Music is not just a background element in video production; it is the soul that breathes life into every frame, setting the tone, influencing emotions, and enhancing the storytelling. However, the path to integrating the perfect track into your video is fraught with the complexities of music licensing—a minefield of legal terms and copyright laws that can seem daunting for the uninitiated.
Navigating music licensing is crucial for enhancing video projects with the perfect soundtrack. This guide simplifies the complexities surrounding copyrighted, royalty-free, and public-domain music, alongside practical advice for using music on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Aimed at both beginners and seasoned creators, this blog provides essential insights for integrating music legally and effectively into your videos.
This blog serves as a primer on music licensing and is not intended as legal advice. Lightworks holds no accountability for the advice presented here. Any legal decisions regarding music licensing should be consulted with a legal professional.
Before diving into the pool of licenced tracks, you must grasp the basics of music rights and copyright laws, ensuring your video project sails smoothly through legal waters.
Copyright in music protects the creator's original works from unauthorised use (using it without their permission), granting them exclusive rights to their compositions. Imagine copyright as a protective bubble around your favourite song, ensuring the artist's hard work is rewarded and respected. This bubble means you need permission to use the music in your video, which is where licensing comes in.
Understanding the difference between copyrighted and royalty-free music is essential for anyone creating content that includes music.
This category includes music protected by copyright laws, meaning the creator retains exclusive rights to their work. Using copyrighted music typically requires obtaining permission from the copyright holder, which may involve negotiating terms and paying a licensing fee. This process ensures that creators are compensated for their work and that the music is used in a way that respects their preferences.
Royalty-free music, on the other hand, is licensed to allow purchasers to pay a one-time fee to use the music without paying any ongoing royalties. This doesn't mean the music is free; instead, it's free from the need to pay royalties for each use or in each specific project. Royalty-free music often comes with certain conditions regarding how and where the music can be used. However, these conditions are generally less restrictive than those for copyrighted music, making it an appealing option for content creators looking for cost-effective and legally precise music options.
Royalty-free music provides a practical alternative for creators needing quality music for their projects without the complexity or expense of licensing individual copyrighted works. It's an especially useful resource for those working under tight budgets or deadlines.
Public domain music refers to musical works not protected by copyright. Timeframes can vary, but generally, music will enter the public domain around 60-70 years after the death of the original artist. Anyone can freely use it for any purpose without permission or payment.
Music can enter the public domain for several reasons, such as the copyright expiring or the creator explicitly relinquishing their rights. Utilising public-domain music in your projects is straightforward because there are no copyright restrictions.
It’s important to note that the public domain applies to specific song versions. So, while the lyrics of the original House of the Rising Sun (named ‘Rising Sun Blues’ at the time) are public domain, the specific arrangements recorded by Bob Dylan or The Animals are not.
Using public-domain music offers a hassle-free way to add historical and classical depth to your projects, enriching them without copyright infringement concerns.
Understanding the various music licences is pivotal for video editors and content creators, as each licence serves a unique purpose in music and media production.
Here's a breakdown of the different types of music licences using a single, technically detailed sentence for each:
A sync (synchronisation) licence is granted to synchronise music with visual media, including films, TV shows, commercials, video games, and online content, aligning the audio track with moving images or other visual content.
Held by the owner of the recorded music (usually a record label or artist), a master licence allows the licensee to use a pre-existing recording in conjunction with a visual or audio-visual work.
Obtained by venues and broadcasters to legally play music in public spaces, including concerts, radio, television, and public establishments.
Necessary for reproducing and distributing a song in a physical or digital format, covering the rights to record and sell the music as CDs, digital downloads, or as part of an album.
A theatrical licence is required to use a song in a live stage production, and it covers the right to incorporate music into theatre performances.
Allows the reproduction and sale of the sheet music, granting permission to print the composer's music for commercial or educational purposes.
Among these, sync licences are the most relevant to content creators, especially those involved in video production and editing. Sync licences are critical for ensuring that the integration of music with visual content is legally compliant, enhancing the emotional and narrative impact of the content without infringing on copyright laws.
Sync licences are crucial for content creators who wish to pair music with their visual content harmoniously and legally.
Here's a deeper dive into sync licences and what obtaining one entails:
By securing a sync licence, content creators ensure that their use of copyrighted music in videos is legally sound, which not only respects the rights of the music creators but also enhances the quality and appeal of the video content itself.
For beginner or entry-level content creators, navigating the world of sync licences may seem daunting due to the complexity and potential cost involved. However, understanding when it's realistic to pursue a sync licence is crucial for planning your content strategy and budget accordingly. There are always some factors to consider:
Sync licences can be expensive, especially for popular songs, which might not be feasible for creators with limited budgets.
For smaller projects with a limited audience, the cost of obtaining a sync licence might not justify the investment. As your audience grows and your projects become more ambitious, investing in sync licences becomes more viable.
Many entry-level creators opt for royalty-free music or tracks under Creative Commons licence as cost-effective alternatives while enhancing their videos with quality music.
As you transition from hobbyist projects to more professional work, such as paid commissions or commercial content, sync licences become increasingly essential to maintain legality and professional integrity.
Once you start generating revenue from your content or have access to a larger budget, investing in a sync licence for a specific, impactful track can elevate your project's quality and viewer engagement.
Suppose you're working on a project in partnership with a brand or sponsor. In that case, they may allocate a budget for music licensing, making it realistic to obtain sync licences for higher-profile tracks. They may even ask for all necessary documentation as part of their signing off procedure.
Determine if the visual content truly benefits from the specific copyrighted track or if a royalty-free alternative could suffice.
Before reaching out for a sync licence, research potential costs and the licensing terms to ensure they align with your project's scope and budget.
