Audio Network FAQs
Whether you are finding music for a first project or managing licensing across a global organisation, these are some of the questions we are asked most often. If you cannot find what you need, get in touch with our team. There are real people behind the music and the licensing and we are happy to help.
Music & Audio Network
What is production music?
Production music is music created specifically for use in TV, film, advertising, branded content, social media, podcasts, games and other audiovisual or audio productions.
It is made to work in production, which means it can be searched, previewed and licensed for use in content, often with alternative mixes, cutdowns and stems that give editors more flexibility. Audio Network creates and licenses original production music from artists, composers and producers around the world.
What is Audio Network?
Audio Network is a global production music company that creates and licenses original music for TV, film, advertising, branded content and digital media.
Founded in London in 2001, our production music catalogue includes more than 300,000 tracks from over 1,000 artists, composers and producers, supported by music, licensing and customer teams around the world.
Is Audio Network music AI-generated?
No. The music in our catalogue is created by artists, composers, producers and musicians. We do not use generative AI to create compositions or recordings.
We do use AI and other technology to help customers search and discover music more effectively, including natural-language search and reference-track matching. The technology helps you find the music; it does not replace the people who make it.
Where does Audio Network's music come from?
We commission original music from artists and composers around the world and record with exceptional musicians, producers and engineers.
More than 150 recording sessions take place each year, including work at studios such as Abbey Road Studios, AIR Studios, Synchron Stage Vienna and School Farm Studios. We care about provenance: who made the music, where it was recorded and the musical or cultural context behind it.
Is Audio Network royalty-free?
No. Audio Network is a licensed production music catalogue rather than a royalty-free library.
We work with performing rights organisations, or PROs, so composers and publishers can receive performance royalties when their music is used. Your Audio Network licence gives you the rights set out in that licence, while the wider PRO system supports the people who create the music.
This model is also why our music is so good: it means we can work with established composers, so you get a calibre of music you won't typically find on royalty-free platforms. It doesn't add anything to your licence fee - you pay one clear charge with no recurring costs and when you publish across online platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, those performance royalties are handled by the platforms themselves, so there's nothing extra for you to arrange.
Licensing & rights
Audio Network controls the master and publishing rights to our music, giving customers a clear route from finding a track to putting it to work. Our licensing is designed around how content is actually made and used, with expert help available when you need it.
How does Audio Network licensing work?
Audio Network offers clear licensing based on what you are making and how the finished content will be used. Because we control the master and publishing rights to our music, you do not need to negotiate separately with multiple labels, publishers or rights holders.
Most customers license music in one of three ways: per use for a single video or episode, per project for a larger production or campaign, or through an unlimited subscription for teams creating content throughout the year.
What support do I get with an Audio Network license?
An Audio Network licence gives you more than access to a catalogue.
Our music experts can help you find the right track, respond to a brief, build playlists and shortlists and bring a point of view when the creative direction is still taking shape. They understand how music works against picture, story, pace and audience and they know the catalogue well enough to surface tracks you may never have found through search alone.
Our licensing teams are there too, helping you choose the right cover, answer rights questions and support you if an issue arises after the music has been used.
For larger or ongoing relationships, that support can become an extension of your own creative team, bringing together music discovery, curation and licensing in one place.
What types of licence does Audio Network offer?
We offer three main licensing routes, so you can choose the level of cover that fits the way you work.
- Per use: covers a single video or episode
- Per project: covers multiple videos and tracks for a defined production, series or campaign.
- Unlimited subscription: covers a full year of content for a team under one licence, with the option to include sound effects.
Why do I need a licence to use music in my content?
Music is protected by copyright. When you combine copyrighted music with a video, film, advertisement, programme, game, podcast or other content, you generally need permission from the relevant rights holders. This is commonly called a synchronisation, or sync, licence.
An Audio Network licence gives you permission to use our music within the terms of the licence you choose.
What rights does Audio Network control?
Audio Network controls the master and publishing rights to the music in our catalogue. That gives customers a clear route to licensing without having to clear the recording and composition separately with different rights holders.
It also means we know the provenance of the music we license and can stand behind the rights attached to it.
Is Audio Network music fully indemnified?
Yes. Audio Network licences are fully indemnified against copyright infringement when the music is used within the terms of the licence.
Because we control the master and publishing rights to our catalogue, customers can license our music with confidence.
What can I use Audio Network music for?
Audio Network music can be licensed for TV, film, advertising, branded content, social media, YouTube, podcasts, radio, corporate and internal communications, games and other digital content.
The exact coverage is set by the licence you choose, so the rights match the way your content will actually be used.
Can I use Audio Network music on social media and in paid ads?
Yes. Audio Network licences can cover social media use across platforms, including organic content, boosted posts and paid advertising.
Make sure the licence you choose covers the markets, platforms and type of content you are producing.
Can I license Audio Network music worldwide and across different platforms?
Yes. Audio Network licences can clear music for global use, across platforms and in perpetuity, depending on the licence you choose.
