Can you monetize cover songs? Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music | Licenses answered

[@Vedran-Music]

Hello everyone! I am here and checking comments often. Feel free to ask anything video-related here✌

[@RoseMaryandBlessing]

Hi Vedran. I've noticed some YT content creators sing live songs of famous artists all over the world & that's what their channel is about i.e singing famous songs and these content creators have received the silver and gold YT plates. How is this possible without copyright issues ? please share some knowledge on this. Thanks

[@Vedran-Music]

@@RoseMaryandBlessing Hi! I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner! The copyright issues won't affect subscriber numbers. They will make it harder for the video creator to earn revenue from their videos. Some KZbin creators are fine with that. Some creators don't even monetize their videos to begin with. It all comes down to our own decision when having a KZbin channel - do we want to monetize our videos or not? If we wish to monetize them and record acoustic covers, it would be wise to upload the songs through WATH and make sure that the revenue will be shared. Thank you for your question and I hope I was able to answer sufficiently! :) Ask away if there's anything more I can help with. Thank you for watching!

[@MalloryHasCats]

I legit cannot thank you enough for this video. It answered questions I didn't even know I had.

[@Vedran-Music]

You're most welcome, Mallory. I'm glad it helped!

[@LuanBermudez]

taking my courage to post my first covers. maybe this will be helpful. thanks!

[@laragazzamagica]

Good evening. Thank you so much for explaining this video, it's very interesting. I have a question: I'm uploading some covers, KZbin Analytics tells me that I have almost 1000 hours of views in the last year, while if I click on the earn item, I only get 250 hours of listening: are the minutes of the covers calculated to monetize? I noticed that some singers who have reached one hundred thousand subscribers have earned the silver and gold award on KZbin and almost only produce covers. I await your response. Thank you very much.

[@SempiternamentePisa]

Thanks Vedran... Very informative and helpful video. Greetings from Italy, bye!

[@Vedran-Music]

Thank you for wafching! Makes me happy to hear that you found it informative. Good luck with uploading your music! 😊

[@johannamit4388]

Thank you Vedran, this was very helpful. I will sign up with We Are The Hits.

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, Johann! Makes me happy knowing that you found the video helpful. I've been trying to figure out how it works and it's the best way I found (so far). Thank you for wafching!

[@danlaw1208]

Thanks bro, this so needful. Subscribed

[@Vedran-Music]

Thank you! I appreciate it 😊

[@jeanboywassa]

Hi Mr. Vedran!! I actually would like to ask a few questions and clear things up so I wouldn’t mess anything up. It’s about WATH. If me and my brother decided to upload a song cover on KZbin only, would we still need sync when we have WATH?? And is the splitting revenue really true? Me and my older brother are both minors and are looking for something that’s in our passion to make money to help our parents and have our own. Thank you very much for answering:DD

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! I'm sorry for missing your comment. I just saw it and I can see that it is from one year ago. If you decide to upload a cover on KZbin, a sync license is expensive and hard to obtain. If you get a sync license, you will keep all revenue from your video. However, we musicians who decide to upload covers on KZbin are usually happy to split the revenue. If I decide to upload covers directly to KZbin, I risk that the original copyright owner will keep the whole revenue. That's why I turn to WATH. WATH will make sure that your revenue is split. To do the same, you would first upload your cover to WATH so they can clear the mech license. After your video has been approved by them, you will proceed with the upload on your KZbin channel. This way, you will make sure that your revenue will be split between you and the original copyright holder. I hope I managed to clarify and answer your question, even after a whole year (sorry!)

[@samueldarosa1981]

Hello Vedran, great video, thanks!! I'm confused on how to relate KZbin, Distrokid and Wearethehits, since for having the video you should have the last one as well. Thanks!

[@Vedran-Music]

Hello! Distrokid is there if you wish to distribute your cover to audio-only streaming platforms - Spotify, for example. In that case, Distrokid will take care of the mechanical license for you, for a fee. If you wish to upload your cover with a video element, say on KZbin, you'd need to use WATH to make sure that you will be splitting ad revenue with the copyright holder. Of course, you can upload directly to KZbin and cross your fingers that the revenue will be shared. This is not guaranteed, though. In either of these cases, you won't be given a sync license. It's a mechanical license you will be obtaining. A mechanical license is enough for royalties coming from audio-only streaming services and it is sufficient to share the revenue on KZbin, given that the song you are covering is in WATH's database. I hope I was able to clarify and help. Good luck with your channel! ✌

[@samueldarosa1981]

@@Vedran-Music Thank you so much for the great answer. Since I want to upload Music with Video to youtube, should I only use WATH or have it registered in both WATH and Distrokid.

[@Vedran-Music]

@@samueldarosa1981 You're welcome! No need to use DistroKid. First upload your song through WATH and wait for it to send you an email when it can be uploaded to KZbin (usually takes up to 30 minutes). Then proceed with KZbin upload and turn off monetization on KZbin. DistroKid is only if you wish to distribute your cover to music streaming platforms, nothing to do with KZbin. Good luck with your music!

[@samueldarosa1981]

@@Vedran-Music 🙏Thank you so much Vedran!!!! You've been a great help :)

[@Definatemaybe]

Thank you so much! Quick question Do you need WATH for cover/tutorials?

[@Vedran-Music]

Glad it helped! I haven't gotten any claims on tutorials. No need for WATH, in my opinion.

[@Definatemaybe]

I was going to do the cover first and the tutorial after in the same video do you think would WATH reject that because it would be much longer than the song alone? Appreciate you man!

