How To Copyright a Song - With the Library of Congress

[@HaleyGraves]

Hey guys! I made a part two that goes over some updates TLOC made to their requirements as well as answers some more questions you guys had for me below! ♥️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKCyfapvec1qo7c

[@cocoromey]

Can you make a video on how you do such a butt kicking great job on making your music videos!!?? ❤️❤️❤️🙌🏾

[@HaleyGraves]

@@cocoromeydawwww stop it you flatter me 🙈🙈❤️ I totally wanna do some videos on making your MVs though I’d love to see some more original music videos and songs up on KZbin!

[@HaleyGraves]

@BeatHealsoh wow not sure! I think you could give it the old quick google haha otherwise there’s also sites that You can ask a lawyer for free and then they write you back

[@freddylive4181]

I just submitted 3 songs at once .. but my cart only has 1 song listed .. I'm confused .. hopefully it works out.

[@IbrahimOsmani-js5hz]

​@@HaleyGraveshar

[@wendykatlen4205]

I followed your video to copyright 10 songs. I was sent an email from the copywriting office. They only registered one song in the group. The right tab to copyright 10 works is "Group of Unpublished Work" Make sure you are going to the correct tab or you will lose time and money. This video works for one song.

[@yellowredblue]

Check this out copyright.gov/circs/circ34.pdf It basically describes what you need to do to get them to consider copyrighting all the songs in your "published group of works". It is at their discretion. A full published album would probably be approved. Check out that document for info on copyrighting group published works. However as I said, doing group unpublished is highly recommended if your stuff isn't already published.

[@Swissco9665]

people like you actually RULE the world. step by step truth by truth, thanks for helping the people and so accurately, keep up the good work

[@HaleyGraves]

Thank you so much for the kind comment! ☺️🙏🙏

[@meridethhildreth8659]

Thanks Haley. You made this process seem so simple in a fun way

[@mendyboio3917]

Great job, Haley! My son just wrote his first song, and I'm encouraging him to copyright it. Your video will help him to do that, Mahalo!

[@HaleyGraves]

That’s awesome! I’m so glad to hear he’s pursuing his art I hope he never gives up and has fun with it! ☺️❤️

[@waf641]

Thanks for the detail - going through the process!

[@HaleyGraves]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@elijahmbanks]

Your instructions on how to copyright is the best on KZbin

[@HaleyGraves]

🥺🥺 thank you ♥️

[@HaleyGraves]

Im posting a part 2 this week!

[@NothingbutEJ]

Thank you Haley sooo much. You helped me a lot with this one. Thanks for also showing the PDF document of how to do the uploading the file process 😃👍

[@HaleyGraves]

Evon JR Brockett yeah no problem! 😊 happy I could help 👍✨

[@robertbaker5799]

I useded your KZbin on copyright. I followed it step by step. Great job!

[@HaleyGraves]

Yay! Happy I could help 😁

[@sorry11303]

Those are beautiful beautiful vocals 🎙️🎶🎶🎶🎶👂😊

[@geebuttersnaps4247]

Thanks bud! Very helpful. Just moved to FL, been sitting on a good amount of instrumentals since I left Alaska. This vid is helping me share them! 🙏

[@HaleyGraves]

That’s so awesome! What a difference in climates also lol! Hope you’re liking Fl so far 😊

[@imrlaps7097]

That's a lot easier than i thought it was gonna be. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@HaleyGraves]

No prob! I actually have to make an updated video cause this ones pretty old and they’ve made some changes with prices etc! If you’re the songwriter and producer you should still be able to use these steps! However if you’re only the songwriter, they let me know that you should register it as a work of performing art registered as musical compositions! ❤️ for me I never noticed a difference cause I usually write and record myself! 😊

[@freddylive4181]

this video has definitely become a great reference for me when I copyright my music .. Thank You Haley.

[@tonydonato8523]

Great presentation all the way around!

[@PangeansNYC]

Thanks! Quick, easy, simple.

[@jimmyevans9626]

Thank you Haley this was very helpful

[@KeepRecordsTV]

This is a very solid step-by-step. We've seen many others that go into unnecessary details and waste a bunch of time. Straight to the point and easy to follow. Thanks for keeping it relevant!

[@HaleyGraves]

Aw thanks! I’m glad it was easier to follow than most! Appreciate you watching the vid 🙏

[@luisblandon3348]

@@HaleyGraves y.v Kh

[@luisblandon3348]

@@HaleyGraves vn

[@luisblandon3348]

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[@luisblandon3348]

@@HaleyGraves c.m NY.. b m

[@richardwedlich1021]

Thank you Haley. You made this very clear and I appreciate it.

