How do I upload cover songs legally on YouTube?
Currently, nearly all the big record labels are part of YouTube’s “Content ID” system, which is an algorithm that recognizes when people either (a) use copyrighted material, or (b) make new versions of copyrighted material, like cover songs. When your cover song is recognized by the system, YouTube will automatically split the ad revenue between you and the copyright owner in most cases. People rarely get in serious trouble these days for cover songs … the most that has ever happened on my “SoulGook Music” channel is that they blocked the song from playing in a certain country, but I wasn’t punished for making it.If you want to be careful, check to see if there are other cover versions available. You can also check YouTube’s Music Policies page to see if they’ve already listed a copyright policy for the song you want to cover. Generally speaking, if other people have covers up or the policy is up on YouTube’s page, upload away! As I said, the worst that can happen in most cases is that YouTube blocks it from playing somewhere.Do NOT upload it to Facebook. They haven’t negotiated the same deals that YouTube has, so you will get copyright strikes if you upload covers on there that get recognized. I was banned from both my personal feed and official Facebook page for three days just because I uploaded 20–30 second teasers of my YouTube videos.If you REALLY want to cover your bases, you can create your song and then have it officially licensed through a company like CDBaby. For about $15, they’ll do all the licensing work for your song (on top of the ~$15 you already pay for any songs you distribute through them). This includes uploading it to recognition systems like Content ID as well as distributing it for sale through Google Play, iTunes, etc.That should cover it for the basics. I’ve been documenting my run-ins with YouTube copyright in a blog series, so check that out if you’re interested!
Can I legally monetize a nightcore song on YouTube?
No, you'll get a copyright warning almost instantly which will disable the monetization of the video. You are allowed to keep your video though, just that you won't take any money from the views.
How do I find out if a song remix on YouTube is copyrighted?
Actually, the moment you upload something to YouTube, it's processed for copyright.I'm not sure if a YouTube algorithm "finds" the copyright holder, or if the copyright holder's algorithm finds the upload. But the moment the upload is complete you'll get a notice.If I upload a ReMix, I don't monetize it. Usually the rights holder will monetize it though.You'll see LOTS of posts of popular songs, as well as covers, remixes, and mashups. Normally the account posting those isn't (shouldn't be) able to monetize them. BUT the rights holder can.That's why if you post a video of your family at the park with a Beyonce song as a backing track, YouTube doesn't remove it. They just notify B's publisher, and they make money every time grandma watches the video.So you can download the Gangnam Style video and repost it on your own channel. But the money earned through views will still go to Psy.The dark and seedy side of this is that when you upload a completely original work - YouTube immediately allows some other jackass to claim it. You then have to appeal to get your rights back.Literally EVERY original song I've ever posted was immediately claimed by someone else. YouTube has always given the rights back to me within a couple days. But I wonder how many videos are uploaded, attributed to the wrong group, and the YouTube money is basically stolen because the uploader didn't know they could fight the claim.Remixes are sometimes authorized by the rights holder, and they will have an agreement in place to split the proceeds. So if you see a remix by a well known producer, it's probably legit.But a lot of remixes are... ...less than authorized - but encouraged - because it can bring additional revenues to the publisher. That's why it's so easy to find acapellas to popular songs.Good luck, and have fun with it!UPDATE: I recently uploaded a remix, and of course included the original artist in the title of the upload. Immediately YouTube informed me there was a claim. When I checked the details, it was claimed by CDBaby on behalf of the artist. The system works!
Do I need permission to record a cover song?
If you perform a cover song, at a live venue, there is no problem whatsoever. The venue is required to have the right license for music to be performed and for the songwriter(s) to get compensated.If you record a cover song, you have just entered a legal quagmire. This cannot be done without a license from the copyright holder (usually the songwriter), or you are in copyright infringement. Now, that said, it is a pretty painless process to get a mechanical license in order to make this recording. Note that getting a mechanical license is actually a compulsory licensing system. If the rights holder has the song registered with BMI (or whoever), they cannot deny permission to specific people. You pay the fee, you get the license.If you want to add that cover song to a video of some kind, such as the typical music video, then you are now talking about a synchronization license, and those are only offered on a per-project, individually negotiated basis. For that, you are basically needing an entertainment lawyer to get you the needed license.The exception is when you are just recording a live performance on video, in which case you are back to a mechanical license.For how to get a mechanical license: Which is the best way to gain a music mechanical copyright license?
Is it copyright on youtube if i remake a beat?
no not at all