Stock Music has become increasingly popular for businesses, filmmakers, and content creators. With more media being produced than ever before, the need for affordable, usable music has never been higher.
What is Stock Music?
Stock Music, also known as production music, is pre-recorded music that can be licensed for use in film, television, video games, podcasts, and other media. Unlike commissioning an original score, Stock Music allows content creators to browse libraries of pre-existing music tracks and license the rights to use them for their projects. With large libraries containing thousands of tracks across many genres and styles, Stock Music provides flexibility and accessibility at affordable prices.
Licensing and Usage
When licensing Stock Music, content creators purchase nonexclusive usage rights rather than full ownership of the songs. Typical Stock Music licenses allow the use of music in a single project or production. Licenses may be renewable and offer usage allotments such as unlimited use for one year. Royalty-free licenses grant perpetual usage rights without ongoing fees. Correctly licensed Stock Music protects content creators from copyright claims while offering musical support for their work.
The Rise of Independent Creators
Thanks to technology that empowers individuals, the creation of media content is no longer the exclusive domain of large studios and production houses. Independent filmmakers, podcasters, YouTubers, and bloggers are producing massive amounts of content and fueling tremendous growth in media consumption. However, the costs of commissioning original scores can be prohibitive for independent budgets. This is where affordable Stock Music has played a crucial role by democratizing access to professional music. Stock Music levels the playing field and allows solo creators to produce high-quality content.
A Thriving Industry
The widespread adoption of Stock Music has helped shape a thriving multi-billion dollar industry. While some major music publishers like Universal Production Music and Extreme Music saw early success licensing to television and film, the industry has experienced explosive growth thanks to new digital distribution methods and the rise of self-publishing. According to research firm IBISWorld, the global Stock Music industry generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2020 alone. With independent content creation expected to continue growing exponentially, Stock Music revenues are projected to rise substantially in the coming years.
New Revenue Streams for Musicians
In addition to serving content creators, Stock Music presents opportunities for musicians. Artists now have affordable pathways to publish and distribute their music worldwide while retaining ownership and collecting public performance royalties. Musicians license tracks through label partnerships, direct uploads to Stock Music platforms, or publishing with boutique producers. Royalties are collected when their music is used and synchronized to media. This new revenue stream has been an economic lifeline for many artists during the pandemic. Stock Music licensing allows talented musicians worldwide to financially benefit from their work long after the tracks are created.
Ensuring Diversity and Inclusion
As the industry expands, Stock Music publishers face important responsibilities around representing diversity, cultures, and underserved communities. With much of the world's media being influenced by stock libraries, accessibility to music from all walks of life will be crucial. Forward-thinking companies are partnering with collectives that highlight genres like world music, investing in diversifying their rosters of artists and studio musicians, and educating content creators about choosing inclusive music. As the debate around cultural appropriation heats up, transparency in track descriptions and cooperation with music communities will also be valuable to Stock Music platforms. Fostering diversity will strengthen the industry and better serve all media professionals.
The Future is Bright
Looking ahead, increasing media consumption, growth of independent creators, and adoption of new technologies point to a very bright future for the Stock Music industry. Platforms are expanding offerings like royalty-free video content, developing artificial intelligence to improve experience, and using virtual/augmented reality to preview tracks in innovative new ways. With continued responsible growth, Stock Music is well-positioned to play an integral role in shaping stories and bringing joy through music for many years of media to come. As the need for professional, affordable music only increases, stock libraries will remain a vital creative resource.
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