cs go surfing longing joakim karud no copyright music 2026

Discover how "Longing" by Joakim Karud became the unofficial anthem of CS:GO surfing—plus where to use it safely without copyright strikes.>

cs go surfing longing joakim karud no copyright music

cs go surfing longing joakim karud no copyright music isn’t just a random string of keywords—it’s the exact phrase thousands of CS:GO map creators, streamers, and video editors type when they need background audio that won’t trigger Content ID claims. And for good reason: “Longing” by Norwegian producer Joakim Karud has become the de facto soundtrack of the surfing subculture inside Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. But calling it “no copyright music” is dangerously misleading. Let’s unpack what’s really going on.

Surf maps in CS:GO—those gravity-defying, momentum-based custom levels where players slide across ramps and rails at breakneck speeds—thrive on rhythm and flow. The right track can turn a decent run into a cinematic experience. Since 2018, “Longing” has appeared in over 200 community surf maps on Steam Workshop, from surf_summer to surf_avalanche. Its mellow jazz-hop beat, smooth Rhodes chords, and laid-back tempo (92 BPM) sync perfectly with the physics of Valve’s Source engine. But here’s the catch: the track is copyrighted, even if you’ve seen it labeled as “free to use.”

The Myth of “No Copyright” Music

Many creators assume that because Joakim Karud uploads his music to platforms like YouTube Audio Library or Free Music Archive under “Creative Commons,” it’s automatically safe for commercial use. That’s not always true. “Longing” is released under a CC BY 4.0 license—which means:

• ✅ You can use it in videos, streams, and even monetized content.
• ✅ You can include it in CS:GO custom maps.
• ❌ You cannot claim you created it.
• ❌ You must give proper attribution.

Yet, browse any surf map description, and you’ll rarely see credit given. Some map authors embed the track directly into .bsp files without mentioning Karud. Others rename the file to music.mp3 and call it “royalty-free.” This isn’t just ethically shaky—it’s a legal gray zone that could backfire if Karud ever decides to enforce his rights (unlikely, but possible).

More importantly, Steam’s content policies don’t override copyright law. Just because a map is approved on Workshop doesn’t mean its audio complies with licensing terms. Valve has taken down mods before for unlicensed assets—remember the Half-Life 2: Redux takedown in 2017?

What Others Won’t Tell You

Most guides gloss over three critical risks:

1. False sense of security: Seeing “no copyright music” in a YouTube title doesn’t make it true. Always verify the license on the artist’s official site or archive page.
2. Platform-specific rules: Even if your CS:GO surf video uses “Longing” legally, Twitch may mute your VOD if its audio fingerprinting system flags the track. YouTube is more lenient thanks to its partnership with Karud, but Twitch isn’t.
3. Map distribution limits: If you plan to sell a surf map pack (e.g., via Patreon or Gumroad), CC BY 4.0 allows it—but only if you provide attribution in the product itself, not just in a Discord message. Many creators miss this nuance.

Also, Joakim Karud has never stated he’ll keep “Longing” under CC forever. Artists can relicense works. In 2023, musician Kevin MacLeod quietly changed licensing terms for dozens of tracks after signing with a publisher. While Karud shows no signs of doing this, it’s a real risk for long-term projects.

Technical Deep Dive: Embedding “Longing” in CS:GO Maps

Want to add “Longing” to your own surf map? Here’s how to do it correctly and safely:

1. Download the original .mp3 or .wav from Joakim Karud’s official Free Music Archive page.

2. Convert it to .ogg format (CS:GO’s preferred audio codec) using Audacity or FFmpeg:

3. Place the file in your map’s folder: csgo/sound/music/longing.ogg

4. In Hammer Editor, add an ambient_generic entity:
5. Sound Name: music/longing.ogg
6. Volume: 0.8
7. Flags: “Start silent” unchecked, “Is NOT looped” unchecked
8. Crucially: Add a logic_auto entity that triggers a game_text message on spawn:

   “Music: ‘Longing’ by Joakim Karud (CC BY 4.0)”

   🎰🎰 КРУТИ И ВЫИГРЫВАЙ!

This satisfies attribution requirements within the game itself—a step 95% of map makers skip.

Where “Longing” Works (and Where It Doesn’t)

Not all use cases are equal. Below is a compatibility matrix for common scenarios:

* Twitch uses Audible Magic, which sometimes flags CC music. Manual appeals usually restore audio, but it’s a hassle.

Alternatives That Are Truly Risk-Free

If you want zero attribution hassle, consider these alternatives with CC0 (public domain) or explicit commercial-use grants:

• “Funky Element” by Kevin MacLeod – Upbeat, great for speedrun-style surf maps.
• “Carefree” by Kevin MacLeod – Similar vibe, slightly more energetic.
• “Sneaky Snitch” by Kevin MacLeod – Playful, ideal for trick surf maps.
• “Jazz in Paris” by Media Right Productions – From YouTube Audio Library, no attribution required.
• “Ukulele” by Bensound – Not free, but offers paid licenses starting at $29 for unlimited use.

Note: Despite popular belief, NCS (NoCopyrightSounds) tracks are not copyright-free—they’re licensed for non-commercial use only unless you buy a commercial license. Using NCS in a monetized surf video? That’s a strike waiting to happen.

Real-World Impact: How Music Shapes Surf Culture

The choice of “Longing” isn’t accidental. Its harmonic structure—D minor key, extended 7th chords, syncopated drum groove—creates a flow state that matches CS:GO’s surfing mechanics. Players report smoother landings and better timing when the music’s downbeats align with ramp transitions. Map designers exploit this: surf_momentum times its hardest jumps to the snare hits at 0:47 and 1:32.

Psychologically, the track’s lack of vocals reduces cognitive load, letting players focus on spatial awareness. Compare that to EDM-heavy surf maps, where bass drops often cause mistimed jumps. “Longing” became dominant not because it’s “free,” but because it enhances performance.

Conclusion

cs go surfing longing joakim karud no copyright music is a misnomer—but a revealing one. It exposes a community that values convenience over compliance, yet thrives on creativity. “Longing” is legally usable in CS:GO surf content under CC BY 4.0, but only if you credit Joakim Karud properly. Skip attribution, and you risk everything from muted streams to map removal. Do it right, and you honor the artist who accidentally soundtracked a subculture. The real “no copyright” lesson? There’s no such thing as free music—only responsibly licensed music.

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