Using popular music can be a very effective way to drive engagement and views on your YouTube content. Audiences will connect with the songs they know and love, making them more likely to stay with your content for longer and even maybe associate it with your work in the future. However, copyright law means that you can’t just use and profit off of well-known music without some sacrifices.
If you get hit with Content ID claims, your content will not be monetized for your benefit and could face blockages and muting in certain places. If things go as far as a copyright strike, your channel could be put at long-term risk. It’s important to keep some effective copyright music checkers in mind.
This article will explore different ways that you can check music for copyright information before making YouTube videos public, ensuring you avoid unnecessary legal scrutiny.
YouTube’s native song copyright checker system
YouTube has its own built-in Content ID database, which it checks your video against before it goes live. If a Content ID claim is made on your video, it’s up to the copyright holder what happens.
- They could claim any ad revenue associated with the video
- Your video could be muted in certain parts of the world
- The video might be blocked altogether in regions of their choice
The way to check if this is going to take place is to upload your video with Unlisted or Private viewing limitations. This will allow YouTube to check what the outcome will be before you attempt to go public with the video, ensuring your content and account don’t suffer from the choice.
Music copyright checker tools for before you edit
Some tools can be used to check raw MP3, WAV and AIFF files for copyright details. This can be useful for ensuring that you don’t get finished with the editing process before YouTube lets you know that you will be infringing.
TuneRef is a Chrome extension designed for creators who browse music on YouTube or Spotify, analyzing tracks in real time and giving risk indications.
Both of these tools are very useful, but they aren’t infallible, so don’t consider them guarantees of safety if they don’t indicate significant risk.
URL & database checkers
Another way to do pre-edit checks is by pasting a link to existing YouTube videos that use music into checker tools, such as the Archivarix YouTube Copyright Checker. These checkers cross-reference the ISRC codes against global music databases, breaking down the rights status of the song in the content.
Using licensing platforms
Licensing the music you want to use as a first port of call is a wise way to properly understand copyright conditions. Choosing a subscription-based platform for mainstream music cuts out the need for doing a dedicated copyright check. Platforms like Lickd, for example, let creators license mainstream, chart music that is already cleared for YouTube, with claims managed on your behalf so a Content ID match does not cost you your revenue.
These platforms are purpose-built systems for creators who want to use copyrighted music in their content with full monetization, without having to deal with Content ID claims or potential strikes. By virtue of finding songs on these licensing platforms, you can safely assume that they’re protected by copyright.
Organize in advance
The smartest approach is always to do all your copyright music checker work in advance. There’s nothing more annoying than getting the entirety of the editing process, and then having to deal with YouTube’s copyright management system. Get your licenses in order, sacrifice as little as possible and guarantee safe uploads that you can profit from.