When is music considered royalty-free?

Music is considered royalty-free when it is purchased without ongoing royalties. This means that once the user pays for the music, they are granted the rights to use it without needing to pay additional fees or royalties for future uses. This is particularly beneficial for creators and businesses because it allows for budgeting without the uncertainty of ongoing costs associated with traditional copyright music.

In contrast, while music composed by participants themselves could potentially be royalty-free, this is not a guaranteed rule; it depends on various factors, like whether the composer has assigned any rights. Similarly, music that is freely available online may have different restrictions or licenses attached, which might still require attribution or prohibit commercial use. Lastly, the notion that music can only be used for educational purposes does not align with the definition of royalty-free, as royalty-free music can be utilized in a variety of contexts beyond just educational ones.