Sunday, September 29, 2013

YouTube's Free Audio Library (where to find music for YouTube videos)

One obstacle most low-budget YouTuber's encounter is: where to find decent background music for videos. While great music is abundantly available on the internet, most songs are copyrighted and thus cannot be used on YouTube without having it taken down; this can leave your video without sound, or it may even be taken down completely by YouTube due to copyright infringement.

For the past years, I used Kevin MacLeod's royalty free music. While I'm very thankful he has generously shared hundreds of tracks with all of us, most of the tracks have a low bit rate, thus, making it sound like video game music at times.

Now -- finally -- YouTube has launched their Audio Library. This library consists of a variety of royalty free music you can use freely in your videos (whether for YouTube or not).  You may assume that because the music is free, that they would be corny beats -- but there are surprisingly some decent tracks to choose from.

The YouTube Audio Library at a glance:


 Easily search by genre, mood, instrument, duration, favorites:


 Genres include:
rock, ambient, classical, country, dance / electronic, hip hop, R&B, jazz, and more


I definitely think adding this Audio Library was a great move by YouTube.  Making useable music more accessible will definitely encourage more people to post YouTube videos since the selection is posted right there within the YouTube interface; and users know this music is acceptable to use and will not result in their video being taken down/muted.

Update: Note that just because you used an audio track from the library, does not mean you do not have to provide documentation to YouTube that you have permission to use the music.
I recently used a song I downloaded from the audio library in my video and YouTube still had to review my video for monetization. I submitted information to YouTube that I obtained the music (included song title/artist) from the audio library and that it is royalty free; however, YouTube still prompted me to provide more information before allowing monetization of my video. It is currently still under review, so I'll have to do another update in the future.

Update 2: My video was finally approved for monetization a few days after my second form submission (where I provided additional information).
My tip for you: include as much information in your video description box as possible (ie: "Music credit: (composer's name - track name) + musician's website or a direct link to the audio track). Also, if YouTube requests you provide more information before they approve your video for monetization -- make sure you include where you got the music from, and make note that it is royalty free music and that you did credit the musician in the description box of your video.

Have you used any music from the YT audio library yet? What are your thoughts/experiences?

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Summer to Early Fall Outfit Ideas

Can you believe the first day of autumn has already come and gone? Even though it's officially fall, there are still those occasional warm days that are reminiscent of summer. I put together 4 outfits that can be worn on those warm days, but at the same time easily transformed into fall outfits with the addition of some of my favorite fall staple pieces: a denim, leather, or a utility jacket, a simple cardigan, or a fitted blazer.


 Maxi dresses are a must-have for summer; but don't pack it away yet!
Just add a denim jacket to create a warmer outfit appropriate for fall weather.
Black Maxi Dress: Forever 21
Nude/Gold Bow Waist Belt: F21
Gold Triangle Necklace: Forever 21
Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors
Strappy Sandals: Cole Haan
Aviator Sunglasses: D&G
Denim Jacket: H&M


Floral Dress w/ braided belt: Forever 21
Long Leaf Necklace: Forever 21, similar here
Open Front Cardigan: Forever 21
Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors
Nude Wedges: Franco Sarto
Brown Ankle Booties: H&M




Light Pink Tank: Forever 21
Black Leather Shorts: F21
Fitted White Blazer: H&M
Gold Spike Pattern Necklace: F21
Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors
Nude Wedges: Franco Sarto
Nude Pumps: Jessica Simpson


Cream Loose Chiffon Top: Forever 21
Dark Skinny Jeans: Love Culture
Long Charm Necklace: F21, similar here
Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors
Cream Gold Cap Toe Flats: F21
Brown Ankle Booties: H&M
Olive Utility Jacket/Anorak: F21
Leopard Print Scarf: eBay


Check out my YouTube video here:


 Happy Fall!

Pin for pinterest:




Tuesday, September 17, 2013

More iPhone 5 Backgrounds

Here is another post dedicated to some great iPhone 5 backgrounds! Check out my first post here for other backgrounds.  Click to view full size images to save to use for your iPhone.



Multi-color Leopard iPhone 5 free backgroundCute Praying Kitty Free iPhone 5 bg


 


Dandelion & Blue Skies iPhone 5 free backgroundsiPhone 5 free backgrounds with inspirational quotes download
"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." - Jimmy Dean
This is truly an inspirational quote to encourage one to always make the best of the situation. :)


free download iPhone 5 background diamondsRainbow Legos iPhone 5 background free download




Free iPhone 5 backgrounds downloadFree iPhone 5 backgrounds download
"Don't count the days; make the days count."


Free  iPhone Background downloads elephant vector Fruit Vector iPhone 5 5s 5c background


Free iPhone Wallpaper Backgrounds DownloadEye Chart iPhone Background



 Free iPhone 5 backgrounds


  

 



- <3 -


Sunday, September 8, 2013

This Week On Instagram

Okay, so I suck at this routine blogging thing! I'm sorry! I missed two weeks -- but I haven't been instagraming too many photos lately so this post will include photos since the last time I posted!


[ The running track on a gorgeous day ]



[ Workout Selfie + Jay-Z album I've been listening to during workouts ]



[ Philadelphia at night near the convention center ]



[ A lazy OOTD with mainly neutral colors ]
Top: Express loose chiffon button down,
Jeans: Forever 21,
Shoes: Bamboo Wedge Booties,
Watch: Michael Kors Rosegold,
Bag: LV Damier Azur Speedy 30 



[ First Dance / Congrats to James & Angelina! ]



[ Photobooth pic with my boyfriend :) <3 ]


[ NYC Skyline view at night from Brooklyn ]
The New York City skyline is absolutely stunning, isn't it?


Until next time, lovelies!