Music plays a huge role in our lives, whether we’re creating content, hosting events, or just enjoying our favorite tunes. But before using a song for a video, podcast, or any public project, it’s essential to check if it’s copyrighted. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to serious consequences, including takedown notices, fines, and legal action.
So, how can you tell if a song is copyrighted? In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple ways to check a song’s copyright status and ensure you stay on the right side of the law.
Understanding Music Copyright
Copyright laws protect original music compositions and recordings. When an artist creates a song, they automatically own the rights to it, unless they transfer those rights to someone else (e.g., a record label). This means that using a copyrighted song without permission can be illegal, except in specific cases like fair use or if the song is in the public domain.
What Does It Mean If a Song Is Copyrighted?
A copyrighted song means that the rights to the music are owned by an individual or entity, such as the artist, a record label, or a music publisher. This ownership restricts others from using, reproducing, or distributing the song without proper authorization.
Now that you understand the basics, let’s explore how to check whether a song is copyrighted.
How to Check If a Song Is Copyrighted
1. Search on YouTube’s Copyright Policies Page
If you plan to use music in a YouTube video, you can check its copyright status using YouTube’s Music Policies tool:
- Go to YouTube’s Music Policies page.
- Enter the song name in the search bar.
- The results will show whether the song is copyrighted and what restrictions apply (e.g., monetization, blocking in certain countries, or full removal).
This is a quick and easy way to check if a song might cause issues on YouTube.
2. Check Public Domain and Creative Commons Databases
Some songs are in the public domain, meaning they are free to use without restrictions. Others are licensed under Creative Commons, allowing certain uses with attribution.
To check, visit websites like:
- PublicDomain4U (for public domain music)
- Creative Commons Search (for CC-licensed music)
- Free Music Archive (FMA) (for royalty-free songs)
If a song isn’t listed in these databases, it’s likely copyrighted.
3. Use a Copyright Checker Tool
There are online tools designed to check music copyright status, such as:
- Shazam or SoundHound (to identify song details)
- Tunefind (for soundtrack listings)
- YouTube’s Content ID system (which detects copyrighted music in uploaded videos)
If your video gets flagged by Content ID, the song is copyrighted, and you may need to remove or replace it.
4. Check Performing Rights Organizations (PROs)
Music copyright information is often managed by Performing Rights Organizations (PROs). These organizations collect royalties for artists and track song ownership. You can search their databases for copyright details:
If a song appears in these databases, it is copyrighted, and you may need a license to use it legally.
5. Contact the Artist or Rights Holder
If you’re still unsure, the safest option is to contact the artist, producer, or record label directly. Many artists allow usage with proper licensing, and some even offer royalty-free versions of their music.
What If a Song Is Copyrighted? Can You Still Use It?
If a song is copyrighted, you have a few options:
✅ Get Permission or a License – Contact the rights holder and negotiate a license. Some platforms, like Epidemic Sound or AudioJungle, offer affordable licensing for content creators.
✅ Use Royalty-Free Music – Websites like Artlist, PremiumBeat, and Incompetech provide high-quality, royalty-free music for commercial use.
✅ Modify the Song (With Caution) – Editing or remixing a song does NOT automatically make it copyright-free. Some modifications may still violate copyright laws.
✅ Claim Fair Use (Rare Cases) – In some instances (e.g., educational, parody, or commentary use), you might qualify for fair use, but this is a legal gray area and isn’t a guaranteed defense against copyright claims.
Final Thoughts
Before using a song in your content, always check if it’s copyrighted. Ignoring copyright laws can result in strikes, legal trouble, or even financial penalties. Fortunately, with tools like YouTube’s Music Policies, PRO databases, and Creative Commons directories, verifying a song’s status is easier than ever.
When in doubt, opt for royalty-free music or get permission from the rights holder. Staying informed about copyright laws will help you create content safely and legally!
