The Free BGM Association Unveils Its Annual Report for 2025 and Future Goals
The Free BGM Association recently published its annual report for the fiscal year 2025 on April 1, detailing its main activities and findings from a survey about the usage of free background music (BGM) and AI in music production. The report has been made available on the association's official note page, and the organization has expressed its commitment to creating an environment where both composers and users can produce and use music safely.
The utilization of free BGM has notably broadened, finding its way into organizations and companies. According to the report, 98% of the top 50 universities ranked by the employment rate at top 400 companies have reported using free BGM in their public relations content, showing a 4% increase from the previous year's survey. In addition, 91.7% of Japan’s central government ministries are utilizing this music resource, with increased usage in both universities and government agencies.
Moreover, in 2025, the association commenced a utilization survey focused on broadcasting organizations, which includes television stations, radio stations, and cable channels. By December 2025, free BGM was reported to be utilized by 124 television stations, including five major key channels, 81 national radio stations, and major cable networks, further indicating a significant rise in the volume of music tracks available, surpassing 14,000 songs and over 900 programs.
Survey results indicated that the primary application areas for free BGM remain centered around video content and gaming, with platforms like YouTube and TikTok continuing to see substantial engagement. Some respondents noted that the use of free BGM in educational institutions, television, and radio has not been as vigorous as last year; however, many instances of usage for presentations and graduation projects in schools were still confirmed.
A survey conducted among the association's partnered composers on AI music revealed that 21% considered it a threat, while approximately 60% expressed mixed feelings—acknowledging existing anxieties but believing that coexistence is possible. Many believe that in today’s AI-driven future, the individuality and uniqueness of music compositions are becoming increasingly crucial. Despite AI’s influence, around 32% of composers indicated incorporating AI into their practices, while approximately 70% either utilized it minimally or not at all. This indicates a cautious approach among many composers, reflecting a value system centered on the enjoyment and personal growth of crafting music, alongside concerns regarding copyright and rights protection.
Looking forward to 2026, the Free BGM Association aims to promote a supportive and secure environment for users and composers of free BGM. Their mission includes extending the previous year’s groundwork to foster wider opportunities for corporate users and next-generation creators. The establishment of a licensing approval application interface on the official website is set to facilitate corporate use across various sectors, including video, games, events, and commercials. Through partnerships like the nationwide Video Create Koshien, the association is also providing educational tools around free BGM and copyright, promoting greater understanding and appropriate usage amongst aspiring creators. In 2026, the association plans to continue enhancing business utilization initiatives, creating more interaction opportunities between composers and users, and updating the free BGM database. This proactive stance aims to adapt to diverse societal changes, including the advent of AI, ensuring a reliable avenue for music creation and usage.
The detailed findings and activities in the 2025 Annual Report by the Free BGM Association can be accessed on their official note page: Free BGM Association Annual Report.
1. Survey conducted by the Free BGM Association’s secretariat in March 2026.
2. Collaborating survey results from the Free BGM partners covering utilization reports of broadcasting entities from December 2024 to December 2025, compiled by the association’s secretariat.
3. Survey conducted from February to March 2026, targeting Free BGM partners with a total of 19 valid responses.
The Free BGM Association is dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for composers and users alike, enabling enjoyable and secure music production and usage.
Expansion of Free BGM Utilization
The utilization of free BGM has notably broadened, finding its way into organizations and companies. According to the report, 98% of the top 50 universities ranked by the employment rate at top 400 companies have reported using free BGM in their public relations content, showing a 4% increase from the previous year's survey. In addition, 91.7% of Japan’s central government ministries are utilizing this music resource, with increased usage in both universities and government agencies.
Moreover, in 2025, the association commenced a utilization survey focused on broadcasting organizations, which includes television stations, radio stations, and cable channels. By December 2025, free BGM was reported to be utilized by 124 television stations, including five major key channels, 81 national radio stations, and major cable networks, further indicating a significant rise in the volume of music tracks available, surpassing 14,000 songs and over 900 programs.
High Demand in Video and Gaming
Survey results indicated that the primary application areas for free BGM remain centered around video content and gaming, with platforms like YouTube and TikTok continuing to see substantial engagement. Some respondents noted that the use of free BGM in educational institutions, television, and radio has not been as vigorous as last year; however, many instances of usage for presentations and graduation projects in schools were still confirmed.
Composer Perspectives on AI Music
A survey conducted among the association's partnered composers on AI music revealed that 21% considered it a threat, while approximately 60% expressed mixed feelings—acknowledging existing anxieties but believing that coexistence is possible. Many believe that in today’s AI-driven future, the individuality and uniqueness of music compositions are becoming increasingly crucial. Despite AI’s influence, around 32% of composers indicated incorporating AI into their practices, while approximately 70% either utilized it minimally or not at all. This indicates a cautious approach among many composers, reflecting a value system centered on the enjoyment and personal growth of crafting music, alongside concerns regarding copyright and rights protection.
Future Directions for the Free BGM Association
Looking forward to 2026, the Free BGM Association aims to promote a supportive and secure environment for users and composers of free BGM. Their mission includes extending the previous year’s groundwork to foster wider opportunities for corporate users and next-generation creators. The establishment of a licensing approval application interface on the official website is set to facilitate corporate use across various sectors, including video, games, events, and commercials. Through partnerships like the nationwide Video Create Koshien, the association is also providing educational tools around free BGM and copyright, promoting greater understanding and appropriate usage amongst aspiring creators. In 2026, the association plans to continue enhancing business utilization initiatives, creating more interaction opportunities between composers and users, and updating the free BGM database. This proactive stance aims to adapt to diverse societal changes, including the advent of AI, ensuring a reliable avenue for music creation and usage.
Accessing the 2025 Annual Report
The detailed findings and activities in the 2025 Annual Report by the Free BGM Association can be accessed on their official note page: Free BGM Association Annual Report.
Survey Overview
1. Survey conducted by the Free BGM Association’s secretariat in March 2026.
2. Collaborating survey results from the Free BGM partners covering utilization reports of broadcasting entities from December 2024 to December 2025, compiled by the association’s secretariat.
3. Survey conducted from February to March 2026, targeting Free BGM partners with a total of 19 valid responses.
About the Free BGM Association
The Free BGM Association is dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for composers and users alike, enabling enjoyable and secure music production and usage.
- - Name: Free BGM Association
- - Location: 1-16-15 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
- - Established: January 2024
- - Activities: Focused on free BGM, distribution sites, and information sharing related to free BGM composers.
- - Official Website: Free BGM Association
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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