“Music licensing is a legal agreement that allows others to use copyrighted music in exchange for compensation to the creator. When a musician creates an original work and registers the copyright for that work, that song becomes their intellectual property. By law, that property cannot be used by anyone other than the copyright owner without written consent from the owner. As a way to earn income from their work, artists and copyright owners can issue licenses that allow others to legally use their work in their projects. These licenses include the usage and term rights, which determine how the song will be used.”

Types of Licenses

1. Synchronization License (Sync License)

A synchronization license is required when music is used in combination with visual media. This includes movies, TV shows, commercials, YouTube videos, and more.

  • Who needs it? Filmmakers, advertisers, YouTubers, and anyone pairing music with visuals.
  • How does it work? The user pays the copyright owner for the right to “sync” the music with their visual project.
  • Example: A YouTuber uses a song in their video intro.
  • Additional Detail: Foximusic’s platform is built on representing musicians and composers for sync licensing. Sync licensing is essential for commercials, studio films, streaming advertisements, personal films, and more.

2. Mechanical License

A mechanical license is needed for reproducing and distributing a song. This typically applies to physical copies (like CDs) and digital downloads.

  • Who needs it? Artists and record labels releasing cover songs or distributing music physically or digitally.
  • How does it work? A fee is paid to the copyright holder for each copy of the song that is reproduced.
  • Example: A band releases a cover of a popular song on Spotify.
  • Additional Detail: A mechanical license is also needed for recording a cover song, remixing, or altering the original work. You can obtain this license through agencies like the Harry Fox Agency or by contacting the artist directly.

3. Public Performance License

A public performance license is necessary when music is played publicly, whether in a live setting or via a recording.

  • Who needs it? Businesses like restaurants, bars, retail stores, and broadcasters (radio or TV).
  • How does it work? The venue or broadcaster obtains a license from a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) such as ASCAP, BMI, SOCAN, or SESAC.
  • Example: A coffee shop plays background music from a playlist.
  • Additional Detail: This license covers broadcasts, jukeboxes, concerts, and more. PROs manage these licenses and distribute royalties to artists on a per-use basis.

4. Master License

A master license gives the holder the right to use a specific recorded version of a song. It is often paired with a synchronization license.

  • Who needs it? Advertisers, filmmakers, and media producers using a specific recording.
  • How does it work? The user negotiates with the recording’s owner (often a record label) for usage rights.
  • Example: A commercial uses a specific studio recording of a hit song.
  • Additional Detail: Unlike a sync license, a master license doesn’t permit re-recording or editing the original recording.

A print rights license is required to reproduce sheet music or lyrics of a song.

  • Who needs it? Publishers, music educators, and anyone creating songbooks or lyric videos.
  • How does it work? The user pays the copyright holder for permission to reproduce and distribute the music in print form.
  • Example: A choir publishes a songbook for their annual performance.
  • Additional Detail: This license covers the reproduction of sheet music compilations or any printed form of a copyrighted work.

6. Streaming License

Streaming licenses cover the use of music on digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

  • Who needs it? Streaming platforms and creators uploading music for online audiences.
  • How does it work? The platform pays royalties to the copyright owners each time a song is streamed.
  • Example: An independent artist releases a song on a digital streaming service.

7. Theatrical License

A theatrical license is required when copyrighted music is performed on-stage in front of an audience.

  • Who needs it? Theater companies and performers.
  • How does it work? The license grants permission to use copyrighted music in live performances, such as musicals or plays.
  • Example: A local theater group performs a musical featuring popular songs.