Most modern online social platforms have strict rules for content creators. In particular, they define restrictions on using someone else's intellectual property, including music. Therefore, how can you learn about the copyright status of the songs you use in your videos? Below, we will consider this issue in more detail.

What Is Music Copyright and Why Does It Matter?

Music copyrights restrict third parties' use of works by music composers, songwriters, performers, and record producers. In particular, when works are used on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, and Facebook, no content creator can use them without the permission of their owners. Typically, these platforms have automated systems that identify copyrighted songs in videos and detect violations.

As a result, content creators may face claims, content blocking, demonetization, and even lawsuits if they misuse copyrighted tracks in their videos. Vice versa, to avoid any troubles with copyright law for music, creators can use licensed music or public domain music or purchase the rights to use tracks through specialized music libraries.

How to Know If a Song Is Copyrighted

Now, answer the essential question: “Are the used songs copyrighted?”

How to check if a song is copyrighted on YouTube

Suppose you are creating your content for YouTube. In that case, you can find out if the track you are using is protected by copyright by following the usual scenario. When uploading another video, click CREATE in the upper right corner and select the Upload Videos option. After that, you can upload your video with the track you are unsure about and wait until the platform finishes processing it. Then you will need to click “Checks,” if everything is OK with the track and the copyright checker on YouTube approves it, you will see the green check in the Copyright column. Otherwise, you will see a red exclamation mark next to the Checks column and the relevant checking song copyright information.

How to check if a song is copyrighted on Instagram and Facebook    

Instagram and Facebook have implemented automated checks of copyrighted audio content. Therefore, you need to post your new video to understand whether you use legal music or sound effects. If any constraints are found, you will see an appropriate warning.

How to know if a song is copyrighted on Twitch        

Twitch allows its content creators to use only three types of music and sound effects: public domain music, music from the Twitch music library, and licensed royalty-free music.

Handy Online Tools for Checking Music Copyright    

If you want to check for copyrighted music on your own, you can use well-known music copyright checker tools such as Shazam and SoundHound. At the same time, you can save yourself from all sorts of checks by choosing royalty-free sound effects only.

How to Use Music in Your Videos the Safe Way

The safest way to avoid problems with music licensing for YouTube videos or videos on any other platform is to use royalty-free tracks. You can also choose tracks that have been classified as public domain and are no longer copyrighted (for example, due to the expiration of these copyrights).

Protect Your Content: Secure Permission for Copyrighted Music

To minimize your efforts to check your chosen tracks, you can use any free song copyright checker or perform an automatic check on the platform where you upload the content. If they are protected by copyright, you must obtain the appropriate permission to use them.