[@Vedran-Music]

I believe that it would be treated the same way as acoustic cover. KZbin doesn't necessarily make difference based on your video title or idea. As long as you're playing a song that someone out there owns the copyright for, that person is entitled to their revenue.

[@Definatemaybe]

Thank you so cool you answer unlike so many that ignore questions!

[@Vedran-Music]

@@Definatemaybe You're welcome! Thank you for watching the video!

[@olvimend]

Great information provided. Thank you!

[@Vedran-Music]

Thanks for watching, Aida. I'm glad it helped!

[@davidmamusic]

Thanks for the info, Vedran! I'm I'm wondering, however: When the last Beatles song was released ("now and then"), directly on the next day, tons of covers started to pop up on KZbin. I'm sure these people never created sync licenses. What do you think about that?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! Sorry for the late reply! KZbin is full of videos without mech and sync licenses. However, that means only that the uploader will not get any revenue or will get a very small portion of it in return. If their channels are monetized, of course. WATH is a stop between your song and the youtube monetization system. As long as a song you'll cover is part of WATH's catalogue, you can make sure that you will split streaming royalties with the original copyright holder. That might not be a case if you upload directly to KZbin. In that case, copyright holder has right to do with your video what they will (demonetize, restrict playing to certain categories or even ask you to remove the video).

[@NioCamil]

Thank you for the data!

[@Vedran-Music]

You're welcome. Glad it helped!

[@jigsound]

Comprehensive video on the topic! 👍 Based on the discussions we've had with a representative at the Performing Rights Organization that we're affiliated with, you wouldn't actually need a synchronization license for a KZbin cover if the video was just a single frame (an image / blank screen) from start to finish, and otherwise the synch license would only by required with a moving picture if the uploader were a business / organization, whereas a quite novel agreement between KZbin and the P.R.O. handles the situation "under the hood" in the individuals' case. I'm not sure, though, how they keep track of who is a business and an individual, but that's what they've told us. - Eero

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, Eero! Thank you for watching the video! That's an interesting point. I've come across different opinions on the matter but when it comes down to KZbin's policy, the rules are straightforward. Any music uploaded will require a sync license because it is a video format. Even though the image is not moving, it is still considered as a video. It would make a lot of sense (in my opinion) if that would be so but for creators to use someone else's work without a sync license, then it would need to be a purely audio format. So, KZbin Music, for example. I'm sure that there are exceptions as well as I'm sure that there are bigger players out there who have a special kind of agreement. In such situations, however, it is all about the agreement between the rights owner and the performer. They can be as flexible as they like. The algorithm, on the other hand, will strike/claim us smaller channels since the rules are pretty clear about it. What we can do (in my opinion) is keep playing fair and work on establishing our channels to the point of becoming interesting in the bigger picture. It helps if we do our work and secure mech licenses along the way and try not to work around the system that is in place right now. Thank you so much for watching. I appreciate your comment! All the best, Vedran

[@jigsound]

@@Vedran-Music even the P.R.O. licensing representative admitted that it's an ongoing hassle to try and keep up with the agreements between the big players to get these things worked out in an up-to-date fashion. That's why I check in with them once a year for updates. 😅 For example, in regards to a volunteer-based music festival uploads, we ask the composers in question to agree to submit a "self-administration notification" via their P.R.O. regarding their piece and our event specifically to be able to personally negotiate the synch license. With the bigger players, whom we cannot reach in any reasonable way, we're either not uploading the performance at all or get the paid licenses via an agency if the budget allows. In any case, you're absolutely right that playing everything fair and safe is mandatory for a business to operate (both now and in the long run). And thanks for the elaboration. 👍 Cheers! - Eero

[@Vedran-Music]

@@jigsound Oh, wow. That is a struggle. Best shot we got (in my opinion) when it comes to recording covers is distributing them and trying to earn from streams from music streaming platforms (spotify, apple music etc.). In this case, it would be just a matter of obtaining a mech license which is pretty easy to obtain. Super easy compared to sync, in any case. That's what I tried hinting in this video. If we are ready to budget and spend a lot for a proper music video or some sort of video tribute then we might make a smarter move with obtaining sync license. Again, in my opinion, this is just so much more complicated than actually investing that money in our own music and studio time... Thank you very much for watching, again! I'm currently recording a video about struggles with similar things. Social media, licenses, burnout... It might be interesting for you!

[@jigsound]

@@Vedran-Music sorry, I was a bit all over the place here, haha! 😁 You're of course right about all that, as to what comes to earning and building a business; I was just giving an example of how we handle things at a local by-design non-profit music festival in the case of occasional performances of protected music, but most of the music there is classical and in public domain (Unrelated to Jigsound). I'll stay tuned for your next video for sure! 😉 - Eero

[@drunk_musician]

Hi Vedran! Thanks for the info. What if I am not planning to distribute via any of the musical services, but only want to upload the video with a cover on youtube? Do I still have to do the DistroKid part OR only the WeAreTheHits is enough?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! WeAreTheHits is enough in that case. If you're planning to upload on KZbin and get fully monetized then you would need a sync license. mech license would only be enough for distributing your music via music streaming platforms. Since sync license is very expensive and hard to obtain, the best thing we can do is upload our music through WeAreTheHits. This way, we make sure that the revenue will be split and the video will not be taken down. Good luck with your channel!

[@FirstLast-tx3yj]

​@@Vedran-Musicyou mentioned that you uploaded to youtube before wearethehits, did you get shared monetization before or you started using wearethehits because you did not get any monetization? And if I only cover songs in the public domain can I keep all the revenue and not need any service?

