Written by Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-founder & CEO of Hoopr.ai
Social media has become the king of brand building and engagement in today’s digital world. As creators fight to grab viewers’ attention, music becomes a crucial tool to elevate content. Studies by Animoto show that videos with music are shared a staggering 1,200% times more. However, leveraging music on social media requires navigating the complexities of music licensing laws, especially in India. Wyzowl provides some insight into costs, with licensing fees ranging from a few hundred dollars for lesser-known artists to tens of thousands for popular songs.
Understanding Music Licensing
To leverage music legally on social media, understanding music licensing is crucial. It’s the process of obtaining permission from the copyright holder through a licence agreement. This agreement details how you can use the music, specifying factors like platforms, duration, and associated fees (which can vary based on music popularity). While there are various licence types, the two most relevant for social media are Synchronisation Licences (essential for using music with visuals) and Master Licences (granting permission for a specific recording, not just the composition, important if you have a desired artist’s version). In India, the amended Copyright Act governs music licensing, with the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) as the primary body for licensing and royalty collection. Other organisations like Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and Novex Communications manage specific licences.
Steps to Secure Music Licensing for Social Media
- Identify the Right Licence: This is the first crucial step. Think about how you plan to use the music. For social media content, you’ll most likely need a Synchronisation Licence (Sync License). This grants permission to synchronise the music with your visual content, like videos or social media ads. There are other types of licences, like Mechanical Licences for reproducing music and Public Performance Licences for playing music in public spaces, but they’re not typically relevant for social media uses.
- Research and Select Music: Finding the perfect music can elevate your content. Look for music that complements your brand identity and resonates with the message you want to convey. Explore various online music libraries offering royalty-free or licensed music with a wide variety of genres and moods. Popular options include Epidemic Sound and Artlist, while OKListen caters specifically to the Indian market. Many libraries allow you to preview music before committing, so take advantage of that feature!
- Negotiate Terms and Costs: This is where you discuss the specifics of your licence agreement. Key points to address include:
- Scope of Usage: Specify the platforms where you will use the music (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) and the duration of use (e.g., one-year, specific campaign period). Some licences may also have limitations on geographical regions where the music can be used.
- Licensing Fee: The cost can vary significantly depending on the popularity of the music and the scale of your campaign. Royalty-free libraries typically have a one-time fee, while licensing directly from artists or labels might involve ongoing royalty payments. Be clear about your budget and negotiate a fair price.
- Secure the Licence: Once you reach an agreement on the terms and costs, finalise the licence by obtaining a written document. This document should clearly outline the permissions granted, any restrictions on usage, and the duration of the licence. Carefully review the agreement and ensure it aligns with your needs before signing. Keep a copy of the document for your records.
- Credit the Artist: Always give credit to the artist when using licensed music, as per the terms of the agreement. This shows respect for the creators and can also enhance your brand’s credibility. The specific way to credit the artist will vary depending on the platform and agreement, so be sure to follow the guidelines provided
Conclusion
Budget-friendly music solutions exist for social media! Royalty-free libraries offer a one-time fee (instead of ongoing royalties) for access to vast music collections across various genres. Flexible options like tiered subscriptions or individual track purchases cater to different needs. Stay compliant and avoid legal headaches. Music licensing laws and platform requirements can evolve. Keep yourself informed to ensure your brand uses music legally and responsibly. Consulting legal experts can be particularly helpful, as they can navigate licensing complexities, assist in contract negotiations, and prevent copyright infringement. Understand India’s legal landscape, identify the right licence (Sync or Master), negotiate terms, secure permissions, and respect creators’ rights. Music can be a powerful tool to elevate your content – use it wisely!
About Company:
Hoopr.ai is India’s first music licensing platform that is focused on solving a billion-dollar problem faced by content creators and businesses every day – discovering & licensing the right music for their videos! While Hoopr.ai is currently catering to the demand for licensed music, it will also be providing a massive opportunity for thousands of musicians to be able to monetize their music in a new way!
The company is looking to build tools and technologies that leverage data and consumer insights to provide intelligent recommendations, thereby making the search & discovery process super-efficient for its users
About Author:
Gaurav Dagaonkar is the co-founder and CEO of Hoopr.ai, a music licensing marketplace for content creators. He’s also an award-winning singer and music producer. Gaurav Dagaonkar graduated from the IIM-A, Batch of 2006 and went on to pursue a career in the music business. Known for his popular songs ‘College Days’, ‘Main Dhoondne Ko Zamaane Mein’ and his signature Synchronicity YouTube mashups, Gaurav has recorded famous singers such as Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Mohit Chauhan, KK, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Shalmali Kholgade on his songs. In 2018, Gaurav co-founded GSharp Media, a music tech company based in Mumbai. The company owns the popular music platform ‘Songfest’, that has over 100 million views and over 5 lakh subscribers on YouTube.