If you're serious about obtaining a sync licence, consider consulting with a legal expert or a music licensing professional to navigate the process effectively.
Some platforms and music libraries offer pre-cleared tracks for licensing at more affordable rates, which can be a good starting point for creators looking to legally use copyrighted music without the high cost of direct licensing negotiations.
These platforms are the go-to spots for finding music that fits your video. They offer various tracks from various genres and moods, making matching the music with your project’s vibe easier.
They also offer:
When choosing music, you’ll come across exclusive and non-exclusive licences.
Here’s the difference:
Different platforms have their strengths. Some might offer exclusive tracks you can’t find anywhere else, while others might have better prices or more flexible licensing terms.
Offers a vast library of royalty-free music and sound effects. Known for its high-quality tracks and simple licensing, Epidemic Sound is a favourite among content creators for its ease of use and wide variety of genres.
Features an extensive collection of both exclusive and non-exclusive tracks across various genres. Amazing Music Tracks is praised for its quality and diversity, providing options for every type of project.
Renowned for its massive library of video clips, Pond5 also offers a significant selection of music tracks. It’s a go-to resource for filmmakers and video editors looking for a wide range of music and sound effects with flexible licensing options.
With a subscription model, Artlist provides unlimited access to its entire music catalogue, which is continually updated. It’s ideal for creators looking for high-quality music with a straightforward, all-inclusive licence.
Musicbed stands out for its focus on quality over quantity, offering a curated selection of tracks from talented musicians. It’s perfect for projects that require emotive compositions and unique soundtracks.
A Shutterstock company, PremiumBeat offers high-quality, royalty-free music tracks with simple licensing. It’s known for its curated playlists and collections, making it easier to find the perfect track.
Part of the Envato Market, AudioJungle offers a vast selection of music and audio tracks at various price points. It’s an excellent platform for finding budget-friendly options without compromising quality.
Soundstripe provides unlimited access to its music library through a subscription service. It’s favoured for its high-quality tracks and ease of use, particularly for YouTube creators and corporate video producers.
Known for its royalty-free music collection, Bensound offers various tracks for different project needs. It’s a good starting point for beginners and those working on non-commercial projects.
Marmoset is noted for its handpicked roster of indie musicians and bands, providing unique and high-quality tracks. It also offers a tool for custom music creation, ideal for projects requiring a personalised touch.
Navigating the complexities of music licensing is essential to ensure your video projects stay clear of legal issues. Just like driving a car requires understanding and following the road's rules, using music in your videos demands a comprehension of copyright laws to avoid pitfalls that could potentially derail your project.
Beginner video editors often fall into the trap of using copyrighted music without the necessary permissions. While usually unintentional, these common mistakes can lead to legal challenges and potentially compromise your project.
However, with the proper knowledge and careful planning, you can easily avoid these pitfalls:
Understanding these common errors and how to avoid them is crucial in ensuring your projects remain compliant with copyright laws.
Creative Commons and royalty-free music provide accessible alternatives for enhancing your videos without the complexities of traditional music licensing.
Creative Commons music represents a boon to creatives, offering a range of works shared by artists under flexible terms that facilitate their use in various projects, including videos. Utilising Creative Commons music requires adherence to specific licence conditions, including attribution, non-commercial use, and no derivative works.
Several platforms and websites curate and offer Creative Commons music, making it easier for video editors to find tracks that suit their project needs, such as:
Before using a track, verify its Creative Commons licence terms to ensure your intended use is covered and to understand any attribution requirements.
By leveraging Creative Commons and royalty-free music, creators can significantly enrich their video projects while navigating the legal landscape of music use with confidence and integrity.
Music licensing varies across platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and social media, requiring a tailored approach to ensure compliance and maximise the impact of your video content.
Using copyrighted music on YouTube requires careful navigation to avoid copyright infringement issues. Here's what you need to know in a nutshell:
Social media platforms have distinct policies for music usage, impacting how creators can incorporate music into their content. TikTok and Instagram, two of the most popular platforms for video content, offer unique opportunities and challenges in music licensing.
TikTok has rapidly become a major platform for music discovery and viral content, offering an extensive library of songs for users to incorporate into their videos.
Here’s some guidance to help you start tikking them toks quickly:
TikTok Music Terms of Service: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/music-terms-eea/en
Instagram allows users to add music to Stories, Reels, and posts, enhancing engagement and expression through audio.
Here are some instant ways to up your ‘gram licensing:
Instagram Terms of Use (includes music): https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870
TikTok and Instagram offer valuable tools for creators to incorporate music into their content legally and creatively. By understanding and adhering to each platform's licensing policies and using their built-in music libraries, creators can enhance their social media presence without encountering copyright issues.
Following these best practices can help ensure that your use of music in projects is legally sound, ethically responsible, and artistically enriching.
Understanding music licensing is key to elevating your video content. We've outlined how to source music legally, from using Lightworks' integrated stock music providers to navigating platform-specific guidelines. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently enhance your videos with music, ensuring your projects resonate with audiences while adhering to legal standards.
Remember, continuous learning and professional consultation are vital in keeping up with the dynamic field of music licensing.
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In our commitment to transparency and ethical practice, we wish to disclose that artificial intelligence (AI) played a role in crafting this piece. However, it remains primarily a human endeavour, with the core content written, edited, and meticulously proofread by our team.
AI served primarily as a tool for workshopping drafts, researching topics, and ensuring a consistent writing style. Importantly, our use of AI is designed to complement, not replace, our team's efforts. It allows us to efficiently utilise our resources, enhancing our work without compromising or diminishing the value of human skill and creativity.