[@lovelost234]

Great and informative video there, thank you 🙏🏾

[@blueblueyt7542]

Excellent!

[@fjhk7]

Thanks for the information. I missed the point, so copyright claim only happens when we upload cover without mechanical and sync license right? If we have both mechanical and sync license, then there will be no copyright claim?!

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! Mechanical license will be irrelevant in terms of your KZbin channel. It's only relevant for distributing your songs via Spotify, Apple music etc. Sync license is the one you need if you'd like to have a video element (even black screen...). However, sync license is very expensive and in most cases not worth paying for. The compromise would be to upload your covers through WATH. They will make sure that you get split revenue from ads and no copyright strike. Thank you for watching!

[@uokay9428]

Thanks a lot. U really made it easy to understand.

[@Vedran-Music]

Thank you for watching. I hope you found the video helpful!

[@jayhoc718]

Can you upload KZbin covers through distrokid too?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi and sorry for the late reply! Yes, you could distribute your covers to all the major audio streaming services via DistroKid for a fixed fee. However, this won't have anything to do directly with KZbin. To distribute your covers to audio streaming services, one would need a mech license. DistroKid would provide you with one. To upload your covers to KZbin, you would need a sync license. That's because KZbin videos count as video format even if there are no moving elements on the screen. Still, to be able to upload your covers to KZbin and make sure that you will split royalties with the original copyright holder, upload them through WATH (assuming that WATH has the song in their catalog). Thank you for watching!

[@videosmaii]

Excelente!! Muchas gracias y saludos desde Argentina!!

[@markr7059]

Absolutely top notch advice, thank you.

[@logo-iwueuiei]

Hi, did you get any royalties from spotify, apple music (streaming services) on your cover songs?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! Yes, I did earn from streaming covers on Spotify, Apple music etc. I used DistroKid to distribute them. I pay 12usd per cover per year. There might be cheaper option that can take care of mech licenses as well but DistroKid is the one I used. The main reason I used DistroKid is the fact that my original songs are distributed via them and it was more convenient for me to have Spotify uploads/earnings in one place. Again, there might be better options out there. Do tell if you find a better one, I'd like to know too! Thank you for watching 😊

[@logo-iwueuiei]

@@Vedran-Music thank you for your answer. How much did you receive from 1000 streams? same as original composition or does distrokid split royslties between you and copyright owners?

[@Vedran-Music]

@@logo-iwueuiei I earned about 4.5usd per 1000 streams. Same for original songs. It's not always 0.0045 per stream. Now that I checked my stats, seems like some earn less but 4.5usd per 1000 streams seems to be the most common. You can split royalties, just set up "automatic splits" in your DistroKid panel and the earnings will be split.

[@catharticmoments]

Thank you for posting this video. I was thinking about using WATH but didn’t know if they still are in business.

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! I just uploaded a video singing over a backing track. Uploaded it last night. It took about 5 minutes for them to clear it out and tell me that the revenue is going to be shared. I can warmly recommend them. Thank you for watching!

[@s.m.1249]

Thanks…. I have issue understanding about defining a “Song”… A Song is made of MUSIC and also LYRICS so what is copy righted. Both? If from 2 different writers? I want to cover a song: 1. Record play my own music arrangement version 2. Use my own new Lyrics version Under this case what is my situation? Does the original lyric writer gave any claim? What if both music and lyrics are written by one person? What about copyright just for music? I am confused and appreciate your insight. Thanks

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! Quite a few questions here and I'm, by no means, an expert. I will try to reply to the best of my understanding. Song is considered to be a song no matter if it has lyrics or not. Writer split is decided amongst writers once the song is registered and copyrighted. If you're planning to record a cover and upload it to music streaming services only, you'd only need the mechanical license which you'd pay for once you upload your cover for distribution. You can use new lyrics or original lyrics. It makes no difference unless you're recording a parody version which could qualify for fair use but to clear this out you'd need to ask an industry professional. Copyright just for music or just for lyrics is not a thing, as far as I know. Song and all of its "components" still count as a song. However, if you'd like to upload this cover on KZbin (or any other video streaming service), you'd need a sync license to be able to fully monetize it and not risk a copyright strike. I hope I was able to answer your questions. Thank you for watching ✌️

[@gilad_paz]

Hi, thanks for such an informative video. Do you know how the revenue will be split if I upload a cover song originally written in another language, with my own translation of it to English? Does the fact that I wrote the translation make any difference to how the revenue will be calculated or split? Thanks.

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! Sadly, it will make no difference, I think. However, there are many songs out there for which you will not get a copyright claim if you upload them. If you wish to split/keep revenue and want to make sure that you will be able to monetize the cover, you can always upload it on KZbin and set the video to private. Copyright claim checks will still run on your video and you will be able to know it withing minutes from uploading. How the revenue is split is entirely up to the copyright owner. Thank you for wafching the video. I hope your upload goes well! 😊

[@danielmarcelventer992]

Good honest man 👍🏆🎖

[@Vedran-Music]

Thank you for the comment, Daniel! I hope I was able to help out with the video. I struggled with this since starting the channel.

