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Thinking of uploading a recording of your music group to YouTube or another platform? It’s vital to understand your legal responsibilities when using copyrighted music online. While the internet makes it easy to share performances, the rules around music licensing still apply — and can catch you out if you’re not careful.
Legal risks of uploading copyrighted music
If you upload music without the correct licence, you risk your content being taken down, muted, or blocked — and in some cases, you could face legal action. Even short excerpts of copyrighted works require permission. Using music without the proper licence is a copyright infringement, regardless of whether you’re making money from it or not.
How copyright detection works on platforms like YouTube
Major platforms use automated systems to identify copyrighted music in uploaded videos. If music is recognised, the rights holder can choose to take various actions; for example, to restrict playback or monetise the video.
It's important to note that this kind of detection doesn't mean your use of the music is licensed or legally covered. You may still need the appropriate permission or licence to use the music in your video.
Understanding music licensing for online content
The licences you may need depend on how you're sharing your content and what it includes:
- Sharing on major platforms: Some platforms have licensing agreements that cover certain uses of music, but these don’t necessarily cover everything, especially when combining music with images.
- Sharing on your own website or smaller platforms: You may need to secure additional licences to cover the use of music online.
- Using music with visuals: When music is set to images or video (even of your own performance), this may require extra permissions, often referred to as synchronisation rights.
If you’re not sure what licence you need, or how to get one, our members-only guidance offers step-by-step help. Making Music members can access detailed advice, templates, and direct support. Log in or join now for full guidance on recording, licensing, and sharing your performances online.
We hope you find this Making Music resource useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about the guidance please contact us. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this guidance is accurate and up to date, Making Music do not warrant, nor accept any liability or responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the content, or for any loss which may arise from reliance on the information contained in it.
