Are you worried about copyright strikes on YouTube? Many content creators face challenges when using music in their videos due to YouTube’s strict copyright policies. However, you can still use copyrighted music legally without risking your channel.
If you break YouTube’s copyright rules too often, your entire channel can be deleted, and you may be banned from uploading videos forever.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to use copyrighted music on YouTube legally, answer frequently asked questions, and share actionable strategies for avoiding copyright issues while keeping your videos interesting. Let’s get started!
What is copyrighted music?
A copyrighted music is a song that is protected by copyright law. This means that the person or group who owns the copyright has the right to decide how the song is used. Typically, the owners are the creators, such as the music artist and songwriters, or a record label that represents the song. So, can you use copyrighted music on YouTube? The answer depends on whether you have permission from the copyright owner.
How copyrighted music works on YouTube?
Copyright allows businesses and people to use their creative work. For example, your favourite musician writes and records a new song that you can use in your videos.
It’s like a way for creators to work together and use each other’s work to make their own better.
Since you didn’t create the songs you want to use in your video, you can’t claim ownership of them. To use copyrighted music on YouTube, you need to get permission from the original creator.
YouTube’s copyright rules make sure creators get paid when their work is used. This is where YouTube’s music policy comes in. The system works together to check video uploads for copyright issues and allows creators to file their copyright claims.
To understand YouTube’s copyright policy better, we recommend reading the “YouTube Copyright and Fair Use Policies.”
Types of Copyrighted Music on YouTube
Over 90% of music is copyrighted. Copyright gives legal protection to the owners, ensuring they’re recognized as the creators or composers. The owner might be okay with you using their work in your personal YouTube videos.
Most content creators need background music for their YouTube videos, and this is where copyrighted music becomes important.
On YouTube, there are different types of copyrighted music that you may encounter, so it’s important to know what music can I used on YouTube to avoid copyright issues.
- Licensed Music: This is music that the creator has obtained permission to use, often by purchasing the rights or acquiring a license to music for YouTube to include it in their videos.
- Royalty-Free Music: This music is available for use without paying ongoing fees, but the creator still needs to follow the rules of the license.
- Public Domain Music: These types of music are no longer under copyright because their protection has expired. Anyone can use them without permission.
- Music with Creative Commons License: These songs can be used for free under certain conditions, such as giving credit to the original creator. Be sure to follow the terms of the specific license.
- Unlicensed Music: This is music that is copyrighted but has not been given permission for use. If used without consent, it could lead to copyright strikes or claims on YouTube.
How to use Copyrighted music on YouTube legally
It’s time to explore the best places to find music for YouTube videos legally, following copyright laws for music on YouTube, and without copyright claims.
1. Use Works in the Public Domain
Public domain music is not protected by copyright, meaning anyone can use it for free without permission.
2. Use YouTube Music with a Creative Commons License
Some artists allow their music to be used under a Creative Commons license. You must follow the rules, such as giving credit to the creator.
3. Obtain direct authorization or a license from the copyright owner
You can contact the music owner and ask for permission. This may require purchasing a license to use the song legally.
4. YouTube Audio Library
YouTube provides a free collection of music and sound effects that creators can use without worrying about copyright claims.
5. Other Paid Music Licensing sites
Some platforms sell licenses for copyrighted music, allowing you to use them legally in your videos.
6. Using Copyrighted Music on YouTube with Changed Pitch/Speed
Some creators try to modify a song’s pitch or speed to avoid detection. However, YouTube’s system can still recognize the music, so this method is not always safe
Why do some songs get copyright claims on YouTube?
Some songs give copyright claims on YouTube because they are protected by copyright laws. The music owner, like a record label or artist, controls how their song is used. If you upload a video with copyrighted music without permission, YouTube’s system detects it and may place a claim. This can result in ads on your video, revenue going to the copyright owner, or even video removal. To avoid this, use copyright-free music, get proper licenses, or follow YouTube copyright music rules to ensure compliance and protect your content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with YouTube’s copyright rules can be confusing for creators, especially when using music in videos. However, by understanding the different types of copyrighted music and using options like public domain music, Creative Commons licenses, or getting permission from copyright owners, you can use music legally and avoid problems. Learning the proper way to how to use Copyrighted music on YouTube legally is important, and YouTube has resources like the YouTube Audio Library and paid licensing platforms for safe and legal music. By following these rules and respecting copyright laws, creators can improve their videos without facing strikes or losing revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use copyrighted music for YouTube?
If you want to use copyrighted material in your video, you usually need to get permission first. YouTube can’t give you these rights, and we can’t help you contact the people who can.
What music can I use on YouTube?
You can use music on YouTube that is free to use, licensed, or belongs to the public. You can also use music from YouTube’s Audio Library.
How to get permission to use a song on YouTube?
To get permission to use a song on YouTube, you need to obtain a license or written consent from the copyright owner, typically the artist, record label, or music publisher. You can reach out directly to them or use licensing platforms to secure the rights.
What happens if you use copyrighted music on YouTube?
If you use copyrighted music on YouTube without permission, your video could be deleted, blocked, or taken down. You might also get a copyright strike, which could cause your account to be banned.
How do YouTubers get away with using copyrighted music?
Unless you’ve made and performed the music yourself, the only way to use copyrighted music on YouTube is to get permission from the original creator.
