What does royalty-free music refer to?

Royalty-free music refers to music that can be used without the need to pay ongoing royalties for each use. This means that once an individual or organization pays a one-time fee—if required—they can use the music for multiple projects without incurring additional costs. This is particularly beneficial for creators of public service announcements, as it allows them to incorporate high-quality music into their work without worrying about subsequent payments or restrictions.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of royalty-free music. While royalty-free music may sometimes be used without any licensing, this is not a defining characteristic. Similarly, not all public domain music qualifies as royalty-free music, and royalty-free music does not inherently pertain to music created by participants in any specific project or competition. Rather, it refers to a licensing structure that facilitates ease of use for creators across various media.