[@Voca-thusiastic]

I noticed the video is two years old. I would just like to ask if the rules has changed since then or is it still safe to do as explained in this video? 🙏

[@Vedran-Music]

I'd say that these rules are universal and that nothing major has changed. What might change is KZbin doing something about it internally but until then, it's up to 3rd party companies (like WATH) to try to organize issues with licenses. It is a trial and error process because not all songs are registered with WATH. In that case, it is up to us to record and upload covers and see the outcome, license-wise. Good luck with your covers and thank you for watching the video ✌️

[@andrewchengmusic4235]

This is very informative. Almost all the songs I've done are voice covers, they can't be monetized, all paid to the copyright owner. Haven't seen a share one yet. Would you know if this would count as a mechanical license only? If I do a voice cover over a youtube video converted to audio only and then afterwards, have it uploaded on spotify through one of those distributors like distrokid? I haven't really done any covers yet where I make my own composition and use my voice, so far its only voice.

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, Andrew Cheng! The type of cover wouldn't matter. It doesn't make any difference if you sing over a karaoke track or record the instruments yourself. The main factor here is the fact that your covers are uploaded on KZbin in video format by default. That would mean that you must have a sync license in order to get 100% of revenue. If you don't have sync license, it's completely up to the copyright holder to decide if they want to split the revenue or keep it for themselves. In your case, they have decided to keep the revenue for themselves. It's not unusual. However, if you upload your videos to youtube via WATH, they will make sure that the revenue is shared. I hope it helps and I wish you good luck! Thank you for checking out my video. Means a lot!

[@andrewchengmusic4235]

@@Vedran-Music Hi Vedran, Thanks for the information and responding so quickly, I get that any uploads on KZbin requires sync license (learnt from your video 🤣) but what I was referring to is, if I convert a KZbin video to an mp3 so that there is no video and use that mp3 to record in my voice cover, and then put it on spotify music (audio only) via distrokid would that ONLY require a mechanical license? Although the video portion is gone via the conversion, I'm not sure if the underlying detail will still identify the video option. Another thing I looked at was HIITS requirements and for video, it seems that no master recording is allowed (and them emphasize, if you didn't make it, don't upload), would you understand that as no karaoke version allowed to be uploaded? Thats how I took it, meaning, the voice cover and the instrumental cover needs to be all done by me.

[@Vedran-Music]

@@andrewchengmusic4235 Hi! As far as distrokid goes, that is correct! You can definitely distribute your covers via DistroKid. In this case, you'd pay them 1$ per month for the mech license. However, as far as I know, using a karaoke version of the song and recording your voice on top of it is not considered a cover (in legal terms). A cover would mean that you played all the instruments and recorded the version yourself. If you'd like to distribute your karaoke cover versions via Spotify, iTunes, etc. then you'd need to contact the original maker of that karaoke version and ask them for permission to use their works. I hope you manage to get it sorted out and find a way to navigate these, sometimes very confusing, music publishing waters :)

[@andrewchengmusic4235]

@@Vedran-Music Thanks for the information. Greatly appreciate it. You've been very helpful. 🙂😘

[@mic-game6274]

Thank you so much sir for all the advices. I wanted to know how this work with instagram. Is there a restriction as well?

[@sebastiankrau8652]

Thanks a lot for all the information! I have a question. I want to cover some songs but not in an acoustic way you do. I want to produce covers of popular songs in FL Studio with an own vocalist and want to do anything from sractch on my own BUT I want to change some element (for example the melody and chords but NOT the lyrics) are those changes also covered by the way of licensing you explained in this video? An answer would really help. Regards Sebastian

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, Sebastian. To my knowledge, rules are the same in that case. I hope your project turns out cool! Rock on.

[@sebastiankrau8652]

@@Vedran-Music Thanks a lot for answering! Wish you all the best, really nice explanation and you seems to be a nice person in general ;)

[@Vedran-Music]

@@sebastiankrau8652 Thank you, Sebastian! I appreciate that!

[@jamesnjamesn4780]

Hey, even piano classical covers need license clarification?

[@Crime_pays]

I doubt it

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, James! Sorry for the late reply. Classical music is in public domain so there is no worries there. They can be fully monetized.

[@robhalewijn8581]

Hello Vedran, Thanks for your good and clear advice about copyrights. My question to you is: Is it wise to manage both licences of my acoustic songcovers even if my KZbin channel is still small? I have still to less subscibets and viewhours to be monetised. With kind regards Rob Halewijn

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, Rob! I haven't done it for almost 10 years after starting KZbin channel so my opinion is that it is not necessary. However, I didn't know about WATH then. If you decide to upload your songs via WATH, I think that it could be a wise choice. You never know which cover of yours will gain traction and it is nice knowing that you're splitting the revenue. Uploading via WATH vs uploading directly to YT is a 15 minutes difference. - First you'd search for the song on WATH site. Once you find it, upload it. - Wait for the upload to finish so you get the message that your cover is now cleared. - Upload cover to YT and DO NOT click on "monetize". WATH will already take care of that part for you. All your questions are appreciated. If there's anything else I can help with regarding the video topic, don't hesitate to write. All the best, Vedran

[@robhalewijn8581]

@@Vedran-Music Hi Vedran! Thanks fir your fast responce and vlear answer on my question. It is helpfull information for me 🙏🏽💫

[@Vedran-Music]

@@robhalewijn8581 You're most welcome, Rob. Glad I could help!

[@equinoxstudio8205]

Great video thanks. Roughly what percentage of profit do I get if I upload a cover? What percentage goes to the songwriter?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! I didn't find a way to figure that out. I think that only the copyright holder would have that kind of information. To me it feels that we are getting pennies only but then again, maybe I am being greedy about it. I am planning to publish a video in which I'll talk about earnings in more detail, as in - show analytics for my best performing videos. Thank you for checking out my channel. I appreciate it ✌️

[@equinoxstudio8205]

@@Vedran-Music thanks so much for your honest reply!!!

