21 Ways to get into Trouble with Copyrighted Music

Get into Trouble Playing Copyrighted Music

21 Ways to get into Trouble with Copyrighted Music

Some of the ways to get into trouble with copyrighted music include:

  • Downloading music without paying for it
  • Playing copyrighted music at public events or venues
  • Using someone else’s music in your video or project
  • Uploading copyright music to YouTube or other streaming services
  • Purchasing a CD and then ripping the songs to your computer
  • Copying and distributing someone else’s music without permission

Copyrighted music is a big issue these days. Whether you’re a musician or just someone who enjoys listening to music, it’s important to be aware of the laws surrounding copyrighted music.

In this blog post, we will discuss 21 ways that you can get into trouble for using copyrighted music without permission. Keep reading to learn more.

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21 Ways to get into Trouble with Copyrighted Music

Here are the top 21 ways that you can get into trouble for using copyrighted music without permission. We hope this list helps keep you out of trouble by using non-copyrighted music like the FREE music we offer on this site.

1. Downloading music without paying for it

Unless the music file is free for download, you’re likely violating copyright laws by downloading it without paying for it. By downloading music files without paying, you are depriving the artist of their earnings and that is illegal.

2. Playing copyrighted music at public events or venues

If you’re hosting an event in a venue, such as a restaurant or a bar, make sure you have permission from both the copyright owner and venue manager before playing any songs. If not, it could result in fines for your business and even jail time for the person responsible.

The good news is, that there’s a lot of copyright-free music you can get online for use in your events. StreamLofi (Spotify Link), for instance, provides 100% royalty-free music you can use for anything. Check out our playlists and albums here.

3. Using someone else’s music in your video or project

This is another common way people get themselves into trouble with copyrighted music. If you use someone else’s song in your video or project without permission, the copyright owner can sue you for damages.

You are basically stealing the artist’s work and they can take legal action to protect their rights.

4. Uploading copyright music to YouTube or other streaming services

If you’re not authorized to use a copyrighted song, don’t upload it to YouTube or any other streaming service. Not only could this get your account terminated, but you could also be sued by the copyright owner.

YouTube has a very thorough content screening process and will remove any videos that violate copyright laws.

5. Purchasing a CD and then ripping the songs to your computer

This is another common way people get themselves into trouble with copyrighted music. If you purchase a CD and then rip the songs to your computer, you’re violating copyright law.

The only exception to this is if you have paid for a license that allows you to do so. However, you still have to abide by the terms of use associated with that license.

6. Copying and distributing someone else’s music without permission

This is another way people get themselves into trouble with copyrighted music. If you copy and distribute someone else’s song, then it is a copyright violation and can result in legal action being taken against you.

There, however, may be an exception here if you’re creating a remix of the song. The artist still has to give you permission to do so, however.

7. Downloading music from torrents or other file-sharing websites

This is a big no-no when it comes to copyrighted music. Torrent and file-sharing websites are notorious for hosting illegally copied music files.

If you’re caught downloading music from these sites, you could be facing some serious legal consequences.

8. Photocopying lyrics and sharing them with other people

This often happens in settings such as when practicing songs at church choirs. If the song is copyrighted, you can get in trouble for photocopying the lyrics and sharing them with other people. This is considered copyright infringement.

The best way to avoid this is by doing your due diligence first before using any copyrighted materials. Make sure that you’re not violating anyone’s rights, or else it could result in legal action being taken against you if you’re caught.

Also, if you are an organization or institution, you could get a blanket license to cover the use of copyrighted materials.

9. Downloading music from torrents or other file-sharing sites

This is another way people get themselves into trouble with copyrighted music. If you download music from torrents or other file-sharing sites, you’re likely violating copyright laws.

This is because most of these files are not authorized for distribution and are illegally copied.

If you’re caught downloading copyrighted music in this way, you could be facing some serious legal consequences. This is why it’s important to be aware of the risks involved before taking this kind of action.

10. Using a copyrighted song without permission in your advertising

This is another big no-no when it comes to copyrighted music. If you use a copyrighted song in your advertising without permission, the copyright owner can sue you for damages.

This is because you’re using their work to promote your own product or service without their consent.

You can, however, use copyright-free music for adverts. StreamLofi offers a range of tracks perfect for use as background music for adverts. You don’t have to pay a dime and our music is free for use any way you want.

11. Using a copyrighted song on TikTok

Your favorite artists just produced a new song and you are super excited. So you head to TikTok and use their new song in your video without their permission. BIG mistake!

