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How To Check If A Song Is Copyrighted On Youtube
How To Check If A Song Is Copyrighted On YouTube
YouTube is the largest video-sharing platform in the world, with billions of users and millions of hours of content uploaded every day. From music videos to vlogs, tutorials, and advertisements, one thing that almost all content has in common is background music. However, many creators face a common challenge: How to check if a song is copyrighted on YouTube?
Understanding copyright on YouTube is crucial. Copyrighted music is protected by law, and YouTube enforces strict copyright policies through its Content ID system. If you upload copyrighted music without permission, your video may be muted, demonetized, or even removed. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about checking if a song is copyrighted on YouTube, how to avoid strikes, and which tools—including CheckMusicCopyright.com—can help you.
What Is Copyright On YouTube?
Copyright is a legal protection granted to creators of original works, including music. On YouTube, copyright ensures that music artists, record labels, and publishers maintain control over how their music is used.
Rights Protected Under Copyright
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Reproduction – Copying the song.
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Distribution – Sharing the song.
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Public Performance – Playing the song in public (including in videos).
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Derivative Works – Remixing or creating new works from the song.
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Synchronization – Using the song with visuals (YouTube videos, ads, films).
If you use copyrighted music in your video without authorization, you are infringing on one or more of these rights.
Why You Must Check If A Song Is Copyrighted On YouTube
Using copyrighted songs on YouTube without permission can lead to serious consequences.
Consequences Of Using Copyrighted Music
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Content ID Claims – The copyright owner can claim your video, redirecting ad revenue to themselves.
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Video Blocked or Muted – Your video may be blocked worldwide or in specific countries.
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Copyright Strikes – Three strikes within 90 days can result in permanent channel termination.
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Loss of Monetization – You cannot make money from videos containing copyrighted tracks.
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Legal Action – In severe cases, lawsuits and fines may follow.
Benefits Of Using Copyright-Free Or Licensed Music
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Secure monetization.
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No fear of takedowns.
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Professional reputation.
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Full creative freedom.
How To Check If A Song Is Copyrighted On YouTube
Here are the most reliable ways to determine whether a song is copyrighted on YouTube.
1. Use YouTube’s Music Policies Page
YouTube provides a Music Policies section where you can search for a song and see how it is treated on the platform. This tool shows whether:
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The song can be used but monetized by the copyright owner.
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The video will be blocked in certain regions.
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The song is completely blocked.
2. Upload Your Video As Private/Unlisted
When you upload a video containing music, YouTube’s Content ID system scans it automatically. If the song is copyrighted, you will receive a claim before publishing publicly. This allows you to test safely.
3. Use Content ID Matches
Content ID is YouTube’s automated system that matches uploaded content with copyrighted works in its database. If your song is copyrighted, it will show up as a claim.
4. Check With Online Tools
Websites like CheckMusicCopyright.com let you upload or paste an audio sample to identify whether the track is copyrighted. This is useful if you want to check before uploading to YouTube.
5. Review Metadata And Ownership
Look at the song’s metadata (file properties, streaming info). If it lists publishers, labels, or collection societies (ASCAP, BMI), it is copyrighted.
Best Tools To Check Song Copyright On YouTube
| Tool | Function | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| CheckMusicCopyright.com | Upload audio to check copyright status | Simple, fast, YouTube-safe | Focused only on copyright check |
| YouTube Music Policies | Search songs by name | Directly from YouTube | Limited database |
| YouTube Content ID | Scans uploaded video | Free, automatic | Only after upload |
| AudD.io | API-based recognition | Detects across platforms | Technical setup needed |
| Shazam | Identifies songs | Great for finding titles | Does not check copyright status |
Common Misconceptions About YouTube Copyright
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“If I use less than 10 seconds, it’s fine.” → False. Even 1 second can trigger Content ID.
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“If I credit the artist, I can use the song.” → False. Permission is still required.
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“If I change the pitch or speed, it’s not copyrighted.” → False. Content ID can detect altered audio.
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“Royalty-free means copyright-free.” → False. Royalty-free still has license conditions.
Alternatives To Copyrighted Music For YouTube
If you want to avoid copyright problems, here are safe options:
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YouTube Audio Library – Free music provided by YouTube.
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Epidemic Sound – Subscription-based royalty-free music service.
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Artlist.io – License for unlimited music and sound effects.
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Pixabay Music – Free Creative Commons music.
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Free Music Archive – Variety of genres under Creative Commons licenses.
How To Legally Use Copyrighted Music On YouTube
If you really want to use a copyrighted song, there are legal ways:
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Get Permission – Contact the copyright holder directly.
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Buy A License – Many platforms sell sync licenses for YouTube usage.
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Join A Music Licensing Platform – Subscription-based services pre-clear music for creators.
Case Studies
Case 1: A YouTuber Lost Monetization
A gaming creator with 1M subscribers used trending songs in streams. Within weeks, their videos were demonetized, and revenue went to music labels.
Case 2: Business Sued For Using Music In Ads
A company used a popular track in their YouTube ads without a license. They faced takedowns and fines.
Case 3: Positive Example
An independent filmmaker checked all tracks with CheckMusicCopyright.com before uploading to YouTube. Their channel grew safely without copyright strikes.
FAQs
Q1: How do I check if a song is copyrighted on YouTube for free?
Use YouTube’s Music Policies page or upload privately to see if Content ID flags it. You can also use CheckMusicCopyright.com.
Q2: Can I use copyrighted songs if I give credit?
No. Giving credit does not grant usage rights.
Q3: How do I avoid copyright strikes on YouTube?
Use royalty-free music, public domain tracks, or licensed music only.
Q4: Is all music on YouTube copyrighted?
Yes, unless it is explicitly labeled as public domain or royalty-free.
Q5: Can I monetize videos with copyrighted songs?
Usually no—the revenue goes to the copyright owner. Only if you have a license can you keep monetization.
Conclusion
So, how to check if a song is copyrighted on YouTube? The safest approach is to assume all songs are copyrighted unless verified otherwise. YouTube provides tools like the Music Policies page and Content ID, but the most convenient way to check before uploading is to use an online service like CheckMusicCopyright.com.
By verifying music in advance, you protect your channel, revenue, and reputation. Don’t risk your hard work—check your music first.
👉 Before publishing your next video, visit CheckMusicCopyright.com to ensure your soundtrack is safe and copyright-compliant.