[@BramsKey]

Hello Verdan, Just one question, do you have to be partner of youtube to be monitized by WATH? of can you make revenue before being youtube partner?

[@ReliableRocker]

I would also like to know the answer to this. The Help section of WATH does not come close to answering most of my questions. Finding it very difficult to get straight answers on some things that are very important and should be straight forward. I uploaded one song last night and I can't even see a way to delete or edit it at all now. And I'm not sure if the title on youtube needs to match exactly or not. Very frustrating so far.

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, BramsKey! I'm sorry for not replying sooner. When I saw your message, I created a ticket and asked them your question. I haven't gotten a reply and forgot to reply. I created a ticket again and I hope to have a better answer for you soon. I think that if you're not a KZbin partner that monetization will not be able for WATH but we will have to wait and see what they reply.

[@BramsKey]

@@Vedran-MusicHey Verdan! Thanks for your answer! To be honest WATH doesn't work for me, I uploaded video's 3 months ago and they still didn't claimed it. Does it work for you well?

[@Vedran-Music]

​@@BramsKey Oh, that is strange. I didn't know about WATH from the beginning. I started using their platform a year ago (or so). I contacted them directly and sent them a list of my videos which I wanted them to claim. They did that but it took a bit of time. I just checked my emails from them. From the moment I sent them the list, it took them about a month to claim videos. After that, it took about 2 months for me to be able to see the updates on their dashboard. I'd suggest emailing them. Maybe try to do that? I haven't found any other service that does a similar thing. Have you found any better solution meanwhile?

[@Vedran-Music]

Oh, WOW. I just got an answer from WATH and I'm really excited about it. Turns out that even if you're not a KZbin partner (your channel is not monetized), you can still earn from uploading your cover songs through WATH. To me, that's mind blowing. I realize now while I'm writing this that it sounds as if I'm affiliated with WATH in some way. I give you my word that I am not. I just think that it is phenomenal for KZbin channels who just started and are trying to get to that mark when they can become KZbin partners. This might be a push in a good direction for all of those channels. I will paste the reply from WATH here. I hope you find it helpful: "Yes, part of the reason WATH was created is for those who are not KZbin Partners to be able to earn from videos. Thank you for your interest in We Are The Hits (WATH). WATH is for uploading original cover videos. You select which songs you are covering, create the music and video, and upload through the WATH system. Then you upload to your own KZbin channel. The WATH KZbin account will "claim" the video, which will allow KZbin to monetize it. The money will filter through the WATH CMS, and back into your We Are The Hits dashboard. Basically the situation is this, WATH has deals with may publishers to provide sync licensing for cover songs (making it legal and preventing blocking or removal). The songs in our library are the ones that have been cleared by publishers to be monetized. Once registered with us you would upload your video to our site, where we would fingerprint a digital content id where we could track it. You would then upload it again to your KZbin Channel. Then you will see WATH claim it, and other right holders will claim it as well so they will share in the revenue. This is completely normal. The video get monetized once KZbin claims it, which it totally under their control and we are at the mercy of. Once KZbin reports monthly to any revenue generated, it is sent to WATH where we pay the publishers who disseminate to song writers and rights holders. You would receive 40% of the revenue generated."

[@worldofwaddington]

If you are using a karaoke backing track are there any additional considerations for the process? What you just have to make sure you have the commercial license to use the karaoke backing track?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hello! As far as I'm informed, there's no karaoke license you can purchasd which will whitelist your video. In that case, you'd purchase a commercial license for the karaoke file and then you'd have to contact organizations which have the power to give you sync right. If so, you'd need to provide them with information needed for them to make the quote. All that I wrote here falls under sync license section I talked about in the video. I found a useful link that you could check out and read more. It's from a karaoke site's FAQ and there you can click on "Other uses" (Tensy Music): www.karaoke-version.com/help/use_33.html In short, there's no way around it. If you want to upload karaoke file or karaoke cover on KZbin, sync license is the one you'd need. If you want to monetize it, that is. Without sync license you are also risking your video being blocked and/or taken down. I hope I managed to answer your question. Thank you for watching the video. I appreciate it ✌️

[@worldofwaddington]

@@Vedran-Music Thank you. I liaised with the legal team about using their backing track and the license I bought from them allows me to upload to spotify etc and KZbin. I purchased license to cover myself legally for my using of their backing track. I have recorded my vocal to the backing track and all is mixed and mastered. My next question is in order for me to gain some revenue via downloading music platforms etc I would need to obtain a Mechanical License via DistroKid - is this correct? I understand if I don't wish to use download platforms as an option, and instead wish to go by streaming platform only e.g spotify streaming that I would not need a mechanical license in place as there is no monetary element involved - is this correct? Re KZbin in order to obtain some revenue I would need a sync license as I would upload a self produced music video to go with my cover song recording. I understand sync license are hard to obtain but can go via WeAreTheHits (WATH) to facilitate this aspect - is this correct? If I don't seek a sync license or go via WATH then I won't obtain any revenue on KZbin and also run the risk of KZbin removing the video - is this correct? Your first reply to me is so helpful - thanks again. I will also check out the link you shared.

