If you decide to proceed with a free public node, do not use a static link found in a random Reddit thread from two years ago—it is almost certainly dead. Instead, look for dynamic, community-maintained lists.
You will find many articles with "copy-paste links." By the time you read this sentence, those links are dead. Here is why: lavalink hosting free link
Do not copy links from Pastebin. 99% of "Lavalink hosting free link" Pastebin dumps are decoys containing keyloggers or outdated IPs. If you decide to proceed with a free
Notes: some hosts require building a Docker container; others let you run a Java process directly. Read the platform docs for process file names or start commands. Do not copy links from Pastebin
Technically, this isn't a "link" you copy, but it is the most reliable way to get a private free link.
Here are the best places to find a working link right now. Note: Free links expire often. Always check the date of the source.
There are specific Discord servers dedicated to hosting providers. Some of these operate on a "Freemium" model.