Are piano covers of songs copyrighted?

The piece is copyrighted as a composition whether it is a cappella or instrumental or anything in-between. Also note that contrary to what some other posters have expressed, there is no hard and fast rule about what constitutes “fair use” of musical copyrights.

Is it legal for me to post a piano cover of a song on YouTube?

Generally speaking, yes. YouTube has licenses with many (but not all) publishers so there is less than a 5\% chance you’ll get into trouble. You can obtain a mechanical license through the Harry Fox Agency. The mechanical license only covers the audio portion of your YouTube cover.

Are Post covers legal?

Anyone can cover anyone else’s song, and its creator cannot say no (that’s the compulsory part). But if you do cover a song, you must pay a royalty to the song’s creator (that’s the licensing part).

Is it legal to do covers on YouTube?

When someone records and releases a song, you are free to do your own cover version of that song by obtaining a mechanical or “compulsory” license. Therefore, you need a synch license as well as a mechanical license to legally publish a cover song on YouTube (unless the song has fallen into public domain).

Are cover songs fair use?

Cover songs are not Fair Use, unless sometimes if they are parodies of the original song. A parody is not easy to make and has specific requirements.

Do covers violate copyright?

And whether the video is a live band performance or a toddler singing from her high chair, most of those cover songs are posted without permission from the song’s copyright holder—meaning they’re infringing someone’s copyright. If the copyright owner complains, YouTube may remove your video.

Is it legal to record a cover song on YouTube?

For all other songs, you can’t legally perform or distribute them on YouTube unless you obtain a license. Cover Song Licensing. Once a musical work has been published, anyone can record a cover version of the song by obtaining a mechanical license. A song is published when copies or recordings are distributed to the public for sale or rent.

What do you need to know about copyright laws for music?

What You Need to Know 1 Copyright Laws for Music. Songs are creative works that are protected by copyright law. 2 Cover Song Licensing. Once a musical work has been published, anyone can record a cover version of the song by obtaining a mechanical license. 3 Consequences of Posting a Cover Song Without a License.

Is it legal to perform a song on YouTube without a license?

For all other songs, you can’t legally perform or distribute them on YouTube unless you obtain a license. Once a musical work has been published, anyone can record a cover version of the song by obtaining a mechanical license. A song is published when copies or recordings are distributed to the public for sale or rent.

Is it illegal to post a recording of yourself playing music?

If it’s popular enough to have a team behind it, your post will probably be quickly pulled. If you have a book of sheet music and, without the consent of the copyright holder, post a recording of yourself playing it, then that is also a copyright violation.