Check Copyright For Music on YouTube

January 2, 2025

Despite what some may think, every song is automatically copyrighted the moment it’s created. The copyright owner has the right to stop others from making copies of it unless they have granted permission. This includes using it in a video. YouTube has a system called Content ID that’s designed to scan for and identify copyrighted music in videos. When it identifies a copyrighted song, the creator of the video can face claims, content blocking and even demonetization of their video. This is a major problem, especially for smaller channels that are trying to build their brands and make money. Check Copyright for Music on YouTube

If a video is flagged by Content ID for using copyrighted music, the creator can dispute the claim. However, it can take time and there’s a risk that the copyright holder could choose to sue the video creator if they win. That’s why it’s important for creators to learn how to avoid copyrighted music and understand the rules of using music in YouTube videos.

How to Check Copyright for Music on YouTube: A Quick Guide

One way to avoid copyrighted music is to use royalty-free music from sites like Audiosocket, iGroove or Freesound. Another option is to use apps such as Shazam or Tunatic to help identify a song and check its status in databases such as ASCAP, BMI, or SoundExchange.

Getting direct permission from the copyright holder to use a song is the best option. This can be expensive, but it eliminates the possibility of a copyright claim and ensures that you have first-hand permission to use the song in your video.