Is the music in the store Royalty-Free and what does that mean?

Yes! The music in my online licensing store is “Royalty-Free”. However, there are a few things I’d like to clear up about what this term means.

What is “Royalty-Free” music?

“Royalty-Free” music is an industry term that refers to music that can be licensed for perpetuity (forever) for one single fee.  There is no limit on the number of copies that can be synced with your video, video game, podcast, or other project. Hoorah!

On the other hand, “Royalty-Free” music does not mean that the music is licensed without royalties. What the…???

I know…I hate this term and that’s why you won’t find it anywhere else on my site except for here, in order to provide an explanation.  A “Royalty-Free” music license allows the licensee the rights to sync the licensed music with his/her project in perpetuity by paying a single, upfront fee. All of the tracks on this site fit this mold and are priced at under $50 per license. This type of music is also registered with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) that collects performance royalties for the composer.

What constitutes a performance?

A “performance” of a “Royalty-Free” soundtrack happens essentially anytime the song is played in a public setting – i.e. Youtube, radio, television, anywhere on the internet, etc.

Wait! I have to pay this guy every time someone watches my Youtube video?

No! Here’s the good news.

Who pays for performance royalties?

Performance royalties are paid for by the broadcasting network and are usually covered under a “blanket license,” which the network purchases every year in order to cover licensed music that is broadcast across it’s channel. Some examples of broadcasting networks?

• Youtube
• NPR
• PBS
• NBC
• ABC
• TNT
• You get the point…

This means that you can use the music in your videos and other projects without paying me another dime but, I’ll still receive a performance royalty from the broadcasting network that is airing your work. Win-win!