Adding background music and sound effects to a YouTube video can significantly change how clearly and comfortably viewers experience the content. However, skipping the process of choosing assets carefully and reviewing the terms before publishing can lead to missing attribution or unexpected claims.
This article outlines what to check when using audio assets in videos published on YouTube, whether or not the videos are monetized. The terms for each asset always take precedence, so use this process to compare your video’s intended use with those terms.
Define How the Video Will Be Used First
Before reading the terms, define how you plan to publish the video. For example, consider whether it is a standard video or a Short, whether advertising revenue will be enabled, whether it is sponsored content, whether it will appear only on your own channel, and whether it is being produced for delivery to a client.
Even if you describe something simply as a personal YouTube video, advertising, affiliate links, product promotion, memberships, or sponsorships may make it commercial use under the terms. If you plan to monetize the video in the future, choosing assets that already cover commercial use can save you from replacing them later.
Five Items to Check on the Asset Page
1. Is Use on YouTube and Social Media Permitted?
First, check whether the asset page or terms permit use on video platforms, social media, and online streaming services. Review not only the site’s general terms, but also any asset-specific conditions or limits tied to paid plans.
2. How Are Monetization, Sponsored Content, and Advertising Handled?
If you plan to use the asset on a monetized channel, a company’s official channel, a product video, or sponsored content, review the commercial-use terms. Even when an asset is labeled for commercial use, advertising campaigns, television or broadcast use, client delivery, and integration into apps or games may be subject to separate terms.
3. Is Attribution Required, and How Should It Be Written?
When an asset requires attribution, place it in the location specified by the terms, such as the video description or end credits. Do not omit required information such as the creator’s name, asset title, provider URL, or license name. The credit attribution glossary entry explains this concept in more detail.
4. What Are the Terms for Editing, Modification, and Redistribution?
Common edits include trimming an asset to fit the video’s length, adjusting volume, adding fades, and processing it to sit under narration. However, whether modifications are permitted and which uses are prohibited varies by asset. An asset may be licensed for use in a video while redistribution of the background music file itself in a downloadable form is prohibited.
5. Save a Copy of the Terms
Recording the publication date, asset name, provider URL, terms URL, review date, and required attribution makes post-publication checks easier. Terms pages may change, so for important videos or client projects, it is also helpful to save screenshots or PDF copies.
Do Not Be Unnecessarily Alarmed by Content ID Claims
YouTube may automatically scan an uploaded video through Content ID. When it detects a match, the copyright owner’s settings may result in monetization, tracking, or a viewing block. See YouTube Help’s How Content ID Works for an explanation of the system.
A Content ID claim is not the same as a copyright removal request or copyright strike. Even when you have properly licensed an asset, a claim may appear because of how the provider has registered it. If you receive a claim, do not rush to dispute it. First review the asset’s terms, your purchase or download history, and evidence of your license.
Consider filing a dispute through YouTube Studio only if you are confident that you hold the necessary rights. YouTube also advises users to dispute a claim only when they have a valid reason and the required rights. See YouTube Help’s guidance on disputing a Content ID claim as well.
Pre-Publication Checklist
- You have listed the background music and sound effects used and their providers
- You have confirmed the terms for YouTube use and monetization
- You have added the required attribution to the description or end credits
- You have reviewed the terms for editing, modification, and redistribution
- You have saved the terms and asset pages
- After uploading, you have checked YouTube Studio for restrictions and claims
For a broader process for reviewing terms, see Terms to Check Before Using Background Music and Sound Effects. For definitions of the key concepts, see Royalty-Free, Commercial Use, Attribution, Copyright, and Licensing Basics.
This article provides general information only. Whether a use is permitted depends on the asset, its provider, and how the video will be used. Always review the latest terms before publishing, and consult the provider or a qualified professional if you are uncertain.
