Copyright Audio in Branded Content 101

by | Oct 20, 2023

How to Meet Copyright Regulations

Use Royalty-Free Audio Finder Resources

Instagram (Meta) and TikTok have their own libraries of approved royalty-free audio choices for creators to use in sponsored content. Instagram has a Facebook Sound Collection and TikTok has a Commercial Music Library.

If you are adding music to your video, here’s how to use these libraries to find an approved song:

    1. Go to Meta Sound Collection or TikTok Music Library
    2. Find song (don’t forget the name)
    3. Search the song’s name on TikTok or Instagram when adding the audio
    4. Add the song and post

Use the App Itself!

TikTok has a ‘commercial sounds’ audio option when editing your video. This makes it easy to know you’re using an approved royalty-free option without even leaving the app.

    1. Click the “Sounds” button
    2. Select “Commercial Sounds”
    3. Add the song and post

Listen, we LOVE trending sounds as much as the next person. But legal teams may be reaching out if you use Taylor Swift’s latest hit (Taylor’s version) in your branded post.

There are a lot of rules when it comes to using copyright audio in sponsored content. It can be confusing to know what sounds are allowed and why all these rules exist.

But don’t worry, there are tools and tips to help make sure your next brand collaboration meets these platform’s guidelines and preforms well.

Don’t Rely Just on the Music

The more saturated the audio is with videos, the harder it is for your content to stand out against the rest.

For a branded post, try talking directly to the camera or using a voice-over to best speak to the product or service you’re promoting. This helps show off your personality and build a better personal connection with your audience. At the end of the day, your authenticity may be the reason your content pops off. 🚀

The ‘Why?’ Behind Copyright Regulations on Sponsored Content

To Meet Platform FTC Guidelines

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram offer protection of non-commercial use when it comes to using copyright audio. But things can get tricky when the content is sponsored or being posted in exchange for something.

So, what does this mean? It means you can use copyright audios accessible on these platforms to post a personal video (one that is not a part of a campaign). Any content you post for brands in exchange for free product, a gift card, compensation, etc. should not include copyright audio without permission from the copyright holder.

Allow Brands to Promote Your Content

Getting reposted by a brand can be a big deal. And an even bigger opportunity to have them promote it as an ad. This can help your content reach a wider audience, increase engagement, and in most cases, present the opportunity to be paid.

But, brands can only repurpose content that follows platform guidelines and uses royalty-free audio. Be sure to use the tools and tips above to increase your chances of locking in those opportunities. 💪

Are you a creator looking for an easy way to get brand collabs on the regular? Apply here to get started!