How To Copyright Your Song or Music for $35 using Copyright.gov. How to Copyright a Song

[@mightyme87]

I needed to see how to submit the music actually...

[@davidpaltza2818]

Thanks for this. When stressing over protecting my work, your simple explanations calm my nerves as I walk through step by step with your video. What also makes it easy is that we have the same first name, so I don't accidentally put the wrong name, lol.

[@ilboi1789]

I use this every-time i drop a project thanks brother!

[@FlowMeter]

That is so nice to hear! Put a link to any of your projects for folks to enjoy!

[@benlonergan4196]

I think you skipped over the part on how to upload the audio file, could you do a video on that?

[@mikkigunz]

Ben Lonergan real talk thats what I'm looking for

[@lamarcusmiller2346]

Does that come after the payment? I walked through the steps with him, and didn't see anything about uploading an audio file.

[@brawl8295]

Need to send the cd or music file to their home

[@l.o.t.s.beatz.topicc]

@@brawl8295 So basically you can copy write your music first on Copyright.gov🤨Just To Have It Covered 🤔Then After You Have To Go Record the Song Then come Back And Send Them The Music File??🤔 Ps.And Will They Make You Pay Again?? 🤔🤔Or Will They Give the option to edit??

[@ebubekirbinici6031]

did you even watch the damn video?

[@albertomartinez2479]

Dave. Thank you for this information. Clear and concise. Rock on DUDE!

[@FlowMeter]

+ALberto Martinez Thanks Alberto!

[@albertomartinez2479]

+Dave Korpi Dave, One question. How do you download the actual compositions to Copyright.com? A file of a CD? Thanks. AL

[@asher0716]

Success! I'd like to add that there is an extra initial page when selecting Register a New Claim (perhaps an update since your video), that asks if it is one work, created by one person, and solely owned by that creator, to all of which I answered Yes. Also, now under the Author section, it asks if the Author created Sound Recording, Production, Lyrics, Performance, and Music, which can be checked off as needed. To those concerned about making sure everything is covered, this is where they can do it, even when categorized as a Sound Recording. (This makes me wonder why one would file it any other way!) Anyway, thanks again for your helpful, concise video. God bless.

[@kellymoreno1054]

dave, thanks a ton. this is the 2nd time i've successfully followed your instructions to copyright my songs. your directions are swift, efficient, and clear. nice job.

[@Maskltl]

Thank you! This was so helpful when uploading songs my daughter made. So very clear and concise it really helped as I was going through the process!

[@FlowMeter]

Thanks a million! I hope others find it helpful as well!

[@FlowMeter]

***** Thanks a million mate! Remember that a SINGLE work is $35 and MULTIPLE works are $55! Hope to hear or see your work soon!

[@sweetzjuice1994]

***** Multiple of project with 5 songs would be $55?

[@ImmortalKombatPanda]

+SWEET SAUCE Yep

[@ImmortalKombatPanda]

+Dave Korpi Just realized this so now I need more money xD

[@redhairdragonwashere1132]

do I have to upload a audio file so that way it knows what song is being copyrighted?

[@JaeKeaton]

So if I have 7 songs it's 55?

[@zx5963]

thank you Bro. just got done. excellent job walking me through it!

[@moabl2020]

OMG where is the part where you up load the music ? i can t find it

[@andrebland5530]

submit your music after you pay. It will say Submit Work

[@GuapMillz]

Thanks for the information. I’ll be using it very soon!

[@gem9213]

Great info! Only thing is this was 9yrs ago. In 2022 it cost way more than $35 🤦🏾‍♀️🤣

[@createurworldwithurwords499]

Great information thank you so much couldn't have done any better

[@FlowMeter]

Thanks Neila! Glad you found it useful... Indeed, they do increase the fees from time to time....

[@camerastar125]

2:38 Here, if you owned the lyrics and melody but not the instrumentation, would you check off Music?

[@dinnalja]

Thanks for this video. It is helpful. One question though. How do you submit the actual "song" in MP3 format and even the lyrics? Is that possible? It looked as if you just submitted Dave's work.

[@marcustriton6978]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Without a doubt, your vid is the best, most current copyright info out there on YT. I just E-copyrighted 17 original songs for $55, woo hoo ! So happy :)

[@firewheelclothing]

+Marcus Triton At what stage did you upload the actual audio tracks?

[@marcustriton6978]

+Firewheel Clothing You'll be prompted after you pay the fee. The gov't never does nothin' 'til it gets paid. (LOL) :)

[@FlowMeter]

+Marcus Triton Marcus... You are a rare one who actually follows directions! You would be amazed at how many emails I get about the exact stuff I showed in the video.. Anyway CONGRATS and I hope to hear some on the radio soon!

