In this video, we'll walk you through how copyright and music work on YouTube
for long-form videos
and some different options you have for using music in your content.
First, let's talk about copyright and music on YouTube.
Artists who write and perform music and the companies they work with
own the copyright to their songs.
That means they have the legal right to control how other people use their music.
Copyright law is not specific to YouTube
but it requires sites like YouTube to process copyright removal requests
so it's important to keep in mind when creating content.
Remember: Videos uploaded to YouTube
get scanned against a database of audio and visual content
that's been submitted to us by certain copyright owners.
So, if you upload content that contains copyright-protected music
your content could get a Content ID claim
which means it could be blocked or made ineligible for monetization.
Or, it could get a copyright strike
which means it could be taken down completely.
Note that Shorts operate a bit differently.
They've been set up to allow creators the freedom to use music
when added via our Shorts Audio Library.
But keep in mind
if you choose to use a song in your Short from outside the Shorts Audio Library
you may receive a Content ID claim or be subject to a takedown request.
There are also some common misconceptions about copyright and how it works on YouTube.
So, here are some things to keep in mind
to help protect your content from copyright removal requests
or Content ID claims.
First, giving credit to the copyright owner
or using phrases and disclaimers
such as "All rights go to the author," "I do not own," or "No infringement intended"
does not give you the rights to use the copyrighted work.
You need to make sure you've secured all the necessary rights
to all copyright-protected elements in your video
before you upload it to YouTube.
Just because you recorded something yourself
doesn't always mean you own all rights to upload it to YouTube.
If your video includes someone else's copyright-protected content
such as copyrighted music playing in the background
or even singing, humming, or playing some of a song on an instrument
you could still be subject to potential copyright claims and takedowns.
There is no minimum amount of time
you're allowed to use someone else's copyrighted work.
If you're using any amount of content that you don't own or don't have permission to use
even a few seconds
you're taking a risk of receiving a claim or takedown.
Even if there are videos on the site that appear similar to what you've uploaded
that doesn't necessarily mean you also have the rights to post the content.
Sometimes, a copyright owner authorizes some uses or works
but not all to appear on our site.
If you believe your use of the content qualifies for a copyright exception
such as fair use or fair dealing
keep in mind that only courts can ultimately make that determination.
You may want to consult with an attorney before relying on a copyright exception.
We know that copyright can seem overwhelming and intimidating
and we know that adding music can help achieve your creative vision.
So, how can you do so without worrying about copyright
or earning less from using music?
The good news is there are options that YouTube has developed
and that creators should know about.
So now, let's talk about what options you do have for using music.
First, all creators have access to the YouTube Audio Library
where you can download music and sound effects free of charge
for use in your videos.
These tracks are copyright-safe when used on YouTube
and using them won't result in a Content ID claim
or affect monetization status.
To get to the Audio Library, go to YouTube Studio, then Audio Library.
You can search through music tracks and sound effects
and filter by title, genre, mood, artist, or duration.
To preview any track, click the Play button.
And once you've found the perfect track, you can download it to use in your content.
It's important to note that
while all the tracks in the Audio Library are free of charge
some require attribution
or written credit in your content's description.
These tracks are covered under the Creative Commons license
and are marked with a "CC" icon in the "License type" column.
To properly give attribution
click this icon, then click Copy, then paste this in your video's description.
If you want to find music that doesn't require attribution
click the filter bar, then "Attribution not required."
If your video uses any music from the YouTube Audio Library
a Music section will show on your video's watch page.
If you're in the YouTube Partner Program
you'll have access to Creator Music.
Creator Music combines
all the tracks and sound effects of the YouTube Audio Library
with a library of mainstream music you can use in your videos
without the risk of losing monetization.
To get to Creator Music, go to YouTube Studio, then Creator Music.
If you have a specific track or artist in mind
you can use the search box on the homepage or Browse tab.
You can also filter by genre, mood, vocals, BPM, duration, and price.
When you filter by price, you can find tracks that are free of charge
both from music partners and from the Audio Library.
You'll also see icons that
represent the different usage terms that songs have within Creator Music.
You'll see whether you can buy a license up front
or share revenue with the artist or rightsholder.
We'll also show when a track is not available for licensing or revenue sharing
and instead would have visibility or monetization restrictions on your video
if you use it.
You can also download a track to try it out with your content
before purchasing a license.
We're constantly expanding the catalog
so check back periodically to see what new tracks are available.
We hope this video helps you understand how to successfully use music in your videos
to achieve your creative vision without losing monetization
or receiving a Content ID claim or copyright strike.
Check out the resources in the description
for more info on navigating YouTube's Audio Library
licensing songs from Creator Music
and information on copyright and Content ID.
Thanks for watching.