Both Thematic and Bensound offer a free tier - but how each license works is different. Bensound's free tier requires you to credit the artist in your video description or credits. Thematic's free tier requires a promotional license link in your description, which also activates Content ID whitelisting and supports the artist directly. There is no cost on either platform's free tier.
Thematic vs. Bensound at a glance
| Thematic | Bensound | |
| Free tier | Yes - permanent | Yes - requires attribution |
| What the free tier requires | License link in video description | Credit in video description or credits |
| Paid plan billing | Monthly or annual | Annual only (no monthly option) |
| License type | Per-song, permanent | Per-song; paid plan provides a certificate number |
| After cancellation | Past videos stay protected | Past videos stay covered with attribution |
| Content ID protection | Yes - via license link | Paid plan only |
| Artist benefit | Promotional exposure through license link | Attribution credit only |
| Best for | Creators who want free music with no annual commitment | Creators already familiar with Bensound's catalog |
How the free licenses compare
Both platforms let you use music for free. The main differences are how the credit works and what it does.
Bensound's free attribution model is a standard credit - you note the artist and source in your video. Thematic's license link does more: it activates your license with YouTube's Content ID system, which prevents claims. It also registers your use on the artist's behalf, driving them promotional exposure through your video. The trade is slightly more structured, but the protection it provides is more direct.
Bensound's paid plan is annual-only. There is no monthly option, which is worth noting if you are evaluating cost before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Thematic's free tier require attribution like Bensound's?
Not in the traditional sense. Thematic requires a license link in your video description - this is not a social media credit or shoutout. It is a legal license activation that also protects your video from Content ID claims.
Does Bensound's free tier protect against Content ID claims?
Bensound's paid plan provides a certificate number to use when disputing claims via YouTube Studio. The free tier does not provide the same protection - if a track is registered with Content ID, you may need to file a dispute manually.
Is the Thematic free tier permanent?
Yes. There is no expiration. You can use Thematic indefinitely at no cost.
What if I want to use Bensound music on TikTok and Instagram?
Check Bensound's terms for each platform - the attribution model and license scope vary. Thematic's free license covers YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, Twitch, Pinterest, and LinkedIn under one download.
