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YouTube Background Music Rules?

by onlineseomarketing
8 replies
Hi, I recently created a promotional video for one of my customers and they didn't like the (free licensed) background music I used with it and have asked if I can use the song We are the champions by Queen. I'm just wondering what the rules are for redistributing this song on Youtube because I don't want to use this song if the video is going to be restricted in certain countries or removed because of licences because I want it to get as many views as possible.

I had a quick read at YouTube's terms but didn't find my answer.

Any suggestions? :confused:
#background #background music #music #rules #youtube
  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    It's probably not the best idea and could get your customer's Youtube account banned.

    Have your customer go to JewelBeat 99¢ Royalty free background music for video, film, website, games. Instrumental production music clips. and pick out a sound track they like. Jewel Beat is only 99 cents per track and it's better to be safe than sorry.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ben@MWY
    the best place to look is the prs and mcps. a lot of artists or labels don't like their music being being used to promote or market products they don't know about, the PRS do have a good page you can check out on their website with regards to online advertising and youtube
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  • Profile picture of the author onlineseomarketing
    Thanks for the feedback. Really helped!
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    Ben Laing

    Online Marketing Consultant
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    • Profile picture of the author keyon
      I put up a family vacation video recently, with one of my favorite tunes in the background. I didn't get banned, but interestingly enough, YouTube was able to recognize the piece and include a text link over to someplace where you can learn more about the artist and where to buy the music. I thought that was a clever and productive way to handle my little copyright infringement. It's a win-win for everyone.
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      • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
        Originally Posted by keyon View Post

        I put up a family vacation video recently, with one of my favorite tunes in the background. I didn't get banned, but interestingly enough, YouTube was able to recognize the piece and include a text link over to someplace where you can learn more about the artist and where to buy the music. I thought that was a clever and productive way to handle my little copyright infringement. It's a win-win for everyone.
        Yes but I wouldn't be surprised if there were different rules in YouTube for people creating a completely non promotional family vacation video and a marketer or business using someone elses music to further their gain and not the producer of the music.
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        Wibble, bark, my old man's a mushroom etc...

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        • Profile picture of the author troy23
          It is better to use royalty free music in your productions.
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          • Profile picture of the author Susan A
            Don't rush and follow the rule accordingly, you can find many low-cost instrumental music that works as good as other. Try stockmusicsite, it is been very helpful for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author DevMarkovich
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Marty S
      I would not recommend this, especially for your client - but the truth is you CAN in fact use popular music in your videos.

      You do not have any rights to the copyright music, but as a result of one the biggest online "affiliate" deals ever made (and rarely talked about), Youtube has been marketing iTunes music for a couple of years now.

      If you can find a song on iTunes, you can use it in your videos. During the video however, Youtube will place an advertisement over the video giving viewers a link to the iTunes song for direct purchase and download. In effect, you are the advertising venue for this affiliate agreement and get nothing for it - as you should not.

      This agreement (as with many other media arrangements) was a result of Youtubers constantly ripping popular music anyway, without giving credit or getting permission. It was very hard for Youtube to control, even if they wanted to. So if you can find a song on iTunes, you can use it in your video.

      The drawbacks -

      1-) Such a licence agreement can change anytime and your video can potentially be removed or swiped of audio all together.

      2-) Viewers will see advertisements for music, unrelated to your marketing message in the video and simply click away.

      3-) Some countries, (Germany for example) do not have agreements with certain record producers and Youtube will not play your video in those jurisdictions. It will show as a black screen saying "not available in your area".

      4-) There is rarely any long term value in using popular music anyway. It is difficult to match your brand with something that was produced for another purpose. Use your own theme or music for professional branding.

      5-) Although Youtube has such an agreement, other video hosts do not and you will be limited to Youtube only in terms of hosting. You also cannot have that video self-hosted as it is clearly a DMCA violation, subject to warnings, removal and simply bad karma.

      Try a paid service for your music such as PremiumBeat.com or see if you can find something free at Freesound.org.
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