what music can i use on youtube

what music can i use on youtube

What about incorporating a bit of classical music into your YouTube playlist for a more refined listening experience?

Incorporating Music on YouTube: A Comprehensive Guide

Incorporating music into your YouTube channel is an excellent way to enhance viewer engagement and provide a more enjoyable viewing experience. However, the legality of using certain types of music can be confusing, especially when it comes to YouTube. This article aims to provide a detailed guide on what you can and cannot use on YouTube, with a focus on copyright considerations and licensing options.

YouTube has strict copyright policies in place to protect content creators from unauthorized use of copyrighted material. According to YouTube’s Content Policy, only non-copyrighted music (public domain) or music that has been licensed through YouTube’s Content ID system can be used without permission. Public domain music, such as classical compositions before 1923, can be freely used. For more recent works, obtaining a license is necessary.

Types of Music Suitable for YouTube

Public Domain Music

Public domain music includes works that are no longer under copyright protection. Classical composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach fall into this category. These pieces can be used freely, provided they are not being used for commercial purposes.

Creative Commons Licenses

Creative Commons licenses allow creators to grant permissions for the use of their work under specific conditions. YouTube offers a range of Creative Commons licenses, including Attribution, Non-Commercial, and No Derivatives. These licenses ensure that users can use the music but must give credit to the original creator and refrain from altering the music.

YouTube Partner Program

For those who have joined the YouTube Partner Program, there are additional benefits. You can upload up to 5 minutes of original song audio per video and use up to 30 seconds of any other song per video without having to obtain a license. However, this does not apply to copyrighted music, which still requires a license.

Licensing Options

Licensing music through YouTube is straightforward and can be done in two ways:

  1. Content ID: YouTube automatically identifies and matches your videos to existing songs and applies the appropriate license. This process is efficient and minimizes the risk of copyright infringement.

  2. Manual Licensing: If Content ID doesn’t match your needs, you can manually license your music through YouTube’s License Manager. This involves uploading your track to the platform and applying a license to specific videos or categories of videos.

Best Practices for Using Music

  1. Attribution: Always give proper attribution to the artist and/or record label, even if you are using a Creative Commons license.

  2. Quality Control: Ensure that the quality of the music you use is high enough to meet the standards of your audience.

  3. Contextual Use: Use music that fits the tone and theme of your video. For example, action-packed scenes might benefit from energetic music, while slower-paced scenes could be enhanced with calming instrumental tracks.

Conclusion

Using music effectively on YouTube can significantly enhance your channel’s appeal and viewer engagement. By understanding the legal landscape and choosing the right type of music, you can create a compelling and engaging viewing experience. Whether you choose public domain music, Creative Commons licenses, or manual licensing, ensuring compliance with copyright laws will help you avoid potential legal issues and build a loyal following.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use any type of music on YouTube? A: Not all types of music are suitable for YouTube. Only public domain music or music that has been licensed through YouTube’s Content ID system can be used legally.

Q: How do I get a license for copyrighted music? A: You can obtain a license through YouTube’s License Manager or through a third-party music licensing agency.

Q: What is the difference between public domain music and Creative Commons licensed music? A: Public domain music is free to use without restrictions, while Creative Commons licensed music allows for certain uses under specified conditions, such as attribution and non-commercial usage.

Q: Can I use my own original music on YouTube? A: Yes, you can use your own original music on YouTube without needing a license, provided it is not for commercial purposes.