Royalty-Free Music vs. Copyrighted Tracks: An Analysis

Making content has never been simpler. But using the wrong music? That'll get you in some serious trouble. The background music of your content counts. It can either give your content a massive push or get you in trouble.

If you are a content creator, you must be aware of the terms copyrighted music and royalty-free music. But how are they different? And how do they impact your creative processes?

Let's find out.

Cost Factors: One-Off vs Repeating Fees

Budget is a major factor in content creation. When you use royalty-free music, you will need to pay:

• A one-off license fee

• A royalty-free music subscription

• Or free download from licensed sources

Once you've paid, you can use the music within the terms of the licenseno additional fees, no surprises.

With copyrighted music, though, it can be much more expensive. You might pay:

• Licensing fees per project

• Royalties by views or distribution

• Fee for a specific platform

If you plan to add copyrighted music to your content, your expenses could pile up.

Licensing: Royalty-Free vs Copyrighted

This is one of the most important factors that differentiates copyrighted music from royalty-free.

With royalty-free music, you're usually paying once (or nothing), and you can use the track in your content freely under the terms offered.

You need not make multiple payments for future use of the tracks. This makes the process smooth and also affordable, especially for emerging creators and brands.

On the other hand, copyrighted tracks are owned and heavily managed. If you wish to use one in your work, you require express permission from the rights owner. This usually includes complicated licensing costs and negotiations.

Platform Risks: YouTube, Instagram, and Beyond

Every platform has a different approach to music rights.

For example, YouTube has a Content ID method that helps in detecting whether you have used licensed music. If you are caught using copyrighted music without the necessary permission, your video might be:

• Be silenced

• Be removed

• Be demonetized

• Or be put up with ads by the music owner

Facebook and Instagram have the same policies in terms of copyright music usage. Your content might get taken down due to unauthorized usage of copyrighted music.

So, how to avoid this? Simply go for royalty-free music for your social media content. You will stay clear of legal issues, strikes and takedown issues.

Creative Liberty: What You Can and Can't Do

Royalty-free does not equal "do whatever you want." But it does provide you with more freedom than most copyrighted songs.

With royalty-free music, you are typically permitted to:

• Use the music on several projects

• Edit or cut the song to match your video

• Insert it as background music without a problem

Be sure to read each license, but typically, you have wider usage rights.

With copyrighted songs, your use is often severely restricted:

• You may not be able to edit the song

• You may be limited to one-time use

• You may be restricted to specific platforms or audiences
  

Speed and Simplicity

Time matters when youre working on deadlines.

Royalty-free music downloads are fast. You visit a site, search, click download, and it's done. Several royalty-free music websites also allow you to sort by mood, genre, or length, thus saving you time.

With copyrighted music, it can be slow and frustrating:

• Finding the right contact

• Waiting for permission

• Bargaining on fees and limitations

As a content creator, that time lag may destroy momentum.

Distribution Rights

Dreaming of distributing your video for commercial use? Want to monetize your podcast?

With royalty-free music copyright, most platforms enable extensive commercial use. That is, you can distribute your content on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and so forthwithout needing to obtain individual licenses.

Playing copyrighted music in commercial material necessitates extra permission and perhaps more money. And if you forego the licensing? Your content may get taken down, or your channel sanctioned.

Which is Best for Creators

Are you a podcaster, influencer, or budding filmmaker? Then it is a good idea to rely on royalty-free music. You get high-quality music across various genres and versions suitable for content creation. It also offers affordability and peace of mind.

But if you really want to use popular chartbusters, make sure to obtain the necessary rights. Now, that could be both expensive and tricky.

Final Thoughts

Finding the most appropriate music is more than a creative call. It is also a legal decision. For most of the content creators, royalty-free music serves the purpose. It is safe, affordable, and quite convenient.

Looking for a platform that offers high-quality, royalty-free music? Legis Music is your one-stop destination. Browse through a vast collection of music across multiple genres. Choose the freemium or pro version as per your budget and requirements.