Am I allowed to use copyrighted music in my Twitch stream?
October 19, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Edith Fischer
Dear Media Law Attorney,
I have been running a Twitch stream for quite some time now, where I regularly play games live and interact with my viewers. I would like to have music playing in the background to enhance the mood. However, I am unsure if I can simply use music that I did not create myself.
I have heard that there can be legal issues if one uses copyrighted music without permission in their streams. I certainly do not want to break the law and get into legal trouble. Therefore, I am wondering if I am allowed to use third-party music in my Twitch stream or if I need specific licenses or permissions for that.
My concern is that I may be issued a warning or even end up in court if I use music without the necessary rights. I want to be able to continue pursuing my hobby without having to fear any consequences.
Could you please explain to me what legal regulations apply to the use of music in Twitch streams and if there are certain steps I need to take to ensure that I do not violate any copyright laws? Are there potential solutions or alternatives that would allow me to use music in my streams without breaking the law?
Thank you in advance for your help and guidance.
Sincerely,
Quentin Fischer
Dear Mr. Fischer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of music in your Twitch stream. It is indeed a very important topic, as using copyrighted music without permission can have legal consequences. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the applicable legal regulations to avoid problems.
In general, using someone else's music in a Twitch stream without the permission of the rights holder can constitute copyright infringement. This means that you cannot simply use music that you did not create yourself or for which you do not have a license or permission.
However, there are ways in which you can still use music in your stream without breaking the law. One option is to use so-called "royalty-free" music, which does not require copyright fees. There are many platforms where you can find such music, such as YouTube Audio Library, Epidemic Sound, or SoundCloud. You can then use this music in your Twitch stream without any concerns, as you already have the necessary rights.
Another option is to use music for which you have purchased a license. There are various providers that offer licenses for the use of music in livestreams. By obtaining such a license, you ensure that you are using the music legally and not committing any copyright infringements.
It is important that you carefully review the music you wish to use in your Twitch stream and ensure that you have the necessary rights. This way, you can continue to pursue your hobby without having to worry about legal consequences.
If you have any further questions or need additional legal advice, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Edith Fischer, Media Law Attorney
