Proper music rights management is a critical aspect of media production. It can be a complex area, especially for those unfamiliar with the industry. That's why relying on trusted professionals is key to avoiding legal issues and making the most of your music tracks. It's important to understand the difference between two of the most common licensing models: royalty-free and rights-managed. In this article, we break down the basics of these two types of music licensing and of how they affect the use of music in multimedia content.
What is the "Royalty-Free" Licence
A royalty-free licence allows the user to pay once for the right to use a track. After the initial payment, the track can be used in an unlimited number of projects without additional fees or royalties.
This type of licence is particularly well-suited to content creators looking for a cost-effective and convenient solution. For example, YouTube video producers, podcasters and business presenters can all benefit from using royalty-free music.
Advantages of royalty-free music:
- Cost-effective: One-off payment with no ongoing royalties.
- Easy to manage: No need to track each use.
- Quick access: Can be purchased instantly through online platforms.
Disadvantages of royalty-free music:
- Less exclusivity: The same track can be used by more than one person or company.
- Less control: Very few ways to prevent the music from being used in undesirable contexts.
What is a Rights-Managed License
A rights-managed licence is more specific and tailored to each use case. The cost depends on various factors such as the type of project (e.g. TV commercial or film), duration and geographical distribution. Each use requires individual negotiation and offers more control over how the music is used.
Advantages of rights-managed music:
- Greater exclusivity: It's possible to secure exclusive rights so that the same track cannot be used elsewhere.
- Usage control: The licensor can monitor and restrict how and where the music is used.
- Prestige: Access to premium music, often associated with high-profile brands.
Disadvantages of rights-managed music:
- Higher cost: Pricing varies and can increase depending on the size of the project.
- Complex process: Requires detailed negotiation for each use.
- Restrictions on use: Licences may be time or territory limited, often requiring renewal.
Publishing Rights vs. Master Rights: What's the Difference?
When dealing with music licensing, it's also important to distinguish between publishing rights and master rights, as they relate to different aspects of a music track:
- Publishing Rights: These cover the composition, including the melody and lyrics. Typically owned by composers, lyricists, or music publishers, these rights govern how the musical work itself can be used.
- Master Rights: These refer to the specific audio recording of a track. Owned by artists, producers, or record labels, these rights control the use of that exact recording.
When signing a licensing agreement, it's important to check who owns each right and how they are managed. In some cases, you may need to obtain separate licences for publishing and master rights.
Which License Should You Choose?
The right licence depends on the scope of your project, your budget and your need for exclusivity:
- Royalty-free licence: Best for independent content creators or small projects with limited budgets where speed and simplicity are a priority.
- Rights-managed licence: Ideal for complex productions or large corporations that require exclusivity, detailed control and premium music quality.
