Dr.DIO · Alternative to NCS

An NCS alternative with plans that drop the credit line

NCS (NoCopyrightSounds) is a UK label whose electronic music is free for independent creators with credit. Dr.DIO also has free use with credit, and paid plans from $2.99 a month without it.

NCS: free with creditNCS terms: temporary useDr.DIO Club: no credit line

Choose a track Club: no credit line

NCS and Dr.DIO side by side

	NCS	Dr.DIO
Price	Free for independent creators	Free; Club $2.99 a month; Creator $9.99 a month
Free plan	Yes, credit to artist and song required	Yes, 10 tracks a month with a credit line
Catalog	Own label roster, electronic and EDM	2,298 original tracks from one studio, electronic and ambient
Credit line	Always required	Free only; not on Club or Creator
Terms	Temporary use NCS can withdraw or change	Plan terms on drdio.studio
Brands and games	Commercial licensing form	Not covered; games by agreement
Good fit for	Energetic EDM in online videos	Calmer electronic and ambient videos

When NCS is the better choice

NCS is free for independent creators, including monetized YouTube and Twitch content, and its electronic catalog is large and widely recognised. NCS says creators who follow its policy will not get copyright claims or strikes.

Its sound is more energetic EDM, while Dr.DIO is calmer.

When Dr.DIO fits better

NCS terms grant only temporary use that NCS can withdraw or change at any time, and a credit is always required. On Dr.DIO Club ($2.99 a month) and Creator ($9.99 a month) there is no credit line.

NCS free terms are limited to online platforms. Dr.DIO Creator also covers DJ sets and mixes and the radio as live stream background.

Dr.DIO does not run Content ID.

How to try Dr.DIO

Listen to the free radio on drdio.studio and note the tracks that fit your videos.
Sign in with Google or Apple for a free account and use up to 10 tracks a month with the credit line.
Move to Club ($2.99 a month, 30 tracks without credit) or Creator ($9.99 a month, 100 downloads in FLAC and MP3) when you need more.

Checked in October 2026

The facts about NCS on this page come from its own website, its terms and public sources as they stood in October 2026. Prices and terms change, so check the current ones on the NCS site before you decide.

Picked from the catalogue

Tracksfor it

All tracks

Slow Sunrise

Downtempo bass at first coffee. Your eyes follow distance on the horizon

102 bpmF minor3:34

Clouded Summit

A clouded piano over new age air. You hold still on the summit as the dark leans

59 bpmC minor3:08

Moonlit Glade

You lean into the moonlit glade. A piano folded into slow synthwave

107 bpmE minor2:50

Dark Curve

A bass under your ribs in the dark. You hold the curve as it passes

76 bpmF minor2:28

Storm Forest

You lean into the stormy forest before dawn. Deep house bass under a whisper of keys

97 bpmG minor3:18

Starry Dome

Your gaze follows the starry dome and holds. Downtempo air in a bass under the moon

97 bpmD major3:49

Empty Stadium

Synthwave piano in an empty stadium. Your legs run through the frosted light

100 bpmD minor2:49

Cobblestone Rain

Deep house bass under wet cobblestones. You lean into the falling rain

120 bpmE minor3:18

Dusty Summer

A low pulse in dusty summer air. Deep techno you lean into and follow

125 bpmD minor4:19

Far Drums

Your chest leans into deep space glass. Downtempo guitar with the drums far back

98 bpmC minor3:52

Stellar Lift

It lifts you out of your chair. Stellar synths and a piano running warm

122 bpmD minor3:08

Silent Path

Glass light on a silent urban path. You hold the first cup over downtempo piano

104 bpmF minor3:58

Questions

Is NCS music free to use on YouTube?

Yes, for independent creators, with credit to the artist and song in the description. Monetisation through platform ad revenue is allowed.

What is the NCS credit format?

NCS requires credit to the artist and song in the video description, as set out in its usage policy.

Can I use NCS music in a game?

Not under the free creator terms. Commercial uses such as games, brands and films go through the NCS commercial licensing form.

Will I get a copyright claim with NCS music?

NCS says creators following its policy will not get copyright claims or strikes.

What are sites like NCS?

Dr.DIO is one: free with credit for 10 tracks a month, or without credit on Club and Creator. Its music is downtempo, ambient and house rather than EDM.