Should I Use Trending Music or Licensed Music in YouTube Shorts?

Shorts creators often wrestle with the same question: should you ride the wave of trending tracks for reach, or stick with copyright-safe, licensed music for stability and earnings? The answer matters—not only for your growth but also for your bottom line.

TL;DR

• Music doesn’t reduce your personal view share in the Shorts creator pool—it only changes the total pool size depending on how many tracks you use.
• Trending music can boost virality but carries major risks—demonetisation, muted videos, or strikes.
• Original audio keeps 100% of ad revenue in the pool, but may not offer the same viral lift.
• Licensed music with Musical RPM means you get paid twice—once from the Shorts Creator Pool and once from music licensing revenue.

How Music Usage Works in the Shorts Creator Pool

Here’s the system in plain English:

• 0 tracks (original audio): 100% of ad revenue tied to those views goes into the Creator Pool.
• 1 track (licensed): 50% goes into the Creator Pool, 50% is paid to music licensing.
• 2 tracks: About 33% goes into the Creator Pool, the rest goes to licensing.

Your share of engaged views doesn’t change—it’s always counted at 100%. It’s just the size of the pie that shifts depending on how much music licensing is deducted first.

That’s where Musical RPM comes in: instead of watching that revenue go elsewhere, you get rewarded for using licensed music.

The Case for Trending Music

Pros:

• Trending tracks often drive discoverability—especially if the song is tied to a viral meme.
• A familiar beat can boost watch-time and retention, nudging your Shorts into wider circulation.

Cons:

• Most trending songs are not copyright-safe.
• Using them illegally can result in muted audio, demonetisation, or even a strike on your channel.
• Even if your Short goes viral, the licensing revenue from that music goes directly to rights holders—not to you.

Bottom line: Trending music is powerful, but if it’s not licensed through a partner like Musical RPM, you’re effectively working for free on that portion of revenue.

The Case for Licensed Music

Pros:

• No risk of copyright strikes or demonetisation.
• Predictable, stable earnings.
• With Musical RPM, you don’t just avoid penalties—you actually earn from the music side too.

Cons:

• Tracks may not be as instantly recognisable as global chart-toppers.
• Requires curating music that still matches your content’s energy and vibe.

Bottom line: Licensed music flips the script. Instead of shrinking your earning potential, it creates a second revenue stream.

The Case for Original Music

Pros:

• Zero deductions for licensing—100% of ad revenue flows into the Creator Pool.
• Builds a distinctive brand identity with a unique sound.

Cons:

• Harder to tap into cultural moments or viral trends.
• May not give the same boost to retention or sharing.

Bottom line: Original audio is a safe bet for some Shorts, but it can’t always compete with the viral lift of popular songs.

Strategy: How to Decide

Smart Shorts creators don’t limit themselves to one option—they mix strategies.

• Use original audio when the Short stands strong without music. This maximises pool contributions.
• Use licensed music through Musical RPM when a track can boost engagement. That way you’re not giving away the music revenue—you’re capturing it.
• Avoid unlicensed trending songs. It might feel like a shortcut, but the long-term cost (muted Shorts, demonetisation, strikes) is rarely worth it.
• Stick to one track per Short. If you’re adding music, doubling up just shrinks the pool further.

Example Scenarios

• Creator A uploads a Short with a trending chart-topper they don’t have rights to. It goes viral, but the music revenue is siphoned off to labels, and the creator risks a strike.
• Creator B uploads a Short with original audio. They keep 100% of ad revenue in the pool, but the Short fails to gain traction.
• Creator C uploads a Short with a licensed track from Musical RPM. The Short benefits from the music’s energy and the creator gets paid both from the Shorts Creator Pool and from licensing.

Guess which creator has the most sustainable income stream?

Checklist for Smart Music Use

• Sign up for Musical RPM monetisation
• Keep Shorts to 0–1 tracks
• Mix original audio with licensed music strategically
• Avoid unlicensed “free” trending tracks (monetisation trap)
• Track your RPM over time to see which audio strategy works best for you

Final Thoughts

Music isn’t just a background layer—it’s a revenue lever. Whether you use trending tracks, original beats, or licensed songs, the choice shapes your RPM and your channel’s growth potential.

The Shorts Creator Pool makes sure everyone gets paid fairly, but only licensed music through partners like Musical RPM ensures that you share in the music side of revenue too.

And the best part? With Musical RPM, you don’t need the YouTube Partner Program, minimum subscribers, or watch hours. Approval is fast—often in less than a week—and you can stack it with YPP and other monetisation methods when you qualify.

👉 Ready to turn every Short into a revenue stream? Learn more and sign up today.