Do You Need Permission to Cover a Song? Essential Tips for Creators

Updated at: 2025-08-12 09:57:22

Picture this. You have just recorded your dream version of a classic track. The guitar tone is perfect, the vocals are exactly how you imagined, and the final mix is polished. You are ready to share it with the world until one question stops you. Do you need permission to cover this song?

The answer can decide whether your music stays online or is taken down. This guide will explain when you need a license, how to get one, and how to protect your work as a musician, producer, or content creator.

Understanding the Copyright Layers in a Song

Every song contains two main copyright components.

  1. The Composition – The blueprint of the song including melody, lyrics, harmony, and structure. Usually owned by the songwriter and their publisher.
  2. The Sound Recording – The specific recorded performance, often owned by a record label or performing artist.

When you record a cover, you replace the original recording but still use the same composition which is protected.

Example: An acoustic version of Billie Eilish’s Ocean Eyes uses her melody and lyrics even if it is not her recording.

How Copyright Law Sees Cover Songs

Under U.S. law and in many other countries, copyright owners control:

  • Reproduction – Making copies
  • Distribution – Selling or sharing copies
  • Public Performance – Playing it live or streaming publicly
  • Derivative Works – Making adaptations or arrangements

A cover song uses the composition, so permission is required unless you qualify for certain exceptions.

You can also check our Guide for more in-depth copyright explanations.

When You Do Not Need Permission

  • Live Performances at Licensed Venues – If the venue pays a blanket license to a PRO such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC in the U.S.
  • Private, Non Commercial Use – Playing for friends, at home, or in rehearsal.

Note: Private use does not include livestreaming on social media, as that counts as public performance.

When You Do Need Permission

  • Recording and releasing covers on streaming platforms or digital stores requires a mechanical license.
  • Pairing music with video for platforms such as YouTube or TikTok requires a sync license.
  • Monetized social content also requires proper licensing.

Scenario: Posting a trap remix of a Coldplay track with visuals on YouTube requires both a mechanical license and a sync license.

Types of Licenses for Cover Songs


License Type

What It Covers

How to Get It

Example

Mechanical License

Audio-only reproduction and distribution

Harry Fox Agency, Easy Song Licensing, DistroKid

Selling a folk version of Shape of You on iTunes

Sync License

Music paired with visuals

Direct from copyright owner or publisher

Posting a studio video of an EDM cover on YouTube

Public Performance License

Public playback or performances

Usually handled by venues, broadcasters, or streaming services

Playing a jazz cover in a licensed cafe

International Differences

  • UK: MCPS handles mechanical rights
  • Canada: SOCAN handles performance rights, CMRRA handles mechanical rights
  • Japan: JASRAC manages most licensing
  • EU: Each country has its own collecting society

How to Get Permission to Cover a Song

  1. Identify the song’s publisher using ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or equivalent databases
  2. Determine license type: mechanical, sync, or both
  3. Apply via a licensing service or contact the publisher
  4. Negotiate terms including territory, duration, and usage
  5. Keep records of all licenses

Licensing Tools for Creators

  • DistroKid – Distributes music and offers licensing options
  • Songfile – Pay per song licensing
  • Easy Song Licensing – Handles publisher contact

If you already have an audio file and want to extend it into a complete track, our AI Music Extender can help.

Risks of Skipping Permission

  • Platform takedowns such as muted audio on YouTube or removed tracks on Spotify
  • DMCA strikes leading to account suspension
  • Legal damages costing thousands per infringement
  • Reputation damage with labels and collaborators

Creative and Legal Tips for Cover Songs

  • Use public domain works. In 2025, songs published before 1929 are public domain in the U.S.
  • Make your cover transformative by changing genre, tempo, or arrangement
  • Credit the original artist in metadata, descriptions, and promotions

You can also combine a transformed cover with original compositions using our AI Music Generator for a unique sound.

Conclusion

Do you need permission to cover a song? If your release goes beyond a live venue or private setting, the answer is almost always yes.

Licensing is not just a legal requirement but a mark of professionalism. It protects your work, respects the original creators, and keeps your creative freedom intact.

Before releasing your next cover, identify the license you need, secure it through a reliable service or publisher, and publish with confidence knowing your music can stay online without risk.