Friday, March 29, 2024

YouTube Clarifies Copyright Regulations and Misconceptions Surrounding Music Usage

In a recent video, YouTube clarified its copyright regulations and discussed common misconceptions surrounding music usage in long-form videos.

YouTube emphasized that artists and music labels own the copyright to their songs and have the legal right to control how others use them.

When you upload a video containing copyrighted music, the video could receive a Content ID claim, leading to YouTube blocking it or making it ineligible for monetization. Alternatively, you could receive a copyright strike, resulting in the content being removed.

Here are some things to know about using copyrighted music on YouTube:

  • You must secure all necessary rights before uploading content to YouTube. Giving credit to the copyright owner or using disclaimers doesn’t grant permission to use copyrighted work.
  • Recording something yourself doesn’t guarantee you have the rights to upload it, mainly if it contains someone else’s music.
  • The courts make the final decision, determining whether content falls under a copyright exception, such as fair use or fair dealing.
  • To help creators use music in their videos without worrying about copyright or earning less from using music, YouTube offers several options:
  • YouTube Audio Library: Everyone has access to the YouTube Audio Library, where you can download music and sound effects free of charge. The tracks are copyright-safe and won’t result in a Content ID claim or affect monetization status.
  • Creator Music (for YouTube Partner Program members): Creator Music combines the YouTube Audio Library with a library of mainstream music. You can use these tracks without losing monetization if you’re in the YouTube Partner Program.

Copyrighted music on YouTube FAQs

Can I use copyrighted music if I give credit to the copyright owner or use disclaimers?

No. Giving credit or using disclaimers doesn’t grant permission to use copyrighted work. You must secure all necessary rights before uploading content to YouTube.

Does recording something myself guarantee that I have the rights to upload it?

No, especially if it contains someone else’s music. You must secure all necessary rights before uploading content to YouTube.

Are there any options for using music in YouTube videos without worrying about copyright or earning less from using music?

Yes. YouTube offers the YouTube Audio Library and Creator Music options, both of which offer copyright-safe tracks that won’t result in a Content ID claim or affect monetization status.

Latest news