[@DARASamsakava]

Thank you for sharing this video!! Its very helpful for me!1

[@sector5masmusica143]

That helps a lot .. i hope u can make one explaining the difference between copyrighting 1 song and copywriting a few songs ..thanks for your info God Bless You.

[@HaleyGraves]

sector 5 mas musica you’re welcome! I’m happy it helps ☺️ I look into make a another more specific video on that! Thanks for the suggestion 🙏

[@brahmburgers]

The official app forms at the L of C's online copyright site aren't pulling up. Specifically GRAM.

[@BravoakaMrAlabama]

I truly appreciate you for this video. Thank u so much for going right into it...

[@HaleyGraves]

No problem! Thanks for commenting and checking it out 🙏😊

[@adamdelarozza1985]

You have a great voice & charismatic as well! Thank you for the excellent information and i will put it to excellent work. 👍😎

[@HaleyGraves]

aww thank you! thanks for watching!

[@AmandaAmanMusic]

Nice video! well done and helpful... I already did it right. ty

[@cnlicnli]

6:50 - When filling out the “Rights & Permission Information (Optional)” section, you should *NOT* include your phone number, as it will be published in the US Copyright Office’s on-line Public Catalog. Including your website URL is the best plan. Including your email address is OK, but it’ll be listed in the Public Catalog that can be harvested by spammers. On the other hand, it's fine to include your phone number in the Copyright Office's "Correspondent" section, as that will be kept private.

[@HaleyGraves]

cnlicnli cool! Thanks for the extra info 👍✨

[@mikehannahs]

I have a few songs that I know can go big, I’ve already had a big name record label after me which is weird because I don’t think I’m that good but I write really good songs that tells stories, I’m torn on even wanting to do something with it because I’m happy just playing my guitars and singing at home, I’m not interested in really doing the whole fame thing, the life of fame doesn’t seem fun to me, I appreciate you sharing this information, i can do this and share my new songs that have never been heard by anyone other than family and not have to worry about it anymore 😎

[@russellmotter493]

Thank you for the video! So at what point in the registration process do you actually upload your recording & lyrics? Or, does that actually happen?

[@terry4265]

Thank You , Thank You, Thank You. I have researched my butt off trying to figure out how to copy right my brother songs he's written and couldn't get it figured out till I watched your video. Now I got it. So again Thank You. Subscribed & Liked PS : Now do you have a video on how to make videos like your doing ???????? Thanks Terry :)

[@HaleyGraves]

Hey Terry! No problem I'm happy I could help, that's so awesome! I'd love to make a video on filming videos haha, what do you want exactly though like talking videos or music videos & covers?

[@terry4265]

@@HaleyGraves My Brother writes & sings music and I'm helping him. I think your video was the best of anybody I tried to find and I think it would be great for you to make videos of any kind the way you make it so simple. Thanks Again and today is my Birthday. Ha :)

[@HaleyGraves]

Aw!! Happy belated! Sorry it’s been awhile lol hope you had a good birthday and thanks for the encouragement 🥰😊 I’ll be posting more advice videos on whatever I can help with!

[@copernicus99]

Thanks for this super helpful video! What are your thoughts on BMI?

[@myaarmoneir]

websites formatted like this stress me out for no reason thanks so much for your help :)

[@effulgENTPossibilities]

Thanks Haley! That was fun and easy thanks to you.

[@HaleyGraves]

Aw that’s awesome! ☺️🙌🙌

[@mennyamram]

Hayley I have a question. I wrote a song using a beat I bought the Unlimited rights to. I did not create the beat, and at the same time, I bought the Unlimited beat to the beat and have a signed contract stating so from the producer of the beat. My question is should I only copyright the my lyrics and my melody, or can I do the sound recording and the lyrics and music altogether, and if so, do I have to include the name of the producer of the beat? and where and how?

[@ebonym.8196]

Thank you so much @Haley Graves for this video! I just submitted for a song lyric copyright!

[@HaleyGraves]

Yay!! I’m so excited for you I hope you have fun! ❤❤🎉

[@kenw3386]

well done and very helpful

[@lbarney4105]

Very informative and concise.

[@HaleyGraves]

🙏🙏😊

[@marek-maria-lipski]

Very good contribution but are other alternatives .... including coding in musical works (in Wav)+. Of course the sheet music must be present.Read All Prices at US Copyright Office's on-line Public Catalog.Calculate over 100 songs.All the best.

[@upstairstudio371]

This was super helpful. Thank you!

