Understanding Song Licenses on YouTube: How to Obtain and Verify
" "When creating video content on YouTube, there are instances where the platform might require you to provide proof that you have a license to use certain songs in your videos. This article delves into the reasons why YouTube might ask for a license, the process of obtaining one, and what a license looks like.
" "When YouTube Requires a License
" "ContentID System and Copyright Claims
" "YouTube has a robust ContentID system designed to detect potential copyright violations. If your video is flagged by this system, or if the song's copyright holder makes a copyright infringement claim against you, YouTube will likely ask for documented evidence that you have a license to use the song. This step ensures that you legally have the right to use the song in your content, preventing any copyright issues.
" "What is a Song License?
" "A song license is a legal agreement from the song's copyright holder or their agent, giving you permission to use the song. This agreement can vary widely, detailing what purposes you can use the song for, the duration of usage, and geographical restrictions. Various forms of documentation can serve as a song license, including:
" " " "Official legal contracts " "Simple signed letters " "Notices on websites, especially if the song is royalty-free " " " "For example, YouTube itself offers a library of songs that can be used for free in your YouTube videos, subject to the platform's terms of service.
" "How to Obtain a License
" "If you wish to use a specific song that isn't part of YouTube's free library, you'll need to track down the copyright holder. Here’s the process:
" " " "Search for the Copyright Holder: Use databases maintained by organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC to find the contact information of the song's copyright holder. " "Contact Music Licensing Companies: If you can’t find the copyright holder through these organizations, try contacting music licensing companies like PRS for Music (which represents composers, writers, and publishers) or PPL (which represents performers and record companies). " "Contact the Copyright Holder: Once you’ve found the copyright holder, reach out to them via letter or email. Provide details about the song and the intended use in your video. If you expect your video to be viewed or monetized, you will likely need to negotiate and possibly pay a fee. " " " "Personal Experience: For instance, I recently had to negotiate with a musician to use one of his pieces as the soundtrack for a 1-minute video meant for commercial purposes. The cost was around $700, and my company’s lawyer drafted a licensing agreement that the musician signed.
" "What It Looks Like
" "A song license typically appears as a signed contract in the form of a PDF. For royalty-free songs, it might be as simple as Creative Commons text on a website, or a notice directing users to the source of the content. In this latter case, you would refer YouTube to the content source to verify that it is offered for use under a free license.
" "What Happens After Obtaining a License
" "Once you have the necessary documentation, you’ll need to send it to YouTube when you need to appeal a copyright strike or copyright claim. This verification process is essential for legally protecting your content. Furthermore, since each copyright action must be addressed individually, you need to provide the license for each specific claim. The current legal framework means that YouTube must still perform a takedown and then allow an appeal, a process often due to how the law is written.
" "Conclusion
" "Obtaining and verifying a song license on YouTube is a crucial step in ensuring that your video content remains lawful and avoids copyright disputes. Whether it’s through official contracts, signed letters, or simple notices, the documentation process can be straightforward once you understand the necessary steps. Always be prepared to provide proof of your license whenever requested to avoid legal complications.