Methods to Learn How to Check if a Song is Copyrighted

In today's modern world, where utilizing music in podcasts, videos, or social media is commonplace, the crucial question isn't really whether a song is copyrighted. Actually, commercially released music is automatically protected from the moment it's recorded. The real challenge lies in determining how you can legally use the music. To navigate this, you need to determine the specific owners or rights holders, check if the music has fallen into the public domain, or see if it's accessible under a royalty-free or Creative Commons license. This article will guide you through the methods to know how to check if a song is copyrighted. With that, it can help you avoid legal pitfalls like takedowns or fines while finding suitable music for your project. Thus, if you are interested in exploring everything about the discussion, read this post right away.

Part 1. Is all Music Copyrighted

Well, the answer is yes. The vast majority of music you encounter is protected by copyright. From the moment an original song is written down as sheet music or, more commonly, recorded as an audio file, it automatically receives copyright protection. It is a legal right granted to the owner that covers two main components. The first one is the musical composition (the melody, lyrics, and arrangement). The second one is the specific sound recording (the mastered track itself). This dual protection means that even a simple, amateur cover version of a famous music implicates the underlying composition's copyright.

Part 2. How to Check if a Song is Copyrighted

Are you still interested in learning how to know if the song is copyrighted? In that case, you can check all the provided methods below.

Check the Platform’s Music Library

The easiest and safest method for content creators on major platforms is to check the music library. Streaming platforms, like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, offer a vast collection of pre-cleared audio. The tracks in these libraries are licensed by the platforms, enabling you to utilize them within your content on that site without encountering any copyright issues. They are typically grouped by genre, mood, and license type. Thus, always check the music library to determine the status of the music.

Check Public Domain

You can also check the public domain. PD Info is a public domain information platform that offers various researched lists of public domain music titles, sheet music books, and sheet music reprints. The good part here is that some of the music in the public domain is free from copyright, which can be used for any purpose.

Check Creative Commons Licenses

It is also recommended to visit and check the Creative Commons site to see if musicians have offered their songs under a Creative Commons license. With this, you can tell if you can use the songs for free with written permission and won't encounter any restrictions.

Check Streaming Platforms

How do you know if the music is copyrighted? Well, you can also check on various streaming platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, TikTok, and more. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube offer a vast collection of royalty-free music and sound effects. Utilizing tracks from these libraries is the safest option since they are licensed for use on that specific platform. Plus, these platforms provide a 'Copyright Check' or 'Copyright Match' tool in their studio.

Check Online Copyright Database

There are various databases you can visit depending on your region. An official database can help you determine whether the music is copyrighted. If the songs are listed and registered, then they are copyrighted. Some of the databases you can visit are PRS for Music, U.S. Copyright Office, SOCAN, APRA AMCOS, and more.

Search on the Internet

Another method you can use to know if the song is copyrighted is by searching it on the internet. There are various websites you can visit to check the status of a certain music. You can go to multiple public domains, such as PD Info, IMSLP, Internet Archive's Audio Archive, and many more. You can also search for the owner of the music to get some idea about their masterpiece. The good thing about the internet is that it can give you all the information you need, making it the best place for obtaining data.

Ask the Artist for Permission

If you are unsure about the status of a certain music, reaching out to the artist is the best decision. This way, you can get a better clarification. The good news here is that some of the artists are open to collaboration.

Opt for Royalty-Free Music

You can use royalty-free music. Some of the royalty-free libraries, like Artlist and Epidemic Sound, can offer high-quality tracks for a subscription fee. Relying on these services ensures compliance with copyright laws.

Hire a Professional Help

The last thing you can do if you want to check if the song is copyrighted is to ask for professional help. You can hire some professionals who are specialized in this kind of field. Hiring them is a wise choice since they can help you avoid copyright issues and create compliant content.

Part 3. Can I Use Copyrighted Music

Can I use copyrighted music on YouTube and other platforms? Well, the answer is yes. You can use copyrighted music, but only under a certain condition.

• • You must obtain a license. You must secure permission from the copyright holders, which involves a fee. This is necessary for commercial use, such as in a film, product, or advertisement.
• • Use pre-cleared music. You can use music from royalty-free libraries, such as Epidemic Sound and Artlist. You can also use a platform-specific library, like YouTube Audio Library. These platforms have already secured the necessary rights for your use.
• • You can use music from the public domain. If you want to use old music, you can search for it in the public domain. If the copyright has expired, you can use them for free. However, it only applies to old compositions.

Can I use a part of a song?

Yes, you can use it. However, you still need permission, especially if the song is copyrighted. This might be a common misconception, but even if you are using a few parts from the song, you still need to go about it legally.

Can I access a cover of a popular song?

Using and recording your own cover version still requires you to obtain a mechanical license for the underlying musical composition. Services like YouTube may automatically license and monetize covers through their Content ID system, but for other uses, like in a podcast, film, or for sale, you have to secure the proper license yourself through services like Easy Song Licensing or Songfile.

Part 4. What Would Happen if I Use Copyrighted Music Without Permission

Various things happen when using copyrighted music without permission. If you use copyrighted music without permission, the most immediate and likely consequence is that your masterpiece will be flagged and penalized by automated copyright enforcement systems. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram use sophisticated Content ID or similar tools that scan uploads against a database of copyrighted material.

If a match is found, the platform will typically take one or more of the following actions. It can mute the audio in your video, blocking the video from being viewed in certain regions, placing ads on the video with revenue going to the rights holder, or deleting the content entirely with a copyright strike. Multiple strikes can lead to the termination of your channel or account. With that, it would be better to ask permission when using copyrighted music to prevent a more complicated issue. Or, you can also use royalty-free music for Instagram, YouTube, or other social media platforms, which will not be muted or taken down.

Part 5. Common Copyright Myths

Various common myths about copyright might confuse even the most content creators. Some of them are:

‘If I post it online, the content is protected.’

Although copyright protection arises automatically once you create and record an original music, simply publishing it online does not constitute formal registration. To secure and enforce your rights fully, you must officially register the work with the national copyright office.

‘If I modify a few notes, it is a new song.’

No. Changing a few notes and other elements does not make music our own original content. Copyright law can still find infringement if the core, recognizable essence of the original is there. The concept of 'fair use' does not grant a blanket right to utilize transformed versions of copyrighted material.

‘Copyright lasts forever.’

Copyright protection is extensive but not forever. Typically, it lasts for the creator's lifetime plus an additional 70 years. Once the copyright expires, the work enters the public domain and becomes free for public use. Fortunately for today's creators, this is a distant concern reserved for very old works.

Conclusion

Thanks to this blog, you have learned how to check if a song is copyrighted. You even get an idea of whether you can use copyrighted music and the consequences of using it without any permission. With that, if you want to learn about this kind of discussion, check this article since it has all the information you need.