How to Copyright Part 2 - Uploading Lyrics, Copyright for Free, Publishing & More
Музыка
Hey! This is the part two to my original video "How to Copyright Songs" which is at this link if you want to watch: • How To Copyright a Son...
Otherwise this video covers more questions that you guys had asked in the comment section of my previous vid! If you want musical advice videos or like watching original music/covers please follow for more ;)
Links mentioned in the video:
Help with limitation of claims: www.copyright.gov/eco/help-li...
How to copyright for Free wikihow: www.wikihow.com/Copyright-a-S....
Copyright Essentials: What every Musician should know: blog.sonicbids.com/copyright-...
Пікірлер: 142
super helpful cut to info and deets n disclaimer. u go gurl!
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Tkuuuu 🥰🙌🙌🙈
Congratulations on your engagement, marriage, and pregnancy!!! I just subscribed and I thank you kindly for this video. 😘 Day
@HaleyGraves
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! Thanks for subbing too 🥰🙏🙏
This video was so helpful. Thank you so much!
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
You’re welcome! ☺️🙌🙌
This was very helpful. I had to go back and do some things over for a group of songs. Sidenote: music supervisors will not pick up your song for sync placement if it’s not copyrighted or copyrighted correctly. I had to learn the hard way.
@HaleyGraves
4 ай бұрын
Oh wow I didn’t know that! Thanks for comment hope other people see too ❤️
@sagcap7927
4 ай бұрын
@@HaleyGraves yep, no worries.
@KokoKyssed1
3 ай бұрын
Sidenote, we don’t care
@sagcap7927
3 ай бұрын
@@KokoKyssed1 GTFOH. I don’t care that you don’t care.
With so many new questions I’m think of doing a final update photo to cover some new info I’ve found on my own and from you guys alike! Also a little section to show how to use their contact form since they are actually very helpful! ❤
Excellent lesson
Excellent video
Thank you so much for the information; however; what if I just have written lyrics (word doc) to submit.....for I don't have the music yet, so I want to protect my lyrics; therefore, how can I copyright it without music, so when I hire a musician, then I want to resubmit a final copyright. Is this possible?
Many thanks for the very helpful information, Haley. May I ask you what work type should I use while registering lyrics only? Best regards, Arie.
@ArisJ92
8 ай бұрын
Work of the Performing Arts
ayley I have a question. I wrote a song using a beat I bought the Unlimited rights to. I did not create the beat, and at the same time, I bought the Unlimited beat to the beat and have a signed contract stating so from the producer of the beat. My question is should I only copyright the my lyrics and my melody, or can I do the sound recording and the lyrics and music altogether, and if so, do I have to include the name of the producer of the beat? and where and how?
Congratulations on all of your new changes in life! I appreciate your information, but I have another question. I wrote a song many years ago, the lyrics and melody, but I did not write down the music with the notes. I could do this, but I’m wondering if I have to. Also, with sending an MP3 recording, does it have to be accompanied by an instrument or can it be acapella? I wrote the lyrics and the music and my friend and I have performed it in public. Does that mean that it has been published? My friend played guitar accompaniment, but I did all the other work. Does that matter? Also, it was several years ago.
@richardmesson
11 ай бұрын
Hi, I just called las week from my country via phone to the Copyright office and I Asked if I can upload and acapella because the sound recording was not ready yet.....The answer was YES
Congratulations on the little one 🎉
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Thank you 🥰❤️
I saved this video for me to not forget it in the future because I will probably need it again. Thank you.
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
No problem! I’m glad it’s useful! ☺️
Can you submit lyrics from a Google document? Also is there a certain format they should be in? Like should I label the chorus, verse, ect. Should I separate lyrics into lines or just put each word right after the other?
first off congrats on the new baby that's about 1yo/1/2 by now and the spouse as a indy creator i sometimes find it confusing so i came across ur video and need some guidance. real quick (i lease beats) and i do all the M&M recording ect.. and i also have multiple singles to copyright but i confuse on weather i should do a sound recording or preforming cuz I don't fully out right own the beat so what do u suggest and all the lyric i wrote as well thanks for ur extended moment 💛
Very helpful info. But my question is, let say I want to register 4 songs and 2 of them I have sound recordings and lyrics and the other 2 only lyrics can I still register them as a group under sound recording?
