How to Use Copyrighted Music on the YouTube Platform Legally

Music or song can turn a YouTube video from ordinary to a masterpiece, setting the mood and keeping viewers and listeners engaged. But when it comes to using copyrighted songs, content creators often find themselves dealing a fine line between creativity and compliance. Well, the YouTube platform has strict rules around copyrighted music. Plus, misunderstanding them can lead to demonetization, channel strikes, and muted audio. Having enough insight of how to navigate these rules is not just about avoiding penalties. It is about covering your content and ensuring your content reaches its full potential. In this article, we will show you enough information on how to use copyrighted music on YouTube. You will also get an idea of how the copyrighted music works on the platform. Thus, to learn everything, it would be better to begin reading this blog right away!

Part 1. How Does Music Copyright Work on YouTube

Music copyright on YouTube is handled via a system called Content ID. It automatically detects copyrighted audio in uploaded video content. When a match is found, the owner can choose to mute the music, block a video, or even monetize it by running ads. It means that even if you don't intend to infringe, using a copyrighted song without the owner's permission can affect your video's visibility and revenue.

In addition, the YouTube platform also provides tools for copyright holders. It is to cover their work and for creators to resolve disputes. Rights holders or owners can issue takedown requests, while content creators can appeal claims if they believe they have the right to use the music. For example, if the song is under fair use or has a license. Ultimately, the platform balances protecting artists and labels with letting creators share content, but the safest way to use music is by securing proper licenses or using royalty-free tracks.

Part 2. Why Does Music Give Copyright Claims on YouTube

A certain music from YouTube can display a copyright claim when Content ID or a copyright owner detects copyrighted material in your content, even if the detection is not perfect or the song falls under fair use. See all the reasons below and discover how the circumstances play out.

Not Registered on Content ID

If the music is not under YouTube's Content ID database, it won't be flagged automatically. However, the copyright owner can still manually issue a takedown request, especially when they have found out that their music is being used without their consent.

Content ID is not Perfect

YouTube's detection can sometimes misidentify the song. It can lead to false claims or missing actual infringement. It means that even a licensed or royalty-free song may occasionally trigger claims if it resembles copyrighted content.

Fair Use of Music

Fair use is often one of the most complicated and confusing aspects of using copyrighted music on YouTube. Even if you know that your use qualifies as 'fair use,' such as parody, commentary, or educational purposes, the platform's system may still issue a claim. Plus, fair use is a legal defense, so disputes often necessary to be resolved via appeal or legal procedures.

To make it simple, copyright claims can appear even if the music is in Content ID or not. It is because the right holders can file a manual request, detection systems are not flawless, and fair use doesn't offer claims upfront. It only offers defense if challenged.

Part 3. How to Use Copyrighted Music on YouTube Legally

Can you use copyrighted music on YouTube? Well, the answer is yes, under some conditions. To learn how to find the best way to find music on the YouTube platform legally without any copyright claims, see all the information in this section.

Access Royalty-Free Music on YouTube

One of the safest ways for you to access music without worrying about copyright claims is by using royalty-free music. These songs can be found on YouTube Audio Library. Well, royalty-free music on the platform means you can use a song without paying a penny each time your content is streamed, viewed, or monetized. Plus, some sound or song may require attribution, which means that crediting the artist in your video's description is recommended. Lastly, since YouTube curates the library, it is designed to be safe for content creators, which makes it a reliable option for any creators who want a hassle-free background song.

Get Permission from the Copyright Holder

Do you know how to legally use copyrighted music on YouTube? The best way you can avoid copyright claims is to ask permission directly from the owner or copyright holder of the music. This process usually involves covering licenses from both the publisher and the record label. Plus, you must know that this process might be time-consuming and costly. It only ensures that you have the legal right to access the music in your video content. The best part here is that having a permission or license can help you protect yourself if a Content ID claim arises.

Create Your Original Music

You can also create your own music for your own video. This process is highly suggested since your original music can be used on any content you want. The good part here is that you don't have to undergo too much of a process. All you can do is record your music and insert it into your video.

Use Third-Party Royalty-Free Music

Beyond YouTube's Audio Library, many third-party platforms provide royalty-free music for creators. Services like AudioJungle, Epidemic Sound, and Artlist provide extensive catalogs of professional-quality tracks that can be licensed for use on YouTube. Thus, feel free to access your preferred service and start listening to your favorite music without encountering any issues.

Part 4. FAQs about How to Use Copyrighted Music on YouTube

Conclusion

Now you have an idea of how to use copyrighted music on YouTube. You also learn how copyrights work on the platform and the reasons why copyright claims show up on your content. Thus, if you want to find more information about the discussion, we suggest reading everything in this article.