How to Find the Song in a YouTube Video

A song plays in the background of a vlog, a montage or a video essay, and the creator never says what it is. YouTube often knows, and when it doesn't, you can identify it yourself in seconds.

1. Open the description and look for "Music"

Expand the video description and scroll down. For many videos, YouTube adds a Music section listing the song, artist and album it detected. It only appears for licensed tracks YouTube recognised, so don't worry if it's missing.

2. Identify it while it plays

On a computer, the SoundCatch Chrome extension listens to the audio of the tab itself, so it works with headphones on and doesn't pick up room noise. On a phone, play the video on one device and open SoundCatch in Listen mode on another.

3. Search the comments with the timestamp

Note the time the song plays (for example 4:32) and search the comments for that timestamp or the word "song". Creators often pin a comment with their music credits.

4. Check the creator's music source

Many YouTubers use the same royalty-free libraries (like the YouTube Audio Library, Epidemic Sound or Artlist). If you can't find the track anywhere else, search the creator's name with "music" or "playlist", since some publish their full lists.

FAQ

Why isn't there a Music section in the description?

YouTube only shows it when it automatically recognised a licensed song. Royalty-free and custom music usually isn't listed.

Can I identify a YouTube song with headphones on?

Yes. The SoundCatch Chrome extension listens to the browser tab directly, so it doesn't need speakers.

Read more: How to Find a Song From a YouTube Short · How to Identify Any Song Playing on Your Computer · Shazam for Desktop: How to Identify Songs Playing in Your Browser · All guides

Free music tools: Vocal range test · BPM & key finder · Ringtone maker