You're probably thinking, “I have Beat ID… but now what?” Whether you've identified your track is being used without your knowledge or legal consent, it can be overwhelming to know what to do next. Don't worry; we have you covered.
Hi, it’s Joey from BeatStars! Below, we’ve outlined the step-by-step instructions to help get you started to ensure your music’s safety.
If your track is being used without your knowledge:
✅ Verify that the track is actually yours
Do this before anything. This can be accomplished by listening to the track itself or checking the credits to see if your name is listed as the songwriter or performer.
💰 Cross reference if a license was purchased
Besides making sure the track belongs to you, we also advise that you check your sales data against your Beat ID report. Utilize your sales data on BeatStars Studio to cross reference buyers and content that was found on your report. This could be making sure the usernames on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud line up with what you're seeing on your end.
🎵 Sign up for BeatStars Publishing
Register the tracks you find and start getting paid for the royalties you're owed! Not already a BeatStars Publishing member? Click here to learn more.
If the user does not have legal permission to use your track:
📝 Negotiate a license
If you are happy for your track to be used, but want compensation, you can negotiate a license with the user. You can do this directly, or through a publishing agency, like BeatStars Publishing. If the track is too big to negotiate, seek legal advice first.
🤝 Seek legal advice
If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, we recommend you seek legal advice. A lawyer who specializes in copyright law can help you protect your rights and take legal action if necessary.
🎉 Promote your music
Take the opportunity to showcase your material. If someone has used your track without permission, it means that people are interested in your music. Use this as a chance to promote your work and build your fanbase.
🚨 Contact the platform
Lastly, reach out to the platform(s) hosting your track, such as YouTube or SoundCloud, and file a DMCA copyright claim. You may need to provide proof of ownership, such as a copyright registration or a record label contract.
That’s it! We hope this has been helpful and our outlined steps give you a better sense of direction. Remember, BeatStars is here to support you in your music career every step of the way.
START TRACKING YOUR MUSIC TODAY
START TRACKING YOUR MUSIC TODAY