Hi Halye...can you go through the steps of registering a group instead of just single?
@HaleyGraves
2 жыл бұрын
Hey! I’ll look at doing a quick video on this next but there’s not much difference besides putting in multiple titles and uploading multiple files! 😊☺️
Hope all went well with the baby! Here's my question, I'm old, and kinda dense, and have a little bit of attention deficit disorder going on, and don't understand the whole process very well so forgive me if I'm a little slow. Anyhow, Is there a difference between copyrighting rights for a song and publishing rights for the song? I keep hearing people talking about publisher rights as though they are different from copyright rights, and that confuses me? In other words, if I write the lyrics in my word document, and compose the notes or chords onto that word doc, record the song on an Mp3, and submit it to the copyright office, do I have to also somehow get publisher rights? (What are Publisher rights anyways).
How would you upload the album title pertaining to each song you copyright ? Great video by the way. I’m getting to do this and this helped.
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
There’s options to upload multiple or single tracks! There’s a standard application and the a group application :) I think there’s somewhere to put the album title in the group on though I haven’t done it in quite awhile
Excellent information. Thank you! I only write lyrics and collaborate with musicians that write the music. I would like to copyright my lyrics for myself (as well as other poetry). Can I do that, or does it need to be done along with the music with the musician? Thank you.
@ArisJ92
8 ай бұрын
Poetry would be Literary Work & Lyrics would be Work of the Performing Arts
Amazing video! Makes it less intimidating to copyright my first song. I wrote lyrics to a song and created a melody for it, no instruments, no beats, just my voice. Would I copyright using "Sound Recording" or "Lyrics"? Or do I do both? Thank you so much in advance for your help and guidance.
@HaleyGraves
4 ай бұрын
I think if it’s a sound recording you can file sound recording. That’s what I’ve done in the past too, though they have a contact form if you wanna be extra sure! And thank you! Yeah it was a crazy process for me too so I made the video to try to help others 🥹 though I’m no expert or lawyer myself lmao
My questions is if you made the beat/played the instruments to your songs, do you seperately copyright the beat/instrumental or is it automatically copy written with your sound recording?
I lved off the grid for nearly 40 years and I struggle with technology. When you skip steps it leaves me stuck. Couldn’t get help from the local college or library. How much does it cost. And when you say “Upload “ does it have to be a jbg file?
Thank you for this video! It was so helpful! If I just want to copyright my lyrics for the time being (Just for some protection as I start posting on social media, not ready to copyright the music or melody yet, and the lyrics are the part I am most concerned about protecting).. should I still be copyrighting it under the "Sound recordings" category, or is there a different category I should use? And can I go back and copyright it again once I have the music sorted?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Hey! Yeah if you wanted you could copy right it under musical compositions not sound recordings! I’ve got to do another video on this because they’re constantly changing and I’ve learned so much more from trying to answer peoples questions lol! I had originally started out with just sound recordings cause that’s what I’d learned from my dad 😁👍
@kevindort1288
Жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves Thank you so much! You're amazing!
@kikodinhoalexandros2534
8 ай бұрын
Came here to ask the same question. How did it go with you copywriting your lyrics?
@SILVERSPARK.S.S
5 ай бұрын
Wanted to know the same thing How did it go?
Please help! Do the lyrics files need to be titled the same as the song file title? Or can you add "lyrics" to the end of the file name?
Question...Not to be nosy but Im curious to know... what is in the sound recording as far as instruments, song key, etc....and does that affect the outcome of the copyright as far as how the song is published? Also, what is the best format to protect your lyrics as a word document? Thanks!!