[@HaleyGraves]

You're so welcome! 😊

[@rhoadnaroahs]

Of course the official video on YT from the copyright office doesn't tell you how to find the online form to fill out and all comments have been disabled, so, thank you for this video!

[@sirwhistler]

Thank you you answered my question

[@xopacetic000]

Awesome... thanks for this. 😍

[@russman1958]

Thx for video! Silly question. How do I upload the sound recording to the application. My producer emailed it to me but I don’t know how to get it from email to the registration application. Thank you for you help !

[@Bakeemdel]

Thank you so much you're a big help I just copyrighted my song following your video.

[@HaleyGraves]

Bakeemdel that’s awesome! Let me know when it’s out to listen to. Would love to check it out 😁👍

[@Bakeemdel]

@@HaleyGraves for sure I will 😎

[@Bakeemdel]

@@HaleyGraves excuse for the late response here's my song. I hope you like it have a great day 😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nam7fJVvgZegp68

[@spadarkyman]

Thank you Haley for making it fun it copyright my songs.

[@HaleyGraves]

Aw yay! Haha glad I could help!

[@nii9334]

Great video, my question is, If you already copyrighted your lyrics prior to making your sound, do you still add your lyrics or do you only have to upload your sound?

[@lcthegreat1301]

🔥💯This Video is very useful if your an upcoming musician 😀

[@HaleyGraves]

Thanks! I’ve got to make some major updates just cause this video is so old, I’m thinking of doing another updated walkthrough with all the new pricing and info I have ☺️

[@cocoromey]

@@HaleyGraves yes please!! And one with how you make your music videos so good! 😩😊😊😊❤️

[@HaleyGraves]

@@cocoromey oh my gosh thank you 🙈🙈❤️ I’ll for sure make a video on each of the ways I’ve done the MVs! ❤️

[@cocoromey]

@@HaleyGraves thank you, thank you 😊 ❤️🤟🏾 your truly an inspiration and I’m happy to connect with you! May you have blessings on blessings! 💪🏾❤️😊

[@cnlicnli]

Interesting Fact: When you create music, art, photographs, and other creative works, Congress grants you and others an immediate and automatic copyright. US copyright law has foundation in the US Constitution: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8. The next step is to *“REGISTER”* (rather than “copyright”) your automatic copyright claims with the US Copyright Office (USCO) to help prove your creation and corresponding copyright ownership claim and to have legal standing (the right to pursue copyright infringers in federal court). The USCO, among its many statutory and regulatory duties, is an office of recordation and registration. The USCO does NOT grant copyrights per se, but rather, it issues “Certificates of Registration” to authors, musicians/songwriters, and other creatives. It’s a federal judge who will determine the copyrightability of a creative work and not the USCO.

[@dajuanmack1198]

Thank you for this information!!

[@Jesse3736]

How "professional" does the song have to be in the recording, or is the MP3 format what is the most critical? I write songs, but definately not a vocalist! :)

[@HaleyGraves]

I don’t think it needs to be that professional at all! Just make sure the melody is recognizable so the song can be shown as yours in the future 😊☺️

[@Jesse3736]

@@HaleyGraves Thanks for replying, very helpful and encouraging. Have a great day!

[@LanaReeseSinger1]

This was so helpful!

[@HaleyGraves]

Thanks! I’m glad it helped!! ☺️💕

[@jeremyreece05]

@Haley Graves Thanks for this video

[@zunno.official]

Thanks Haley!

[@GarrettProductions534]

I like that synth, is it a logic sample? or midi instrument?

[@Iamthatgwurl]

How does this work for producers? What do you put

[@technana3.141]

Hi Haley, Im trying to copyright lyrics and melody Acapella. Will it tell me how to add the lyrics? I usually in the past copyrighted my already produced songs that I did in studio but I'm not sure how to do Acapella . thx in advance. Also these days how many songs can I copyright at once for the same fee.? Also Can I do the copyrightimg process on my phone or do I have to do it on computer? Thx again. New subscriber!

[@darkjanggo]

for anyone reading this, do NOT do a standard application for more than one song, they will keep your money and only register the first song on the list lol

[@SongChez8]

What do you suggest for multiples?

[@darkjanggo]

@@SongChez8 GRUW application

[@SongChez8]

@@darkjanggo thank you! another question when you have the time, I have just recording and lyrics, no sheet music. Where do you upload the lyrics?

[@familyandparentingchannel]

A nice teacher.

[@ambermarie4776]

@@darkjanggo is that groups of unpublished works?

[@DeniseStrongHarris]

Very helpful! Good information! Thank you for taking the time to do this for musicians. By the way - the cost has now gone up from $55 to $65.

