Instagram has emerged as a platform with numerous uses, starting from being a platform for sharing snapshots of your life to advertising a brand or product by notable people or businesses. The app growth from mere pictures has risen up to Instagram reels that emulate the experience of life.
As a form of self expression or in formulating an identity, music too has evolved. Yet it does raise questions on how one can use audio, particularly copyrighted music in a post, and what consequences to expect, if any.
But why expect anything other than engagement? Would you, as a user, be reported if you used any tune in your post? Or is it illegal on an app that has become a household name and necessity in a majority of mobiles? Does it matter?
Read on to find answers how it is possible for music to be illegal on Instagram, how as a creator, you can still find a way.
Using Music on Instagram
By itself, you can totally share music in timeline posts, Instagram stories or reels etc. What matters is what that music being used is, and who is using it and for what cause.
Music as an art created by someone renowned or indie is still a curation that the producer can hope to generate income from when another person seeks to use it commercially. To ensure that a track is not plagiarised or stolen to be claimed as one’s own, or be used without permission, the audio is copyrighted with specific licenses. This is copyright music, one that users need to purchase the licenses for from the owner to fully be able to use it.
Now, if you’re just a casual user sharing a clip of your favourite media with your friends, or overlaying a tune, copyrighted music or not, to a favourite memory— it’s not a big deal, though being careful doesn’t harm.
But a business account or a notable figure who uses a copyrighted track in order to amplify their message or add texture to an advertisement, becomes commercial. Due to the financial benefit to the owner, the singer/producer will seek to make profit too from contributing to the profit making process to the brand.
But all of this possible through usage terms are agreed between the client and curator, one that is confidential to the rest of the world. Some brands also resort to stock music, music in public domain, royalty free music etc. to reduce these costs too, all conditions which are discussed with regard to the platform and use.
There are terms to abide by as a casual user or a business or a brand account, and Instagram clarified it through a post dated May 20, 2020 if copyright music is posted to Instagram through Instagram reels, or just as music used for Instagram videos.
Copyright Issues on Instagram
It’s clear from the nature of the music, the intent and person of use all greatly matter when discussing how it may or may not be illegal to use copyright music for Instagram videos and reels. The following summary of terms make up the copyright policy for copyright music on the app:
- Music recorded from live performances is permitted to be posted on Instagram reels, IGTV, timeline posts etc.
- If posting a video post on the account, unless there is a visual element that is combined with only a very short clip from the whole song, the post will be terminated and flagged for copyright infringement.
No matter what user you are, these rules continue to apply, though strictly more so if you’re a creator with a significant number of followers with a money making motive. Failure in adherence with these terms of using copyright music can result in a poor image online, and your account may be blocked or banned for non-compliance of policy terms.
So, what is the way around this?
How Beatoven Helps To Get Away With Copyright Issues
One of the easiest ways to get away with issues pertaining to copyright music is to simply comply with the rules of Instagram. But there still are alternatives available that incur way less cost of obtaining licenses and maintaining the tracks. And plenty of those are available on Beatoven.
One easy way out of using copyright music for Instagram videos is to tweak it in a manner that the original is retained, but is very distinguishable. This applies mostly for popular songs that are mixed into mashups, are lowered or leveled up, slowed down or quickened to have some resemblance to the original but not entirely to be seen as being copied off. And this a way out for users with not so significant follower base.
The other best way is to have the AI of Beatoven make a track for you, something original, or have any royalty free music remixed by the software made by musical technologists and practised musicians. “Intersecting music with AI,” as the work of Beatoven is best described, can build new songs with an AI. All you need to do is upload your video or podcast to the site, mark your edits and make music with the insane customization options available.
Pay For Royalty Free Tracks
Is royalty free music copyright free? Not necessarily; royalty free music is copyright music, but as the end user, you do not have to pay royalty for using the track each time like most larger business organizations do to use a popular sound track in every advertisement.
All you need to pay for is the royalty free license, that makes the audio a one-time-payment and all-time-use for you. The copyright fees are handled by the provider so that you don’t have to worry about future payments from your end.
Royalty free music is great music for Instagram videos and reels for the reason that copyright is being taken care of, and as the end user, you don’t have to worry about infringement. Such music is considered as original audio by Instagram.
Looking for great music for your Instagram reels and videos? Ride the waves of Beatoven and make a track that is perfect for your product or service!