[@prodjincmusicproductions6587]

LOL

[@Demetris.Michael_CyprusUSA]

only one question. do you upload the music file lets say after the payment so that they know what is going to be copyrighted?

[@RayManueloficial]

***** Hey Dave thanks for the video, very informative. I have a question if I want to register an album per say should I add each song when it asks for the title of work or at any point given do I have to uppload the songs or just register the names?

[@tmoney8878]

I just copyrighted a song for the first time using your video, very helpful!! Thank you!!

[@FlowMeter]

You are so welcome! Did you have any hints to help others? If so, feel free to add them, and I can put them in the body as well!

[@Terezlife]

this is the guy who just called. Thanks!

[@FlowMeter]

I remember you! You wanted to send MANY files to Copyright and you accomplished this by zipping all the files together. That is a good strategy.

[@toshadiva]

***** how do you zip all the fles together and will it be $35 that way?

[@Copiio]

thank you, this is the only step he didnt mention, great video dave korpi!

[@Lemurboyy]

What do you mean by "zip them all together"? How do I do that?

[@chrisclements3862]

awesome. I selected sound recording. Was I supposed to upload an audio file?

[@surfviewgardens2396]

Good info. Quick question: Can I copyright a music cover song recording I made with the LOC if I didn't write the song?

[@rainarevooh2412]

Yeah. Thank You. I was worried it would be a hassle and headache but your video really helped me out.

[@cathridge]

Hey, Dave. My kid is doing this on his own but he needed a bit of help navigating the website. He's on the east coast and Im in the midwest. Im not real computer savvy. A question for you: Does he need to list the names of the songs on the copyright site application or just on the cd he sends? Or both? I couldn't find where to list the songs on the site. Great video by the way.

[@ricksalazar6637]

I assume that you would download the sound/song in MP3 format download. Is this correct? Also is this procedure for copyrighting one song at a time? Or would I be able to copyright a number of songs at once and for the same fee? Thanks SO much for this info. It's been a little overwhelming until viewing your video!

[@Dtachedkid]

Can you make an updated version of the "copyright your song" video since the site has now changed?

[@FlowMeter]

I do not understand what you are asking. Not sure about the site change. You can call them and they will answer your exact questions.

[@ANGELJohnson911]

Question: what if you recorded a song - using a free instrumental from KZbin? --- can you follow the same steps you just took or is there another section/step for that?

[@montano5678]

Those aren’t free instrumentals, trust me. Those same “free “ beats are being sold on the official website. They put free so that you can use it and they can sue

[@Meek4Weeks]

Hey Dave. Under "Authors" you only chose "sound recording". What about the "performance", "music", and "lyrics"? And if I had a studio actually record my music, would I not select "sound recording"?

[@superjoseco7279]

Thanks very much for your tutorial. Now I don't have to read a lot of things which I hate to do. I already gave a Like to your video. It is great. Thanks for helping us.

[@pedrol8234]

Don't you have to copyright the lyrics and the music separately?

[@r.a.robles4572]

Short and precise.. an excellent explanation..!!

[@FlowMeter]

Thanks!

[@RRRSoulEvan]

I have a question? I don’t use any distributors and I only post my songs on KZbin and so would I still press no on publishing or do I press yes? Because I’m thinking of copyrighting my songs soon

[@SongChez8]

Thank you Dave! My remaining question , Could I upload a rough recording to the website just for a reference and to get the rights , and then when I go to remix/pretty it up, not have to upload and pay another fee for the remix if I already own the rights to the first recording? Or does a whole new recording of that song have to have a copy right? Thank you for your time !

[@FlowMeter]

YES, you can do that. The "pretty" version is not the essence of the copyright. It is the tume and the words that you seek to cover. Consider having me sing it, to the right music and words, you can imagine it would sound terrible.. BUT, it complies with the disclosure of the tune and words that a jury of your peers would recognize. This is the essence of the Copyright.. Would your peers say it is "your work" if they define it as the words and tune. Makes sense, right?? Also, call the USPTO to get this confirmation so you are completely "golden" about it.

[@SongChez8]

@@FlowMeter Thank you I will take your recommend and also call them! Thanks a million!

[@FlowMeter]

@@SongChez8 Super awesome!

[@AyooMuzz]

Thanks, helped out a lot, I am a Music Producer and I always wanted to find out how to do this appreciate the help man

[@FlowMeter]

You are welcome!

