Music industry producers continue to apply pressure to use the platform. For example, the platform scans all videos after they are broadcast and stops all copyrighted music and in extreme cases removes the video completely. The more bumps you have, the more likely you are to lose your account.
Future developments of their system may include streaming stops, so even removing videos after they have played will not stop Twitch from warning you about playing copyrighted music. It’s hard to know what the future holds, so protecting yourself from these possibilities is a smart strategy.
On topic: how to stop the DMCA strikes on Twitch.
One way to do this is to use royalty-free music in your stream, or use a license that allows you to use this music for free in a commercial setting. Some music may be used without attribution, but you must ensure that you respect the artists’ terms for attribution.
Find out how to get DMCA-free music for your stream here.
Streaming Beats and other music services
Image via MonsterCat
One of the most popular and easiest ways to get non-copyrighted music into your stream is to use one of the music platforms designed specifically for this audience. They often make money from streaming services, advertising or, in some cases, subscription fees. This allows them to use a number of artists who have music that is easy to listen to and free of commercial content.
The most common music you’ll see on a Twitch stream is the beats of Harris Heller. The musician and content creator offers a selection of music from five genres to suit your taste. EDM, synth, hip-hop, lo-fi, and ambient are all available, all curated by independent musicians, while original music is also created for the Streambeats platform. Almost all major streaming services also offer Streambeats music. So if you don’t want to venture outside your usual platforms like Spotify or Apple, you don’t have to.
Pretzel Rocks is another popular service that small banners are using more and more. It comes with an application that you can install on your computer for easy access to video streaming. It also integrates with Twitch chat, so you can stream any new music as soon as it starts playing to reach your audience. New artists and music are added fairly regularly, and there are also streaming rhythm sets. If you like these music sets, you can access them, and other similar artists, through Pretzel Rocks.
Twitch Soundtrack, the platform’s music streaming service, is also available to everyone, but the music selection is limited.
There are also services that can give music an extra boost. Platforms such as Monstercat and Epidemic Sound offer more audio genres that can produce good results for your stream.
Indian Music Scene
If you want to more accurately preserve the music you play in a stream, you can use resources that require more effort than the above services, but may give better results.
One example is learning music from games that include rhythmic action brackets. Osu, Beat Saber and Geometry Dash use music from independent sources for synthesizers, EDM and rock music. The music for the latter game uses music almost exclusively from artists of the Newgrounds.
While not all music on Newgrounds is free to use, almost every song on the platform includes easy-to-read license terms so you know what you’re allowed to use. Much of this is available for something as simple as assigning an artist, and this can be done quite easily on screen or in your chat room, just like Pretzel Rocks.
OverClocked Remix is another excellent resource that features video game music that has been used to create fair trade remixes. This can give you a good selection of classic tunes from your favorite games, and all you have to do is specify the artist. This is even possible without downloading the music itself or using an open browser, as there is a radio function that can play music automatically from most media players, including Windows Media Player.
Getting permission from the artists
In almost all cases, if you broadcast live copyrighted music, your stream will be cut for VOD. However, if you have permission to play live music from an artist, there is a procedure that allows you to do so safely.
You are unlikely to find major artists allowing you to use their material, as they are usually working under a label. Since you need a broadcast license to use it in commercial products (including Twitch, even if you are not an affiliate or partner, since this is still a violation of the DMCA), you may be penalized.
However, if you talk to a local band or artist, usually from an independent label or without a record deal, they may allow you to use their music for your stream. If you have written permission from the copyright holder to use their content, Twitch will allow uncensored playback of the music on VOD for your streams. They may ask for proof of permission first, but once it is provided, you can safely use the music.
Social media is a great tool for finding groups in your area, as it is the cheapest form of advertising for young talent. Do your research and you will be able to find a future star, with their blessing to use their music.
Make your own
Photo: ELLA DON/Creative Communities
You may think it’s a trivial addition to this list, but you’d be surprised at the availability of tools that can help you make your own music. There is a growing list of available digital audio workstations that can help you create or remix your own music, from the simple chiptune beat with Pulseboy to the more professional music with Pro Tools First, just to name a few.
More and more music is being made electronically, with samples of almost every sound and instrument in digital form that you can plug into your workstation and add to your mixes. There are also online tutorials to help you make any kind of music. While the idea of making your own music may seem daunting, there are resources for those who are willing to put in the time and effort.
The advantage of this option is that you can publish your work on mainstream streaming platforms and make money from the people who broadcast your content if you publish it without a DMCA. If you can promote your music in the right way and get people to play it, streaming or otherwise, it’s a great way to earn passive income for your efforts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play music without copyright in an instant?
Twitch has never allowed the use of copyrighted music on their platform, but it seems they have finally had enough and decided to take a more serious stand against copyright infringement. Free music is so easily accessible to Twitch, there is no excuse for using copyrighted music, period.
Can you play DMCA music in an instant?
Music you can use in Twitch streams Amazon Music offers DMCA-compliant music for monetized and VOD streams. You can use it on Twitch, YouTube, Mixer or Facebook without worrying about content stops or mute.
How do you circumvent the DMCA in the blink of an eye?
There is now talk that DMCA companies can shut down live streamers if they are found to be broadcasting copyrighted content. The easiest way to avoid these problems is not to use copyrighted music.
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