Howto credit music on YouTube
Short answer: put the credit in your video description: the track title, the artist, a link to the source and, for Creative Commons music, the license name with a link. Many makers give you a ready-made credit line; copy it exactly.
A credit line that always works
Music: “Night Walk” by Lofi Lukas
Source: lofilukas.com
License: CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
If the maker gives their own credit line, use theirs instead. Some platforms, like Uppbeat and Bensound, add a unique license code that helps clear claims, so never leave it out.
Where to put it
- YouTube videos and Shorts: in the description. Put it near the top if the maker asks for a visible credit.
- Podcasts: in the episode notes, and say it out loud if the maker asks.
- Instagram and TikTok: in the caption.
- Photos and graphics on websites: in a caption under the image, or on a credits page.
Credit for Creative Commons music
Creative Commons licenses ask for four things: the title, the author, the source and the license, with links where possible. Creative Commons music explained
Does a credit prevent Content ID claims?
Not always. A credit is what the license asks for, but if the track is registered in Content ID you can still get a claim. You can then dispute it and point to the license. What is Content ID?
FAQ
Is “no copyright intended” enough?
No. That sentence has no legal meaning. You need permission through a license, and a proper credit when the license asks for it.
Do I need to credit music that says “no credit needed”?
No, but a credit is a nice way to thank the maker, and it helps their work get found.
Can I credit in a pinned comment instead?
Use the description unless the maker says otherwise. Comments can be hidden or removed.