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Hey! That’s a good question, I don’t think the instruments etc. makes a huge deal unless your really mimicking a very specific tune but that would have to be really copied and not just sampling I think. I would reach out to a lawyer for sure but that’s just my thought 😌
What if someone sends false claims to remove my content on KZread and attaches fake certificates with it, and unfortunately KZread deletes my songs and I lost many KZread channels because of that. Do I have to wait for the certificate before I release the songs?
Can you submit an audio recording when copyrighting a music composition or does it have to be transcribed into sheet music? (Note: I'm not talking about copyrighting a sound recording, I want to copyright the underlying musical composition. I would like to own the copyright for both the music composition and the sound recording, me being the author of both, but if I were to only copyright the music composition, are you allowed to use a sound recording to do that, or does it have to be transcribed into sheet music?)
@rhal2930
4 ай бұрын
I don't understand your question so much, Sorry I have a comprehension problem. So if this is a duplicate of your original question please disregard my additional question. But I watched another video where the author said he uploaded the audio recording and he then uploaded the lyrics along with the (something called tab ) of the music composition. I can provide the lyrics but I don't know how to write the tab of the music. Will just the lyrics along with an MP3 file of recording of the song do ? Thanks so very much in advance. Edit to say this question is for everyone not just the op of this post Thanks again.
How do you look up a song that I have copy written in the past?
Hello Haley! Can I just copyright only lyrics? I’m not a singer but I do have lyrics however I feel scared to let people sing my lyrics and later claim they wrote them.
Should I use the label I own as the claimant? Should I just use my name? Or should I add both my name and label?
Thanks!
Hi all! Can someone tell me what category I would use to submit sheet music and lyrics ? Performing arts? And if I were to upload a recording and sheet music and lyrics that would be under sound recording? Thanks!
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Hey girl! Sorry I’m really late on this, I’m not as active with comments these days 😆🙏 but if you’re still wondering I would file under “musical compositions” unless you’re recording & producing the song yourself as well then you could file under sound recording ❤️ I’m thinking of doing another video since there’s been some changes to the site and I’ve learned more from other types of artists in the comments! ❤️
Do I receive a file registration number when I register my song or do I get it when I get my approval?
I write lyrics , how much short lyrics can I register for multiple choures and verses in one group ?
what if some songs were finished previous years? so like not all i created were the same year and i'm barely copyrighting them before uploading them on distrokid
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
That’s fine! I had my album copyrighted even though I wrote all the songs over 5 years altogether 😊 and I just registered them for the year I got the copyright
What If ive promoted the song on tiktok? does that count as being published? I use a specific sound bite. Its not the full song but i'm just worried.
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
I think it doesn’t matter if you sampled something as long as you’re not making money off of it. Where that gets dicey is if you published the song to iTunes, Spotify etc. like somewhere that people pay for it not just on a free viewing site like tiktok or KZread. You would definitely need to check the copyright on it before trying register your song for copyright though for sure
Can I drop my song after I submit the forms and not wait till I get it in the mail?
I'm curious , I filed copyrights years ago and there use to be a section for a pseudonymous name. But now I don't see that option on any of the online forms. I would like to release my works with a pseudonymous name as in I really would like to stay an unknown artist of the work for a cupule of years before coming forward as the actual owner of the work. Is this possible ? Thanks a ton in advance.
@HaleyGraves
4 ай бұрын
Oh dude that’s so strange! I haven’t sent for copyright in a bout a year so I’m not sure if they’ve changed it but I hope not
Thank you
Note: copyright of how the song was written and the lyrics is totally separate from the actual “sound recording”
I also have a question regarding copyrighting lyrics only, as I want to find a band to write music with. How long do the lyrics have to be? So far, I only have two sentences, which would be the chorus, but I think they could be very anthemic. I can come up with some more sentences if there's a minimum, but I don't know what the minimum is.
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
That’s a good question! I don’t think it’s answered on their site but you could always write one fo the free lawyer sites I think could give a good answer. But for me I’d say if you had the whole thing as a sound recording even if there was just two sentences repeated at parts of the song it could still be copy right. Not to claim those two sentences, cause I don’t think you can claim only 2 as copyright but those sentences in that context with that music.