If your content will run across multiple markets or channels, choose the licence that reflects that scope or speak to our team and we will confirm the right cover.
What happens to content I licensed if my subscription later ends?
Content that was properly licensed during your subscription remains cleared for the licensed use. Ending a subscription does not make previously licensed content suddenly expire.
Your subscription period determines when you can create and license new content under that subscription.
How much does an Audio Network licence cost?
Audio Network licences are priced according to how you plan to use the music. Whether you're making a social video, a TV programme or a global advertising campaign, our pricing reflects the rights you need.
For many standard uses, you can purchase a licence online at a set price per track, covering a single video or episode with worldwide distribution included.
For larger projects, multiple videos or more specific licensing requirements, our music experts can create a tailored quote based on your needs and budget. Get in touch and we'll respond to your enquiry within an hour.
How do I know which licence I need?
For standard uses, you can choose and buy the right licence online in minutes.
If you're not sure, or you need rights that aren't covered by those options, our licensing experts will recommend the right licence and price it for exactly what you need, usually within the hour.
Can my whole team use Audio Network?
Yes. Our unlimited subscription is designed to cover a full team creating content throughout the year under one licence.
For other licensing arrangements, our team can help set up access that fits the way your organisation works.
Can I use Audio Network music for a personal project?
Yes, but you still need the appropriate licence. Creator licences are available for eligible personal and individual creator use.
If the content is for a brand, business, client or paid campaign, choose a commercial licence instead.
Finding & using music
How can I find the right music for my project?
You can search the Audio Network catalogue by genre, mood, instrumentation, tempo and other musical characteristics, or describe the scene, feeling or idea you have in mind.
You can also explore playlists and collections curated by our music teams. If you want a more personal recommendation, send us a music brief. Our music experts can build a shortlist around your project, references and creative direction, drawing on deep knowledge of the catalogue and an understanding of how music works in context.
Can I search using a reference track?
Yes. Audio Network's reference-track search can use supported links, including YouTube and Spotify, to find music in our catalogue with a similar sound and feel.
AI analyses musical characteristics such as mood, style, tempo and instrumentation, then returns relevant Audio Network tracks for you to explore.
Can Audio Network help me with a music brief?
Yes. Tell us what you are making, what the music needs to do and any references you are working with and our music experts can curate a shortlist around your brief.
They bring a deep knowledge of the catalogue, but also an understanding of story, tone, pacing and how music changes the way a piece of work feels. That means they can help when you know exactly what you want and when you only know what you want the audience to feel.
Are stems, alternative mixes and cutdowns available?
Yes. Many Audio Network tracks include alternative mixes, cutdowns and stems, giving editors more flexibility to shape the music around dialogue, timing and picture.
Availability varies by track. You can see the versions available on the track page and filter search results where supported.
Can I try a track in my edit before I license it?
Yes. Create a free Audio Network account to explore the catalogue and download preview files for up to ten tracks to test music in your edit before you commit to a licence.
You only need to license the music when you are ready to use the finished content.
How can I download tracks from the website?
Create or sign in to your Audio Network account, find the music you want and use the download options available to your account.
If you are testing music before licensing, use the preview-download route. Once you are ready to publish, make sure the track is covered by the appropriate licence.
I've reached my download limit. What should I do?
Contact our support team and we can help with your account and download access.
Does Audio Network offer sound effects?
Yes. Sound effects are available alongside our music for selected customer and subscription arrangements.
If you are an existing customer, speak to your account manager. If you are new to Audio Network, contact our team to discuss the options available.
Copyright, claims & reporting
Why have I received a copyright claim on YouTube?
YouTube Content ID automatically identifies copyrighted music in uploaded videos. Receiving a claim does not necessarily mean you have used the music without permission.
If your video is covered by the correct Audio Network licence, the claim can be cleared through our claim-clearance process.
How do I clear a copyright claim on my content?
If you have the correct Audio Network licence, contact our support team with a link to the content and details of the claim, or use the claim-clearance process shown in your account where available.
Our team will help confirm the licence and resolve the claim.
What is a cue sheet and do I need to complete one?
A cue sheet is an industry-standard record of the music used in a TV programme, film or other production. It normally includes details such as the track, composer and duration of use.
Cue sheets help performing rights organisations identify where music has been used and distribute performance royalties correctly. They are commonly required for broadcast and cinema productions. If you use Audio Network music in one of these productions, follow our cue sheet guidance and send us a copy where required.
Account support
How do I deactivate my Audio Network account?
Contact our support team and we can help you deactivate your account.
How can I get help with a payment, invoice or refund?
Contact our support team and select Payment & refunds so your query reaches the right team.
Working with Audio Network
I'm an artist, composer or producer. How can I submit music to Audio Network?
We are always interested in hearing original music from artists, composers and producers around the world.
Submit your work through our music submission form. Our music team reviews submissions and will contact you directly if we would like to explore working together. You do not need to follow up separately.
How can I apply for a job at Audio Network?
You can find current opportunities on the Audio Network Careers site. We also share new vacancies on our LinkedIn page.
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