Legality of Cover Songs

The Legality of Covering Songs: How to Do It Legally & Affordably

Covering songs is a great way for artists to showcase their talent, reach new audiences, and pay tribute to their favorite music. However, before you upload your cover to Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or other platforms, you need to ensure you’re doing it legally. Otherwise, you risk copyright strikes, takedowns, or even legal action.

This article will break down:
✅ The legality of covering songs
✅ How to legally release a cover song
✅ Where to get a mechanical license for the cheapest price

Is It Legal to Cover a Song?

Yes! Covering a song is 100% legal, as long as you obtain the proper license. The original songwriter and copyright holder(s) own the rights to their music, and you must get permission to distribute your version.

There are two main types of licenses for covering songs:

1️⃣ Mechanical License – Required for distributing and selling a cover (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
2️⃣ Synchronization (Sync) License – Required for using a cover in videos (YouTube, TikTok, etc.)

Do I Need Permission Before Recording a Cover?

No. You don’t need permission to record a cover as long as you obtain a mechanical license before distributing it. However, for YouTube or TikTok, a sync license is required, which is harder to obtain.

How to Legally Release a Cover Song

For Streaming & Downloads (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)

To release a cover legally, you need a mechanical license. This allows you to distribute the song while ensuring the original artist gets paid.

Here’s how:

1️⃣ Pick your song – Make sure it’s a legally registered track.
2️⃣ Get a mechanical license – Use a service like DistroKid, Easy Song Licensing, or Harry Fox Agency (more on this below).
3️⃣ Upload your song – Your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, etc.) will handle royalty payments.

🎵 Important: You cannot change lyrics or melody without getting explicit permission from the copyright holder. If you do, it’s considered a derivative work, which requires a separate agreement.

Where to Get the Cheapest Mechanical License?

The most affordable option for indie artists is DistroKid.

💰 Winner: DistroKid – Cheapest, simple, and built-in distribution.

What About Cover Songs on YouTube?

If you post a cover on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, a mechanical license is NOT enough. You need a sync license, which cannot be automatically purchased.

However, YouTube has a Content ID system that allows some cover songs to stay up while sending ad revenue to the original copyright holder. If the copyright owner allows covers, you may be safe. Otherwise, you risk a takedown.

How to Legally Cover Songs on YouTube

✔ Check if the song is in YouTube’s licensing program (some labels allow monetized covers).
✔ Get permission directly from the copyright holder (for official sync rights).
✔ Use a music distributor like Soundrop (which has limited sync licensing for YouTube covers).

Final Thoughts

Covering songs can be a fantastic way to build your audience, but you must do it legally to avoid copyright issues.

✅ For streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) → Get a mechanical license (DistroKid = Cheapest)
✅ For YouTube & TikTok → Sync license required (harder to get, check Content ID rules)

If you’re serious about releasing covers, DistroKid is the best and cheapest option to secure mechanical licenses while handling distribution.

🎵 Now go record that cover—LEGALLY! 🚀