@lisellesloan3191
Жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves Thanks, but I’m still confused. I want the lyrics copyrighted; I’m not a composer. But you’re thinking I should just come up with some music around the lyrics to safeguard them?
@atraeu
Жыл бұрын
@@lisellesloan3191 You would file it under "Work of Performance Art" then just upload the lyrics. At this point, wait until you have the song finished. Else you're just paying 65 dollars for 2 sentences, and then another 65 dollars any time you want to add more.
I thought it was 55 they change the prices? and if is 65 can you still pay 65 when uploading multiple songs like your first video with 55
@HaleyGraves
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah they changed their prices, and when I check their website it says $85 for a “Registration of a claim in a group of unpublished works” but the group can copyright up to 10 songs at once so for me I feel like it’s worth it to copyright a bunch at once
Thank you for your video! How good does the sound file had to be for the copyright? Can i just take my guitar, and then later do the real recording with a band?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Hey! I used to record them with a USB mike on my computer just playing the guitar and singing so I’d say if the song is recognizable then you’re good! The only thing I would note that I’ve learned recently is that if you are not going to be producing the song and you’re solely the songwriter and artist then you should file it under musical compositions! I was emailing with the library about this! ❤️
@singingraindrops
Жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves that is very helpful! Thank you so much for your time!
What if I did the payment method to copyright my song? what’s the difference between doing it for free like this and paying for it done like your other video?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
From what I know of the music industry both ways cost money actually but it’s just paying for a copyright certificate from the library of Congress and paying them to register your sound recording in their data base which would be a quick way to show you had done the song first in court. However, just by posting your song on KZread or somewhere else or performing the song your music is naturally protected by copyright laws. Most people think “copy written” means a certificate or company certifying your song but copy right laws protect all music as soon as it’s been published by an artist regardless of wether you obtained a certificate or not. You can always find a lawyer on those free ask sites if you don’t want to pay to consult with one though! That would be the most sure-fire way ☺️
What is Limitations of Claim?
So ASCAP or BMI asks for an ID number per song. That is how songs are traced by them? Doing a group of songs, how would that be recorded with PRO?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
That I don’t know honestly I’ve never worked with ASCAP but I’m sure with a little googling you could sort it out or post a question on one of those free lawyer asks sites or quora
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Or find a Tiktok acct Instagram YT etc for an active entertainment lawyer and try your luck with asking in the comment section!
That was incredibly helpful! Best one with regards to specific questions. I only have two more if its possible for you to give me your take. If you're registering say 8 songs and some were written 20 years ago to a few months ago, what would you put as a date of finishing the song? Lastly, some of the songs i'm registering are mixed and mastered and some are just scratch demo's but finished lyrics, would you register all as sound recordings? i think the answer is yes from the video but just wanted to be sure. And if later you do a pro recording of your own song, would you now have to reregister the new sound recording? I think you thought yes. anyway, any comments would be helpful. thanks again!
@HaleyGraves
4 ай бұрын
Dude such a good question cause I ran into this problem myself too! I’m always writing songs and using old recordings of half written songs so it’s hard to pinpoint a date when I copyright!
@HaleyGraves
4 ай бұрын
What I found on Google was that the publication year should be used which would be the date it was published or released. In the most basic case I suppose that would be the date posted at least? Though I feel like if you consulted with them they might have a more direct answer
@HaleyGraves
4 ай бұрын
As for the pro recording I’m not 100% sure though I have also ran into that issue and then just not re copyrighted the pro version. If you’re super worried use their contact form cause they do actually get back to you and are helpful!
@DaveMercierMusic
4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much. when you say "they" you mean the copyright office?@@HaleyGraves
@HaleyGraves
4 ай бұрын
@@DaveMercierMusic yeah sorry haha that’s right
Hi Haley, So once I complete the registration on the site the song is registered, but to receive the certification I have to wait months?
