Ever wonder if you can just add your favorite song to a video without worrying about a YouTube copyright strike? Or maybe you’ve heard the term "copyright-free" music and thought, “Great, that’s easy!” But is it really that simple? If you’ve been confused about using music in your videos, you’re not alone.
Adding music to your videos can take them to the next level, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Getting it wrong could lead to copyright claims, strikes, or even losing your monetization. So, how can you add music and stay in the clear? How do you know if a song is copyrighted? And, more importantly, how can you use music in your videos without risking a copyright claim or losing monetization for using copyrighted music on YouTube? Let’s break down the basics of what’s safe, what’s risky, and how to keep your content protected while still sounding amazing!
The Truth About "Copyright-Free" Music
First, let's clear up a myth: all music is copyrighted once it's created. There's no such thing as "copyright-free" music unless it's in the public domain or licensed in a way that allows free use. So, even though it might feel like you can use any music, every song belongs to its creator, whether it's an artist, a band, or a company.
Easy Ways to Check if a Song is Copyrighted
Now that we know all songs are copyrighted by default, how can you tell if a specific song will cause issues? Here are some quick tips to help you figure out if YouTube content is copyrighted:
- YouTube Content ID System
YouTube has a built-in system that scans videos for copyrighted content. The easiest move? Upload your video as 'unlisted' first to see if YouTube flags the music. This way, you’ll know if you’re in the clear before making the video public.
- Music Identification Apps
Apps like Shazam or SoundHound can help identify the song, and from there, you can check databases like BMI or SESAC to dig deeper into its copyright status. It’s not always straightforward, but it's a good start if you're unsure.
- YouTube’s Audio Library
If you’re short on time, YouTube’s Audio Library is a safe bet for royalty-free music. It’s not always free to use commercially, but it does help avoid ongoing royalty payments.
- Copyright Symbols
Look out for copyright symbols (©) on files or websites where you found the song. It’s easy to miss but could save you some trouble later on.
The Misconception of “Fair Use”
Many creators think they’re safe using just a few seconds of a song – wrong! Even a tiny clip can lead to a claim. Fair use isn’t a free pass; it applies to specific situations like commentary or parody, but it’s a gray area, so it’s better not to rely on it.
AIR Media-Tech helps you avoid copyright issues with daily monitoring to prevent problems and support in resolving disputes. Just get in touch with us, and we will help you.
Creative Commons Music: What You Should Know
Some artists offer their music under Creative Commons licenses, which let you use their tracks for free under certain conditions. Make sure you follow the terms closely. Sites like Free Music Archive have a great selection to check content copyright, but each license has different rules.
Public Domain Music: Not Always Free
Public domain music sounds like a free-for-all, but there’s a catch. While older compositions might be public domain, the modern recordings of those songs can still be copyrighted. So, be sure to check if both the composition and recording are free to use.
What About Cover Songs?
If you’re planning on using a cover version of a song, you’ll still need to get the proper licenses. Covers are also protected under copyright law, and you might need a synchronization license if you’re syncing the cover with your visuals.
The Safe Bet: Royalty-Free Music
For most creators, royalty-free music is the safest route. You pay once for a license and avoid ongoing royalty fees. Services like Epidemic Sound or Artlist offer large libraries for a reasonable fee, keeping your videos copyright-safe without sacrificing quality.
What Happens If You Get a Copyright Claim?
If you use copyrighted music without permission, you could face several consequences. The mild version is that your video gets demonetized. In the worst case, you could get a copyright strike, and repeated strikes can lead to your channel being shut down. Plus, your video might be blocked or muted, making all your hard work go to waste.
Streaming? Be Extra Cautious
For streamers, the stakes are even higher. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live can mute your stream or take it down if copyrighted music is detected. Ensure any music you use in live streams is cleared for that purpose.
Quick Tips for Avoiding Copyright Issues
- Test the waters
Upload short versions of your video with music first to check for claims. With the latest YouTube update, you can review and upgrade the video even before publishing it.
- Recheck licenses
Even for royalty-free music, double-check the terms before using a track.
