With the rise of online content creation, streaming platforms, and digital media, the legal use of music has become more significant than ever before. Whether you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, app developer, or business owner, using copyrighted music without permission can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Fortunately, there are reliable ways to check if a song is copyrighted, and this article will walk you through those steps carefully and thoroughly.
TLDR:
Most songs released by mainstream artists are copyrighted and protected by law. To avoid legal issues, it’s essential to verify the copyright status of any song before using it in a project. This process involves checking music databases, licensing platforms, and contacting the rightsholders if necessary. When in doubt, assume a song is copyrighted and seek proper licensing or permission.
What Does It Mean for a Song to Be Copyrighted?
When a song is copyrighted, it means that its creators — typically the songwriter, composer, or artist — hold exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and license the work. This applies to both the composition (melody and lyrics) and the sound recording (the actual audio track).
These rights are automatically granted upon creation and do not require formal registration, although many artists choose to register their works for added legal protection and enforceability.
Why It’s Important to Check for Copyright
Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to:
- DMCA Takedowns on platforms like YouTube or Twitch
- Legal action including fines or lawsuits
- Demonetization or blocked content
- Damage to your reputation as a content creator or business
Even if your use is non-commercial or just a few seconds long, it can still violate copyright laws. Being diligent ensures you’re respecting the artists’ rights and safeguarding your work.
How to Check if a Song Is Copyrighted
Although most commercial songs are automatically copyrighted, it’s helpful to confirm this through structured steps. Use the following methods to verify a song’s legal status:
1. Search in Performing Rights Organization (PRO) Databases
Performing Rights Organizations manage music licenses and royalty payments on behalf of artists. They also maintain searchable public databases where you can look up song titles and their copyright details.
Some reputable PROs include:
- ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers): ascap.com
- BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.): bmi.com
- SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers): sesac.com
- SoundExchange (for sound recordings): soundexchange.com
These platforms allow you to search by title, artist, composer, and even publisher to determine the song’s copyright status and who owns the rights.
2. Try a YouTube Copyright Check
YouTube offers a Copyright Claim feature within their Creator Studio. Before uploading a video, you can use the “Content ID” system to see if your video would trigger any copyrighted audio claims.
This system automatically scans uploaded content and checks against YouTube’s massive database of copyrighted music. It’s not foolproof or comprehensive, but it’s a helpful first checkpoint.
3. Use Recognized Copyright Check Tools or Libraries
Platforms like Shazam and Tunatic can identify recorded audio and potentially give clues about the song’s licensing. While these platforms are more geared toward recognizing songs rather than confirming their copyright status, they can help identify the creator, making it easier to further investigate.
Additionally, music licensing services such as:
offer libraries of pre-cleared music that is safe to use commercially, often under a subscription or one-time licensing fee.
4. Contact the Copyright Holder Directly
If you’ve identified the owner of a song — such as a record label, publisher, or the artist themselves — you can reach out to request permission to use the music. You may be granted a license for free or negotiable terms depending on your usage.
This is often necessary for unique commercial uses like film, advertising, or game development, where general licenses might not apply.
5. Verify Through the U.S. Copyright Office (or Your Country’s Equivalent)
Another reliable method is to search the database maintained by the U.S. Copyright Office. You can search by song title, author, or claimant information.
Other nations typically have their own online databases, such as the UK’s PRS for Music or Canada’s SOCAN. Registration is not required for copyright to exist, but database records can confirm ownership and show who’s legally responsible.
What About Public Domain and Royalty-Free Music?
Not all music is copyrighted forever. Some works eventually fall into the public domain, meaning they are free for anyone to use without permission. Generally, this includes music published before 1924, but it’s best to confirm the timeline with reliable sources.
Royalty-free music, meanwhile, refers to tracks you can legally use after purchasing a license. This doesn’t mean the music is free — it means you pay once and can then use the music repeatedly without ongoing fees.
Red Flags That a Song Is Likely Copyrighted
- The song is by a well-known or signed artist
- The track includes vocals or high-quality production
- You found it on Spotify, Apple Music, or commercial CDs
- You did not create the music yourself
In nearly all these cases, the song is copyrighted, and using it without a proper license could lead to legal trouble.
Consequences of Ignoring Copyright Law
The consequences of using copyrighted music without permission can be severe:
- Forceful removal of your content by hosting platforms like YouTube or Vimeo
- Copyright infringement lawsuits seeking statutory damages (sometimes up to $150,000 per infringement)
- Loss of ad revenue and account bans for repeat offenders
Because of how automated and extensive copyright detection systems have become, it’s unwise to take shortcuts or assume no one will notice.
Tips to Stay on the Safe Side
- Use music from reputable royalty-free platforms
- Seek explicit permission or licensing agreements if you’re unsure
- Keep written documentation of any licenses or permissions you acquire
- Avoid “free music” found on random websites, unless the terms of use are clear
Staying proactive will save you time, money, and potential legal battles in the future.
Final Thoughts
In today’s digital landscape, it’s critical to respect copyright laws — especially when it comes to music. Songs are protected intellectual property, and proper vetting is crucial before including them in your content. By using the steps and tools outlined above, you can responsibly verify a song’s copyright status and make informed choices for your projects.
When in doubt, either find royalty-free alternatives or consult a professional. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to music rights.