@cnlicnli
Күн бұрын
@file_one wrote, “So once I complete the [copyright] registration on the site the song is registered, but to receive the certification I have to wait months? That’s correct. The day the US Copyright Office *“RECEIVES”* your completed on-line copyright registration application + your deposit (the work/s you’re registering) + your filing fee, AND assuming there are no issues or mistakes with your application/deposit, is the day it’s been officially *“REGISTERED,”* even though it may take the USCO a few weeks to a couple of months to mail your “Certificate of Registration” to you. Your Certificate’s “effective date of registration” will be back-dated to when the USCO RECEIVED all three components of your application. You don’t have to wait to receive your Certificate to begin exploiting your creative work. If you don’t receive your Certificate in about three-months, you should contact the USCO.
What if I only watched part 1 and registered the sound recordings and uploaded the mp3 files but did not upload lyrics? Will I have to re-register my songs or can I just somehow request to add the lyrics to the registration with the mp3 files?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
You don’t have to upload the lyrics to copyright the song! If you uploaded a sound recording then you have your lyrics being sung/spoken in that sound recording. I usually never upload lyrics when I register 😊
@jordankahn9298
3 ай бұрын
@@HaleyGraves Hi Haley, what if you registered your completed song under "Work of Performing Arts" but did NOT include the lyrics as a separate document? If your song has the lyrics/vocals on it, does it automatically register the lyrics as well, or is that ONLY if you register it under "Sound Recording"?
Could you do 10 songs with 10 word doc lyrics???
Can you copy right 5 eps in one go that are already published?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
I’d say so! I’ve published songs and copy written them later
Aye you posted.. I have a album the songs suck.. I also am about to release another album in a couple weeks my songs are on this account so yea.. cool..
@HaleyGraves
2 жыл бұрын
don’t say that! If you like them and enjoy the music that’s what matters, no one starts out with professional sounding songs if that’s what you’re worried about, try not to compare yourself to what you hear on the radio or other indie artists 😌♥️ keep making your music and having fun with it 👍☺️
@Blayze_Charles_Official
2 жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves yea thanks. My first album the vocals are meh. My newer album songs I like alot more because the feel of the songs and the vocals are way better.. but thanks I have learned to like my voice.. I don't think anyone really like their voice and everyone's critic is themselves I guess.. thanks
@ChrisJohnsonTV1980
2 жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves when I get ready to do the application for sound recordings can I upload just the lyrics to be accepted if the sound recording isn't ready or should I wait and do both when everything is completed
@HaleyGraves
2 жыл бұрын
ChrisJohnsonTV I would wait for the sound recording to be ready so you don’t have to pay to register twice!!
What if I'm from a country outside the US but I post poetry on the internet in English? I still have to use the US site?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
That I don’t know! But they’re super responsive on their website so you could use the contact form and ask. Or there’s also free sites where you can ask a lawyer and eventually one will answer your question
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
I’d say just go for it and post it though! Life’s too short to hold back from sharing your art ❤️
One question if pay to use a beat how do I copyright my lyrics
@HaleyGraves
2 жыл бұрын
Hey! Good question, if you don’t own the rights or have permission on the beats and just want to copyright the lyrics, maybe record the lyrics acapella and also upload the word doc with it 😊 (like no beat version)
@HaleyGraves
2 жыл бұрын
Also I think that would be handled on the limitations screen “Complete this screen to limit your claim only if this work is based on or incorporates preexisting material” “material that was previously published, material that was previously registered, material that is in the public domain, and/or material that is owned by an individual or legal entity other than the claimant who is named in the application.”
@HaleyGraves
2 жыл бұрын
So I think it’d be the last one, where the beat would be material that was owned by someone else? You can also send them a message asking how to handle this at www.copyright.gov/help/ ☺️👌
Sooo i just hit upload and realized i didnt attatch the lyrics, what should i do?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Oh dang haha well did you have an audio recording of the song? I don’t think the lyrics written out are 100% necessary unless you’re song has more of a slur feel to the words and you can’t fully define them by listening
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
But you can also use their contact form to ask what to do they’re pretty good at getting back to you via email!