[@HaleyGraves]

Thank you! No problem, I’m happy to help 🥰♥️

[@daveleahy7780]

I just paid $85

[@xxItzAlannahxx]

​@Dave Leahy it keeps increasing and it also depends on which application you did

[@goporterjr]

Thanks Haley that was helpful. GPJr

[@file_one]

Hi Haley, I have a question about the process for recording my song, including both the audio and its title. Should I select 'Sound Recording' when importing the audio? Additionally, if I enlist someone to mix the song and eventually find them, how can I ensure the protection of my rights to the song?

[@Ladysash123]

when do you use group of published works application? Is that 20 works

[@laurahavrillaofficial]

Do you have to wait until a song is completely mastered before uploading it for submission? I have 5 songs and want to do them all at once but one isn’t totally done. However, I want to start releasing my other ones asap. Thanks!

[@itsshantaatkins]

Starts at 3:00

[@vinyaasi]

Back in 2019, I copyrighted a PDF format of a book. I also uploaded a PDF copy to them. How do I download that copy because I lost the original from my computer?

[@SunRaw70]

Great Video... What if I want to copyright a sound recording and 10 instrumentals together. Is this possible? Thank you

[@mennyamram]

hi haley. on copyright I need to write my full name or stage name? there are server times need to write name. I wrote and did moldy and recorded the song myself, but I bought the beat. So what do I need to write, lyrics and music like you did? And what about who made the beat should I add it if so where? thank you

[@dellmartinez9282]

Do you have to copywrite your lyrics with music? or can you just copywrite the words/lyrics only? Please help 🤷🏾

[@michaelb3254]

Thanks for the video, it was very helpful. When you receive your copyright does it include an ISRC code, or do I need to get this from the distributor? I know I can get it from the distributor, but I don't want to do that if the copyright office already provides one, and end up having two codes for one song.

[@HaleyGraves]

Hey! Yeah I think you do need to do through your distributor or other source, I never saw getting one as an option while purchasing the copyright

[@Ahsay1]

Im curious. I dont have music. Just my written words. Should i just put lyrics?

[@realdevlonstrap]

Thanks Haley 💯🌿👍🏾❤️

[@HaleyGraves]

You’re welcome!

[@nobleahmedbarakat6920]

thank you haley

[@30misswhite]

Hello..I have a question..so be for copyrighting your lyrics..you should have everything done w/the song...vocals and music should be done?

[@nathan3961]

Hayley I have a question. I wrote a song using a beat I bought the exclusive rights to. I did not create the beat, and at the same time, I bought the exclusive rights to the beat and have a signed contract stating so from the producer of the beat. My question is should I only copyright the lyrics, or can I do the sound recording and the lyrics altogether, and if so, do I have to include the name of the producer of the beat? One more quick question. Can you copyright rough drafts of sound recordings too?

[@eseweyjimmy]

I think since you purchased the exclusive you officially own it 100% so you can register it as yours

[@uncool974]

This video was extremely helpful!! So when you do the copyright application for your song can you go ahead and release the song same day or same week or do you have to give it time or wait?? I’m really new to all this music copyrights and stuff. Also what other legal things should I take care of before releasing a song or album (copyright, registering song)?? I have no idea what I’m doing so anything helps!!

[@HaleyGraves]

Aw no prob! To be honest I learned this from my dad that produces and writes music so I wanted to give people that same help lol! So I think legally just copywriting the song would be enough but I’ve been emailing with copyright.gov and they let me know that this method in the video is fine if your the writer and producer but if you are solely the songwriter and not producing it then you should register it as a work of performing art since it’s a musical composition. I’m planning on doing an updated video since I didn’t know the difference before! ❤️❤️❤️

[@CillaTides]

Thanks for the help! Do you know if we have to do the shipping slip with a deposit copy if we're copyrighting an audio? Have you ever done that?

[@HaleyGraves]

I haven’t actually but if you want to use their contact service they do actually email back pretty fast!

[@YAAHZZYWAAH]

Hey Haley Thanks for your video, I have a question, Does one need to include the "beat maker" in copyright application for music, specifically if you have paid for license use of the beat for monetary purposes?

[@HaleyGraves]

In that case I don’t think you would need to, like paying for photos on shutterstock to sell your graphic design work. I paid a studio to record a song of mine once and they added some beats and extra things but they are not included in the copyright because I wrote the song and paid them for their services

[@richmay55]

It wasn't clear to me how to go about adding multiple songs in the same submission. Where do I do that (I have a bunch of songs I am about to record and I want to copyright them)? Your step-by-step was very helpful and I think I took good notes.

