https://blog.discmakers.com/2020/11...utm_source=DMAudio&utm_medium=Email#

When transitioning from avocational hobbyist to performer and recording artist, a commercial entity, you need to know how to secure rights to market yourself using other people's Songs.
Discmakers gives two lists, Christmas Songs in the Public Domain, and those that aren't, and some advice on how to legally use other people's Songs.

Yeah, people used to often make these mistakes.

The lines are often blurred because you can legally perform a live version of any song anywhere for free. But you can't record that live performance and sell it or place it on line etc.

It is easy enough to find out what is truly public domain and what isn't. Take the time to find out.

"You can legally perform a live version of any song for free"

I believe with the caveat...as long as you are not getting paid to do so, and as long as the audience is not paying to be there....

Algorithms can't detect that. They can only detect recorded versions preloaded into them. People can legally perform cover songs on social media, it us up to social media to take care of any ads they sell and the legalities.

Agreed Brian...but...you can set up an account and channel at Youtube where you share in the proceeds of the ad sales.

It does have to be original content, so no covers of others' material without permission and a license to do so

Not trying to argue with you...just clarifying

On this thread: http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1172453/re-christmas-album-2020.html#Post1172453 Chris Wood says Distrokid can clear any song for you. I doubt that, since I've checked directly with the copyright publishers, and even they wouldn't give me permission to earn money from their music.

John

I did a 7 minute mp4 documentary on you tube on Jimi Hendrix. The algorithmns would not allow that. When I did a video on Motown artists that was accepted. Perhaps it is different with individuals.

I believe that like radio stations or TV stations, Youtube can pay a license fee for their site. I know the owner/president Susan W. said this when we did a panel together. At that time they had a BILLION dollars to pay copyright holders, but back then the publishers and PROs and others were fighting over who got what while the creators went unpaid. Those were the days when that sort of person would sit next to a guy like me.

I do know that countless channels on YouTube are teens playing cover songs. Justin Bieber for example, but he is one of millions around the world. I don't know how it works, but you can easily find them everywhere.

Brian

Every company is different. Often they only go after big channels that make lots of money. And they rarely shut it down, they usually just take their money at worst, or partner with the channel if it is big enough. The massive channels nearly ALL have contracts with YouTube (if you see a recommended channel you didn't subscribe to, usually they are under contract. The bigger the channel, the bigger the contract. In those cases YouTube covers all the licensing, but they get a permanent cut of everything too.

Brian

I felt that was my my best video with Hendrix. Nothing negative or not factual.
I just posted vids and did not create a channel.
From what you said Brian, I need to look more in to the details other than just posting.