Music plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional and entertainment value of a YouTube video. From background scores in vlogs to powerful soundtracks in cinematic montages, creators often wish to use popular or professionally produced music. However, when the music used belongs to someone else, monetization becomes a complex topic. You may wonder: "Can I still make money on YouTube if my video contains copyrighted music?" The answer is nuanced — and this guide will break it down for you clearly.

This article covers the legal framework, monetization options, copyright systems, and actionable methods for creators who wish to use someone else’s music without violating YouTube’s policies while still monetizing their content.

Understanding YouTube’s Copyright System

Before you can monetize any video, you must understand YouTube’s copyright enforcement system, primarily built around Content ID.

What is Content ID?

Content ID is YouTube's automated system that scans uploaded videos against a database of copyrighted audio and video files. If your video contains music owned by someone else (even if it’s just a few seconds), Content ID can:

• Mute the music portion

• Block your video worldwide or in certain countries

• Redirect monetization to the copyright owner

So even if your video is entirely original except for the music, that one music clip can prevent you from monetizing the video — or worse, get it blocked.

Option 1: Use Copyrighted Music With Revenue Sharing (Via Content ID Policies)

Some music rights holders choose not to block videos but allow them to remain live and monetize them instead.

Here's how this works:

1. You upload a video using a copyrighted track.

2. Content ID detects the music.

3. The rights holder chooses to monetize your video with ads and keeps the revenue.

4. You, as the uploader, do not earn money from the video unless a special revenue-sharing agreement is in place.

Some major music labels and distributors (e.g., Universal, Sony, Warner, etc.) do allow their music to be used with monetization — but the revenue goes to them, not you.

Option 2: Use Music From the YouTube Audio Library

If you want full freedom to monetize, the safest option is to use music from YouTube’s Audio Library, which includes:

• Free music for monetized videos

• Sound effects

• Attribution-required or attribution-free tracks

Where to find it:

Visit: https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary

Music from the Audio Library comes with clearly defined usage rights:

• If it says “You can monetize this,” you’re good to go.

• If attribution is required, include the credit in your video description.

Option 3: Get a License from the Copyright Owner

If you want to use a well-known song or track and still monetize your video, you must obtain a license directly from the copyright holder. This usually includes both:

1. Synchronization (sync) license – to use music with video

2. Mechanical license – to reproduce the song in recordings

How to do this:

• Contact the music publisher (for song rights) and record label (for recording rights).

• Use licensing services like:

  • Lickd

  • APRA AMCOS

  • Songtradr

  • Tracklib

Once you have a commercial license, you can dispute Content ID claims with proof and monetize your video legally.

Option 4: Use Royalty-Free Music with a Paid License

If you want professional-quality music without legal headaches, consider purchasing a license from royalty-free music platforms. These sites sell licenses that allow monetization, provided you follow their terms.

Popular platforms include:

• Epidemic Sound

• Artlist

• AudioJungle

• PremiumBeat

• Soundstripe

Each platform offers:

• Music curated for YouTube

• Commercial usage rights

• Monetization rights on ad-supported videos

However, ensure you maintain your subscription — if you cancel it, some services revoke monetization rights retroactively.

Option 5: Join the YouTube Partner Program with Clean Content

If you're planning to grow your channel and monetize reliably, using music you fully own or license is essential.

To join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and monetize your videos:

• You must have 1,000 subscribers

• You must have 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months

• Your videos must not contain unlicensed third-party content, including copyrighted music

Music claims on your videos can delay or disqualify your application for monetization.

Option 6: Share Revenue Through Lickd or Similar Services

Lickd.co offers a revenue-sharing license model with major record labels. This is a rare but powerful approach.

How it works:

1. You pay a small fee to license a famous track.

2. You can use it in your YouTube video legally.

3. The monetization revenue is shared between you and the rights holder.

Lickd offers a growing catalog of chart hits and commercial tracks that are often unavailable anywhere else for legal monetization.

This option bridges the gap between using popular music and maintaining monetization rights.

Option 7: Claim Disputes and Fair Use (Advanced)

In rare cases, you can dispute a Content ID claim if your use falls under fair use — such as for:

• Commentary

• Criticism

• News reporting

• Education

• Parody

But note:

• Fair use is a legal defense, not a license.

• YouTube does not decide fair use; it must be determined in court if challenged.

• Even if you're confident, a false claim may lead to copyright strikes or channel removal.

This approach is not recommended for regular monetization unless you’re legally confident and backed by a legal team.

What You Cannot Do

• Do not pitch-shift or slow down a song thinking it avoids detection. Content ID is advanced.

• Do not re-upload music under Creative Commons unless it's legitimately licensed under CC.

• Do not use music labeled “For listening only” or “No reuse” unless the uploader explicitly gives permission.

These tactics can result in demonetization, copyright strikes, or removal of your video.

What Happens When You Use Unlicensed Music?

If you use someone else's music without permission or licensing:

• Your video may get demonetized

• Ads may appear — but the money goes to the music owner

• The video may be blocked in certain countries or globally

• You may receive a copyright strike (after 3 strikes, your channel is terminated)

Summary: Your Monetization Options at a Glance

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can monetize videos that include someone else’s music, but only under certain conditions. YouTube is strict about copyright, and automated detection leaves little room for error. However, with the right license, the right music source, and transparent crediting, your video can stay live and earn money — all while respecting the original artist’s rights.

If monetization is your goal, it’s safest to plan your audio choices before hitting upload.