[@kjk7611]

Dave, I'm afraid my question simply follows others, IN WHAT FORMAT DO YOU PHYSICALLY TRANSFER THE MATERIAL?

[@jovanfrancinyvargas7422]

Hello Dave im doing all you showed me here but where exactly do I upload the creation

[@rockmeyer6988]

+Andre Bland Do I pay $55 even if I'm claiming multiple songs in one claim? or is it $55 for each song in the claim?

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

If u have multiple songs u need to choose qork of the performance artitst witch allows to upload up to 10 works. And is only one payment. But if u choose sound recording that is only for one song

[@kyleadcock7991]

Hi, what are the advantages of this in comparison to going to BMI and ASCAP for copyright?

[@FlowMeter]

Ummmmmmm... You can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.... If YOU do it you OWN it.. They would buy it from you...

[@kyleadcock7991]

Thanks Dave. Appreciate your help Did not know this is preferable to BMI or ASCAP.

[@hectorojeda6343]

Hi there! So i have a question! I want to register my song there is no problem if i select the sound recording option? Or do i need to select the work of arts option for the song?

[@FlowMeter]

See the number to call! They are super helpful. I think Works!

[@ellierome9619]

Ok so you skipped the music tab. But what if I wrote the song and the music for it? Should I click sound as well as music? Also, I know you skipped the submit tab for obvious reasons but I just want to confirm....in that section, I would upload the actual song file? Any particular format for one single? Thanks so much.

[@martinferoli7480]

Thank You Dave, If you get this message I was curious if I can copywrite music under a pseudonym Even after I copywrited these songs under my given name? Thanks again.

[@riel777]

Thanks for the great video tutorial! Is this the same process if you want to copyright a music video?

[@FlowMeter]

Yes!

[@mariahlynn4936]

This was so helpful thank you

[@FlowMeter]

Thanks!

[@FlowMeter]

No sweat mate! Happy to help!

[@fernandodelgado3664]

how would they knw what your copyrighting? or archive your property.?

[@BrandiNaugle]

Hello thank you for this video how ever my burning question is ....I am copyrighting songs and am I supposed to somehow attach my lyrics before I pay? Or is that what is included when you submit your work after you pay? Thank you

[@FlowMeter]

YES... You type your lyrics and include them as a PDF. REMEMBER... their number is under the video. They are SUPER HELPFUL.. They can tell you what to do.. Here it is in case you did not see it. MAINLY... If you have questions call the folks at the USPTO and you will find them VERY VERY helpful! Folks on the Technical at at 202-707-3002. Folks who help you determine the VIABILITY of your filing, the public relations folks, at 202-707-5959 (Washington DC) e-mail: [e-mail]

[@meggiewl]

Hello Mr Dave, I have another question. Can I publish my stuff immediately the moment I complete everything online? Thank you.

[@FlowMeter]

I think the answer is YES.. You get your acknowledgement immediately. As before, call them to confirm and report back what you find for the benefit of others.

[@darthmadness]

I was wondering Dave, if I wrote my own lyrics to a copyrighted beat would I send just a recording of my lyrics or my lyrics onto of the beat. And would that be considered a sound recording as well?

[@meggiewl]

Hello Mr Dave, thank you for your video, it is very helpful. I wonder if I want to copyright a book before it publish, can I also do everything only online, or I also have to mail them the manuscript? Thank you.

[@FlowMeter]

Lu: You can do everything online. That's why it is so cheap. If you mail things in therea re extra fees. Call them to confirm. They are VERY VERY nice at the US Copyright office!

[@iamvoneast]

Do you know if its possible to copyright works of Visual Arts in bulk rather than individually?

[@MahattanMark]

Dave Just watched ....thanks.. you mention.."Submit the work"... Admittedly I haven't gone to the site yet.. but Will I need to submit an actual recording or some such?? or does posting it on Reverbnation or another place suffice?

[@FlowMeter]

Mark posting it on Reverbnation or another place DOES NOT suffice. The REASON is the Copyright office needs to have YOUR music to compare to the music you may, hopefully never, have to file against for infringement.

[@sandycressman4748]

Dave, this was helpful but I'm confused. If I copyright a group of songs, do I have to zip the song files together to submit? Do I click "Larger Work" and then enter each title? You left out the crucial last step...

[@FlowMeter]

Sandy at 1:29 it says Zip them together. Watch it a few times and work down the list.

