How to Not Get Copyrighted on YouTube for Music: A Symphony of Strategies and Unrelated Musings

How to Not Get Copyrighted on YouTube for Music: A Symphony of Strategies and Unrelated Musings

Navigating the labyrinth of copyright laws on YouTube can feel like trying to conduct an orchestra without a baton. The stakes are high, and the rules are complex, but with the right strategies, you can avoid the dreaded copyright strike and keep your channel in harmony. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you stay on the right side of the law, sprinkled with a few unrelated musings for good measure.

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of copyright law. Copyright protects original works of authorship, including music, from being used without permission. When you upload a video to YouTube, the platform automatically scans it against a database of copyrighted material. If a match is found, the copyright owner can choose to block, monetize, or take down your video.

Unrelated Musings: Did you know that Beethoven composed some of his greatest works while completely deaf? Imagine the symphony of silence he must have conducted in his mind.

2. Use Royalty-Free Music

One of the safest ways to avoid copyright issues is to use royalty-free music. These tracks are specifically created for public use, often requiring only a one-time payment or no payment at all. Websites like Epidemic Sound, AudioJungle, and Bensound offer extensive libraries of royalty-free music that you can use in your videos without fear of infringement.

Unrelated Musings: Speaking of royalty, did you know that Queen Elizabeth II was a trained mechanic during World War II? A monarch with a wrench—now that’s a royal twist.

3. Leverage Creative Commons Licenses

Creative Commons (CC) licenses allow creators to share their work under specific conditions. Some CC licenses permit commercial use, while others require attribution. Websites like Free Music Archive and Jamendo host a plethora of CC-licensed music that you can use, provided you adhere to the license terms.

Unrelated Musings: Creative Commons was founded in 2001, the same year Wikipedia was launched. Coincidence? Or perhaps a cosmic alignment of open knowledge?

4. Create Your Own Music

If you have a knack for music, why not compose your own? Creating original music not only sidesteps copyright issues but also adds a unique touch to your content. Even if you’re not a professional musician, there are user-friendly tools like GarageBand and FL Studio that can help you produce high-quality tracks.

Unrelated Musings: The first known musical instrument, a bone flute, dates back over 40,000 years. Imagine the prehistoric jam sessions around the campfire.

5. Obtain Proper Licenses

If you’re set on using a specific copyrighted song, you’ll need to obtain the necessary licenses. This typically involves contacting the copyright holder or using a licensing service like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Keep in mind that licensing fees can vary widely, so be prepared to negotiate.

Unrelated Musings: The most expensive music license ever sold was for the Beatles’ catalog, purchased by Michael Jackson for $47.5 million in 1985. Talk about a king of pop investment.

6. Use YouTube’s Audio Library

YouTube offers its own Audio Library, filled with free music and sound effects that you can use in your videos without worrying about copyright. The library is regularly updated, and you can filter tracks by genre, mood, instrument, and duration.

Unrelated Musings: YouTube was founded in 2005, the same year the first video was uploaded: “Me at the zoo.” A humble beginning for what would become a global phenomenon.

7. Understand Fair Use

Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, fair use is a gray area and often requires legal interpretation. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a legal expert.

Unrelated Musings: The concept of fair use dates back to English common law, where it was known as “fair abridgment.” A term that sounds like it belongs in a Jane Austen novel.

8. Edit and Transform the Music

Transforming copyrighted music by altering its pitch, speed, or adding new elements can sometimes qualify as a new work, potentially falling under fair use. However, this is a risky strategy and doesn’t guarantee immunity from copyright claims.

Unrelated Musings: The art of remixing music has been around since the 1960s, with pioneers like Tom Moulton creating extended dance mixes. A true DJ before the term was even coined.

9. Monitor Your Content ID Claims

YouTube’s Content ID system automatically scans uploaded videos for copyrighted material. If a match is found, the copyright owner can choose to monetize your video, block it, or track its viewership statistics. Regularly check your Content ID claims and dispute any that you believe are incorrect.

Unrelated Musings: Content ID was introduced in 2007, the same year the first iPhone was released. A year of technological leaps and bounds.

10. Educate Yourself Continuously

Copyright laws and YouTube’s policies are constantly evolving. Stay informed by regularly checking YouTube’s official guidelines, attending webinars, and joining online communities where creators share their experiences and advice.

Unrelated Musings: The first copyright law, the Statute of Anne, was enacted in 1710 in England. A time when wigs were in fashion, and copyright was just finding its footing.


Q: Can I use 10 seconds of a copyrighted song without getting copyrighted? A: Unfortunately, there’s no “safe” duration. Even a few seconds can trigger a copyright claim. It’s best to use royalty-free or properly licensed music.

Q: What happens if I get a copyright strike on YouTube? A: A copyright strike can result in your video being taken down, your account being penalized, or even your channel being terminated if you accumulate multiple strikes.

Q: Can I use music from video games in my YouTube videos? A: It depends on the game and its licensing terms. Some game music is copyrighted, while others may allow use under certain conditions. Always check the game’s EULA (End User License Agreement).

Q: Is it safe to use music from movies or TV shows? A: Generally, no. Music from movies and TV shows is usually copyrighted, and using it without permission can lead to claims or strikes.

Q: Can I use music if I give credit to the artist? A: Giving credit is a good practice, but it doesn’t automatically grant you the right to use the music. You still need proper licensing or permission from the copyright holder.