Video content is everywhere on media platforms; many people utilize it within their business or brand. Access to media and streaming has made it easier for people to easily create, edit and post videos from home without needing a studio.
The right song or sounds can help make your project stand out. Finding the right music for your videos can be challenging, and any creative who uses music in videos for their content needs to understand music licensing.
The guide below helps ensure that you know how to properly and lawfully license the right music for your videos correctly and lawfully. Music can convey emotions and set the right mood to reach your audience.
Music Licensing and Types of Licenses
Videos are a great way to grab attention; the average internet viewer has an attention span that lasts only eight seconds, so the music you choose needs to be carefully selected. You must know what music licensing is and what license(s) you need to gain permission for a musical track for your videos.
A music license is when a composer or publisher (the artist) who created an original work grants permission for a licensee (vlogger, content creator, producer, etc.) to use that copyrighted work publicly. There is likely some negotiation for either a flat payment or payment over time, the length of the license, and how the music will be used.
There are six types of music licenses to be aware of, which include the following:
- Synchronization License – the most common type of licensing for streaming music, a sync license grants permission for the song to be used in conjunction with a video. As a content creator on social media or YouTube, this is the type you need when licensing music for video vlogs.
- Master License – Ad campaigns that use an existing recording of an original artist’s work need this license. Even if you only use part of the recording, you should still get this license to ensure you use it legally.
- Mechanic License – Bars or restaurants often play recorded music across speakers, and they need a Mechanic license to do so correctly. Releases in audio formats like on a recorded CD or vinyl record require this type.
- Public Performance License – Playing the song in a live or concert setting, such as with a cover band, requires a public performance license. Playing this song online or on the radio also needs this type of license.
- Print rights License – Displaying printed notes or using sheet music with a song under copyright need this type of license. Many voice teachers who recreate prints of music lyrics and music obtain it for proper usage.
- Theatrical License – Like a public performance license, community theaters, and dance studios usually acquire a theatrical license when performing a play or musical featuring original work.
There may need to be more than one license in some cases, depending on how you plan to use the music. So you must examine whether you need just one or more licenses for your videos when using a track.
Some tracks and music are available for use without a license, but they are rare. Check with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) responsible for collecting on behalf of the music publisher or songwriter. Copyrighted music is registered there and can provide you with insight into licensing.
Music Rights Permission for Videos
Now that you’re clear on the licensing, getting it is the next step. You may need to contact the publisher, composer, or music label directly to obtain permission. The problem that stems from this approach is that it’s challenging to find contact information, let alone reach an agreement that provides royalties.
The cost of a license can vary depending on how you obtain one (or two). Well-known songs or famous artists can cost upwards of thousands. If you can contact an independent artist directly for original work, it may be cheaper than going through a label. However, there is another option where you can get what’s known as a “blanket license” and have access to many tracks.
Vloggers and those who use music in the video for their content find online music licensing services far more accessible than other avenues. These online services, like Track Club, allow you to browse music catalogs for tons of music options. The licensing part is taken care of, and you only have to pay a monthly subscription fee for the endless music tracks available.
Use Caution With Music in Your Videos
Ensure you read the fine print when looking online for resources and finding music tracks for commercial use. Not every site will be reputable; some songs may claim they are “free” when they aren’t.
If you have the budget to pay a monthly subscription fee, your best bet is to utilize a music licensing service that can provide you with a vast music catalog. The license is already in place, so there’s no need to track down composers and publishers, and you can browse many songs on one website rather than spending a lot of time searching.
