One wrong song choice = content takedown, demonetization, or lawsuit. Here's what you need to know.
What's Protected
Almost all commercially released music. Covers of songs. Even 10-second clips (there's no 'fair use' length limit). Background music playing in a store while you vlog. Someone's song playing from a car driving by.
What's Safe to Use
Royalty-free music: Licensed for use in content. One-time fee or free. Our AI music generator creates 100% original, royalty-free tracks.
Creative Commons: Some artists release under CC licenses. Check the specific license — some require attribution, some prohibit commercial use.
Public domain: Classical music recordings before ~1926. But modern performances of classical pieces are still copyrighted!
Platforms' Rules
YouTube: Content ID system auto-detects. Penalty: ad revenue goes to rights holder or video blocked. Twitch: VODs get muted. Live is technically risky but less enforced. TikTok/Reels: Licensed music library within the app is safe to use.
The safest option: generate your own background music with our AI music generator. Original, free, no copyright issues ever.