Adding music to Twitch streams or VODs undeniably boosts engagement and enhances the entertainment value for your audience. That being said, the question arises: Can you play copyrighted music on Twitch?
Can You Play Copyrighted Music On Twitch?
No, you cannot play copyrighted music on Twitch without the owner’s permission. If you do, Twitch immediately takes action against videos that use copyrighted music.
Furthermore, if you buy a CD, vinyl record, or other physical media, that doesn’t mean that you got the rights to the music. That gives you access to the music for yourself, but you do not have the right to use it on Twitch.
Therefore, you should avoid using copyrighted music on Twitch as it may lead to mutation of the music, deletion of the clips, and, in severe cases, termination of the channel.
What If You Use Copyrighted Music On Twitch?
If you use copyrighted music on Twitch, you won’t get away with it because of the following Twitch Music Guidelines and rules.
Twitch’s Automatic Audio Detection
Twitch uses an advanced copyrighted music detection tool on its platform. The tool checks every video signal to find any copyrighted music. It takes 24 hours to analyze the video fully, and if any parts contain copyrighted music, it either mutes or removes them.
DMCA
DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright ACT) is a well-known copyright rule that is followed on many platforms, including Twitch. In it, when the owner of the music finds that you’ve used their music without their permission, they can send a DMCA request to Twitch to take action against your video.
Twitch receives the request, confirms it, and removes or mutes the parts of the video in which you’ve used the copyrighted music. Sometimes, the platform may also take down the video.
Music Copyright Strikes and Penalties
The other thing that happens when you use copyrighted Music on Twitch is you get a Twitch Copyright strike. When Twitch catches you using copyrighted music without the owner’s permission, it automatically sends you a copyrighted strike.
There are a maximum of 3 strikes from Twitch. If you keep on making the same mistakes even after 3 strikes, you’re considered a repeat infringer, and your account may be permanently banned.
Twitch’s Special Music Agreements
There are many music companies that Twitch has agreements with, for using their specific types of music on the platform. If you use the music of any of such companies, you won’t get a full strike but still a warning of not using such music.
Also, the companies don’t offer full music access and the rights to Twitch. Therefore, you should avoid using any music you don’t have the right to.
Music You Can Use on Twitch Streams and VODs
You can play the following types of music on your Twitch streams or the VODs.
- Music that you own – If you’re an artist and wrote and performed or acted on the song yourself, then you own that song. You can use that song for as long as you want. Just be mindful that if you’re working with any company that makes music, they may also have rights and rules. You’d not want to break those rules and ruin your relationship with the company by using their music. In such a case, ask them for their rights and whether you can use their music on your streams or the VODS.
- Licensed Music – The music providers or the creators can license the streamers to use their music. So, if you’re licensed with any music, you can use that in your streams on Twitch. Just be sure to read out the rules and the guidelines of using any copyrighted music you get licensed to.
Music You Cannot Use on Twitch Streams and VODs
Following is the music that you can’t share on Twitch.
- Lip-syncing Acts: If you mimic, sing along, or act as if you’re singing any song, then that isn’t allowed on Twitch. You still need to have the rights to that music to do that.
- DJ Performances: Unless you’re part of the Twitch DJ program, you can’t remix the pre-corded songs or other people’s tracks and then use them on your Twitch Streams.
- Karaoke Sessions: If you sing with any karaoke tracks without permission, then that’s still prohibited on Twitch.
- Radio-Style Streams: Broadcasting recorded music in radio-style streams without a unique performance, acting on it, or having the rights isn’t allowed.
- Displaying Music Notation: Even displaying lyrics, sheet music, or other copyrighted visual formats is prohibited
- Cover Song Performances: Playing or singing a song owned by someone else also goes against Twitch’s guidelines. If you create a cover, make sure that you follow all the rules of Twitch for it, like singing the song yourself and not using any copyrighted background tracks or karaoke.
How To Play Copyrighted Music Without Being Muted on Twitch?
There’s one trick for legally using Copyrighted Music on Twitch used by many streamers on the platform. So, you set up a separate VOD track on your Twitch live stream that plays only while the live stream is going on. When the live stream is over, the track music is also removed. Since Twitch does not remove any copyrighted music from the live stream, they cannot mute your video or any parts of it as the music is already removed.
However, the danger of DMCA strikes is always present, as the music owner can request Twitch to take down your video.
How To Play Music On Twitch Without Getting A Copyright Strick?
If you want to play music on Twitch without DMCA or Copyright strike, follow these easy tips.
- Use copyright-free or royalty-free music from platforms like StreamBeats or Pretzel Rocks.
- Get permission or a license for any copyrighted music you want to play.
- Subscribe to services that offer music cleared for Twitch, like Soundtrack by Twitch.
- Use in-game music that’s already licensed for streaming.
- Play your own original music if you created and own it.
- Set up a Twitch VOD audio track to remove music from saved videos.
- Check Twitch’s music guidelines to stay within the rules.
- Avoid playing mainstream songs unless you have explicit rights.
FAQS
Is it okay to play copyrighted music on Twitch?
You can only play it if you’ve got permission or a license. Otherwise, Twitch might mute your VOD or hit you with a copyright strike.
What happens if I stream copyrighted music?
Your VOD could lose audio, or worse, you’ll get a DMCA notice. Multiple strikes risk penalties for your channel.
Does Twitch let you use copyrighted tracks?
No—unless you own the rights or have a license. Using it without permission breaks their rules.
Do muted VODs harm my channel?
No, but muted content means viewers can’t engage with past streams. That can stall your growth.
How do I know if a song is copyrighted?
If it’s not labeled royalty-free, part of Twitch’s library, or from a trusted source, assume it’s copyrighted.
What music is safe to use?
Stick to royalty-free tracks, copyright-free playlists, or Twitch’s own tools like Soundtrack by Twitch.
Can Twitch legally play copyrighted songs?
Twitch itself doesn’t have a blanket license. You’re responsible for getting permission or proper licensing.
Final Words
Can you play copyrighted music on Twitch? No, you can’t use any copyrighted music. It’s because Twitch has strict guidelines and rules for it, such as the automatic copyright music detection tool, the DMCA system, and the automatic copyright strikes. When the owner of music sends a DMCA or takedown request to Twitch, they can take down your video where you’ve used the copyrighted music or terminate your channel.
Other than that, if you receive over 3 Twitch copyright strikes on your video, you may be considered a repeat infringer and permanently banned from Twitch. Therefore, make sure you use the music you own, have rights to, and is copyright-free.