01
Why does music need clearing twice?
Because a recording of a song involves the composition, owned by whoever wrote it, and the sound recording, owned by whoever recorded it. Licensing one does not license the other. A cover version clears the recording and still needs the composition, which is where most confident assumptions go wrong.
02
Two rights in every recorded song
Licensing one and not the other is where most confident assumptions go wrong, and it is why library music exists as a category at all.
| Right | Owned by | Cleared by |
|---|---|---|
| The composition | Writer or publisher | A composition licence |
| The sound recording | Label or recording artist | A recording licence |
| A cover version | Composition still applies | Composition licence only is not enough |
| A library track | Often one party holds both | A single licence |
| Buying the song | Neither | Nothing, it is a listening right |
03
Using platform music libraries
Most short-video platforms offer libraries of music licensed for use within the app. Using a track from the library inside that platform is usually covered, but the licence often applies only there. A clip exported with library music and posted elsewhere may not be covered.
Read the terms of each library, particularly for business or sponsored accounts, which sometimes have access to a narrower selection.
04
Royalty-free and stock music
Stock music services sell licences that cover both rights in a track. Check what the licence allows, such as commercial use, the number of platforms and whether it covers paid promotion. Keep the licence record together with the clips that use the music.
Free music libraries exist too, but terms vary widely. Some require credit, some forbid commercial use, and some change terms over time.
05
Music playing in your recording
Background music in a cafe, gym or event counts as use of the song, even if you did not add it. Detection systems often catch it. The simplest fix is to record without music playing, or to choose moments where it is not audible.
If music is essential to a scene, such as a performance, you will need permission from the rights holders.
06
When a claim appears
If a clip receives a music claim, check what the claim covers and what options the platform offers, such as muting the track, replacing it or disputing the claim. For clips where the music was licensed, keep the licence ready to submit.
For clips where the music was not licensed, replacing or removing the audio is usually the quickest resolution.
07
Getting reliable advice
Music rights differ between countries and depend on specific agreements. If music is central to your content, speak to someone qualified in music licensing where you are based.
Keep records of every licence you rely on.
Licences are cheaper than disputes.
08
Clear both, or use neither
- Assume nothing is cleared until both are. One licence is rarely the whole picture.
- Prefer music where one party holds both. It is what libraries are built to provide.
- Keep the licence you were issued. It is what resolves a claim quickly.
Clip a recording with clean audio and post it.
Questions people ask
- Are a few seconds allowed?
- There is no reliable duration below which use is automatically permitted. That belief is widespread and has no basis in most legal systems.
- Does buying the song help?
- Buying a copy gives you a listening right, not a right to publish it inside a video.
- Why do detection systems catch it so reliably?
- Recorded music is highly distinctive and matching it is largely automated, which is why it catches even quiet background use.
- Is the position the same everywhere?
- The frameworks differ and the two rights structure is close to universal.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. Music licensing is genuinely complicated and anything commercial deserves proper advice.