Music Licensing for YouTubers and Streamers

You found the perfect song for your YouTube intro. You bought it on iTunes for $0.99. You put it in your video. BAM. Copyright strike. Why?

The Two Copyrights

To use a song, you need licenses for BOTH:

1. Musical Composition: The lyrics and melody (owned by the Songwriter/Publisher).
2. Sound Recording (Master): The actual audio file (owned by the Record Label).

The "Sync" License

To put music in a video ("synchronize" it), you need a Sync License. Spotify or iTunes personal usage rights do NOT cover this.

Royalty-Free vs. Copyright-Free

• Royalty-Free: You pay a one-time fee (like buying a stock photo) and can use it forever. You don't have to pay royalties every time someone watches the video.
• Copyright-Free / Public Domain: Very rare. Beethoven is public domain. Taylor Swift is not.

Services like Epidemic Sound / Artlist

These services are "Direct License" libraries. They own both sides of the copyright, so when you subscribe, you get full clearance. This is the safest route for creators.