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We have a passion for engaging content…

…and know that music plays an important role when it comes to content production. However, the utilisation of music demands careful attention to legalities. This guide features our key do’s and don’ts and aims to answer commonly asked questions concerning the use of commercial and royalty free music for content creation. 

Commercial Music

Commercial music refers to songs or compositions that are owned by artists, labels, or publishers and require a license for use, often involving fees or royalties. These tracks are usually well-known, popular tunes that come with a price tag for their usage in various projects like live events.

Royalty Free Music

Royalty-free music is a cost-effective alternative, offering a wide range of tracks that can be used after a one-time purchase or without any charge. These tracks don't require ongoing royalties for each use, providing flexibility and affordability.

Can I use Commercial Music in Virtual, Hybrid or In-Person Events? 

Using commercial music will require master and sync licensing in addition to performance licensing and can be expensive. Additionally, commercial music cannot be edited and playback in its original recorded version only is allowed. There are exceptions that could be agreed individually with the label/performer. The clarification and obtaining of such special releases is the responsibility of the customer. Please note, appropriate time should be planned for coordination with the artist/label, as obtaining approvals can take several weeks. A guarantee for securing the release is not always given in advance. For music that needs to be edited for stingers, synced with video, streamed, and recorded, Encore Royalty Free Music protects us and our partners from liability.

DO'S

  • Royalty free music is the best option for video/content production
  • If you require editing for stingers, opt for royalty-free music
  • You may utilise commercial music for playback, on the condition that the rights for audio-only purposes have been confirmed and paid for
  • Image or video footage should be sourced for productions where the client possesses usage rights or can obtain appropriate licenses
  • Various and multiple stock materials are accessible for licensing purposes in content production

DON'TS

  • Avoid utilising commercial music for content production
  • Never modify commercial tracks  
  • Using music or video sequences from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo for content production/editing is legally restricted unless the customer possesses the proper rights for its use.
  • The audio quality of content from video sharing platforms is insufficient for the professional sound systems at events 

Platforms that offer Royalty Free Music​

Artlist.io, Epidemic Sound, Musicbed, PremiumBeat, Envato Audiojungle, Shutterstock or GettyImages; Please don’t forget that each provider has its own terms and conditions. Terms of use may differ.

Frequently Asked Questions 


Can you use my favourite artists’ song for my event/opening video? 
Using commercial music requires master and sync licensing in addition to performance licensing. Additionally, commercial music cannot be edited so playback in its original recorded version only is allowed. There are exceptions that could be agreed individually with the label/performer. The clarification and obtaining of such special releases is the responsibility of the customer. 

Can you edit this commercial song to better suit my content? 
No, commercial music cannot be edited unless the customer obtains permission from the label/artist directly.

I don’t have the track as a WAV or MP3 file, can Encore Creative Services buy or download the music and use it for the edit?
No, obtaining commercial music tracks and their master and sync licensing in addition to performance licensing is the responsibility of the customer. 

Can I use YouTube files for my event/video? 
Using music or video sequences from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo for content production/editing is legally restricted unless the customer possesses the proper rights for its use. More importantly, the audio quality of content from video sharing platforms is not sufficient for the professional sound systems at events.

Encore is happy to advise and assist with content production or e.g. licensing of stock material. Please reach out to our production or creative specialists if you have any requirements or questions.