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Can I Use Music for my Films and Videos?
- Laurence Scott
- Feb 6, 2023
- 3 min read
Have you ever watched your favorite movie scene with the sound muted? It just doesn’t have the same magic, does it?
Music is the secret ingredient that elevates the emotional impact of any film or video. It injects energy, drives your story forward, and keeps your audience glued to the screen for longer. It’s an absolute game-changer for digital content, but there is a major catch that catches a lot of businesses out: copyright.
Let's chat about how to use music the right way, so your videos can shine without any unwanted surprises.
The Pitfalls of Copyrighted Music
We get it—it is incredibly tempting to pair your shiny new promotional video with that massive hit song currently dominating the charts. However, using copyrighted music without permission can lead to some pretty big headaches.
If you use a track without the proper license, you could actually find yourself facing legal action for copyright breach. While it is possible to buy the rights to a famous commercial song for a specific project, the price tags are usually eye-wateringly expensive.
What Happens When You Press 'Upload'?
Even if you think you can fly under the radar, video platforms like YouTube and Instagram have incredibly smart algorithms. The second you upload your video, they scan it for copyrighted audio. If they flag an unlicensed track, they might:
Mute the entire audio track of your video (leaving it completely silent!).
Block your video from being viewed in certain countries.
Take the video down altogether.
In extreme circumstances cause issues for your whole channel.
Watch Out for Watermarks
You might also come across tracks with an audible "watermark"—meaning your audience will hear a random word or phrase repeated over the music every few seconds. Nothing ruins a viewer's enjoyment faster or looks less professional, making people much more likely to click away.
Choosing the Perfect Track for Your Audience
When we help you select music for your project, we always ask a few key questions: What is the intention behind the track? How will your audience receive it?
The right music needs to perfectly complement the tone and pace of your film, but it also needs to be something your specific target audience will actually enjoy. When you hit that sweet spot, viewers are much more likely to watch the video a second time, share it with their friends, and remember your brand for all the right reasons.
Lets Face it - You Wouldn't Like It!
Imagine, you just finished creating your awesome project. you find the next day someone else has grabbed your work, is sharing it will people - and is possibly making money off it. Making money off of your hard work.
How We Handle Music at Offset Films
The great news is that when you work with us, you don't have to worry about any of this! We hold licenses to a massive, ever-growing library of brilliant royalty-free music.
We aren't just talking about generic background elevator music, either—our library includes fantastic instrumentals and original songs written and performed by incredibly talented musicians.
We include fully licensed music in all of our film packages where we handle the post-production editing. We’ll pitch a track we think fits your story perfectly, but if for any reason it’s not quite your style, don't worry! We will work closely with you to find a track you absolutely love.
Ready to Roll?
When you book your next promotional video with Offset Films, you can rest easy knowing your soundtrack is 100% legal, licensed, and ready to wow your customers.
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