Mastering Music Copyright for Vloggers
As a vlogger, using music can add an appealing dimension to your content, making it more engaging and dynamic. However, to do so legally, it’s important to understand and respect the copyright laws associated with music. Neglecting these rules can lead to penalties such as copyright strikes, legal action, and even your video being taken down. This guide will help you navigate the complex landscape of music copyright laws and shed light on how to use music responsibly in your vlogs.
Understanding Music Copyright
Music copyrights are intellectual property rights that protect creators’ work. A song typically has two main copyrights:
- Musical Composition Copyright: This protects the music and lyrics of a song, typically owned by the songwriter or the music publisher.
- Sound Recording Copyright: This protects a specific recording of a song, usually owned by the artist or the record label that financed the recording.
As a vlogger, if you wish to use a song in your video, you’ll typically need to secure permission for both of these copyrights.
Obtaining Permission
There are a few ways you can obtain permission to use copyrighted music in your vlog:
- Direct Permission: You can reach out to the copyright holders (the music publisher and record label) directly. If granted, they will typically provide a license allowing you to use the music.
- Purchase License via Music Licensing Companies: Companies such as Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Musicbed offer music libraries where you can purchase licenses to use songs in your vlogs.
- Royalty-free Music and Creative Commons: Websites like YouTube’s Audio Library, Free Music Archive, and Incompetech provide royalty-free music or music under Creative Commons licenses that can often be used freely with certain restrictions.
Using Music from YouTube’s Audio Library
YouTube provides an audio library of free music and sound effects that can be used in videos without worrying about copyright infringement. Some tracks require you to give credit to the artist in your video description.
Dealing with Copyright Claims
Despite your best efforts, you might still encounter a copyright claim if you use copyrighted music in your vlog. If you believe the claim is erroneous, you can dispute it. If you’ve used copyrighted music without permission, it’s advisable to remove or replace the music.
Conclusion
Understanding and navigating music copyright is crucial for vloggers who want to enhance their videos with music. While it may seem complex, the principles are straightforward once you grasp them. By respecting copyright laws, not only do you avoid legal trouble, but you also support musicians and creators who make the music you love.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in music therapy, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program to learn more about the music industry and enhance your skills.
