Legal Music: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Did you know that using a single song without permission can cost you thousands? Most creators think music is free on the internet, but the law says otherwise. Below you’ll find straight‑forward advice on how to keep your videos, podcasts, or ads on the right side of the law.

Understanding Copyright Basics

Copyright protects the melody, lyrics, and recording of a song the moment it’s created. The owner—usually the songwriter, publisher, or record label—decides who can use it and for how long. If you want to play a track in a YouTube video, you need a license, even if the song is old.

The simplest way to get permission is through a music licensing platform. Companies like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS collect fees from businesses and distribute them to creators. When you sign up for a license, you’re paying a blanket fee that covers many tracks. This is a cheap and legal alternative to negotiating with each rights holder.

Finding Royalty‑Free and Creative‑Commons Music

Royalty‑free doesn’t mean free of cost; it means you pay once and can use the track many times. Websites such as AudioJungle, Pond5, and PremiumBeat offer tracks with a clear licence that says exactly what you can do. Look for the “standard licence” if you need the music for social media, and upgrade to a “extended licence” for TV or large‑scale campaigns.

Creative‑Commons (CC) music is another option. Some creators allow their work to be used for free as long as you give credit (CC‑BY) or don’t change it (CC‑NC). Always double‑check the licence type—some CC licences forbid commercial use, which would break the law if you sell a product using that track.

For those who need background music fast, the YouTube Audio Library offers a selection of tracks you can use in any video you upload to YouTube. The library tells you whether attribution is required, making it easy to stay compliant.

Streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music are also a trap for creators. Even if you have a personal subscription, you can’t copy a song and put it in a public video. The service’s licence only covers personal listening, not public performance or distribution.

If you’re producing a podcast, look into services like Epidemic Sound or Artlist. They provide a subscription that covers all the music you need, and they handle the royalties for you. This means you can focus on content, not legal paperwork.

When you’re unsure, ask. Contact the copyright holder directly. Many independent artists are happy to grant permission for a small fee or even for free if you credit them properly. A quick email can save you a lawsuit later.

Finally, keep records. Save the licence agreements, screenshots of the terms, and any emails with the rights holder. If a claim comes your way, you’ll have proof you did everything right.Legal music isn’t a mystery—just a set of clear rules. Follow these steps, use trusted sources, and you’ll keep your projects humming without any legal headaches.