Introduction: Is Amper Music Still Free in Any Form?
The question “Is Amper Music AI free?” is being asked more frequently by creators, indie developers, and digital marketers alike. If you’re hunting for a way to generate royalty-free music for your content, Amper Music likely caught your eye. But the situation in 2025 is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Amper Music was once a standalone AI music composition tool that allowed users to create and download tracks for free. But after being acquired by Shutterstock in 2020, things changed dramatically. This article will break down what’s free (if anything), what you need to pay for, and which alternatives might be more affordable—so you can make an informed decision based on your creative needs.
What Is Amper Music AI?
Before we answer whether Amper Music is free, let’s clarify what it actually is.
Amper Music AI is a cloud-based music composition tool powered by artificial intelligence. It lets users create custom tracks by choosing genre, mood, tempo, and instruments. Originally designed for video editors, marketers, game developers, and other content creators, Amper stood out for its simplicity and royalty-free licensing.
Today, Amper’s technology lives within Shutterstock’s AI music generator, no longer offered as a standalone website. This matters because the pricing, licensing, and user experience are now governed by Shutterstock’s infrastructure.
Is Amper Music AI Free to Use in 2025?
The short answer: Amper Music is not fully free to use anymore.
Let’s break it down:
You Can Generate and Preview for Free
Shutterstock’s platform still allows users to access the AI music generator and test the music creation process at no cost. You can:
Choose music styles
Adjust track lengths and moods
Preview unlimited versions
However, if you want to download the music for commercial or personal use, you’ll need a license.
Downloading Music Requires a Paid License
Here’s the current pricing structure for accessing Amper-generated music via Shutterstock:
| License Type | Price per Track | Commercial Use | Perpetual License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard License | $49 | Yes | Yes |
| Enhanced License | $299 | Yes (broadcast, film, apps) | Yes |
Why Isn’t Amper Music Free Anymore?
There are three main reasons why Amper Music is no longer free:
Shutterstock Integration
Once acquired by Shutterstock, Amper became part of a broader licensing business. Shutterstock’s platform is built around commercial usage and requires paid access to all digital assets, including music.Custom Music = Higher Value
Unlike static music libraries, Amper Music creates on-demand, algorithmic compositions, tailored to your specific creative input. This level of customization provides more value—and thus justifies a price.Royalty-Free Licensing Needs Legal Assurance
Free platforms often carry risks like limited licensing rights. Shutterstock ensures that Amper-generated tracks are royalty-free and safe to use globally, which involves legal infrastructure—something that’s rarely free.
Is There a Trial or Freemium Version of Amper Music?
Currently, Shutterstock does not offer a free trial or freemium version that includes downloads. You can experiment with the interface and hear previews, but exporting even one track for use in a YouTube video or podcast requires a paid license.
This means that Amper Music AI is only free to try—not to use.
Are There Free Alternatives to Amper Music AI?
If your budget is tight, here are some real, working alternatives that are either free or offer free tiers:
| Tool | Free Plan | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Soundraw.io | Yes | AI music generator with 7-day free trial |
| Beatoven.ai | Yes | Free downloads with attribution for personal use |
| Mubert | Yes | Free for personal projects, license needed for commercial use |
| AIVA | Limited | Free plan with non-commercial rights |
Who Should Still Consider Paying for Amper Music AI?
If you’re a serious creator, paying for Amper’s high-quality music generation might be worth the cost. Consider using Amper if you:
Produce content at a professional level
Need unique tracks not found in stock libraries
Want full commercial usage rights without attribution
Prefer streamlined, genre-matching music creation
The cost becomes an investment in your production value and licensing peace of mind.
FAQs About Amper Music AI Free Usage
Q1: Can I download Amper music for free and use it in my YouTube videos?
No, all downloads require a paid license. Free previews are for testing only.
Q2: Is there a free trial for downloading tracks?
No, Shutterstock does not offer a free download option as part of any trial.
Q3: What happens if I use preview music without buying a license?
You risk copyright claims or takedown notices, especially on monetized platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
Q4: Are there student or non-profit discounts?
Currently, Shutterstock does not advertise such discounts for Amper music, but enterprise plans may be negotiated.
Q5: Can I generate music endlessly without downloading?
Yes. You can generate and listen to unlimited music previews for creative testing.
Conclusion: Is Amper Music AI Free?
Amper Music AI is free to experiment with, but not free to use in real-world projects. While the interface allows for unlimited preview creation, any form of legal, commercial, or public use requires a paid license through Shutterstock.
If you're a hobbyist testing the waters, you’ll enjoy the user-friendly music generation tool for free. But if you’re a professional or brand building serious content, you’ll need to factor in the licensing fees, starting at $49 per track.
For creators seeking full licensing and royalty-free tracks made just for them, Amper Music still provides excellent value—even if it's no longer free.
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