Use royalty-free music from reputable sources like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or Facebook’s Sound Collection to legally incorporate tunes into your Instagram Live streams. Obtain written permission from the copyright holder if you want to play a specific track, and keep documentation on hand. If playing popular songs, limit clips to very short segments of 10-15 seconds to minimize the risk of detection by Instagram’s algorithms. Whenever possible, collaborate with the musical artist or their representatives to secure the necessary rights and create a mutually beneficial promotion.

Illustration of copyright warning sign with Instagram logo
Stylized warning sign about copyright strikes on Instagram

Understand Instagram’s Music Copyright Policies

Understanding Instagram’s music copyright rules is essential for anyone looking to play music during their live broadcasts. According to Instagram’s terms of service, users are prohibited from including music in their videos or live streams unless they have the necessary rights or permissions from the copyright holders. This means that playing popular songs, even just in the background of your livestream, could result in your video being muted, blocked, or even your account being suspended if you’re a repeat offender.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Instagram has licensing agreements with certain music libraries and record labels, which allow users to include short clips of licensed songs in their Instagram Stories. These clips are typically limited to 15 seconds or less and must be used within the context of an Instagram Story, not a live broadcast.

It’s important to note that even if you give credit to the original artist or state that you don’t own the rights to the song, this does not exempt you from copyright infringement. The only way to legally include copyrighted music in your Instagram Live is by obtaining explicit permission from the copyright owner or by using royalty-free or original music that you have the rights to use.

Musician composing original music using music production software
Person creating music on a digital audio workstation

Create Your Own Original Music

Royalty-Free Music Sites

Finding royalty-free music for your Instagram livestreams doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are some of the best sites offering copyright-free tracks you can safely use:

1. Epidemic Sound: With a vast library of high-quality music across various genres, Epidemic Sound is a go-to for many content creators. Their subscription plans grant you access to unlimited downloads and worry-free licensing.

2. YouTube Audio Library: YouTube offers a free collection of music tracks and sound effects that you can use in your content without fear of copyright claims. Simply filter by genre, mood, or duration to find the perfect fit for your livestream.

3. Artlist: Artlist provides a curated selection of royalty-free music from talented independent artists. Their user-friendly platform allows you to easily browse, download, and license tracks for your Instagram broadcasts.

4. Soundstripe: With a focus on cinematic music, Soundstripe is an excellent choice if you’re looking to add an emotive or storytelling element to your livestreams. Their subscription model gives you unlimited access to their entire catalog.

By using music from these royalty-free music platforms, you can confidently enhance your Instagram Lives without risking copyright infringement. Always double-check the licensing terms for each track to ensure you’re using it in compliance with the site’s guidelines.

Get Permission from the Copyright Holder

If you want to use a specific copyrighted song in your Instagram Live broadcast, the most straightforward approach is to directly contact the artist, band, or record label that holds the rights to the music. While this process may seem intimidating, many artists and labels are open to granting permission for the use of their music, especially if it aligns with their brand and helps promote their work.

To start, research the artist or label online to find their official website or social media profiles. Look for a “Contact” or “Licensing” page that provides information on how to request permission to use their music. If you can’t find specific licensing information, try reaching out through a general contact email or online form.

When crafting your email, be clear, concise, and professional. Introduce yourself and your brand, explain why you want to use their music in your Instagram Live, and outline how it will benefit both parties. Here’s a template you can use:

Subject: Request for Permission to Use [Song Name] in Instagram Live

Dear [Artist/Label Representative],

My name is [Your Name], and I am the [Your Position] at [Your Company]. I am writing to request permission to use your song, [Song Name], during an upcoming Instagram Live broadcast on our company’s profile.

Our Instagram Live series focuses on [Brief Description of Your Content], and we believe that your music would be a perfect fit for our audience. By featuring your song, we aim to create engaging video marketing content that not only entertains our followers but also exposes them to your music, potentially expanding your fan base.

We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to use [Song Name] in our broadcast. If granted permission, we will ensure to provide proper attribution and promotion for your music during the live stream.

Please let me know if you have any questions or require further information. Thank you for considering our request.

Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Company] [Contact Information]

Keep in mind that some artists or labels may require a licensing fee or have specific terms and conditions for using their music. Be prepared to negotiate and come to an agreement that works for both parties. If you receive permission, make sure to get it in writing and adhere to any guidelines provided by the copyright holder.

Sample email for contacting copyright holders to ask for music permissions
Email template for requesting music permission

Keep Music Short and Intermittent

When playing copyrighted music on your Instagram Live, it’s crucial to keep the clips short and spaced out to minimize the risk of detection and removal. As a general rule, limit each music clip to no more than 15-30 seconds in length. This brief duration makes it less likely that Instagram’s algorithms will identify and flag the copyrighted content.

In addition to keeping the clips short, avoid playing them consecutively or too frequently throughout your livestream. Space out the music excerpts by at least a few minutes, filling the gaps with your own commentary, interactions with viewers, or other engaging content. This intermittent approach reduces the overall proportion of copyrighted material in your broadcast, making it less prone to being detected and penalized.

When selecting which parts of a song to feature, opt for less recognizable sections like instrumentals, intros, or bridges rather than the main chorus or verses. This can help further obscure the copyrighted content and decrease the chances of triggering Instagram’s detection systems.

Remember, while these techniques can help reduce the likelihood of copyright issues, they don’t guarantee complete protection. It’s always best to use royalty-free music or obtain proper permissions when possible to fully ensure compliance with Instagram’s policies and respect for artists’ intellectual property rights.

Conclusion

Playing copyrighted music on Instagram Live without permission can lead to serious consequences, including account suspensions or legal issues. By understanding Instagram’s music policies, exploring legal alternatives like royalty-free tracks or obtaining proper licenses, and adhering to best practices when using popular songs, you can enhance your livestreams while staying compliant. Remember, respecting copyright is crucial for maintaining a professional online presence and avoiding potential pitfalls that could harm your brand. As you craft your social media marketing strategy, consider investing time and resources into creating original music or collaborating with independent artists to develop unique, rights-cleared soundtracks for your livestreams. By taking a proactive approach to music licensing and embracing creativity, you can deliver engaging, memorable experiences to your audience while building a strong, reputable brand on Instagram and beyond.