[@Vedran-Music]

@@worldofwaddington Hello! Are you sure that you purchased sync license from karaoke site? To my knowledge, karaoke sites cannot give you this license and will forward you to the organization that represents the original content owner. Obtaining sync license is more of a deal kind of a thing. There is usually no fixed fee to pay there but instead will be decided on the amount of streams. Maybe I misunderstood and I apologize in advance if I did but I think that mech and sync licenses were mixed up in your previous reply. Hence me writing the following info (again, excuse me if I misunderstood) : - Mech license will be necessary in case you decide to distribute your song via Spotify, Apple music etc. All the audio streaming platforms require mech license. Mech license is simple to obtain, though. If you are releasing your song via distrokid.com, you would simply state that your single is a cover and write the details. Distrokid.com will take care of mech rights. Sync, on the other hand is the one which you will need to have in order to add any video element to the audio you've recorded. I am not certain that you've obtained this one and I possibly misunderstood that part from your previous reply. Third thing I wanted to reply to is the WATH part. My assumption is that WATH has a deal with several organizations responsible for licensing. If you decide to upload your audio+video to KZbin via WATH, they will make sure that your video is not blocked, taken down. They will also make sure that you don't get a copyright strike. That is all that WATH will do. They will not give you any license. They are the license holder and they will allow you to keep portion of revenue. Please do write more if I haven't replied to your question. This can get confusing and that is the reason I decided to record this video in the first take. I understand that part 😊

[@alexandranedelcucovers694]

Hi, I have a question about WATH. How come they're free? You basically ask them to be the "bridge" for receiving money between you and the artist/owner of the song and they do that and you get money for it. What do THEY get from it? I don't really understand how that works. Thank you for your video, it's been of great help! 😊

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! I don't have the right answer to this but I can tell you what I'm assuming.. WATH is founded by a person who worked in the industry. I think that this person is actively working on obtaining licenses and also negotiating with right holders so instead of your streaming royalties being taken completely by copyright owner - WATH splits it between the owner and you while potentially using their leverage to get better deals and attract more musician into their network. I think that they win as well. They might hold on to one part of the revenue also. But again, I don't know this. I am just assuming.

[@alexandranedelcucovers694]

@@Vedran-Music that could be an explanation, I didn't think of that. Thank you for your input!

[@buzzingaround108]

Hi, very informative video, what about if we upload a video from a concert and get a copyright claim on melody, any suggestions on this will be greatly appreciated!

[@jaimeascanio]

Does it work for cover with lyrics as well?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! You would like to cover a song and add lyrics? If so, then yes, same rules apply. The only way to get guaranteed revenue share would be by uploading through WATH.

[@linotom1887]

Hi Vedran, can i (and how to) monetize by making/posting or selling my instrumental covers versions, for karaoke singers either on youtube....or on any other online platforms i should know about..? Thankyou in advance..

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, Tom! As far as I know, as long as you've recorded all the tracks and produced the karaoke track from start to finish, there shouldn't be any problem releasing and distributing it via (for example) DistroKid. However, I've never done this. You could also drop them a message to make sure that you're within your rights. If you'd distribute your song via any music distributor, tracks would end up on chosen platforms. Spotify has a karaoke function as of last year. They have partnered with Musixmatch. You could also, of course, upload your karaoke versions on KZbin and monetize them. You could monetize them if you upload them through WATH. If I'm wrong, I hope that someone else might jump in on this conversation and correct me. You're welcome. If there's anything else you'd like to ask, feel free to write anytime. Thank you for wafching the video!

[@simonachakarjaneva5761]

Can you use this from any country in the world?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! Yes, I believe so.

[@RealMusicHype]

Good stuff, keep it up We'd like to feature your music on our music blog!

[@Vedran-Music]

How cool! Feel free to do that, I'd be happy to be featured on your blog. If you do, please send me the link to share it too. Thank you for watching! I appreciate it!

[@nikotrip]

Hi thanks for your video. Can you share how much these licenses cost per track?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, Nickolas! Mechanical license, the one that allows you to publish your covers to Spotify, Apple music etc (audio format only). will typically be included in the cost of distribution service you choose. For example, I chose DistroKid to be a distributor for my covers. I pay around 12$ per song per year. I am not affiliated with DistroKid in any other way but I do have my referral code which would give you 7% discount. Here's the code: distrokid.com/vip/seven/2638661 There are several online distributors, though. Just make sure to search for a distributor who accepts cover versions and whose terms you like. Sync licenses, typically, costs more, much more I'd say. To get sync license for a song and be able to record a video as well, you'd need to negotiate with the license holder - the original rightsholder. There are businesses who can negotiate price for you. I wish you all the best with your music. Keep on rocking!

[@nikotrip]

@@Vedran-Music Thank you Vedran. I used Cd baby to upload an album and I paid around 25 once and forever to keep them on spotify. Is there an option like that at distrokid or do you have to pay 12 e per track per year no matter what?

[@raffmusik]

My case is this: I want to cover "We are the world" song but I wrote new lyrics in spanish. I will also make different arrangements. Can you advise regarding this specific case? Thanks

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, RAFF MUSIK! No difference there, sadly. Same answer: you'd need sync license if you'd like to upload it to YT. Otherwise, you can also use WATH and register your cover by choosing the song in the original language. If you'd like to upload it on music distributing services (Spotify etc.), simply upload the song via any distributor that offers mech license option and you're good to go ✌️ Hope your video will perform well!

[@Shalloworldmx]

I have been using WATH for over a year and in that time, their statistics have never been updated, and still it looks like i have 0 views on each video. I reached out to customer service but they never reply.