@f0ggy22
Жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves hey thank you so much for the response, i recently did use their contact form and im currently waiting for a response! and i did upload a audio recording so i think im good but better safe than sorry :D
What if you have music from KZread that you used to write your original song?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
I think that would depend on wether the music was free for commercial use or not. If it’s not free for commercial use or bought as a sample I think you should ask a lawyer for more info!
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Sorry I don’t have more info on this 😞
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
You can also use copyright.gov contact help form. They’re pretty fast to respond and they can answer this question for you I’m sure!
Are your lyrics protected by copyright if registered with your sound recording?
@ArisJ92
8 ай бұрын
Yes, if you choose the option Sound recording. If you are trying to song only or lyrics only, choose the option Work of the Performing Arts
Hi, I am refused. Could you help me to check whether I am wrong?
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
I have an original video too that’s more step by step!
@dollyzhang5136
Жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves Thanks, where is the original video?
Can you Copyright under 2 names, meaning 2 Writers?
@cnlicnli
Күн бұрын
@chroniclespodcast7601 wrote, “Can you Copyright [register] under 2 names, meaning 2 Writers?” Yes. If your work includes two or more co-authors, you can include both their names, addresses, and other information when preparing your on-line copyright registration application. You will each share the copyright equally. With multiple authors, you’ll likely have to register via the $65 “Standard Application.”
how do you know if the song you registered went through?
@cnlicnli
Күн бұрын
@antoineharris3196 wrote, “how do you know if the song you registered went through?” If the US Copyright Office (USCO) deems your work to be copyrightable AND there are no issues with your registration application or your deposit (what you’re registering) or the filing fee, the USCO will mail your “Certificate of Registration” to you within a few weeks or a couple of months. If there are issues with your music or other matters, the USCO will email you or send you a letter, where you must reply PROMPTLY.
My Entertainment lawyer charge me 300 dollars for 40 songs to get copywriting ten songs ain’t enough all my albums be 21 songs but I did love the videos you made about the subject
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
Hey whatever way works for you, it’s definitely the most ideal option to have a lawyer do it with you! I’m glad you enjoyed the video though ☺️
Hi Haley, did you see that they increased the price to register a group of unpublished sound recordings to $85? 😳😳😳
@HaleyGraves
Жыл бұрын
I did it’s so sad 😞 I’ve got to make an updated video again cause I also need to explain the difference of registering as a songwriter vs as the songwriter & producer
@lightraveler333
Жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves Definitely. Your videos are so helpful 🙂
Hi Harley Graves, Nice to hear your song. Would u like to collobrate with us...
Can I just copyrights my Lyrics
@HaleyGraves
2 жыл бұрын
Sure! That would be like copyrighting an a cappella song which I believe is totally doable and cheaper since it’s not a sound recording. I think you would look under registering a a claim on an original work of authorship in that case. Unless you wanna sing the melody and record that for the song. (Which would then make it like an acapella song)
@daisycardozo5940
2 жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves Hi! Thanks for your video. I have a demo but its missing part of the ending of the song. I'm hesitant to copyright it since the ending is not there yet. Is it better to just save an acapella version as an MP3? I began my registration but i clicked on sound recording since it was recommended. I don't quite understand your reply to the user above @ShirleyH as is not clear to me if i have to change the type of work option. In another do i have to delete my application, and is it a big deal if i'm missing the last bit of the song.
@theofficial_ghenghischan2383
2 жыл бұрын
@@HaleyGraves so if I've purchased leases and exclusive beats from producers...I should just copyright all my lyrics as acapella? Eventhough I've added vocals to the Beats and it's considered new songs.
@leahightower
Жыл бұрын
@@theofficial_ghenghischan2383 this is what I too need to know?
@theofficial_ghenghischan2383
Жыл бұрын
@@leahightower fyi...I just copyrighted my vocals only as acappella since I'm not the original owner of the beats I purchased. If that helps.
but it's totally fake