How To Find If A Song Is Copyrighted – Complete Guide to Protect Your Content and Monetize Music

Music is no longer just a form of entertainment. It has become a powerful industry where millions of creators earn money through YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, and many other platforms. However, using copyrighted music without permission can quickly lead to demonetization, takedown notices, or even legal consequences. That is why knowing how to find if a song is copyrighted is absolutely essential for anyone working with music or creating online content.

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1. Why You Must Check Music for Copyright

Before using any audio track in your projects, it is critical to know whether it is protected by copyright. Here are the main reasons:

• Avoid legal risks: Songs are often owned by songwriters, music publishers, or record labels. Unauthorized use may result in lawsuits.

• Protect your channel: YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook can permanently suspend accounts that repeatedly violate copyright.

• Enable monetization: Only copyright-safe music allows you to generate revenue from ads and sponsorships.

• Maintain credibility: A brand that respects copyright builds long-term trust with audiences and partners.

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2. How To Find If a Song Is Copyrighted

There are several reliable methods to determine if a song is copyrighted:

a. Check on YouTube (Content ID System)

Upload your video in private mode. If YouTube detects copyrighted material, it will issue a “Copyright Claim” notification inside YouTube Studio. This is one of the quickest ways to check music status.

b. Use Online Tools

Websites such as Check Music Copyright allow you to upload an audio file and verify if it is copyrighted. Other recognition tools like AudD or Shazam can also help identify a song’s origin.

c. Search Music Copyright Databases

Different regions provide copyright databases where you can look up song details:

• United States: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC

• International: ISRC (International Standard Recording Code), ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code)

By searching the title, artist name, or code, you can determine whether a track is protected.

d. Analyze the Song Distribution

If the track is officially released on Spotify, Apple Music, or Deezer, it is almost certainly copyrighted. On the other hand, music available on royalty-free libraries like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or Pixabay Music is usually safe to use with proper licensing.

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3. How To Tell If a Song Is Copyrighted – Quick Checklist

• Is the song available on Spotify, iTunes, or Apple Music? Most likely copyrighted.

• Is it sold on platforms like BeatStars or Airbit? Definitely copyrighted.

• Is it labeled as “royalty-free” on stock music websites? It may be safe, but always review the license.

• Is it impossible to find any ownership information? Treat it with caution and investigate further.

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4. How To Check If a Song Is Copyrighted on YouTube

When uploading to YouTube, the platform automatically scans your video against its Content ID system. If copyrighted music is detected, you will receive a copyright claim.

Keep in mind: even if there is no immediate claim, the copyright owner can still manually file a complaint later. Therefore, relying solely on YouTube’s detection is not enough.

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5. How To Monetize Music Legally

Learning how to find if a song is copyrighted is the first step. To truly benefit, you need to know how to monetize music safely. Here are the most effective methods:

a. YouTube Monetization

• Create original compositions or purchase royalty-free tracks for background music.

• Join the YouTube Partner Program to earn from ads.

• Build channels around trending music genres such as Lo-Fi or relaxation playlists.

b. TikTok Monetization

• Upload your original tracks to TikTok’s music library.

• If your song becomes popular, you can generate income through TikTok Creator Fund, brand sponsorships, or cross-platform promotion.

c. Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music

• Use music distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby to release your songs globally.

• Earn royalties from streams every month.

d. Selling Beats and Instrumentals

• Platforms like BeatStars, Airbit, and Fiverr allow you to sell beats to artists and content creators.

• Offer non-exclusive licenses (multiple buyers) or exclusive rights (one buyer) for higher earnings.

e. Stock Music Licensing

• Produce instrumental tracks for advertising, film, and TV use.

• Sell your music on marketplaces such as AudioJungle, Pond5, and Motion Array.

f. Affiliate Marketing in Music

• Create blogs or YouTube videos reviewing musical instruments, headphones, VST plugins, or production software.

• Add affiliate links (Amazon, ClickBank, etc.) to earn commissions.

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6. Final Thoughts

If you want to grow as a content creator or musician, respecting copyright laws is non-negotiable. Always verify the copyright status of a track before using it in your projects. The safest approach is to:

• Use online tools like Check Music Copyright to quickly analyze audio files.

• Consider purchasing royalty-free licenses from trusted platforms.

• Create and register your own music if you want full ownership and long-term revenue potential.

By following these guidelines, you will not only protect yourself legally but also open the door to sustainable income opportunities in the music industry.