Quick Answer: If you want to know how to legally use copyrighted music on YouTube, you need permission to use the track, usually through a suitable licence, a claims-managed music platform, or ownership of the relevant music rights.
Much like in our favourite films, the right song can completely change the feel of a YouTube video. The right track can make an intro more memorable, give a product video more energy, or help a story land in exactly the right way. But finding a song you love does not mean you have permission to publish it.
Copyright applies to most commercially released music, and YouTube has systems designed to identify copyrighted material in uploaded videos. Creators do not have to avoid music altogether. They simply need the correct permissions in place before they publish.
Can you use copyrighted music on YouTube?
Yes, copyrighted music can be used on YouTube, but only when you have the appropriate rights or permission to use it.
Buying a song, subscribing to a streaming service, or downloading a track for personal listening does not usually permit you to include it in a public YouTube video. Music rights are separate from owning a copy of the track.
Creators may need permission covering both the composition and the recording (sync and master rights). The exact rights depend on the track, licence and intended use.
YouTube may identify copyrighted music through its Content ID system. If the music is recognised, the rights holder may choose to monetize the video, track its performance or block it in certain circumstances. A claim is not automatically the same thing as a copyright strike, but it can still affect revenue and how the video is distributed.
For creators relying on YouTube for marketing or income, it is safer to think about licensing before a video goes live.
How to legally use copyrighted music on YouTube
There are several legitimate ways to use music in YouTube content. The right option depends on the music you want, how often you publish and whether monetization matters.
Get a licence for the track
One option is to obtain a licence that specifically permits you to use the music in your video. Licensing terms vary, so check exactly what a licence covers. Some licences suit personal creator channels but not brand campaigns. Others may cover YouTube but exclude paid advertising, client work or other platforms.
Before using the track, check whether the licence permits commercial use, monetized videos, and the territories where your content will be available. You should also check whether the licence lasts indefinitely or only while a subscription remains active. If not, this could come back to bite you.
Use a claims-managed music platform
A claims-managed music platform can make the process easier by providing music licensed for creator use and helping manage copyright claims. Instead of contacting rights holders for every track, creators can use a platform with licensing arrangements already in place. Depending on the service, it can clear or manage Content ID claims when a licensed track is used correctly.
This is particularly useful for frequent publishers because licensing becomes part of a repeatable workflow. It is still important to follow the platform’s rules. Conditions will apply. For example, your channel may need to be connected to the account, a licence may need to be generated for each project, or certain uses may require a different plan.
Keep a record of your licence
Do not rely on remembering where a track came from. Keep a clear record of the track title, artist, platform, download date, and applicable licence, including any licence certificate, invoice, project reference, or download record too.
This documentation can be a valuable tool for protecting your work if a claim appears later, especially if you work with clients or multiple channels. A simple licensing folder for each video can prevent confusion later.
Your options for music on YouTube
Creators have several routes to finding music that can be used legally. The best choice usually depends on budget, the music required and how much control you want over copyright claims.
| Music source | Cost | Claims managed? |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Audio Library | Usually free | Generally designed for YouTube use, subject to track terms |
| Licensed mainstream music | Varies considerably | Depends on the licence and rights holder |
| Claims-managed music platform | Subscription or per-track fee | The point of these platforms |
| Music you own or created | Production costs may apply | You control the rights if you own them fully |
The YouTube Audio Library
The YouTube Audio Library, built directly into YouTube Studio, is one of the simplest places to start. It offers music and sound effects for creators, with individual tracks carrying their own usage requirements. It’s handy for creators who want a straightforward option without negotiating individual licences.
Some tracks may require attribution while others may not, so check the licence information before adding music to a video.
Licensed mainstream music
Using a well-known commercial song is possible, but the licensing process can be more complicated. Mainstream tracks may involve several rights holders, including songwriters, publishers, performers, and record labels, so permission may be needed from more than one party.
Costs vary depending on the song, audience, intended use and licence length. Mainstream music may not always be practical for smaller creators, and a short clip should never be assumed to be automatically safe.
However, with claims-management and licensing platforms, you can pay subscription fees to access a major library of mainstream, copyrighted music.
