Can I use other people's music in my YouTube videos?
July 17, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Chloé Tressel
Dear Media Law Attorney,
My name is Irmgard Schönecker and I run a YouTube channel where I regularly post videos on various topics. In some of my videos, I would like to use third-party music as background music to make them more interesting. However, I am unsure if I am legally allowed to do so.
I have heard that one must acquire licenses for using third-party music on YouTube in order to avoid copyright infringement. However, I do not want to get into legal trouble and therefore wonder how I can ensure that I can use the music in my videos legally.
For example, can I use music from well-known artists like Rihanna or Ed Sheeran in my videos without violating copyright? Are there ways in which I can legally use the music without having to pay high licensing fees? What are the consequences if I violate copyright laws?
I would greatly appreciate your legal assessment on this matter and kindly request any possible solutions on how I can use third-party music in my YouTube videos without infringing copyright.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Irmgard Schönecker
Dear Mrs. Schönecker,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of third-party music in your YouTube videos. As a media law attorney, I can understand your uncertainty about whether you are legally allowed to use the music without infringing on copyright.
In general, music pieces are protected by copyright, which means that the creators have the exclusive right to decide on the use of their works. This means that you usually need the consent of the creator or rights holder to use third-party music in your videos. This can be done through obtaining licenses that allow you to use the music legally.
If you wish to use music from well-known artists such as Rihanna or Ed Sheeran, you should be aware that these artists typically have contracts with record labels or music publishers who manage the rights to their works. To use their music in your videos, you would need to contact the respective rights holders and acquire a license.
However, there are also ways to use music legally without having to pay high license fees. For example, you can look for music that is under a Creative Commons license, which allows you to use the music in videos as long as certain conditions are met. There are also music libraries or platforms where you can license music for YouTube videos.
If you infringe on copyright by using music without the necessary rights, you may face legal consequences ranging from warnings and cease-and-desist letters to claims for damages. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you acquire the necessary licenses for using third-party music in your videos.
I strongly recommend seeking legal advice before using third-party music in your YouTube videos and obtaining the necessary licenses to avoid legal issues. I am happy to assist you with any further questions and to help you find legal solutions for using music in your videos.
Best regards,
Chloé Tressel
