How can I legally use a song in a video?
Asked by: Idella Hodkiewicz | Last update: April 9, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (12 votes)
56s Gordon Firemark YouTube • Oct 27, 2016
How to get permission to use a song in a video?
To get permission to use a copyrighted song, creators need to find the artist or owner of the song and contact them. Most of the time creators contact musicians directly, but can contact their music publishers instead.
Can I use music in my videos legally?
If you want to use music in your content—whether it's an ad, podcast, web series, film, or any other type of video—you need legal permission to do so. That means securing the appropriate license from the copyright holder. You can create the soundtrack yourself and give yourself permission to use it.
How to use a song in a video without copyright?
Use music and sound effects from the Audio Library. In the Audio Library in YouTube Studio, you can find royalty-free production music and sound effects to use in your videos. Music and sound effects from the YouTube Audio Library are copyright-safe. The Audio Library is found exclusively in YouTube Studio.
How much does it cost to use a copyrighted song in a video?
How much is an average music licensing fee? It depends on the work. Average music licensing fees can range from $250 to $400, but they can cost more than $2,000.
How To Use Copyrighted Music on YouTube (2025 UPDATED RULES)
Can I purchase a song to use in a video?
Understanding Music Licensing for Videos
Anyone else who does not own the copyright must get a license for it. Sometimes, you can purchase licenses that cover both the sound recording and the musical work. In other cases, you have to ask for permission from both parties—and they can be very different.
Can I use 2 seconds of a copyrighted song?
No, there's no magic number of seconds (like two) that lets you use a copyrighted song without permission; it's still infringement, though shorter clips are less likely to be detected by automated systems like YouTube's Content ID system, but the copyright holder can still claim it. Legal protection depends on "fair use," a complex defense argued in court, not a simple rule, and using even a few notes or seconds can lead to copyright strikes if the owner files a claim, especially for commercial use.
Can I use copyrighted music if I give credit?
Generally, to use the sound recordings or musical works of another artist, you must: Use a work that is already in the public domain. Get permission from the copyright holder directly, or license the work according to the terms set by the licensing contract.
What is the 30 second rule on YouTube?
The "30-second rule on YouTube" refers to two key concepts: first, the crucial first 30 seconds of a video are vital for hooking viewers to get a meaningful view, and second, it's a guideline for creators to add visual or auditory changes (like B-roll, different angles, or on-screen text) every 30 seconds to maintain engagement and prevent viewers from clicking away. It's not a copyright rule, as using 30 seconds of a copyrighted song doesn't automatically make it fair use.
How can I avoid copyright strikes?
Using music that you have the rights to use is by far the safest strategy to fend off copyright claims on YouTube. This can be music that you have obtained the appropriate licenses for, music that is in the public domain, or music that you have written yourself.
How do YouTubers use copyrighted music in videos?
So, if you want to legally use copyrighted music on YouTube, you'll need permission from everyone who is a copyright holder for that specific track. Getting a license for a song means you'll have to reach out to each person on that “copyright holder” list.
How to edit music to avoid copyright?
Modify Tempo, Pitch, or Effects: When you want to use a specific song but lack permissions, consider altering the tempo, pitch, or applying effects to create a unique rendition. By transforming the original audio track, you can avoid infringing on copyright while still incorporating the elements you desire.
How much of a song can you use legally on YouTube?
How many seconds can you use of a copyrighted song on YouTube? Zero seconds if we're being honest. Any use of a copyrighted song without a license or permission can result in a copyright claim or notice.
How do I do a poor man's copyright?
A "poor man's copyright" is an informal, ineffective method of proving creation date by mailing a copy of your work (lyrics, manuscript, etc.) to yourself and keeping the unopened envelope with its postmark as evidence, but it provides no real legal protection and is not a substitute for formal registration, though the postmark might offer slight evidence of existence date in a dispute. To do it, you'd place your work in an envelope, address it to yourself, and mail it, leaving it sealed. For actual copyright protection, you must register with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Is it legal to use a song in a video?
Many musicians choose to release their songs under Creative Commons licenses, which give you the legal right to do things like use their music in your videos.
What is the 3 month rule for copyright?
The "copyright 3 month rule" refers to a key deadline for U.S. copyright registration: you must register your work within three months of its first publication (or before infringement begins) to be eligible to claim statutory damages and attorney's fees in a copyright infringement lawsuit, which can be crucial for remedies beyond just an injunction. Failing to meet this deadline means you generally can only sue for actual damages (harder to prove) if infringement occurs, but registration is still vital for other benefits and to sue at all, notes Donahue Fitzgerald LLP and Cotman IP.
How to avoid copyrighted music on YouTube?
To avoid YouTube copyright issues, use music from YouTube's Audio Library, subscribe to a royalty-free music service (like Epidemic Sound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex9xPxIwzRI, Soundstripe), license popular music through services like LIC, create your own music, or get direct permission from copyright holders; avoid using copyrighted music without explicit licenses as automated systems often detect it, leading to claims or strikes.
What is the 8 minute rule on YouTube?
The "YouTube 8-Minute Rule" primarily refers to the fact that videos longer than 8 minutes can have mid-roll ads (ads in the middle of the video) inserted by the creator or YouTube, unlike shorter videos limited to pre-roll/post-roll ads, which boosts creator revenue. There's also a separate "8-Minute Friendship Rule," a concept where just 8 minutes of focused connection helps someone feel supported during stress, used as a code word for needing help.
What is the 80 20 rule in video editing?
The 80/20 rule in video editing (Pareto Principle) means focusing your effort on the vital 20% of tasks that yield 80% of the results, like mastering pacing, storytelling, and audio, while avoiding time sinks on minor tweaks, recognizing that the first 20% of editing (hook, core message) provides most impact, and prioritizing consistency over unattainable perfection to release videos faster and maintain audience engagement.
Can you get sued for using copyrighted music?
If you use a copyrighted work without authorization, the owner may be entitled to bring an infringement action against you.
How to put music over a video free without copyright?
Easily add music to videos with WeVideo. Upload your own audio file or use our royalty-free songs, audio effects & music clips. Find the perfect tunes to tune your audience in — for free!
How much of a song can you use without paying?
Unfortunately, there are no fixed standards as to how much of a song you can use without infringing the song owner's copyright. Of course, the shorter you can make the clip, the stronger your argument for fair use protection.
What is the 3 minute rule in music?
The "3-minute rule" in music refers to the traditional length of popular hit songs, rooted in the physical limitations of early 78 rpm records (fitting about 3 minutes per side) and reinforced by radio's need for ad space and commercial viability, making shorter songs easier to market and play, though this convention has evolved with digital streaming and varied tastes. It became a standard for radio-friendly singles, balancing musicality with commercial demands, a habit that persists even with modern technology.
What happens after 3 strikes on YouTube?
3 copyright strikes:
If your channel has 3 active copyright strikes, or if any channels linked to yours have 3 active copyright strikes, your channel is subject to termination. If your channel is terminated, content uploaded to your channel will be inaccessible. You can't create new YouTube channels.