Music you own or created
Original music gives creators far more control. If you compose, perform, and record a track yourself, and nobody else owns rights in it, you can generally use that music without an external licence. The same applies to commissioned music when the agreement clearly explains ownership and the rights being transferred or licensed.
Ownership should always be confirmed in clear, conclusive writing. Paying someone to create a track does not necessarily mean every copyright automatically transfers to you.
How licensing protects your monetization
For monetized channels, music licensing can directly affect revenue. A video may perform for months or years, so an unclear licence can create problems long after publication. Properly licensed music gives creators a stronger foundation for protecting a video’s commercial value.
Claims managed before upload
The best time to think about copyright is before the video is published. If your music provider supports claims management, register the relevant YouTube channel correctly, then complete any required clearance steps before or immediately after upload.
Some services whitelist channels, while others use licence codes or dispute processes. Whatever the system, it needs to recognise that your use of the track is authorised. This is much easier than publishing first and trying to work out the licence only after a claim appears.
Revenue stays with you
If a Content ID claim is made on your video, the most likely outcome is that any revenue made from the video is redirected entirely back to the rights holder. A valid licence can help prevent advertising revenue from being sent to a music rights holder when the music is being used within the agreed terms. That matters for creators depending on YouTube income and businesses using video commercially. A library of videos has long-term value, and unclear music rights can undermine it.
Licensing does not remove the need to follow YouTube’s policies, but it does give you documented permission for the music use itself.
What to avoid when using music on YouTube
One common mistake is assuming crediting the artist is enough. Attribution can be a licence condition, but credit does not replace permission.
Do not rely on the idea that using only a few seconds automatically makes a track legal. There is no universal safe number of seconds.
Changing the pitch, speed, or volume of a song does not create permission either. The same applies to putting music quietly in the background or speaking over it.
Do not copy music from another creator’s video simply because their upload is live. Their licence, permissions, or claim status may be completely different.
The safest approach is to know where the music came from and know what gives you the right to use it.
How to build a licensed music workflow
A good licensing process does not need to complicate production. Once it becomes routine, it can make publishing easier.
Start by choosing a small number of trusted music sources. Before editing, confirm that the licence covers your channel, commercial use and monetization if relevant.
When you select a track, save the licensing information alongside the video project so the track and licence are easy to match later.
Before publishing, check whether the music platform requires channel registration, project clearance, attribution or a licence code. Add any required credits to the description and keep the evidence of permission after the video goes live.
For teams, document these steps so editors, social media managers and freelancers follow the same process. This reduces the chance of music being sourced from an unapproved location.
Conclusion
Copyrighted music can be used on YouTube legally, but permission needs to come first. Whether you use the YouTube Audio Library, license a commercial track, use a claims-managed platform, or create your own music, know what rights you have and keep evidence of them.
A clear licensing workflow helps protect videos from unnecessary copyright problems. Instead of fixing music clearance after a claim appears, make it part of production from the beginning.
For more information on claims management and licensing, visit our website today. We’ve connected countless YouTube creators of all different levels with over 1 million options of hit music to use in their content, completely legally. Check us out to learn more today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use copyrighted music on YouTube if I give credit?
Not necessarily. Giving credit to the artist or rights holder does not automatically permit you to use copyrighted music. Attribution may be required by a licence, but the licence itself is what permits you. Without suitable permission, adding the artist’s name to the description is not enough.
How do I get permission to use a song on YouTube?
You can obtain permission from the relevant rights holders or use a music platform that provides licensed tracks for YouTube. Always check what the licence covers, especially if your channel is monetized, connected to a business or used for client work.
Can I monetize a video with copyrighted music?
You can monetize a video containing copyrighted music when your licence allows monetized use and you follow its terms. Without suitable permission, a Content ID claim may result in revenue being redirected to the rights holder or other restrictions being applied to the video.
How do I use copyrighted music without a strike?
The best way to reduce copyright risk is to use music you are properly licensed or otherwise authorised to use. Keep records of the licence, follow any attribution or channel registration requirements, and respond through the appropriate process if a claim appears despite valid permission.
Is it legal to use copyrighted music with a licence?
Yes, provided the licence covers the way you are using the music and you comply with its terms. Licences can differ significantly, so always confirm that your intended use, platform, monetization status, territory, and any commercial activity are included before publishing the video.
