Custom Music or Stock Music? The Smart Way to Choose
Hello Friends,
If you’re creating a video project, one key question will come up sooner or later: should you invest in custom music or go with stock music? Each has its strengths, and your choice depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. Let’s dive in to help you make the right call.
The Case for Custom Music
Custom music is exactly that—a track composed specifically for your project. It’s tailored to match the pacing, mood, and style of your video, making it uniquely yours. This attention to detail can strengthen your brand’s identity, set the tone of your story, and leave a lasting impression.
However, this level of precision takes time and money. Composers need time to understand your vision, create the music, and refine it based on feedback. The process can take days or weeks and costs more because it’s a truly bespoke service.
So, when is custom music worth it? Think high-stakes projects like commercials, short films, or major ad campaigns—anywhere sound plays a critical role in capturing your audience’s attention and amplifying the message.
Why Stock Music is Still a Solid Choice
Stock music has its advantages. It’s pre-made, which means it’s fast and affordable. You can browse music libraries, pick a track, and be ready to roll in minutes. That makes stock music an excellent option for projects with tight deadlines, limited budgets, or a focus on efficiency over originality.
But stock music has limitations. It’s not exclusive, so others could be using the same track. Plus, because it’s already finished, you can’t adjust it much beyond trimming or looping. While this works fine for simpler projects—like social media videos or quick promos—it may not hit the mark if you need something truly unique.
Photo Credit: Tone Island
Combining Custom and Stock for the Best of Both Worlds
You don’t always have to choose one over the other. Blending custom and stock music can strike the perfect balance between budget and creativity. For example:
Custom music: Use it for standout moments like an intro, key scene, or outro where you want maximum impact.
Stock music: Fill in the rest with affordable, ready-made tracks.
If you decide to mix the two, tweak your stock tracks to complement the custom music. Adjusting tempo, layering effects, or making subtle edits can create a seamless transition. Just double-check the licensing terms—some stock tracks allow modifications, while others don’t.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between custom and stock music depends on your project’s goals. Custom music offers originality and precision, perfect for high-impact projects. Stock music, meanwhile, delivers speed and affordability, making it ideal for quicker, lower-stakes work.
Consider your timeline, budget, and creative vision when making your decision. And no matter what, always ensure your licensing is in order to avoid legal complications down the line.
Until next time,
-Nathan
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Are you a visual storyteller in media? My team and I are excited to explore how we can bring your stories to life with distinctive soundscapes. Get in touch and let’s discuss how music and sound design can transform your project.
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