It is well known that background music can aid in setting the tone, the pace, or the feel of videos, streams, or other types of content and improve the content as a whole. However, incorporating music in videos without having the appropriate licenses can result in strikes, loss of income or even an account ban. This guide explains how various platforms, chiefly YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch, have dealt with background music and aims to give the creators ideas on how to best prepare their content.
YouTube: How To Deal With Music On Long-Form And Shorts Content.
As is common knowledge, YouTube implements strict content ownership that is primarily supported by its Content ID system. Through this system, copyright owners are able to track the places where their music is used in other people’s videos, often times issuing takedown notices to those who use unlicensed music. When YouTube flags such content, the uploader is subjected to limitations within the platforms such as monetization of the content or the possibility of the video being muted in certain locations.
Music Options for Compliance
- YouTube Audio Library: Preserve your content copyright from Ellen Multimedia’s music and sound effects collection. The library is not only copyright free, it is easy to aquire as well as free. This means creators can add as many sounds to their videos as they deem fit fully without giving them any concerns.
- Content ID and Commercial Licensing: Most of the times, these popular songs will not be available for free but if a creator wishes to use popular music within their videos, they need to enter into licensing agreements with YouTube’s partners or if possible they can seek direct licensing.
- YouTube Shorts: YouTube offers the possibility of using music for a wider range in its Shorts, providing a catalog of music in this regard. Caution should however be taken as some of the tracks might still have geographical or monetization restrictions.
Key Tips
Do not use any music that is protected by copyright unless a license for use on YouTube has been obtained.
TikTok: Integrating Songs with the App’s Identity
A strong civilization is closely associated with culture, and specifically with music, dancing, or any form of cultural genre. TikTok enables creators to add widely used songs to their videos easily and quickly, thanks to an extensive music library and no complex licensing agreements required. This music is however usually limited to an individual creator’s non-commercial context.
Music Options for Compliance
- In-App Music Library: Every registration on. TikTok’s music library contains many songs which people regularly use for creating content. However, businesses and brands are prohibited from employing similar music because of commercial use constraints.
- Commercial Sound Library: For businesses, TikTok offers a Commercial Music Library with safe music for promotional purposes that are royalty free.
Key Tips
Instead of using popular songs, which would lead to sanctions against account or business operating, please use the Commercial Sound Library.
People who wish to use the app for personal purposes can utilize any song available in TikTok’s library since it is already authorized for use.
Instagram: Where to Use Music within Reels, Stories and Posts
Instagram is equipped with a music feature for Reels and Stories content creation easing pressure and pushing creators to incorporate music in their content. Yet, the platforms rules when it comes to music use may be different for personal and business accounts, especially within jurisdictions with more fierce copyright regulations.
Alternative Solutions for Adherence to the Guidelines
- Instagram Music Library: Stories and Reels of personal accounts get access to more than one song because these songs are royalty-free for use.
- Business Account Restrictions: In the same way, business social media accounts are sometimes limited in the types of music that they can use, such is the case with TikTok. Some songs may not be available or licensed for use in commercial material.
- Partner Integrations: Instagram collaborates with music licensing agencies, however, content creators are recommended not to include copyrighted music in longer Clips or posts without cruising for the relevant permissions.
Key Tips
For commercial content, businesses should use copyright-free or specially designed for commercials music.
Personal accounts have notably more freedom in using the refrigerator however, users should self-regulate from using any third-party music from outside the music library.
Twitch: The Rules for Music in Streams and VODs
Twitchs attitudes towards music as far as live streams are concerned are tough and when it comes to the recorded content. The platform uses automated detection software that detects unlicensed music in streams. The same applies for repeat crosses – repeated violations will earn account warnings or bans.
Music Options for Compliance
- Soundtrack by Twitch: Such is focused on the creators who use the platform for live streaming. This option, however, acts only in regard to live content – it has no bearing on recorded VODs.
- Royalty Free Music Services: Available and legal for use while on stream, licensed sounds from Epidemic Sound or Monstercat are some popular sources out there on Twitch that celebrates having an easy way to include background music in their streams and VODs.
- Under a DMCA Takedown Notice: Except in cases where explicit consent is obtained or the creator subscribes to a service that permits licensing for Twitch use, he or she should avoid using copyrighted music.
Key Tips
Use only Twitchs proprietary music instruments or royalty-free sources that also cover the streaming rights.
Caution should be exercised when VODs are concerned since those are more prone to be flagged and refrain from requesting content that was saved with the intent of having unlicenced music present within it.
Recommendations for Being Compliant on Every Platform
- Utilize Platform-Centric APIs: Each platform has its own licensed library for use by the users. The most appropriate way of using the music options is to select these.
- Be Aware of Account Caps: A business account has different permissions compared to a personal account. Make sure that you understand the type and limitations of your account.
- Buy Commercial Music Without Royalties: If you are producing content on different platforms, then it is advisable to opt for a music subscription service that is royalty free for online and offline as well as transcontinental activity.
- Monitor Policy Developments: There are changes made to the music policy set by most of the platforms at certain time intervals. It would be wise to check for changes in policy from time to time to avoid breach of copyright laws unintentionally.
Final Thoughts
Content customers create will benefit from music copyrights. For platforms whose terms are conducive to users’ workloads, creating such content with the available assets and content will not violate their policies.
FAQs
Can I use any song for my content if I credit the artist?
No, this is not correct. Simply giving attribution to the artist is not permission to use the artists’ music. This tends to be the case in places like Youtube or Twitch where most creators using music have to either license it, or use music from certain libraries.
What happens if I use unlicensed music on YouTube or Twitch?
Consequences range from video monetization getting turned off, certain parts of videos being censored, receiving copyright strikes, or in the worst case, getting disqualified out of the platform. Most of these platforms have what is known as automated detection system, hence it will be very easy to identify the use of music without any proper authorization.
Are there free options for background music that won’t get me in trouble?
Yes! A lot of many services have their own free vetted music libraries. This includes the YouTube Audio Library, Soundtrack by Twitch, as well as the in-app music of TikTok. In addition, sites that offer royalty free music such as Pixabay Music and Free Music Archive are also compliant sources of music.
How can I find music that’s safe for commercial use on TikTok and Instagram?
In this regard, TikTok has a Commercial Music Library for business accounts providing such tracks that can be used in promotional activities. Similarly, more businesses should stop using the application’s famous sound tracks and its other popular tracks that are unavailable on business accounts especially for those businesses using Instagram.
