What do I need to consider when I want to use music in my videos?
January 15, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Alice Falk
Dear copyright lawyer,
I regularly publish videos on my website and YouTube channel where I discuss various topics. Now, I would like to incorporate music into my videos to make them more interesting and entertaining. However, I am unsure about what I need to consider in order to avoid legal issues.
Currently, I only use music that I have found freely available on the internet, and I am not aware of their copyright. I have read that this is not allowed and I may be committing copyright infringement. I am worried that I could receive a cease and desist letter or face legal consequences.
Therefore, my question to you is: How can I ensure that I can use music in my videos without committing copyright infringement? Are there specific licenses that I need to obtain or platforms where I can find royalty-free music? What are the risks if I continue to use music without permission?
I want to act legally and correctly, so I would greatly appreciate your professional advice on this matter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Wolfgang Niemeyer
Dear Mr. Niemeyer,
Thank you for your question regarding copyright in relation to the use of music in your videos. It is good that you are considering this issue to avoid legal problems.
First and foremost, it is important to know that music is generally protected by copyright. This means that you need the permission of the creator to use their music in your videos. If you use music without owning the necessary rights, you are committing a copyright infringement, which can have legal consequences.
To ensure that you can use music legally in your videos, you have several options. One possibility is to use music that is licensed under a Creative Commons license. Creative Commons licenses enable creators to share their works under certain conditions. There are different Creative Commons licenses that provide different terms of use. You should make sure to carefully review and comply with the terms of the specific license.
Another option is to use royalty-free music. There are various platforms on the internet where you can find royalty-free music. This music can be used freely without the need to purchase a license. However, it is important to check the terms of use of the platform to ensure that the music is truly royalty-free and can be used without restrictions.
If you continue to use music whose copyright you are not aware of and for which you do not have permission, there is a risk of being warned or facing legal consequences. In such cases, claims for damages or injunctions can be made. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the tips mentioned above and ensure that you only use music for which you own the necessary rights.
I hope this information helps you and that you can use music in your videos safely and legally in the future. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.
Sincerely,
Alice Falk
Copyright Lawyer
