Content creators spend hours editing a video, but get caught by using an unlicensed song. This story is common to many YouTubers. This raises a very big question: how to check if a song is not copyrighted before it’s incorporated into the video content? And, where to get the copy-right materials for the youTube?

Remember, before you hit the upload button, it is very important to check the authenticity of the song. You may wonder why this is even a matter of concern, and why YouTube is so strict about it. If you don’t want to deliver a muted video to your audience, or risk having your content blocked or taken down, it’s crucial to understand how to check if a song is copyrighted. YouTube values the privacy and intellectual property of creators, and if you’re aiming to build a stable, unhindered career, you need to respect that too.

Since even a short clip can be flagged, guidance on checking the copy-righted material is important. In this blog, UnityFilms has discussed all about that. So, scroll down for deeper insights on the topic of discussion.

What Comes under Copyright?

Copyright means posting a video or content that does not belong to you. In other words, claiming someone else content as your own comes under copyright. Suppose someone has made a song; since they invested their time, energy, and thoughts on it, it belongs solely to them. Without their permission, nobody can utilize it and put it into their content. If done so, it comes under the infringement of intellectual property.

And infringing the intellectual property of someone else is a crime, not only in the world of YouTube, but also in the physical world. YouTube values the world rules, and if someone commits a violation of them, it takes action by penalizing the creator. But do you know that not all songs are copyrighted. And the ones that are copyrighted sometimes allow for limited use. That is why it is crucial to understand what comes under copyright.

How to check if a song is copyrighted?

Use YouTube Copyright Checker?

YouTube has an in-built tool that helps check the copyright content. The tool got the name of “Copyright Match Tool.” But there is one problem with this tool: it only informs you if the content is copyrighted or not once it’s being uploaded on YouTube. What you truly need is YouTube’s copyright checker music database. For that, go to YouTube Studio, click on “create,” and choose the audio library option available there.

Here, you will find tons of free music for usage. You can use it freely and without worry of getting a copyright strike. It tells you if you need to give credit if you are thinking of using the music into your content. All you have to do is to write the exact credit in your description box. Believe it, if you want to dodge copyright, this is one of the safest options in your hand. Since you are getting the material from YouTube’s own audio library, it’s confirmed your content is already approved.

Search the Song on YouTube

This step requires you to search for the song through YouTube. Suppose, you are looking for a well-known song as an example, maybe from Taylor Swift or Drake. Enter the song title into the YouTube search bar. You should search for official uploads or music videos. You should check the video description because it typically displays a license notice. YouTube displays the message “licensed to YouTube by” after which it lists multiple music companies when a song possesses copyright protection. This is your first clue, highlighting that the song is protected.

Try Content ID Search

This is a hidden method which few individuals are aware of. The video upload process on YouTube allows you to keep it either private or unlisted. The YouTube algorithm performs a scan of the submitted music, and it will display a prompt immediately when the content used has copyright protection.

So, before making your content public you need to use this method to check music copyright. Here’s how:

• Upload your video as Unlisted.
• The YouTube Content ID system will complete its scan during this time.
• You should open the copyright details when you see a Copyright claim.

Use Copyright Checker Tools or Use Royalty-Free Platforms

Next thing that can help you in checking the copyright content are the online tools built just for this very purpose. You can even get your hand on some tools for free, but for other tools, you have to pay a certain amount. Here is the list of some tools that can come handy;

Contact the Owner for Permission

Let’s say you found a song. It’s perfect. But it’s copyrighted. Now what? Since you need it badly in your content, you can try asking for the permission of adding it into your content directly from the owner. Email communication with the artist or label or producer sometimes may lead to the grant of the permission. It’s a rare occurrence, but the possibility is there and not an impossible task. To protect yourself, secure a written agreement from them before proceeding. Save the email. The proof must be available on your system in case YouTube requires verification.

Also Read: 10 Best Copyright Free Music Websites (2025)

Final Thoughts

The selection of appropriate music for your video plays a vital role but neglecting copyright checks will destroy your entire channel. Learning the method for checking song copyright status will help you make safe choices before video uploads. UnityFilms is always there to assist you with copyright verification together with music acquisition, video optimization, and complete YouTube channel administration. As a well-known YouTube management agency, we assist creators in expanding their channels through legal methods.

To upgrade your YouTube channel with lawful and specialized support, contact UnityFilms now.