If you’re caught using a copyrighted song on TikTok without the artist’s permission, you can face some serious legal consequences. This is because TikTok is a platform for users to share short videos, and using someone else’s copyrighted material without permission violates copyright law.

So if you’re planning on using a copyrighted song in your next TikTok video, make sure you get the artist’s permission first. Otherwise, you could be facing some legal trouble.

StreamLofi offers a range of copyright-free tracks perfect for use in TikTok videos. With our wide range of songs from a variety of genres, you are sure to get the perfect music for your next video.

12. Using a copyrighted song on Instagram without the artist’s permission

Another way people get into trouble with copyright law is by using someone else’s work in their Instagram posts without permission from the owner of that work. This can get you into some serious legal trouble, as using copyrighted material without permission is a violation of copyright law.

You can avoid this by getting permission from the copyright owner before using their work in your posts. Or, you could use copyright-free music instead of copyrighted music in your Instagram posts.

13. Publishing a song’s lyrics on your website

While this may seem like a harmless act, publishing someone else’s song lyrics on your website without their permission can get you into trouble with copyright law. You must have permission to publish someone else’s song lyrics, as this is a violation of copyright law.

14. Using copyrighted songs in your TV show without permission

Those TV shows that have copyrighted music playing in the background always have a license that allow them to use the music. Using copyrighted music in your TV show without permission is a big no-no and can get you into some serious legal trouble.

If you want to use copyrighted music in your TV show, make sure you get the necessary permissions from the copyright owner. Or, find copyright-free alternatives to use in your show. StreamLofi has a range of songs perfect for reality shows, game shows, and more.

15. Making copies of someone else’s music and selling them as your own

This is another big no-no when it comes to copyrighted music. You cannot make copies of someone else’s music and sell them as your own without getting permission from the copyright owner first.

This includes uploading someone else’s music to your own music streaming service.

If you’re caught doing this, you can face some serious legal consequences. You could get very huge fines, and you could also get sued by the copyright owner. So make sure you get permission from the copyright owner before using their music in any way.

16. Downloading music files from peer-to-peer networks such as BitTorrent or eMule without paying the artist royalties

This is another common way people get themselves into trouble with copyrighted music. If you download music files from these sites, it’s important to remember that they are usually copyrighted material.

This means that you need to pay the artist royalties in order to use them.

Peer-to-peer networks are a great way to share music files, but make sure you pay the artist royalties first. You can find out how to do this by reading the Terms of Use for each site. Failing to do so could get you into some legal trouble.

17. Streaming copyrighted music on your website

If you’re streaming copyrighted music on your website without permission, the copyright owner could take legal action against you. This includes streaming music through services like Spotify or Apple Music.

If you’re caught streaming someone’s copyrighted music without permission, the copyright owner may sue you for damages or even have your website shut down. It’s also important to note that if a visitor to your site is caught listening to copyrighted music without permission, they could be sued as well.

So, make sure you get permission from the copyright owner before streaming their music on your website. There are plenty of great copyright-free alternatives to choose from.

18. Using someone else’s lyrics in your song

This is among the biggest form of copyright infringement. Many artists have found themselves in legal tussles because they used someone else’s lyrics in their songs without getting permission from the copyright owner.

When you use someone’s else lyrics in your song, you are basically stealing their work. This is a big no-no and can get you into some serious legal trouble. If you’re caught using someone else’s lyrics in your song, the copyright owner could take legal action against you.

You may end up paying huge fines and/or getting sued by the copyright owner.

19. Posting or reposting someone else’s music without permission on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter

This is a common mistake people make when creating content for social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. You cannot post or re-post someone else’s music without permission from the copyright owner.

20. Recording a live show and selling the recording without permission from the copyright owner

You cannot record a live show and sell the recording without permission from the copyright owner. If you’re caught doing this, you could get into some serious legal trouble.

While some artists won’t have a problem with this, some will because you are getting monetary compensation without their permission. So, it’s important to get permission from the copyright owner before recording and selling a live show.

You can usually find out how to do this by reading the Terms of Use for each site.

21. Using someone else’s song in your game or movie without permission

If you’re using someone else’s song in your game or movie without permission, the copyright owner could take legal action against you. This includes using popular songs in commercials without permission.

When you use someone else’s copyrighted material in your game or movie, you are basically stealing their work. This is a big no-no and can get you into some serious legal trouble.

