Can you play copyrighted music on Facebook Gaming?

Today, Facebook Gaming is set to allow its partnered streamers to play copyrighted, popular music in the background of their live streams — which means they’ve seemingly solved the copyright problem that’s plagued live-streaming (and basically the entire internet) since the beginning. In a press release, a spokesperson for Facebook Gaming put it like this:  

So, how’s it work? Music played during a gaming broadcast must be a background element, not be the primary focus of the stream. For example, a streamer’s voice and/or gameplay audio should be in the foreground. This also applies to clips made from a livestream, and the VOD version of livestreams, but does not extend to separately edited and uploaded VOD content.

To be clear, the licenses Facebook has apparently negotiated do not include every track; some, mysteriously, are “restricted.” If streamers try to play those, they’ll get a pop-up notifying them that the track they’re playing isn’t actually licensed for use on Facebook Gaming. It’s also not clear which tracks are restricted, which means we can’t say for certain which tracks aren’t. (Facebook says the program will eventually roll out to all of its streamers.)

Still, though: this is huge. Especially, I should note, because it’s happening immediately after the flurry of DMCA takedown notices that hit Twitch streamers in early June. That isn’t even to mention the conspicuous and unceremonious collapse of Twitch Sings, the popular karaoke program, which the company quietly announced would go away on January 1st.

For Facebook, however, I suspect this program is only the beginning.

Facebook Gaming partners will now be able to play music people actually recognize during livestreams, the social media giant said Monday. Through a partnership with the music industry, Facebook is making a "vast catalogue of popular music" available to Facebook Gaming partners, the company said in a blog post. 

Facebook is working with music labels and publishers, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, to add various songs spanning a range of genres. Level Up creators can expect to have access to this perk soon, Facebook noted. 

Facebook Gaming, a free mobile app the social media giant launched earlier this year, lets users watch livestreams, play instant games and connect via gaming groups. 

Currently, all creators can access a library of free custom music and sound effects through Facebook's Sound Collection. Until Facebook extends use of copyrighted music to all gaming creators, everyone except for partnered creators will need to stick to using those royalty-free music options in Sound Collection.

There are still some restricted tracks, Facebook notes, and streams should focus on gaming rather than music. "In other words, you're okay to stream music as long as it's in the background, with game sound effects and your voice (and anything else) over the top," the blog post reads. "Playing DJ without gaming is a no-no."

Gaming creators can play songs from whatever source they prefer, such as music streaming services or downloads from a personal collection. So far, Facebook has secured licenses covering over 90 countries. 

Can you play copyrighted music on Facebook Gaming?

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Microsoft will be closing its Mixer service and redirect sites and apps to Facebook Gaming. Existing Mixer Partners will get partner status with Facebook Gaming, and those using Mixer's monetization program will get Facebook’s Level Up program, The Verge reports.

Can you play copyrighted music on Facebook Gaming?

Many streamers assume they can play copyrighted music in their streams on Facebook Gaming legally. It’s not uncommon to find streamers playing today’s top hits or yesterday’s classics. Streamers sometimes also take song requests, giving their audience control of the music. In the past, the music industry hasn’t taken action – but that’s changing. Just last year, many popular streamers were hit with 24-hour bans on Twitch for playing copyrighted music. Could streamers on Facebook Gaming be heading for the same treatment?

Is streaming copyrighted music allowed?

You are not allowed to play music you don’t have the rights to play. Play music without a license and you’re violating copyright law.

Currently, many streamers unintentionally violate the law when they add music to Facebook while streaming on Facebook Gaming, because they want to give their audience the best experience possible. Unfortunately, including copyrighted music without proper licensing can result in channels being blocked and it denies musicians the funding they deserve. With an Epidemic Sound subscription, both problems are solved.

What music can I play when I stream?

You can play any music that you have the rights to share. This can be music that you have created yourself and own the rights to or have a license to share. By subscribing to Epidemic Sound and adding your Facebook Page, you can safely play Epidemic Sound’s royalty-free music in your streams on Facebook Gaming (though it might take up to 24 hours from having added your page to it being cleared). This is because Epidemic Sound owns all the rights to their music and can provide a direct license, so you don’t have to worry about copyright claims.

I pay for Spotify/Amazon music/YouTube music etc. Doesn’t that grant me a license?

Purchasing Spotify, or other mainstream music streaming services grants you access to LISTEN to music on a personal device. It does not grant you the rights to STREAM music to other people. As a streamer, you are broadcasting to an audience. As such, broadcasting rights to music would be required.

What can happen to my channel if I play copyrighted music?

If you play copyrighted music on your Facebook Gaming channel without a license you run the risk of having your stream taken down by Facebook. If you live stream and play Epidemic Sound music without an Epidemic Sound subscription, Facebook will automatically block your stream.

Can you play copyrighted music on Facebook Gaming?

In the recent past, the music industry has not enforced copyright on the platform. But, with the recent DMCA action, it is clear that this will not be the case going forward. As streaming, in general, becomes more mainstream and profitable – the music industry is going to want their cut.

Better safe than sorry

To sum up: for streamers to safely use music in their videos, a direct music license is the risk-free way to go. Want to play music and stay safe while streaming and avoid takedowns? Check out Epidemic Sound's plans.

Want some suggestions of great gaming music? Check out these royalty-free D&D music tracks or browse through all of Epidemic Sound's gaming music.


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Published on Jun 29, 2020 under Teach Me

Can you play any music on Facebook Gaming?

All Partner and Level Up Creators can now play background music during their gaming livestreams on Facebook Gaming — including clips made from a livestream and the VOD versions of livestreams. And we're not talking elevator music.

Can I play copyrighted music on Facebook Live?

You can only play music on a Facebook live stream if you have the license for it. If Facebook thinks you're playing music on your broadcast that's protected by a copyright, Facebook will mute your audio. If you do this repeatedly, Facebook can delete your videos.

What music can you play on FB live?

The Sound Collection includes thousands of tracks available to use in the videos you share on Facebook and Instagram without any limits – spanning genres like hip hop, pop, jazz, country, and more. We know it can be frustrating to have a stream interrupted or to have parts of your video muted because it includes music.

Can I stream games with copyrighted music?

As we mentioned above, you're not allowed to play music that you don't have the rights for. Play music without a license and you're violating copyright law. It's that simple! Twitch's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines explicitly say: “You may not include music you don't own in your Twitch streams or VODs.”
How to avoid copyright infringement on Facebook.
1- Read up on Facebook's copyright policies. ... .
2 – Avoid sharing music you have not licensed. ... .
Use stock music libraries. ... .
License directly from copyright holders. ... .
License hit music with Lickd. ... .
Use Facebook's sound collection. ... .
Use royalty-free music..

Can I post a video on Facebook with music in it?

There are no limits on music in Stories, or traditional musical performances (example: filming a live artist or band performing their own music). The more full-length recorded tracks in your video, the more likely the video may be limited (example: muted or blocked). Shorter clips of music are recommended.