[@Ryan_Austin]

Do I need these licenses if I don't want to be monetized but just don't want my video taken down?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, Ryan! In my opinion, it's always better to have a mech license. Even if your videos are not monetized, the copyright author still has the right to take down your video if they see it fit. Better safe than sorry... In my experience, they will not ask for your video to be taken down, at least not often. It's in their best interest that your cover is out there. It helps promote their song. However, it's not a rule.

[@Ryan_Austin]

@@Vedran-Music gotcha. Thank you!

[@Vedran-Music]

@@Ryan_Austin Hi, Ryan. I stand corrected. If you're about to publish your video on KZbin, you would need a sync license, not mech. Mech license would be enough if you're about to distribute it to music streaming services. However, if you decide to post the cover on KZbin, my best suggestion is to do that by uploading the cover through WATH. They would make sure that your video is not taken down. If you ever decide to monetize it, you would be splitting the revenue with the copyright holder. As a rule, it's always a must to have a sync license if you're planning to add any video element to your covers. Even black screen. All the best. I wish you good luck with uploading your covers. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I have posted this video with exactly this in mind - helping each other figure it out. Rock on!

[@randomperson22562]

@@Vedran-Music would I need a mechanical license in addition?

[@Vedran-Music]

@@randomperson22562 Mech license would be needed if you plan to distribute your song via Spotify, Apple Music etc. For KZbin, mech license doesn't help. You would need a sync license. However, you could register your song through WATH and if the song is in their database, they will make sure that it won't be taken down. If you every decide to monetize it, you will be able to share the revenue with the copyright owner. Good luck!

[@Joejoyoyoyo]

Can you say how much money you can get paid from cover songs doing it legally like this? From KZbin and other DSPs, but mainly KZbin 😅

[@Vedran-Music]

Hello! I wish I could give you a better answer but I'm afraid that I'm not able to because how much one gets paid depends on several factors. How the revenue is split between the uploader and original copywright holder and also, how much money is that video "worth" to the advertisers. There's no fixed price. WATH will simply assure that you share revenue with the original copyright holder as opposed to no revenue at all. Here's an example from one of my covers (A-ha - Crying in the rain). The cover got 10000 views and earned 3.59$. That would mean that, per view, it got 0,000359$. But then again, this is not the rule. It is just an example. Feel free to ask if there's anything more regarding the video that I can clarify and thank you very much for watching!

[@BramsKey]

Hey! Great vid! I have a karaoke channel and upload own made backingtrack music karaokes which I want to connect/upload to WATH. Are you sure that WATH does the same thing to karaoke videos as cover songs? Do they see karaoke videos/tracks the same as cover songs?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi! I am not sure but if you recorded that karaoke version and haven't used any original audio from the song, mostly likely you'll be able to upload it and share revenue with the copyright owner. Same as cover versions. I could find more info by quickly searching FAQ on WATH. You can for sure expect copyright claims but copyright claims will almost always be there, no matter if you're uploading cover or karaoke version. Copyright claims would allow you in most cases to split revenue with the copyright holder. I'd give it a shot. Thank you for watching the video! It means a lot!

[@BramsKey]

@@Vedran-Music I emailed WATH. They say it's okay to upload karaoke songs trough them. Thanks for your time answer and information. You really helped me out!

[@CarloRegadasGuitar]

Does anyone know if it makes any difference if you change the key and / or tempo?

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi, Carlo! Not that I know. Covers are often transposed and copyright claims still happen...

[@CarloRegadasGuitar]

Ah ok, thanks for replying Vedran.

[@Vedran-Music]

Of course! Thanks for watching my videos@@CarloRegadasGuitar

[@sarahcordelia807]

Does that mean that if we go through WATH then we dont have to get a sync license

[@Vedran-Music]

Yes and no :/ Yes: You don't need a sync license if you register your cover through WATH since WATH will make sure that your revenue is split with the original copyright owner. Your video will not be taken down and you will not get a copyright claim. WATH will take care of that part if you upload through their website. No: Registering through WATH doesn't mean that you took care of sync license. You still don't have it (as this one is tricky and, in my experience very expensive to obtain). If you decide to buy the sync license than you own the right to add video element to your cover - copyright owner agreed to give that right to you because you paid the agreed upon amount via the sync license. Please ask if you have any more questions. I'm aware that the subject may be confusing, hence my video to try my best to explain it. Thank you for watching!

[@julianterhorst2753]

@@Vedran-Music Hey! Thanks for the video. You say, 'if you decide to buy than you own the right to add video element to your cover'. What do you mean by that? If you post it on KZbin you always add a video element, right? My personal example... I've covered a song and made my own video clip on top of that. It sounds interesting and appealing to do upload and monatize it through WATH. Do I also need a sync license with this self-made video, uploaded through WATH? Also, what are the percentages? Do you split 50/50 with the copywright owner? Thanks in advance!

[@Vedran-Music]

@@julianterhorst2753 Hi, Julian! KZbin always adds a video element. That is right. If let's say, you decided to do an official cover of a very popular song, recorded an awesome music video, and invested money in that project, then it might make sense to buy a sync license and own the sync right for the song in question. If so, you would own the right to add the video element to your cover. Otherwise, it doesn't make much sense to own a sync license as it is expensive and hard to obtain. You covered a song and made your own video on top of that. Awesome! If you upload it through WATH, they will ensure that your video is not taken down or that your total revenue is not going towards the original copyright owner. WATH will make sure that even if you don't own the sync license, you're able to split the revenue with the copyright owner. In short - by not uploading such a video through WATH, you're risking your video being taken down and/or missing on any revenue the video might generate. I wouldn't know what are the percentages but I doubt anyone would have a good answer. I believe that it depends on several factors of which all of them are unknown to me :) You're welcome! I hope I have managed to answer your question. Feel free to ask if anything regarding this crosses your mind. Have a nice day!

