Can I use Royalty-Free Samples?

Short answer: yes — but it can limit opportunities.

When you upload music to That Pitch, tracks that use royalty-free samples from places like Splice, Sounds, and similar platforms are allowed. However, many libraries prefer music that is completely sample-free.

Here’s why:

When melodic or looped samples are used, libraries and sync partners often have to take an extra step to clear the track on YouTube. Even royalty-free samples can trigger claims in YouTube’s system, since the same sounds may appear in many different songs. This creates:

  • More manual work for the library

  • Extra legal caution

  • Potential friction for their clients

Because of this added step, some libraries may view tracks with recognizable samples as less desirable than fully original compositions.

While we do work with a small number of partners who specialize in sample-based music, the majority of libraries prefer tracks that are entirely sample-free.

For best results, we recommend avoiding melodic, harmonic, or looped samples whenever possible.

Note: single-shot drum hits and impact samples are completely fine and typically do not cause issues.

Simple version: royalty-free samples are allowed, but fully original tracks tend to travel further.