Can I record a cover song and sell it?

If you want to record and release your own cover version of someone else’s song, then you’ll need a “mechanical license” for your cover song. A mechanical license is the right to make copies of the song’s musical structure such as the lyrics and notes, which is called the musical composition.

Can I do covers on YouTube?

When someone records and releases a song, you are free to do your own cover version of that song by obtaining a mechanical or “compulsory” license. Therefore, you need a synch license as well as a mechanical license to legally publish a cover song on YouTube (unless the song has fallen into public domain).

How can I record a cover version of a song?

Once a musical work has been published, anyone can record a cover version of the song by obtaining a mechanical license. A song is published when copies or recordings are distributed to the public for sale or rent.

How to make song covers for YouTube legally?

To make song covers for YouTube legally, you need a mechanical license in addition to a synchronization license. Getting a synchronization license and a mechanical license is the only legal way to release cover songs. But, this is only for YouTube. There is no way to legally release a cover music video on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter.

What happens if you post a cover song on YouTube?

And whether the video is a live band performance or a toddler singing from her high chair, most of those cover songs are posted without permission from the song’s copyright holder—meaning they’re infringing someone’s copyright. If the copyright owner complains, YouTube may remove your video.

What licenses do you need to make a YouTube cover?

The mechanical license only covers the audio portion of your YouTube cover. To post video along with the song, you’ll need a synchronization license, also called a “sync” license. You must negotiate a sync license with the copyright holder.