[@julianterhorst2753]

@@Vedran-Music Okay, thank you very much for this explanation! So if I get it right, when uploading it with WATH it's not necessary to get the sync license but profits will probably be lower than if I get my own sync licence and upload it myself? I made my own video, but it's an amateur video, not with a professional crew. Would you recommend getting the license or just through WATH? Final question... I covered the song with a friend. Does WATH also split percentages between the two of us? Sending money to both our PayPal accounts. Thanks in advance :)! Julian

[@Vedran-Music]

@@julianterhorst2753 Hi, Julian! Sorry for the late reply. Yes, you're exactly right. Profits will be lower than if you get your own sync license but you ensure that there will be earning from your video. About your own video... If it is original content, you definitely don't need to register it through WATH. Song covered with friend - I believe that all the earnings will go to the account registered with WATH. I have never split royalties with them. I think that options are better if you are distributing your music cover (Spotify, iTunes etc.) because in that case, I'm pretty sure that DistroKid and similar distributors will allow for royalties split as well. I haven't tried this but I vaguely remember being able to add more people to the team. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. once again, sorry for the late reply. Thank you for watching the video!

[@hakuritzio]

Me pone muy mal que no pestañee... 🙈

[@Vedran-Music]

Es porque está nervioso y no le gusta estar frente a la cámara. guiño/parpadeo

[@GoldadiJerman]

Hi! I sing only with Karaoke Backing Track like Sing King Karaoke Channel.. is that possible to monetize my Videos too.? Please answer me

[@Vedran-Music]

Hi and sorry for such a late reply! Karaoke videos would fall under the same category. You would need to upload them through WATH in order to be able to share the revenue. Please ask. If there's anything else I can help with, I will be glad to help. Thank you for watching!

[@GoldadiJerman]

@@Vedran-Music I plan to mute the the videos if I reach the 4000 Watchhour so the copyright claim will be dissapear

[@GoldadiJerman]

@@Vedran-Music WATH ? What is that?

[@Vedran-Music]

@@GoldadiJerman Mute? Do you mean delete the videos? You shouldn't get a copyright strike even if you don't mute them but, most probably, it will be a copyright claim. Copyright claim means that you will be sharing ad revenue with the music owner. No need to mute the videos, in my opinion.

[@Vedran-Music]

@@GoldadiJerman You can hear about it more in the video but it is an organization/online site which would allow you to make sure that you're sharing revenue with the copyright holder instead of loosing the revenue and risking a copyright claim.

[@guadalupehuffman6791]

MORE PLEASE!!! Become an online boss = Promo-SM .

[@AlexanderSirnes]

You got $24 for 47k views on youtube via We Are The Hits?! Somehow that sounds criminally low...

[@Vedran-Music]

That's right. It's a very low amount. However, compared with nothing I'd get if my song was claimed by original copyright holder, it is more. For someone uploading mostly covers (as I think most of the viewers of this video are), it is something. I hope to find a better solution some time in the future, though! Thank you for watching

[@MinKhant-zb4gk]

Hi Mr.Vedran, thanks and appreciate your explanations and get a lots of motivation who doesn't really know about uploading the cover on KZbin, My question is that I'm trying to do the guitar covers and mixed with original music , upload on KZbin , is that can be oki with WATH as you did in video ? , below are one of my favourite cover artist video that I would like to do as exactly. Thanks kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3bMpZqMq5itpdU

[@Vedran-Music]

Hello! Thank you for watching the video! To my knowledge, use of original master recording is strictly prohibited and might result in strict penalty. Covers are, of course, absolutely ok to upload through WATH. Use of original audio, however, is not. Best of luck! Feel free to ask if there's anything I can help with ✌️

[@MinKhant-zb4gk]

@@Vedran-Music kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqrZnH1pnLyqjqM guitar cover like this video also has original vocal background music , has any idea how they proceed ?

[@Vedran-Music]

@@MinKhant-zb4gk Hello! If you go to the video (I'm using the desktop version of KZbin right now), you will be able to click on "Licenses" and you will see that the video has been claimed by the original rights holder. That means that the uploader chose to upload the video through KZbin directly and chose the "Monetize" option. That simply won't work. If he would have uploaded it through wath, he could have possibly kept more of the ad revenue for himself 👍 Claim is not a strike and will not affect his channel health in overall but it might limit the revenue.

[@fitlana2821]

Hello, what if you use karaoke for background and then record the vocals on top and use WATH to upload? Or maybe you can suggest some services, where we can obtain music instrumental covers for our vocal covers to use?@@Vedran-Music

[@Vedran-Music]

@@fitlana2821 Hi! You are right. In that case, you would use WATH to upload your video through. Given that WATH has the song you wish to cover in their database. If so, it is guaranteed by them that you will share the portion of the ad revenue. I search for instrumental covers on various sites and often use paid ones. If possible, I like to have the license for the content I'm trying to monetize. Either way, that's not a concern for WATH as long as you're not using the master recording or the portions of it. Good luck with your channel. I hope I managed to help ✌

[@b1studio648]

Why u look like Voldemort?

[@Vedran-Music]

Face = genetics Lack of hair = surplus of testosterone 👍 Hope you're doing ok