Using music on YouTube is essential for success. However, it’s not as simple as you might expect. Well selected songs can inspire different feelings and shape viewers’ perception of your video content and increase your view rates. Without music, your YouTube channel will struggle to engage an audience and will never reach its full potential. However, if you use the wrong music — and there are a lot of copyright rules — you risk getting your channel taken down. Read on to find out how to strike that perfect balance so both your viewers and Google are happy.
Why Is Using Music on YouTube So Important?
Music you use on YouTube videos adds an extra layer of meaning to your content. You can create an emotional reaction using sound — and actions are driven by emotions. As such, you can inspire and invoke engagement on a fundamental level just by using a soundtrack to punctuate your message. Viewers are more inclined to like, subscribe and share your content if they engage with it.
Additionally, there are so many content creators out there. Each of them is bursting with big ideas and ambition — so it’s crucial that you find smart ways to stand out. YouTube videos that don’t feature songs are unlikely to wow an audience. This is largely because your viewers are already used to the crucial role music plays in film, TV and other forms of broadcast media.
Can I Add Any Song to My YouTube Content?
One of the biggest mistakes a lot of YouTubers who are just starting out make is adding any track they like to their videos without securing the rights. This disregard for the creative effort of the artist is not only illegal, but talented musicians also deserve the opportunity for a sustainable career.
YouTube can’t include videos that infringe copyright because it’s illegal. The company is protected from liability as long as it makes reasonable efforts to stop copyright violations. So, if you add licensed music to a YouTube video without permission, you run the risk of getting your entire channel taken down.
Let’s take a look at some major dos and don’ts of using music for YouTube:
1. Music Copyright and Licensing Is a Minefield
You might have got the picture by now: Music licensing for YouTube is a pain in the proverbial. It’s one of the main ways creators get into trouble. If Content ID finds that the music in your video isn’t legit, your YouTube channel could be in big trouble. That means a loss of monetization or even having it taken-down.
The best way to avoid trouble is by working with a music licensing company that can take care of the legal ramifications for you.
2. Going Directly to An Artist Is Costly and Risky
Lots of new YouTubers think they’ll have the resources to ask artists for permission each time they use a song. While this plucky optimism is cute, it’s not realistic. You could write to an artist, negotiate payment and think you’ve got full permission, only for your channel to get canned.
This is mainly because you need two licenses to play a lot of music. The master license covers the physical rights to a recording, whereas the synchronization license covers intellectual property. In many cases, you’ll need to get both.
3. Popular Music Licenses Are Expensive!
If you’re going to attempt to gain access to a popular song for your YouTube video, you’ll need a huge budget. The music industry is one of the biggest in the world. There are entire companies that make a living finding those who infringe copyright alone. And there are other companies that make a living suing anyone who infringes copyright.
Just remember, you could find similar tracks for a fraction of the cost and invest those additional funds in growing your YouTube channel.
4. License-Free Music for YouTube Is a One-Way Ticket to Mediocrity
On the other side of the coin, you might have considered using license-free music for video content. This can be great for some specific niches, such as classical music, but generally, it’s a bad idea. Think about how many people are typing the same keywords into search engines to find tracks.
If you go down this route, your channel runs the risk of seeming unoriginal and uninspired. Unless you enjoy listening to the farther-flung reaches of the classical world, you’ll simply be regurgitating the same musical clichés.
5. Scout For Upcoming Talent
An excellent way of using music on YouTube is to scout for upcoming talent. If you’re smart about it and work with experts, you might end up working with the next big name.
A music licensing company such as Audiosocket is a great option, and they are passionate about working with upcoming talent. This lets you choose artists with the perfect sound for a fraction of the cost of established musicians.
6. Use Royalty-Free Music
Royalty-free music is a revelation for YouTube creators. With this type of license, you only have to pay once to use a track as many times as you need to. In terms of YouTube, this is often the best way to operate. It’s ideal as background music, beds for talking, and intros or outros and much more.
When you opt for royalty-free tracks, you’re guaranteed legal, high-quality and cost-effective music. Instead of trying to find your way through the wilderness alone, work with the industry professionals at Audiosocket.
Set Fire to YouTube Videos With Music
Now you’ve learned the basics of using music for YouTube, check out the range of music to license for your content at Audiosocket.