[@sandycressman4748]

Ok; any advice for someone who has never Zipped? What application do you use? Also, since you chose "Title of work being Registered" and not "Title of Larger work", is there anywhere that you will input the names of individual songs, or is this unimportant? I'm getting ready to release a CD of songs, some I wrote alone, and some which are collaborations--two songs with one co-writer, two songs with another co-writer. So I will have to make 3 song collections. But since they will all be on the same CD, do you think is it ok to create 3 different collections? Better to copyright them as unpublished before the CD release so that I can do the 3 collections? Thanks!

[@kyleabner]

Thanks man! Been trying to figure this out for awhile now.. Question, do I need to send the lyrics with it? Does it do anything different if I do or is that not necessary? Thanks

[@FlowMeter]

It is best to include them. Just zip everything up and you submit them after you pay the Copyright office.

[@kyleabner]

***** Thanks for the quick reply! I found another video stating, as a songwriter, I should put my work under Performing Arts for music and lyrics.. Do you happen to know the difference between these?

[@FlowMeter]

I do not know the answer to that one!!

[@kyleabner]

ok thanks though! I believe the way that you have explained it is that you are copywriting the song recording but not the actual material itself.. such as famous musicians covering other musicians songs for example Blake Shelton covered the song "home".. now he can not copywrite the actual lyrics and music as he did not create it, but he could have obtained the appropriate license to record and publish, so he then copywrited the sound recording (as what you explained in your video).. i am no expert andi am in no way telling you you are wrong by any means. This just seems logical to me and something for other people to look into. If this is in fact true, they have the copywrite for the song but not the actual material.. Now, that being said they would win in court if someone figured it out due to the copywrite times.. but, something to think about.. i know i have lol

[@moonstonemoods5836]

what if there are co-owners/creators? and would you ever copyright under the groups name or is it the individual people?

[@nejonstudio553]

Hello Dave is this video still the correct way to do this. I have several works I want to file as one. After reading the copyright page recently it seems that you can't do that anymore.

[@mambowman]

dave, where do you upload the recording and lyrics? in the "submit work"" section?

[@FlowMeter]

Watch the video with snake eyed concentration and you will see. It goes a bit fast... YOu can also call them. They are SUPER HELPFUL!

[@dansteeves5418]

***** thanks dave , i did get it eventually. thanks again for your help

[@saundraf.4827]

I need to copy right a CD of about 12 songs will this method cover all the music for $55?

[@sweetzjuice1994]

Saundra Fagan Did it?

[@YattaBeats]

S VF He said .zip them all together so it will work

[@bluesslider76]

Hey I'm an idiot. 2 questions , 1. What the best form to use to protect the songs even though I'm uploading a rough recording (not important). 2.How to zip multiple songs from itunes to upload to copyright site? Thanks for any help!

[@BlackGalaxyEnt]

What if you dont own the rights to the music the song is recorded over. We least a RnB beat and put our lyrics over it. Is it still the same process?

[@tonytaylor3640]

Thanks so much! You helped me indeed! God bless!

[@AndrewMcKain]

How do you send the lyrics and mp3? and do you have to pay extra?

[@crocks07]

Dave quick question, I'm about to register about 40 songs, at the moment of "summiting my work" do i have to recored all my 40 songs in 1 file then summit or is it possible to summit 40 different files (1 per song)? please advise buddy, Thank you

[@SyedaTirmizy]

so how are we gonna send the copy of the work once we register dont they wanna see the work we have? the lyrics and everything? how that works?

[@BufoOnTheBeat]

So after we pay we just upload the zip? with up to how many beats??? What’s the limit? Does anyone know???

[@chellplay3375]

Quick question Dave, do you had your songs on there to

[@nicholasvarga3485]

ok so you fill out all the stuff but how do you put your music on there so they know what it is?????

[@producedbycesar9106]

it eventually asks you to upload the actual work after you pay the filing fee

[@kuroro4857]

Oh..

[@l.o.t.s.beatz.topicc]

After You Pay The Fee To Copyright Your Music,🤨How Long Do I have to Wait Until I Could Upload My Music File

[@ThaMayorva757]

producedby Cesar how do I upload music all at once instead of one by one ?

[@FlowMeter]

Ohhhhh... Indeed.. Perhaps someone was vacuuming! ANyway, good luck with your copyright journey!

[@rockmeyer6988]

Do I pay $55 even if I'm claiming multiple song in one claim, or is it $55 for each song in the claim?

[@ky_beonkey3005]

is it multiple works that i select if it's one song but i'd like to copyright the lyrics as well or is that still considered one work? meaning the song AND it's lyrics?

