By leveraging these resources and search techniques, you can efficiently find the perfect NCS music to enhance your YouTube videos and keep your content fresh and engaging.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using NCS Music

Using NCS music in your YouTube videos involves a few simple steps to ensure you're following their licensing terms and giving proper credit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Find Your Music: Start by browsing the NCS YouTube channel or website to find a track that suits your video. Listen to a few options and choose the one that best complements your content.
2. Download the Track: Once you've found the perfect track, download it. You can usually find a download link in the video description on YouTube or on the NCS website. Make sure you're downloading from a legitimate source to avoid any copyright issues.
3. Include the Music in Your Video: Import the downloaded track into your video editing software and incorporate it into your project. Adjust the volume and timing to ensure it blends seamlessly with your visuals and narration.
4. Add Attribution in the Description: This is the most crucial step. In your video description, you must give credit to the artist and NCS. The specific attribution format is usually provided in the video description of the NCS track on YouTube. It typically includes the song title, artist name, and a link to the NCS channel or website.
5. Double-Check Your Description: Before publishing your video, double-check that you've included all the necessary attribution information. Missing or incorrect attribution can lead to copyright claims, so it's essential to get it right.
6. Publish Your Video: Once you're confident that everything is in order, go ahead and publish your video on YouTube. Keep an eye on your video's performance and engagement to see how your audience responds to the music.
7. Monitor for Any Issues: While NCS music is royalty-free, it's always a good idea to monitor your video for any copyright claims. YouTube's Content ID system sometimes flags videos even with proper attribution. If you receive a claim, you can usually dispute it by providing proof of your NCS license (i.e., the link to the NCS track and your attribution in the description).

By following these steps, you can confidently use NCS music in your YouTube videos without worrying about copyright strikes. Remember to always prioritize proper attribution and stay informed about any updates to NCS's licensing terms to ensure you're in compliance.

Best Practices for Attribution

Proper attribution is the cornerstone of using NCS music legally and ethically. It's not just about avoiding copyright strikes; it's also about supporting the artists and the NCS community. Here are some best practices for giving credit:

• Copy and Paste: The easiest way to ensure accuracy is to copy and paste the attribution text directly from the NCS video description. This eliminates the risk of typos or incorrect information.
• Placement Matters: Place the attribution text at the top of your video description, so it's easily visible to viewers. This shows that you're transparent about your music usage and respect the artists' work.
• Include All Required Information: Make sure your attribution includes the song title, artist name, and a link to the NCS channel or website. Some tracks may have additional requirements, such as a link to the artist's social media profiles, so be sure to include those as well.
• Be Consistent: Use the same attribution format for all your videos that feature NCS music. This creates a consistent and professional look for your channel.
• Add a General Disclaimer: Consider adding a general disclaimer to your video description stating that you're using royalty-free music from NCS and giving credit to the artists. This can help avoid confusion and demonstrate your commitment to ethical content creation.
• Use Chapters: Adding chapters to your youtube video also help your viewers, using chapters can help organize and can give a proper titles to sections.
• Monitor Your Videos: Regularly check your videos for any copyright claims, even if you've provided proper attribution. YouTube's Content ID system can sometimes make mistakes, so it's essential to stay vigilant and dispute any false claims.
• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on NCS's official channels for any updates to their licensing terms. They may occasionally change their requirements, so it's crucial to stay informed to ensure you're always in compliance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter some issues when using NCS music on YouTube. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

1. Copyright Claims: If you receive a copyright claim despite providing proper attribution, don't panic. YouTube's Content ID system sometimes flags videos incorrectly. Dispute the claim by providing proof of your NCS license, such as a link to the NCS track and a screenshot of your video description with the attribution. YouTube will usually resolve the issue in your favor once they verify your information.
2. Monetization Issues: In some cases, your video may be demonetized due to the music. This can happen even if you're using NCS music legally. Again, dispute the claim and provide evidence of your NCS license. YouTube will typically reinstate monetization once they confirm that you have the right to use the music.
3. Audio Muted or Blocked: If your video's audio is muted or blocked in certain regions, it could be due to copyright restrictions. This is rare with NCS music, but it can happen. Contact NCS directly and provide them with the details of the issue. They may be able to help you resolve the problem or provide you with alternative tracks.
4. Incorrect Attribution: If you realize that you've made a mistake in your attribution, such as misspelling the artist's name or forgetting to include a link, correct it immediately. Edit your video description and update the information. This will help prevent any potential copyright issues in the future.
5. Outdated Licensing Terms: NCS may occasionally update their licensing terms, so it's essential to stay informed. If you're using older NCS tracks, double-check the current licensing requirements to ensure you're still in compliance. Update your attribution if necessary.
6. Conflicting Licenses: If you're using music from multiple sources in your video, make sure that all the licenses are compatible. Using music with conflicting licenses can lead to copyright issues. Stick to NCS music or other royalty-free sources to avoid this problem.

Conclusion

Using NCS music on YouTube is a fantastic way to enhance your videos with high-quality, royalty-free music. By understanding what NCS is, how to find their music, and how to properly attribute it, you can create engaging content without the worry of copyright strikes. Remember to always follow the licensing terms, stay updated on any changes, and support the artists and the NCS community. Happy creating!