Do you want to evaluate the world of podcasting? It is usually done by including various forms of audio media in the mix. However, knowing how to use copyrighted music in podcast is necessary. It can result in legal consequences in case of misuse.
As a beginner or even an old bird when it comes to podcasting, one will glean a lot of information that will guide them in making the right decision about music.
What Is Copyrighted Music?
Copyrighted music means professional tracks whose playing rights are regulated according to the legal norms, which do not allow copying, distributing, publicly performing, or broadcasting the music without permission from the owner. Protections of art pieces give artists, composers, lyricists, and musicians the ownership of such pieces and they are in a position to benefit from it.
Knowledge of these rights is important when it comes to how copyrighted music can be employed in a podcast.
Points To Remember For Using Copyrighted Music In Podcast
Here are the things to remember for using the copyrighted music in your podcasts :
i. Copyright Ownership
Usually, the person who created the work of music such as the composer, lyricist, or musician acquires the copyright. This grants them absolute control over utilizing their music.
ii. Legal Restrictions
Almost all songs that you listen to on the radio or watch on the TV are violations of copyright law. It is also unlawful to use them in your podcast without their permission and comes with legal repercussions.
iii. Public Broadcasts
Given that podcasts are meant to be aired to the public, it is unlawful to use the music protected by copyrights without seeking permission first. Unauthorized use can cause content downloaded or shared to be blocked or your account to be penalized on various social media platforms.
Some Preconditions Of Using Music In Podcast
Here are some important preconditions of using music in your podcasts :
i. Automated Detection Systems
YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are some of the popular platforms that employ computers to identify content with music. Whenever violations are identified the content can be taken down, the user gets stripped of the ability to play and the rights holder can place a monetization claim.
ii. Fair Use Misconceptions
Many people have little understanding of ‘fair use’ and how this could be applied. It is not an absolute defense that prevails for a majority of the time and depends on the circumstances surrounding the use.
iii. Legal Alternatives
Saying this it is safer to use music that is in the public domain or music tracks that their creators have allowed free usage or compose your music. Public domain music is music that has no copyright protections, while royalty-free music is music that one pays for once and can use indefinitely without recurring fees.
Guidelines For The Legal Use of Copyrighted Music in Podcast
Public Domain Music: Include music that is in the public domain due to lack of copyright protection or those that have been put up intentionally with such protection. This music can be used with little restrictions as far as permits and charges are concerned.
i. Royalty-Free Music
There are often fairly inexpensive options for licensing music that do not accrue royalties in the future. This music is classified by genre, mood, and usage, which makes it very easy to find music that can suit any podcast.
ii. Original Music Composition
Coordinating with composers for custom compositions enables full control over the music used in the podcast to avoid infringement on copyrights.
iii. Music Licensing
If you wish to use one particular song that is copyrighted, you need to get the sync license. This involves agreeing with the owner of the copyright and while this may be expensive, it grants a legal lawful use of the material.
Final Thoughts – Use Copyrighted Music in Podcast
This way, knowing and following the rules of copyright, one can improve the podcast with the help of music and will not face any problems. How to use copyrighted music in podcast is as crucial to know as to make a podcast lawful.
Podcasters can get into trouble if they include music that is under copyright without the appropriate license or permission. As mentioned above, copyrights are laws that exist in each country across the world but all aim at protecting the rights of music owners from being infringed on. To use copyright-free music for podcast isn’t feasible as it seems so!
FAQ’s – Use Copyrighted Music in Podcast
How can one prevent copyright for a podcast?
For instance, it is recommended to source rights-free or rights-pre-cleared libraries or other public resources possible to be used in podcasts. On the other hand, we can pay the fee directly to the owners of the third-party content who own the licenses. There is also the option to take your podcast in Music + Talk direction.
To whom does common law belong in a podcast?
The creator
The main principle is that copyright rests in the first owner and registration is not mandatory, provided that the work is original and being conveyed.
Is podcast copyright-free?
Copyrights apply to ‘original works of authorship that has been fixed in any tangible medium of expression. ’ This means that every single written piece, music, song, episode of a podcast, or anything that is in written form the moment it is recorded or written down is copyrighted.
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