If you are about to post a video and you are thinking, is this song copyrighted, the safest assumption is yes.
The good news is you can usually figure out the risk in a few minutes using a simple process. This guide gives you a step-by-step check you can use before you post, plus safer options so you do not get stuck swapping audio later.
First, a quick reality check
Most music you have heard on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok, or the radio is protected by copyright. Even short clips can still trigger problems.
Also, there are usually two separate copyrights:
- The composition: the melody and lyrics owned by songwriters and publishers
- The recording: the specific recorded track owned by an artist or label
That is why a cover you recorded yourself can still be risky. You changed the recording, but the composition is still protected.
The 60 second answer: how do you know if a song is copyrighted
Use this rule:
If you did not create it yourself and you do not have a license that clearly allows your use, treat it as copyrighted.
Then run the checks below to confirm, and to decide what to do instead.
Step-by-step: check a song before you post
Step 1: Identify where the song came from
Pick one:
- A popular song from a streaming app
- A trending sound from Instagram or TikTok
- A track from a royalty-free music site
- A track you purchased or downloaded
- A track labeled Creative Commons or public domain
- Something you made yourself
Why this matters: your risk depends more on your proof and license than on the song name.
Step 2: Look for a license you can actually rely on
If you downloaded the track from a library, marketplace, or subscription service, find the license page or receipt and answer these questions:
Checklist:
- Does it allow use on the platforms you post to (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)?
- Does it allow commercial use (ads, sponsored posts, brand pages)?
- Does it allow monetization on YouTube?
- Does it require attribution in the description?
- Is the license tied to one channel, one client, or one project?
If you cannot find a clear license, assume you do not have permission.
Step 3: Do a YouTube test upload check
Even if your main platform is Instagram, YouTube is one of the fastest places to catch problems early because it can flag copyrighted audio during upload or after processing.
Simple workflow:
- Export a short test version of your video with the exact audio you plan to use.
- Upload it to YouTube as private or unlisted.
- After processing, open the video details in YouTube Studio and look for any copyright restrictions or notices.
- If you see a claim or restriction, treat that as a strong warning that other platforms may also mute or limit the video.
Important: passing a test upload does not guarantee you are safe forever. Claims can appear later, and rules can vary by country and platform.
Step 4: Check how you are using the music
Even if a platform lets you use a song inside its own app, usage can change the outcome.
Risk goes up when:
- The music is the main focus of the video (not background)
- You use a long continuous section of a track
- You post it as an ad, sponsored content, or from a business page
- You reuse the same copyrighted song across many posts
Risk goes down when:
- You use music from a platform's licensed library inside that platform
- You use music you created yourself
- You use properly licensed royalty-free tracks with proof
Step 5: Decide what to do instead
If your checks are unclear, or you see any warnings, pick one of these safer options.
What to do instead: safer music options that work
Option A: Use YouTube Audio Library for YouTube videos
If you publish on YouTube, YouTube's own Audio Library is one of the simplest low-friction options because it is built for creators. Always follow the license type and attribution requirements shown for each track.
Use it when:
- You want a safer default for YouTube uploads
- You want to avoid surprise claims from random uploads labeled royalty-free
Option B: Use Instagram's licensed music tools and Meta Sound Collection for Reels
Instagram and Facebook provide licensed music options and creator tools for music use, plus Sound Collection as a source of tracks and sound effects intended for content shared on those platforms.
Use it when:
- Your main content is Reels and Stories
- You want music that the platform expects creators to use
Option C: Use properly licensed royalty-free music
Royalty-free does not mean free of rules. It usually means you pay once or subscribe, and the license grants specific usage rights.
Use it when:
- You need consistent music across multiple platforms
- You need commercial usage, client work, or ads
- You want proof you can save and show if something gets flagged
Pro tip: keep a folder with licenses, receipts, and a simple spreadsheet of which track went with which video.
Option D: Create your own original track
If you want the most control, original music is the cleanest path. It also helps your brand feel consistent.
How QuestStudio helps
When you are producing a lot of content, the hardest part is staying consistent while staying safe.
QuestStudio helps you streamline this in a practical way:
- You can generate original tracks for your content using Music Lab, then reuse a consistent style across videos
- You can save prompt templates in your Prompt Library so you can create new, on-brand music without starting from scratch every time
- If you are making visuals alongside your videos, you can keep your creative workflow in one place with tools like Image Lab, Video Lab, and YouTube Thumbnail Generator
Example Prompt Library templates you can save:
Common myths that get creators in trouble
If I credit the artist, it is fine
Credit does not replace a license.
If I use 5 seconds, it is safe
Short clips can still get flagged.
If it is on Instagram's music picker, I can use it anywhere
A platform's licensed library is usually meant for use on that platform.
If my video passed once, it will always pass
Claims can show up later.
FAQ
How do you know if a song is copyrighted
Assume it is copyrighted unless you created it yourself or you have a license that clearly grants your use. Then confirm by checking the source license and doing a private test upload check.
How can I check a song before posting on YouTube
Upload a short test video as private or unlisted, then review the video details in YouTube Studio for any copyright restrictions or notices after processing.
What happens if I use copyrighted music on YouTube
You may get a Content ID claim that can monetize, block, or track your video. A claim is different from a strike, but it can still hurt your video's reach and earnings.
Why does Instagram sometimes mute my Reel
Instagram can limit or mute audio when it detects unlicensed music, or when the music is used in a way that violates its agreements, especially for certain account types or regions.
Can I use music from YouTube Audio Library on Instagram
Do not assume so. Some libraries are platform-specific and the safe route is to use music licensed for the platforms where you post.
What is the safest music to use for ads
Music that you created yourself, or music with a license that explicitly allows commercial advertising usage on the platform you are running ads on.
Conclusion
If you want to avoid the headache, use one simple rule: no license, no use.
Run a quick test check before you post, keep proof of your licenses, and default to safer sources when you are not sure. If you want an easier way to create original music and reuse a consistent sound across your content, try QuestStudio and save your best prompt templates in your Prompt Library.