Using copyrighted music in Youtube videos

[rottie102]

How do people do it?

I've seen so many of them, either with no mention at all or with credits link in description. Not even mentioning all the thousands of "Happy" "Taylor Swift" etc etc

Yet every time I try to upload something with copyrighted music hoping that I will also be presented with an option to give credits to the original song, my video just gets pulled.

I buy songs from Vimeo music store but it takes bloody ages, literally 5 times longer than editing to find the song that works for my needs since I have to listen to at least some of it to decide.

[Derek Smith]

If you are not producing videos for commercial reasons and just as a bit of fun or even practice for greater things, approach a local band, or bands, and put it to them that you'd like to use their music. For payback you will offer, for instance, an acknowledgement of source on the video itself, a link on the video description, and even a still. I lived near the British Institute of Modern Music and they were more than helpful, letting me have full use of two CDs, with the only requirements being those above. It took a visit and a chat with someone in charge, but it was an enjoyable and interesting morning. Actually, worth asking just for the visit. X-Factor standards they are not.

Mind you, there's music, and there's music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFSMYJ9OaH4

[Foliage]

Most will be under fair use,

Likely Parody, Art or limited use (less than 30s I think, but might now relate to a % of track length)

That's my limited knowledge anyway, hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge will be along.

[DocJock]

You can also try creative commons music.

I use www.jamendo.com

You get free, non-commercial permissions, normally in exchange for a credit. You also have the opportunity to make a payment to support the artist.

You also help to take new artists to a wider audience.

[GetCarter]

annoying american voices... but this is how:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqq_oq6QWZI

[Steve7777]

It is a shame on YouTube you can't use copyrighted music in return for the band getting the ad revenue from the video instead of you. If I'm putting up a gopro video of some skiing or biking that will get max 100 views it's not worth the time searching through hours of rights-free music to find something good.

[VernalEquinox]

rottie102 said:

How do people do it?

It depends on the artist, label and territory. Different rights, different agreements, copyright owned by different people who've decided to do different things with it. Some are blocked, some'll put ads on, some won't give a damn.

If it's being pulled it's being caught by an Automatic Content Detection system and the artist/label has decided they don't want their stuff being used.

[GetCarter]

Steve7777 said:

It is a shame on YouTube you can't use copyrighted music in return for the band getting the ad revenue from the video instead of you. If I'm putting up a gopro video of some skiing or biking that will get max 100 views it's not worth the time searching through hours of rights-free music to find something good.

Yes but.... for your 100 views:

It's not just "use my music, pay me". Much of the stuff I write these days, I have turned the copyright over to the company that paid to have it recorded - or co own it with another writer, and musicians that play on the piece will earn money from it too, so even if I give my permission as the composer for you to use my music, I would have to consult with them... lot's of faff and effort for a few pence.

Bit of a copyright minefield!

[rottie102]

well there should be an option on YouTube for them to charge me for using the copyrighted material, maybe depending on number of views.
then YouTube would pay the copyright holders or the company who checks all music on their behalf. this way everyone is happy

[GetCarter]

rottie102 said:

well there should be an option on YouTube for them to charge me for using the copyrighted material, maybe depending on number of views.
then YouTube would pay the copyright holders or the company who checks all music on their behalf. this way everyone is happy

Agreed!

[Lunja]

GetCarter said:

Agreed!

Some labels might not want their bands' music to be associated with your content though. In order to maintain a popular track's potential future earning value (from use by a major brand in an international TV ad campaign for example) they may refuse usage permissions for small videos altogether.

In the past I've had labels refuse the usage of their artists' tracks for a CHARITY video, despite sizeable usage budgets being discussed. The label simply didn't want the band to be related with lots of different causes.

Therefore, by allowing open useage in return for small fees, the artist may be reducing the earning potential of the track. Plus, open usage means they lose control of what type of videos their track is used with. I imagine Pharrell might not want "Happy" to be used alongside videos about alcohol or tobacco for example...

[rottie102]

Lunja said:

Some labels might not want their bands' music to be associated with your content though. In order to maintain a popular track's potential future earning value (from use by a major brand in an international TV ad campaign for example) they may refuse usage permissions for small videos altogether.

In the past I've had labels refuse the usage of their artists' tracks for a CHARITY video, despite sizeable usage budgets being discussed. The label simply didn't want the band to be related with lots of different causes.

Therefore, by allowing open useage in return for small fees, the artist may be reducing the earning potential of the track. Plus, open usage means they lose control of what type of videos their track is used with. I imagine Pharrell might not want "Happy" to be used alongside videos about alcohol or tobacco for example...

Very good points!

Oh well, that's me then going back to listen to 17 pages of songs...