- Use YouTube’s Music Policy Directory
This tool shows what you can and can’t do with specific songs on YouTube.
Untangling YouTube Copyright: What You Need to Know About Content ID
If you've ever added music to a YouTube video, chances are you’ve run into Content ID. This system automatically scans your video for copyrighted material, mostly music. If it finds a match for copyrighted music, your video could be flagged, and a few things might happen:
- Monetization Shift
If the song is copyrighted but not too restricted, the video stays up, but the money from ads goes to the copyright holder – not you.
- Video Block
Sometimes, the copyright holder might block the video, making it unavailable in certain countries or even globally.
- Muting
YouTube might mute the video’s audio if it detects copyrighted music.
- Copyright Strike
The most serious – if you rack up too many strikes, your channel could be suspended or even terminated.
Pro Tip: Always check the Content ID results during the upload process. You’ll get a heads-up on any copyrighted material, and you can see if it affects your ability to monetize or if the revenue goes to someone else.
Music copyright can be a minefield, but AIR Media-Tech is here to simplify it for you. With over 30 tools designed for creators, we can help you navigate copyright challenges, keep your channel safe from strikes, and streamline your monetization strategies. Join AIR Media-Tech, you’ll get access to exclusive resources and expert support, making content creation a breeze – even when it comes to complex issues like music licensing.
It might seem daunting, but with the right approach and the right support, you can avoid the copyright chaos and focus on what really matters: making amazing content!
The Music Copyright Struggle on Social Media
Using music across different platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can get tricky, and the rules aren’t the same everywhere. Here’s what to expect:
- Instagram and Facebook
These platforms also scan for copyrighted music. Instead of flagging your video beforehand, they’ll notify you after the post goes live if there’s an issue. The most common result? Muted audio.
Tip: If you’re managing a brand, this could be a headache, especially if important parts of your video go silent without you realizing it. Always double-check the music status before hitting publish.
- TikTok
It licenses many popular songs for user-generated content, but be careful! Commercial accounts often have restrictions, and you might run into trouble if you try to use TikTok’s licensed music for monetized content on other platforms.
- Live Streaming (Twitch, YouTube Live)
Streaming with copyrighted music can trigger instant mutes or even shut down your stream. Stick to royalty-free music or use platforms like Twitch Soundtrack by Twitch to avoid headaches.
Music in Short-Form Content: Stories, Reels, and Shorts
Short-form videos are blowing up on platforms like Instagram Stories, Facebook Reels, and YouTube Shorts. But when it comes to music, your choices might be more limited than you'd like.
- The safest route is to use music from the platform’s built-in library. These tracks are already licensed, so you won’t have to worry about takedowns or muted videos. Uploading your own copyrighted music could lead to the entire video being muted or demonetized.
Pro Tip: Using the platform’s library ensures your short-form videos are free from restrictions, allowing your content to shine.
What to Do if You Get a Copyright Claim or Strike
Sooner or later, if you’re creating regularly, you’ll run into a copyright claim. While it’s less severe than a strike, it can still impact your earnings. Here’s how to handle it:
- Check the Claim
Find out what part of the video is flagged. If it’s just background music, you can swap it out with royalty-free music.
- Use YouTube’s Tools
YouTube has features to remove or replace the claimed music with royalty-free alternatives – easy fix!
- Dispute
If you think the claim is wrong, you can dispute it. But fair warning: this process can take time, and you might not win if the copyright holder insists on the claim.
Tired of navigating copyright issues on your own? AIR Media-Tech offers tools to help manage copyright challenges so you can focus on creating. With expert support and a range of services, AIR Media-Tech can help you access safe, legal music for your content!
Let’s Handle the Music Headaches
After all, protecting your channel and content includes being smart about music. Whether you're using royalty-free tracks, Creative Commons licenses, or checking out YouTube’s audio library, ensuring your music is safe will save you tons of headaches in the long run. Just remember to use YouTube copyright music checker for your videos.
And for creators who want to go further, consider working with a platform like AIR Media-Tech to get the support and tools you need to avoid copyright issues altogether. Keep creating – safely and smartly!