[@RozellChannel]

Great video

[@JacobVanko]

How is it possible to copywrite a musical recording without uploading a mp3 file, lyrics, chord chart, ect...?

[@briannazarof9732]

If i have lyrics but no music. So basically a poem id like to eventually use for a song. Should i use sound recordings or literary works? Also, where do i actually upload the lyrics/poem?

[@DarioImaz]

Thanks for the video Haley! Very helpful! So we don't need a music sheet? Only the audio is enough?

[@HaleyGraves]

Hi yes! It’s enough just to register the sound recording but if you like you can totally include a music sheet or the lyrics! ☺️😊

[@DarioImaz]

@@HaleyGraves Great to know ! Thanks again♪ Cheers from Japan.

[@davidgrabenschroer2236]

Should you copy right it in your personal name or artist name

[@HaleyGraves]

Hey! I actually answer this in my part 2 video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKCyfapvec1qo7c

[@abeerda4465]

can you still register a song which beat was leased on the album ?

[@lightraveler333]

Hi, my question is do songwriters really need a demo to be completed protected? I can just copyright my lyrics but say for example: if I decide to hire a session singer, giving them a rough recording of me singing ( just so they know the melody) so they can record it, couldn't they say we're gonna steal this melody and just add our own lyrics, and since I've only copyrighted the Lyrics and not the melody I wouldn't have a case? And in the case with demos (I've never recorded one) But let's say I want to record one and I use a session singer for the demo, if I haven't recorded or copyrighted the melody how would I convey to them how the melody should go without just trusting they won't steal it? I hope I explained that ok. But basically just asking is just copying the lyrics sufficient enough? Thanks!😊

[@HaleyGraves]

Hey! I would copyright both lyrics and melody if possible to be fully protected but copyrighting lyrics in a pinch is just another option available to people 😊

[@92ninersboy]

EXCELLENT video - so helpful and clear. If I want to copyright 11 songs together - can I load up separate MP3s for each song (which is how I have them) or do I have to combine them into one MP3?

[@HaleyGraves]

92ninersboy thank you! I’m glad it helped ☺️😁 if I remember correctly you should be able to upload separate MP3s but if you have any problem with that just comment again and I’ll check it out 👍

[@92ninersboy]

@@HaleyGraves THANKS.

[@gregnavas7557]

Suppose you add verses or verse or just add to song after you copywrite 🤔

[@rossgerhardt6138]

Hi, I finished my submission but forgot to upload the lyrics to some of them. How do I now go back and upload the lyrics and update the case with lyrics?

[@kondabuddyTV]

Do you need to upload the lyrics?

[@DiegoHernandez-tp4gg]

Thank you, I have a question there is no problem by being a teenager?

[@HaleyGraves]

hey diego! As far as I know there's no age requirement!

[@bl3343]

What if you're a song writer, but not a recording artist? Can you just submit sheet music for copyright, or do they require an actual audio recording?

[@senorarogers8433]

Thanks this video was very helpful

[@HaleyGraves]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@pugflavatv6414]

thanks very helpful

[@HaleyGraves]

No prob! Thanks for watching!

[@LullabiesandLearning]

have a very basic question ... what actually goes on the song title that you download? Just the name of the song or do I add the author? date? thanks

[@MarcusTHESOUNDPAINTERMiles]

THANK YOU! :)

[@joannavantull8343]

Thank you sooooo much

[@richforever3087]

After I done this will I get document proving my rights to distribute artist content ? Because a distributor I’m trying to use ask me that can you please let me know

[@lordmjh]

Thank you so much for that informative video. I have a question though, what happens if I want to register my sound recording which has lyrics and music with it, but I want to have ownership with myself and a pseudo name I create . in other words I create and perform the music but I want to remain anonymous so I create a fictitious image and give it a name I make up for it, a pseudo name. My question is can the pseudo name be also considered copy written? Or do I have to trademark the name and logo? Your input would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[@FarnazArian]

Do you have to be from the US to be able to copy right music in the US? I am from Canada so just wondering how that would work?

[@crimescene08]

For a song recording where I am a writer along with another person, but someone else made the music track...is this still the right method?

[@skibofilms]

So we upload ten songs and ten different lyric files? Or one file containing all the lyrics together?

[@ZANIMusic]

The similarities stop for me after clicking US copyright office link. Do you need an account? If so, how do you get/make an account? I cannot find the link to making an account ANYWHERE!!!!

[@Irap-tt7mv]

Dope im in clearwater fl too 💯and i only have a P.O. box lol no address😂

[@EyeDreamMellowDees]

if doing only one song is there reason to choose standard form or single work form?