If you’re caught using someone else’s song in your game or movie, the copyright owner could take legal action against you.

These are just some of the ways you can get into trouble with copyrighted music. Make sure you get permission from the copyright owner before using someone else’s music. You can usually find out how to do this by reading the Terms of Use for each site.

How Do I Avoid Trouble With Copyrighted Music?

There are various ways to avoid copyright infringement. They include the following, among others:

As I mentioned earlier, there are many copyright-free music sites you can use. These sites offer free songs that are not copyrighted.

At StreamLofi, for instance, you can find a range of copyright-free music. Our tracks are 100% royalty-free and you can use them for anything. From background songs for YouTube videos to music for your website, you can use our copyright-free tracks in any way you want without getting into trouble.

Check out our website to download our music on Spotify and YouTube now.

This is another easy way to avoid copyright infringement. Just contact the artist or their management and ask for permission to use their music. If the copyright owner gives you permission, then you’re good to go.

Get a blanket license

If you are an organization, an institution like a church, or just someone who likes to use a variety of songs for whatever reason, you may be better off getting a blanket license.

A blanket license often allows you to use the music of various copyright owners. It is a quick, easy and convenient way to avoid copyright infringement.

This type of license can be expensive, however. So make sure you shop around to find one that suits your needs as well as your budget.

Learn about Fair Use

This is another way to avoid copyright infringement. Basically, fair use is a type of exception that allows you to use someone else’s copyrighted material without permission under some circumstances.

A good example is educational purposes. If you’re a teacher or student and need to use copyrighted music for teaching or learning purposes, then fair use will allow you to do so without getting into trouble.

There are other circumstances in which fair use applies, so it’s important to learn more about it if you want to use someone else’s copyrighted material without permission.

Use songs provided by social media websites

Most social media websites have their music archives. You can use these songs without getting into trouble because they are public domain music.

While the tracks from these music archives may not be what you want, they can save you a lot of hassle and potential legal trouble.

YouTube, for instance, has a wide range of copyright-free music that you can use in your videos. Just make sure you give credit to the artist by adding their song title in the video description.

Pay royalties where necessary

If you do decide to use a copyrighted song in your game or movie, it’s important to pay royalties. This is the only way the copyright owner will get compensated for their work.

There are various ways to pay royalties, and most of them are easy and convenient. For instance, you can use services like TuneCore or CD Baby. These services will help you pay royalties and get the necessary licenses for using copyrighted music in your work.

Create your own music

While this involves some work, if you are good at creating music, this can be a great way to avoid copyright infringement.

Instead of using someone else’s work, you can just create your own music and use that instead. This will allow you to use the songs in any way you want without getting into trouble with copyright laws. It also gives you more freedom to create the kind of sound you want for your project.

Just be sure to copyright your music so that no one can use it without permission.

Copyrighted Music FAQs

Can I get a jail term for violating the music copyright law?

Yes, if the infringement is willful and has some substantial commercial benefit, then you can get up to 5 years in jail. According to the Copyright Law, infringement is considered a criminal offense if it is done for commercial advantage or private financial gain.

Can I use copyrighted music if I give credit to the artist?

It depends on the type of license you have. Some licenses allow you to use the song without giving credit, while others require that you give credit wherever the song is used. So be sure to read the license agreement carefully before using a copyrighted song.

Can I use copyrighted music in my YouTube video?

No. If you do not have permission or license to use the song, then you cannot use it in your YouTube video. You may be able to use copyright-free songs from music archives like YouTube, but be sure to give credit to the artist.

How serious is music copyright infringement?

Music copyright infringement is a serious offense, and it can have severe consequences. As mentioned earlier, you can go to jail if the infringement is considered a criminal offense.

There may also be huge fines, sometimes, in tens of millions of dollars. On top of all these, you can also be sued for damages by the person whose copyright was violated.

What happens if I use a copyrighted song without permission?

If you use a copyrighted song without permission, the copyright owner can sue you for damages. This means they can ask a judge to award them money as compensation for the violation.

There may also be other consequences such as fines and jail time if it’s considered a criminal offense.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways you can get yourself in trouble with copyrighted music. These range from using a song in your YouTube video to making money off someone else’s work without their permission.

So, if you want to avoid copyright infringement, it is important that you understand how the law works and what rights are given to music creators by default. It will also be helpful if you know where you can find free or royalty-free music for your project.

At StreamLofi, we offer a wide range of copyright-free music that you can use in your work.