You're unfortunately wrong if you think uploading content on a platform like Youtube or Facebook with copyrighted music will work with this phrase.
If you think it will possibly stop someone from filing a claim against you because you at least tried, I'm sorry to tell you that is not how it works.
If you think it stops search engine bots from automatically deleting your content, it's a lie. Some people think they are getting at least a little chance at protection with this phrase, but it does nothing.
If anything, it does more harm than good since you are technically admitting to being guilty of violating copyright laws.
You probably think this is bad info if you've seen a video posted that has thousands of comments and millions of views, with some version of the phrase "I do not own this content" in the description.
Many videos are up with this type of statement and are doing just fine, but it's not because they added the disclaimer. The disclaimer still isn't doing a thing, and it's just making it seem to other viewers like it may still be a valid method.
What's happening with videos like these is that the content creator is either aware of the use and has chosen not to take action, or the content owner is not aware, and this breach of copyright is happening behind their back in a sense.
In bad cases, a hard-working copyright owner is losing out on publicity and royalties because a person uploaded their music without permission.
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When people upload content with a disclaimer without having the right to use the music, they are committing an act of copyright infringement. It sounds intense, I know, but that's because it has become a serious problem in the music world.
An infringement of copyright means that someone has reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative of music without the permission of the work's copyright owner.
On the light side of things, a copyright infringer of this type can have that content immediately deleted, with a warning or no repercussions. In more intense instances, they can have their social media accounts banned and lose their own work and audience.
In more serious cases, the copyright owner can seek damages for the infringement and take legal action against you, which could be in the form of a hefty fine or up to five years of prison.
Cases like this are extreme, of course, but why even risk it?
I don't want to leave you hanging with no other methods of uploading your content, so here are a few suggestions if you still want to use other people's music for your projects!
First, you can contact the copyright owner to get permission; that's one of the best ways to avoid infringement. Reach out to small-time artists on sites like Soundcloud who don't mind getting their songs used for projects so they can get promotion.
In cases where the song is very popular, and that isn't possible, you may want to choose a very similar song that is in a royalty-free music library like The Free Music Archive.
If you create content regularly and would be interested in a stock music platform that charges a monthly fee for access to thousands of high-quality tracks, you could try a service like Pond5.
They have all types of sounds and genres that will fit almost any content style without worrying about copyright problems.
Although content restrictions can get pretty annoying with copyright infringement laws, social media sites like TikTok and Youtube are making it easier to bypass content blocks.
TikTok has partnered with many major labels to allow their creators to upload lip-syncing content to their favorite tunes without drama.
Youtube allows many of its creators to upload cover songs, for example, with the help of 3rd party distributor Distrokid to obtain the license required on your behalf for a small fee.
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As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
