Choosing the right track for your project can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially if you don’t know how to find royalty-free music that fits your needs. Maybe you know you want “something cool” or “something happy”, but when it comes to putting that into words to find the perfect track, it gets tricky.
If you’re stuck trying to figure out how to describe the music that fits your project, you’re not alone. The good news is, there’s a simple way to break it down: by answering 10 key questions that help you get specific about the feeling, pace, and style you want. Your answers will provide you with clear, searchable terms to help you find music that perfectly fits your project.
The First Step in Finding the Right Track
The most important thing music does is set the emotional tone. Before you think about genre or instruments, ask yourself…
1. What is the single prominent emotion you want the viewer to feel?
Think of this as the “mood ring” for your project. Should the music feel calm and thoughtful? Exciting and energetic? Or maybe mysterious and suspenseful?
Example: If your video is about mindfulness meditation, the mood might be serene or reflective. If it’s a high-energy sports promo, you might want something driving or punchy.
Search terms to try: Serene, Joyful, Uplifting, Dramatic, Mysterious.
2. What kind of story is this music telling?
Music often carries a narrative, whether it’s triumph, struggle, or nostalgia. What story does your project’s soundtrack need to support?
Example: For a nonprofit’s fundraising video showing progress and hope, the music might be inspirational or hopeful. For a documentary about a difficult topic, something melancholic or dramatic could work better.
Search terms to try: Inspirational, Melancholic, Motivational, Dramatic, Hopeful.
3. What is the overall “tone” of the project?
Is your project serious and professional? Fun and quirky? Luxurious and elegant? This helps narrow down the style beyond just emotion.
Example: A corporate explainer video might need something professional and modern, while a children’s app demo could use playful or quirky tunes.
Search terms to try: Professional, Corporate, Playful, Quirky, Luxurious.
Energy, Rhythm, and Movement
Once you have your mood, it’s time to think about how fast or slow the music should feel and how it moves through your project.
4. How fast or slow should the music feel?
Consider the pace of your visuals or message. Do you need a track that matches rapid cuts or a slow, relaxing pace?
Example: A cooking tutorial might want a mid-tempo, friendly groove, while a fast-paced sports highlight reel needs something energetic or driving.
Search terms to try: Fast-paced, Driving, Slow, Leisurely, Mid-tempo.
5. Does the music need to build or stay consistent?
Consider whether the music should be steady throughout or grow to a climax.
Example: For a product launch video, you might want a track that builds excitement toward the end. For a background score under a voiceover, a consistent or looping track is better.
Search terms to try: Looping, Consistent, Building, Climactic, Ambient.
At this point, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to find royalty-free music that suits your project, because you’re narrowing your search with more focused terms.
6. Should the music be foreground or background?
Decide if the music is the star of the show or serves as subtle support.
Example: A cinematic trailer might want powerful, attention-grabbing music, while a podcast intro might prefer subtle underscore to keep the voice clear.
Search terms to try: Cinematic, Underscore, Subtle, Punchy.
Defining the Sound (Instrumentation and Style)
Next, imagine what the music should sound like — the instruments or production style that best fit your project.
7. Should the music feel “old school” or “modern”?
Is a classic piano or string section better, or do you want electronic synths and beats?
Example: A nostalgic brand story might call for vintage or retro sounds, while a tech startup video might prefer modern or futuristic vibes.
Search terms to try: Vintage, Retro, Modern, Contemporary, Futuristic.
8. What instruments should dominate the track?
Is it a solo acoustic guitar, a full orchestra, or a synth-heavy electronic track?
Example: A travel vlog might want bright acoustic guitar and percussion, while a thriller video might need dark strings and low drones.
Search terms to try: Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Orchestra, Synth, Percussion, Solo Cello.
9. What film, show, or style is this similar to?
Think of a movie, TV show, advert, or soundtrack that matches the vibe you’re aiming for. Using a familiar reference can help you translate that feel into more precise search terms.
Example:
- “Something like a Wes Anderson film” suggests quirky, whimsical, playful, offbeat.
- “Similar to a documentary score” suggests subtle, thoughtful, light underscore, atmospheric.
Search terms to try:
Quirky, Whimsical, Atmospheric, Documentary, Cinematic, Ambient, Thoughtful, Playful, Dramatic Score.
The Final Search Test
Now, combine your answers into a search phrase that you can enter on royalty-free music platforms.
10. Based on your answers, what are your three strongest keywords?
For example, if your answers were:
- Uplifting (emotion)
- Building (energy)
- Acoustic Guitar (instrumentation)
Your strong search phrase could be:
“Uplifting building acoustic guitar”
Try different combinations to see the music results, then listen to previews in your editing software to test the fit in your project.
Final Tips
- Don’t be afraid to get specific. The more precise your keywords, the better your search results.
- Use adjectives that describe feelings or moods rather than just genres — “joyful” often works better than “pop.”
- Remember to test music in the context of your project before buying a license.
Bringing It All Together
By answering these 10 questions, you’ll be able to confidently describe what you want from your music and find tracks that fit your project’s mood, energy, and style. It’s all about turning vague ideas into clear search terms, so your perfect soundtrack is just a few clicks away.
Remember, finding the right royalty-free music doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You’ve got the tools to make it simple and enjoyable.
Ready to put your music search skills to work?
Search our music library and find the perfect soundtrack for your project.
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