{"id":3811,"date":"2021-08-25T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T09:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wariplaw.com\/?p=3811"},"modified":"2022-11-16T02:45:31","modified_gmt":"2022-11-16T02:45:31","slug":"how-can-i-legally-use-copyrighted-music-on-youtube","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wariplaw.com\/how-can-i-legally-use-copyrighted-music-on-youtube\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can I Legally Use Copyrighted Music on YouTube?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Copyright-freeAudio is an essential component of any production. Whatever the content, be it skits, video game \u201clet\u2019s plays,\u201d vlogs, or tutorials, high-quality music and sound effects improve the scene and set the moods. The right track creates suspense, adds life, and brings flavor to your videos. Some fans even care about the soundtracks as much as they do the actual video.
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Be careful using any type of music! If you\u2019ll be using songs that you didn\u2019t personally write, you may be violating YouTube\u2019s copyright and fair use policies<\/a>. You\u2019ll need prior permission from the composer or the producer before you can use their music for videos, whether as background music or jingles.<\/p>\n

Copyright law ensures that creators are compensated when their work is used \u2013 this is where YouTube\u2019s music policy comes into play. There are two sides of YouTube\u2019s system that work in tandem, one side regulating video uploads for copyright infringement and the other providing a location for producers to file their copyright claims.<\/p>\n

If you have any intellectual property concerns, such as licensing or creative commons attribution, you can ask our experienced Washington D.C. IP attorneys<\/a>. Call us now to schedule a consultation.<\/p>\n

Using Music for YouTube Videos<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You can enjoy free music streaming when you listen to the songs personally. However, using music for videos on YouTube is not that simple. You may be able to find free songs or sound effects, but it gets more difficult if the sound or music is copyrighted.<\/p>\n

To conform with copyright rules, several video streaming services such as YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, and Twitch enforce tight regulations about copyrighted music. As a response, a large percentage of material providers feel that using copyrighted music on YouTube is forbidden.<\/p>\n

If you created the music you\u2019ll use, whether it\u2019s an instrumental or a complete song, you\u2019re free to use it however you want. It\u2019s a different story altogether for other copyrighted music. You need to get permission from everyone listed as a copyright holder of the song.<\/p>\n

In general, if you want to obtain a license to legally use the song for your YouTube videos, you have to do the following steps:<\/p>\n

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  1. Contact every copyright holder of that song.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Negotiate a price for the licensing agreement<\/a>. It can be an up-front payment for use of the song or royalties from the revenue your project will earn.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This sounds easy in theory, but it\u2019s difficult to do in practice. The song recording may be owned by a label, but the song itself is from a publisher. It can be difficult to obtain permission from both. Not to mention that buying a license for music from bigger companies may not be worth the investment.<\/p>\n

    What Happens if I Use Music Tracks Without Permission?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Once you incorporate copyrighted music in your video without permission, YouTube can do the following:<\/p>\n