How to use copyrighted music on YouTube legally

YouTubers frequently come across copyright claims when using a music track for their videos. Although these claims are common, using copyrighted music comes with a set of consequences that might result in the suspension of your account. YouTube has stringent laws regarding copyright infringement. But there’s always a way around it. In this blog, we will discuss the different ways in which you can use copyrighted music on YouTube videos legally.

What Is Copyright Music?

If you are a content creator on YouTube, understanding YouTube copyright music becomes essential. In simple terms, copyrighted music refers to any track protected by copyright law. An artist, producer, or record label usually owns exclusive rights to use, share, and produce music.

YouTube copyright music covers more than lyrics. It protects harmony, melody, and even the Master’s that the sound recording itself. In other words, if you use copyrighted music without permission, you could risk monetization.

How Does Copyright Work on YouTube?

YouTube has an advanced system of detecting music called Content ID. It scans every video uploaded to the platform for any copyrighted music. YouTube will automatically flag it.

Any channel with more than three strikes will face loss of monetization or, in some cases, suspicion of the channel itself. Therefore, it is essential to protect your music and legally use other music on YouTube.

For example, if you have a Taylor Swift song in the background, here’s how it will unfold: 

• The copyright owner gets notified through Content ID
• Your monetization privileges get blocked
• On repeat offences, your channel will be suspended

How to Use Copyrighted Music on YouTube? (Legally)

1. Get Copyright Permission

Another way to use copyrighted music for your YouTube videos is to secure a license or permission from the music track owner. Using copyrighted videos mostly leads to your YouTube channel being banned, so it’s best to promote your own content on the Platform.

If you want to stay on YouTube and continue making money from copyrighted music, you must obtain permission to use existing content. First, you need to determine who owns the copyrighted music track you plan to use. Look for ways to contact them through emails or calls and understand what rights you require.

2. Use Custom Music

Creating or commissioning music is one of the safest and most flexible options for artists. It will help you have full ownership of your own music. When you have music artists create music for you, it opens up possibilities for complete creative control with no licensing fees.

3. Try Thematic for Licensed Tracks

You can use built-in platforms designed for creators, which offer pre-cleared, copyright-free music. It’s generally free to use, since music is directly licensed from artists. It will help protect you from copyright claims.

4. Use Paid Music Licensing Tracks

To produce professional-quality YouTube copyright music, search for services that help you connect with music artists. Tracking down the owner of a song is a challenging task. Specific platforms, such as AudioJungle, can help you get there faster.

5. Use Royalty-Free Music

You can opt to use Royalty-Free Music, which is freely available for everyone to use. The restrictions may differ from one music genre to another. Further, you can search for public domain music and find a long list of available options on the internet. Any copyrighted music loses its copyright protection after a specific period and enters the public domain.

Ensure you understand your country’s copyright laws before using any music. Do your research, too, rather than solely depending on the website’s information. Don’t forget the YouTube Audio Library is filled with free music. This library provides creators with royalty-free music that is free from copyright restrictions.

6. Use Creative Commons Music

To reuse music from YouTube music videos, you need to secure a Creative Commons license. Creators can use these videos through the YouTube Video Editor. While creating any video using CC content, YouTube will directly attribute the source under the video player. Simply, search for a video. Click on the “Filters” tab on the left-hand side. You’ll find Creative Commons under Features. YouTube will display all the videos that fall under the Creative Commons license.

Conclusion

Using copyrighted music on YouTube doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you are creating custom tracks or pre-licensing, you must follow the proper steps. Since music enhances your content, ensure that you follow YouTube’s guidelines. Once you start creating smarter content and stay protected, your content will perform automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How does using copyrighted music impact my purchased views?

When your video is based on a copyrighted music track, YouTube may limit its visibility and monetization. Now that purchased views still count,YouTube rule-breaking violations could affect your video’s overall reach.

Q2. Can I monetize a video of copyrighted music?

Yes, you can monetize a video that features copyrighted music if YouTube approves it during the upload process. You must connect with promotion services and promote your videos using Google Ads, which will help you buy YouTube views more organically.

Q3. Is there a safe way to use copyrighted music in my YouTube videos?

Yes. You can use copyrighted music safely by seeking a license or using royalty-free music. Seeking these can help you upload videos without the risk of restrictions.

Q4. Can You Use 30 Seconds of a Copyrighted Song on YouTube?

No, you cannot automatically use 30-second copyrighted song without permission. YouTube’s content ID can track and flag it.

Q5. How Much Does It Cost to Use a Copyrighted Song on YouTube?

The cost to use a copyrighted song varies widely. Furthermore, you may need to pay for both the master and sync licenses.