Releasing music is more than just hitting “UPLOAD” on your favorite distribution platform. If you want to protect your work, avoid legal issues, and maximize your earnings, understanding music licenses is a must. Whether you are an independent artist, producer, or songwriter, these licenses determine how your music is used, who gets paid, and how you can monetize your craft.
Here is a complete breakdown of the music licenses you need to know before releasing your music.
1. Copyright - The Foundation of Music Licensing
Before diving into specific licenses, you need to understand copyright. The moment you create and record a song, you automatically own the copyright to it. However, registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you legal proof of ownership and the ability to sue for damages if someone uses your work without permission.
Music Copyright is Split into Two Parts:
1. Composition Copyright - Covers the melody, lyrics, and musical structure (owned by songwriters and publishers).
2. Sound Recording Copyright (Master Rights) - Covers the recorded version of the song (owned by the recording artist or label).
Once your song is copyrighted, you can license it for different uses and revenue streams.
2. Mechanical License - For Reproducing and Selling Music
A mechanical license allows someone to reproduce and distribute a song, whether physically (CDs, vinyl) or digitally (streaming, downloads).
Who Needs It?
Artists covering someone else’s song.
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music (who pay mechanical royalties).
Distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) ensure these royalties are paid.
How to Get It?
Services like Harry Fox Agency (HFA), The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), or Easy Song Licensing handle mechanical licenses.
3. Performance License - For Public Performances and Radio Play
Whenever a song is played in public (radio, live shows, clubs, bars, TV, or streaming services), a performance license ensures the songwriter and publisher get paid.
Who Needs It?
Radio stations, venues, and streaming services need a performance license.
Artists and songwriters need to register with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) to collect royalties.
Where to Get It?
PROs in the U.S.: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC
Global PROs: PRS (UK), SOCAN (Canada), APRA AMCOS (Australia)
4. Synchronization (Sync) License - For TV, Film, Ads, and Video Games
A sync license gives permission to use a song in visual media like:
Movies
TV shows
Commercials
YouTube videos
Video games
Who Needs It?
Filmmakers, advertisers, and video game companies must get a sync license from the song’s copyright owner (usually the publisher).
Artists can get sync placements through music libraries like MusicBed, Songtradr, and Artlist.
Sync deals can be highly profitable, sometimes paying artists thousands per placement.
5. Master Use License - For Using Pre-Recorded Songs
While the sync license covers the composition, a master use license gives permission to use a specific recording of that composition.
Who Owns It?
If you are an independent artist, you own your masters unless you signed them away.
If signed to a label, they likely own the master rights.
Example: A movie producer wants to use Beyonce’s “Halo”.
They need a sync license from the publisher.
They also need a master use license from Beyonce’s label.
If an artist owns their masters, they control their licensing deals and keep more money.
6. Sampling License - For Using Someone Else’s Music
If you sample another artist’s song in your music, you must clear it with two parties:
1. Master rights owner (record label).
2. Publishing rights owner (songwriter or publisher).
How to Get It?
Contact the copyright holders for permission.
Use platforms like Tracklib, which offer pre-cleared samples.
If you do not clear a sample, your song could be removed from streaming platforms, demonetized, or result in a lawsuit.
7. Print Rights License - For Selling Sheet Music and Lyrics
If you want to sell or distribute sheet music or lyrics, you need a print rights license.
Who Needs It?
Music publishers and artists selling official sheet music.
Websites that publish song lyrics must have this license.
Artists who write original music can monetize their compositions through sheet music sales.
8. Theatrical License - For Live Stage Performances
If a song is used in musicals, plays, or live theater productions, the producer needs a theatrical license.
Example: A Broadway musical featuring a song by Prince would need to license his composition for each performance.
This license ensures songwriters get paid when their music is used in live performances.
9. YouTube Content ID - For Monetizing Music on YouTube
YouTube’s Content ID system allows artists to claim ownership of their music and earn money when it is used in videos.
How to Get It?
Distributors like DistroKid and CD Baby offer Content ID services.
YouTube scans for unauthorized use and automatically monetizes matching videos.
If someone uploads your music without permission, Content ID can claim ad revenue on your behalf.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Rights and Monetize Your Music
If you are serious about making a career in music, knowing these licenses can help you avoid legal trouble and unlock multiple income streams.
Your Action Plan:
Register your music with the U.S. Copyright Office to protect ownership.
Join a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) to collect performance royalties.
Use a distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) to handle mechanical licensing.
Consider sync licensing for film, TV, and ad placements.
Clear any samples you use before releasing music.
By understanding and leveraging these licenses, you can turn your music into a long-term revenue stream.
What has been your experience with music licensing? Have you run into issues, or do you have questions? Drop a comment and let’s talk!
