Blog
Create free account
Educational articles, YouTube articles, Copyright articles

Music licensing for YouTube: How to use copyrighted music

Learn how to safely find, license, and use music for your monetized YouTube content.

Epidemic Sound

• 5 min read
A woman in old-fashioned clothes, in front of a mountain, listening to music on an iPhone
đź’ˇ
TL;DR: Using copyrighted music on YouTube requires a valid license. If you don’t have a license, you could risk takedowns, demonetization, and legal issues. Epidemic Sound’s music catalog features world-class artists, is affordable, and is safe to use on YouTube.

We’ll cover:

What is music licensing for YouTube?

Music licensing for YouTube is a process in which rights holders grant permission to use their music on YouTube. This legally binding agreement means that creators can publish and monetize YouTube content without worrying about copyright claims or legal problems.

Music licensing often involves a payment to the rights holder. In return, you can use their music within the limits of the license — in this case, on YouTube.

Without the license in place, YouTube’s Content ID system may restrict, mute, or demonetize your video. As a result, many creators turn to the YouTube Audio Library: a limited, but copyright-free, collection of on-platform music.

A customer choosing some flowers from a display

Why is copyright important for content creators on YouTube?

Copyright applies to music just as much as it applies to video content. It’s a legal framework that protects creators’ intellectual property, whether that be a song, an image, a book, a YouTube clip, or something else entirely.

Creative work has real value. Using copyrighted music on YouTube without a valid license is against the law, and can have severe consequences. For example, repeat offenders could see their channels permanently removed.

Can I use copyrighted music on YouTube?

You can use music on YouTube if you own the track, license the track, use a copyright-free library, use YouTube’s Creator Music, or find a music partner like Epidemic Sound.

  • You own the track: You may have written, recorded, and published the track yourself, or purchased all the necessary rights.
  • You license the track: You’ve contacted the rights holder and secured a license to use the track on YouTube.
  • You use a copyright-free music library: If you have access to a copyright-free music library like YouTube Audio Library, you can use eligible tracks in your content.
  • You use YouTube’s Creator Music: You can share revenue with rights holders or license tracks outright with YouTube Creator Music. This limited, growing collection of music is currently only available to US-based creators.
  • You have a music partner: An Epidemic Sound license includes all rights. You can use more than 55,000 world-class tracks in your content across YouTube, other social media platforms, and podcasts. More than royalty-free. Worry-free.

Can I use music from the YouTube Shorts library in my long-form content?

You can’t use tracks from the YouTube Shorts audio library in your long-form YouTube content. Rights holders sign Shorts-specific licensing agreements, meaning that a track available for Shorts may not be cleared for long-form content.

How does YouTube handle copyrighted music?

YouTube manages copyrighted music through an automated fingerprinting system called Content ID, which scans every upload against a massive audio database. When the system identifies a match, it notifies the rights holder and applies their preferred policy.

Here’s how a rights holder can respond to a Content ID copyright claim:

  • Block the video: Your video may be muted or entirely unavailable in certain territories, or even worldwide.
  • Track the video: The rights holder can see the video’s viewership statistics.
  • Monetize the video: The rights holder can run ads on your content, from which they’ll receive revenue.

If the rights holder wants to take things further, they can issue a copyright takedown notice. If successful, copyright strikes remove your content and remain on your record. If you receive three copyright strikes within 90 days, your channel could be terminated.

An athlete running up some steps

If you get a YouTube copyright strike, it means the rights holder has submitted a valid copyright takedown notice against your video.

This results in a copyright strike: a legal penalty enforced under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which can seriously affect your account.

YouTube operates on a three-strike basis, and the first strike is the most lenient. Your offending video is removed, and the strike remains on your account for 90 days. You’re also required to go through YouTube’s Copyright School – think of it as a speed awareness course, but not quite as dangerous.

If you get two copyright strikes on YouTube within 90 days, the same applies. If you’ve finished Copyright School, the strike will expire in 90 days.

But if you have three active copyright strikes, your account and its associated channels can be terminated. You’re not allowed to start a new account.

A YouTube copyright claim is an automated notice that allows the rights holder to block, track, or monetize your video, but it doesn’t affect your overall channel. A copyright strike is a legal takedown request that can damage your channel.

Driving in a car to the coast on a sunny day

Can I use copyrighted music on YouTube if I give credit?

Crediting an artist or rights holder doesn’t grant you permission to use music on YouTube. While crediting the artist is always appreciated, writing “I don’t own the rights to this song” doesn’t cover you from copyright claims and strikes. If you don’t have the right license, you could end up in trouble.

How do I get a music license for YouTube?

You can get a music license for YouTube by contacting the rights holder directly. If a track has several rights holders, this process can become pretty long and expensive.

Or, you can find a dedicated music partner to safely publish and monetize your soundtracked YouTube content.

Monetize content safely with Epidemic Sound

The Epidemic Sound catalog is packed with more than 55,000 world-class tracks and 250,000 Hollywood-grade sound effects, catering to just about any mood you can imagine.

Epidemic Sound owns all the necessary rights, making it safe for subscribers to use on YouTube.

Subscribing grants unlimited access to advanced search functions, smart tools, and soundtracking features. Finding the right sound’s never been easier. 

It’s high-quality, affordable, and YouTube-safe, removing the headache of licensing and freeing you up to do what you do best.

It’s better than royalty-free. It’s worry-free. Get started with Epidemic Sound below and monetize your content for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more.

Related posts: