How to Legally Use Music on Instagram: Music Copyright

By: Ellen Bartolino

Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by Ellen Bartolino

Introduction to Music Copyright on Instagram

Music can be a great addition to an Instagram post, adding emotion and depth to the content you are sharing. However, it is important to make sure that you are not infringing on the copyright of the music you are using. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of music copyright and how to legally use music on Instagram.

Understanding Music Copyright and Fair Use

What is copyright?

Copyright is a legal concept that gives creators of original works exclusive rights to their creations. This includes the right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform their work. In the United States, copyright is granted to original works as soon as they are fixed in a tangible form, such as being written down or recorded.

What is fair use?

Fair use is a doctrine in the U.S. copyright law that allows for the use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder in certain circumstances. The purpose of fair use is to allow for the use of copyrighted material for the purposes of criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Whether or not a use of copyrighted material is considered fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the purpose of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used, and the effect on the potential market for the copyrighted work.

How to Legally Use Music on Instagram

There are a few ways to legally use music on Instagram:

  • Obtain permission from the copyright holder: One way to legally use music on Instagram is to obtain permission from the copyright holder. This can usually be done by contacting the copyright holder directly or through a licensing agency. It is important to make sure that you have written permission and to keep a record of this permission in case it is needed later.
  • Use music from a copyright-free source: Another way to legally use music on Instagram is to use music that is not protected by copyright. This can include music that is in the public domain (meaning the copyright has expired), music that has been licensed under a creative commons license (which allows for certain uses of the music without permission), or music that you have created yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you legally use copyrighted music on Instagram?

In order to use copyrighted music on Instagram, you should:

  1. Give credit to the music’s writer/composer when using their music.
  2. Ask creators for their permission before using their music.
  3. Remix the track to give it a different sound.
  4. Use royalty-free music instead.

Can I use 30 seconds of copyrighted music on Instagram?

Yes, you can use copyrighted music on Instagram as long as you have the right to use it. This means that you can‘t use music that someone else owns the copyright to without getting permission from the owner. So, to answer your question, yes, you can use 30 seconds of copyrighted music on Instagram, provided you have permission from the copyright owner.

Can I use copyrighted music if I give credit? True or False?

False. Giving credit to the copyright owner does not grant you the right to use their music without permission. The Content ID system used by YouTube and other platforms can detect unauthorized use of copyrighted music, regardless of whether or not credit is given.

Can I use 20 seconds of copyrighted music on Instagram?

You can use  20 seconds copyrighted music on Instagram, but only if you have obtained the right to use it. This means that you cannot use music that someone else owns the copyright to without first obtaining permission from the owner.

Will Instagram delete copyright music?

Instagram has the authority to delete copyright music. While you can use copyright music on Instagram Live video, streaming full-length recorded tracks may result in your stream being limited or even terminated. Instagram has the authority to remove audio or clips of audio from your content and can even block or delete your content if they detect a potential licensing violation or feel that the copyright infringement is substantial.

Do I have to say I don’t own the rights to this music?

Yes, the best is to say you don’t own the rights to that music. Simply acknowledging that you don’t own the rights to the music does not give you the right to use it. Using copyrighted music without permission is considered copyright infringement, and the copyright owner can take legal action against you.

Can Instagram take down copyrighted music?

Yes, Instagram has the authority to take down audio or clips of audio from your content and can even block or delete your content if they detect a potential licensing violation or feel that the copyright infringement is substantial. It is important to obtain permission from the copyright owner before using their music on Instagram.

Conclusion: The Importance of Music Copyright on Instagram

In conclusion, using music in your Instagram posts can enhance your content and engage your audience, but it is crucial to understand and respect music copyright laws. Copyright gives creators exclusive rights to their works, and fair use provides some exceptions to use copyrighted material without permission. To use music legally on Instagram, you can obtain permission from the copyright holder or use copyright-free music sources. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of music in your posts while avoiding copyright infringement issues.

Author Bio

Ellen Bartolino

With a wealth of experience as an author and communication specialist, Ellen has honed her skills in the realm of Instagram. Her in-depth understanding of the platform allows her to create engaging and effective content that resonates with both businesses and individuals.

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