[@h.sowandegray2913]

So, If I wrote a song. And want to copy write the lyrics I would select literary work? In this situation I wrote the song and payed someone for the beat. Does that mean it would fall under sound recording as well. =P sorry first time.

[@owlprincess5242]

If you copyrighted it already and bought it online do you need the form by mail to sing it publicly first or you can just do it while the copyrighted online form is complete?

[@FlowMeter]

You are good to go! No mail is required.

[@SuperKvlogs]

Can I copyright lyrics separate from a beat if I leased the beat from a producer since the contract says that I can't copyright the beat and vocals together aka the (master).??

[@joeturley1]

You are a Godsend! Thanks so much for the instruction!!!

[@OGWIN]

How would you copyright a artist name?

[@dinnalja]

Disregard, I read below and you answered my question.

[@FlowMeter]

OK!

[@kenisinoregon]

Hi Dave, thanks for the step by step video. It was easy to follow! I had a question, I have uploaded the mp3 files and completed the form but I wasn't able to edit the title names of each song. It is uploaded by the file name then ends with a .mp3. Is that okay? The most important thing is the audio in the files right? Not the name of the files? Thanks

[@FlowMeter]

The name is not super important but it does not hurt. Give them a call. They are super helpful!!

[@losnavajorock]

hello, can you please help me out? i dont know where to upload the song, i dont know if im missing the option dunno

[@Shalonda247]

My question because i'm very new to this. I have a lot of lyrics that i want to copyright. What is the exact process to have like 20 songs copywritten? can you show a step by step video for that plz n thank u

[@acehartmann]

If you got music w/lyrics does this copy write the music and lyrics or do you need to do them separately?

[@FlowMeter]

Right you are! The USPTO is stuck on using the worst browser on the planet! Big fat bummer but true.

[@Inliner242]

If I live in The Bahamas does this still apply to me? We don't have an official copyright place so what do I do? I'm asking because I want my music copyright but I don't live in the U.S. Help me?

[@bebop5297]

When does "the piece o"f work get uploaded?? Its not clear or not covered in this article.

[@kingdomofheavenmusic3]

What constitutes it being published or not? If I uploaded the song on soundcloud does that count? I'm confused because when I say "Yes" it has been published, they just ask for one IRSC code. But each song has it's own IRSC code which means I would need spaces to provide MULTIPLE IRSC codes. Plz help, I'm drowning in the details.

[@nancyrichardson2814]

I didn't see "printed music" on the list. where is that category included and how is that file uploaded? Thank you Dave!

[@therealdannymullen]

THANK YOU!!!!! for sharing this!!

[@johnathanstaples3668]

Does the time that you actually upload the files affect your registration ? I payed but i want to upload all the files at the same time and dont have them all at the moment.

[@mrinnerpiece]

Hey Dave very informative and comprehensive video, thank you. I've watched this a couple of times and I have been to the FAQ's of copyright.gov. Unfortunately, I think I already know the answer to this question but wanted to see if you knew. Can you add songs later for the same $55 or do you have to pay again? I don't have studio versions of all my songs yet but really need to copyright a few, on a budget.

[@FlowMeter]

+mrinnerpiece They will not allow you to ADD songs and keep the file "open".. Heck, $55 is reasonable!

[@geemosparks]

I watched several videos but I don't get something. I do write the lyrics and what it sounds like. I hear about sound recording. Does the sound recording counts as my voice as a beat?

[@nizzotheartist]

best video on this subject

[@FlowMeter]

Thanks! Most folks do not know click the SHOW MORE... That part is very helpful as well!

[@dottorcarlone]

What if there are in few songs i submit different people that have partecipated into the creation of the songs? Is there possibility to add them song by song?

[@JoseMoreno1998]

is this for only one song or can you add more than one to the title? can you submit the recording and the lyrics on the same app?

[@saeedbadini4285]

Its mean dave if i file for copyright today okay and the process is to take 3 mnths during this process can i give my script to agents or contests ?

[@JamesDeanRivera]

So I can copyright multiple song lyrics and poems here also Yes?

[@RobLM89]

How do I know when its been confirmed by the copyright office and how long does it usually take?

[@jlupemadeit]

what if I wanted to post one of my songs on iTunes which is apart of my album before actually dropping my album? Can I copyright that single individually and still include it in my album?

[@mejiavincee]

Thank you so much

[@FlowMeter]

You are welcome!!

[@TreDuece01]

Thanks this tutorial was extremely helpful. "LIKE" Indeed!!!

[@ThunderFoxMusic]

The vacuum in the background; I was kidding. haha.