Introduction

Monetizing YouTube videos can be a lucrative endeavor, but the inclusion of copyrighted music introduces a complex web of legal challenges. Understanding the potential copyright issues and how to avoid them is crucial for both creators and aspiring monetizers. This article explores the risks associated with using copyrighted music, the enforcement mechanisms such as YouTube's ContentID, and the methods to legally use music to monetize your videos.

Understanding Copyright Issues

The primary concern when using copyrighted music in YouTube videos is the potential for legal repercussions. While the infamous 'YouTube wrist slaps' (Content ID notifications) might seem minor, the reality is much starker. In the past, music platforms like Napster saw its users sued for file-sharing, often for substantial sums of money. Similarly, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has historically sued music file-swappers, with some cases resulting in settlements of thousands of dollars.

It’s highly unlikely that your video will stay on the platform, let alone be monetized, without facing serious consequences. If the video isn’t removed by the ContentID system, the copyright owner can still take action. They may claim the video and prevent it from being monetized, or they may choose to re-upload the track themselves and keep the earnings. Even if the video stays up, you won’t see any revenue unless the copyright owner specifically shares it with you.

In some cases, the copyright owner might choose to let the content slide but there’s no guarantee. Each situation is unique and therefore unpredictable.

Legal Approaches to Using Copyrighted Music

There are no shortcuts to legally using copyrighted music on YouTube without permission. However, there are alternatives that offer a balance between creativity and legal compliance.

Public Domain Music

Music in the public domain is the clearest path to legally using copyrighted music without complications. Composers who have waived their copyrights often release their music to the public domain. While such tracks are available on YouTube Studio, they can only be used on that platform. Many public domain tracks are of high quality and can be sourced easily. For example, YouTube Studio contains a selection of public domain tracks that are ideal for video content.

Royalty-Free Music Libraries

Another viable option is to use royalty-free music libraries. These platforms offer a diverse selection of music tracks and sound effects for a subscription fee, often at very reasonable rates. For instance, Storyblocks offers a comprehensive music and soundFX library for about $300 per year. After searching and finding a suitable track, you can import it into your YouTube video with minimal hassle.

New Platforms and Models

Recent developments in the music licensing industry have introduced innovative models, such as Lickd. This platform allows for the licensing of famous artists' music, such as Coldplay or Brian Eno, at a relatively low cost of $6 to $24 per track. However, there are specific usage requirements, such as creating music videos without other voice content. This platform integrates directly with YouTube through Google, ensuring verification of licensing.

Conclusion

Monetizing YouTube videos with copyrighted music is fraught with legal risks, but there are ways to navigate these challenges. Understanding the potential issues and taking the necessary steps to use legally cleared music can help ensure that your videos remain on the platform and generate revenue. Whether through public domain tracks, royalty-free libraries, or more innovative platforms, achieving your YouTube monetization goals is possible without the need to compromise on content quality.