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What is Custom Licensing?

When your project demands more than basic Cover Song Licensing, Easy Song’s Custom Licensing service is the answer. Your payment of $299.00 puts our powerhouse team of licensing experts in your corner. We prepare the requests, negotiate, and process the licensing for you.

Watch this three-minute video to learn more:

Is Custom Licensing required for cover songs?

Usually not. Most cover songs can be easily obtained within 1-2 business days for a small fee of $16.99 $12.74 today or less (Check out our Cover Song Licensing services). However, if you change the lyrics, the fundamental melody (general rearrangement is allowed however), or otherwise don't fit within the compulsory law limitations, Custom Licensing is necessary.

Do I need a custom license?

If you use music that other people created, no matter how you use it, you need to get a license. This is true even if you are giving away your project for free, or if it's for a non-profit. No matter the use, we can help you get the permission you need. There are two scenarios we handle:

For cover songs, if any of the following apply, you need a custom license:

  • Changed the lyrics or melody (more than general rearrangement).
  • Want to use a song that has never been released.
  • Want to license retroactively (a release that happened in the past).
  • Want to release for any purpose other than private listening (performance, karaoke).
  • Want to license an international song, not copyrighted in the United States.
    • Learn about the compulsory law where these limitations come from.

If your cover song fits within the Compulsory Law (in other words, none of the above apply), you don't need a custom license: Click here to start your Cover Song Licensing. If any of the above apply, or if you require some other use (see below), you need a custom license.

Please note that as a result of legislative changes from the Music Modernization Act, interactive audio streams are no longer available for licensing through our Cover Song Licensing service. In some cases they remain available via our Custom Licensing services. Please contact us for details.

For all of the following, you need a custom license:

  • non-compulsory cover songs,
  • video (including YouTube),
  • use of existing audio recordings,
  • display of music notes or lyrics,
  • theatrical productions,
  • parodies, and
  • songs that have never been released.

Want to discuss your project?

Finished
In progress
Planning
Audio (music track release as a single, EP or album)
Advertisement/branded/commercial use
App use on iOS and/or Android
Audiobook
Film
Language translation
Podcast
Print licensing - book/publication (physical and/or digital e-book)
Print licensing - new arrangement - sheet music or score - retail use
Print licensing - new arrangement - sheet music or score - non-retail for public performance use
Remix/medley/mashup
TV broadcast
Theatrical live stage use
Video game
Video streaming - cover music video (artist or band release)
Video streaming - film or series episode
Other/I don't know
1
2-5
6-24
25-49
Over 50
I'm not sure
Which song(s) would you like to use? Provide the song title and the original recording artist or songwriters.
Yes
No
I don't know
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FAQ

What is sync licensing, and when do I need a synchronization license?

Sync licensing (or synchronization licensing) is required if you want to use music in visual media, such as films, TV shows, advertisements, or online videos. A synchronization license gives you the rights to “sync” a song’s composition with visuals, making it essential for incorporating music into any video content.

What is the difference between a sync license and a master use license?

A sync license provides the rights to use a song’s composition in visual media, such as videos or films. A master use license grants permission to use a specific recording of that song, usually controlled by a record label. Both licenses are needed to use a particular recording of a song in visual projects like advertisements, movies, or online videos.

What is a master recording license, and why is it important?

A master recording license (also called a master use license) gives permission to use a specific recording of a song, rather than just the composition. This license is crucial when using a particular artist’s version of a song in visual media, such as videos, films, or advertisements, alongside a sync license.

Do I need a print license to use music in visual media?

No, a print license is only for reproducing and distributing physical or digital sheet music, lyrics, or other printed representations of a song. For visual media like films, advertisements, or online videos, you’ll need a sync license for the composition and, if using a specific recording, a master recording license.

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