Playing music while streaming on Facebook Gaming
Many streamers have been hit with 24-hour bans on Twitch for playing copyrighted music. Is Facebook Gaming heading in the same direction?
Microsoft will be closing its Mixer service and redirect sites and apps to Facebook Gaming. Existing Mixer Partners will get partner status with Facebook Gaming, and those using Mixer's monetization program will get Facebook’s Level Up program, The Verge reports.
Many streamers assume they can play copyrighted music in their streams on Facebook Gaming legally. It’s not uncommon to find streamers playing today’s top hits or yesterday’s classics. Streamers sometimes also take song requests, giving their audience control of the music. In the past, the music industry hasn’t taken action – but that’s changing. Just last year, many popular streamers were hit with 24-hour bans on Twitch for playing copyrighted music. Could streamers on Facebook Gaming be heading for the same treatment?
Is streaming copyrighted music allowed?
You are not allowed to play music you don’t have the rights to play. Play music without a license and you’re violating copyright law.
Currently, many streamers unintentionally violate the law when they add music to Facebook while streaming on Facebook Gaming, because they want to give their audience the best experience possible. Unfortunately, including copyrighted music without proper licensing can result in channels being blocked and it denies musicians the funding they deserve. With an Epidemic Sound subscription, both problems are solved.
What music can I play when I stream?
You can play any music that you have the rights to share. This can be music that you have created yourself and own the rights to or have a license to share. By subscribing to Epidemic Sound and adding your Facebook Page, you can safely play Epidemic Sound’s music in your streams on Facebook Gaming (though it might take up to 24 hours from having added your page to it being cleared). This is because Epidemic Sound owns all the rights to their music and can provide a direct license, so you don’t have to worry.
I pay for Spotify/Amazon music/YouTube music etc. Doesn’t that grant me a license?
Purchasing Spotify, or other mainstream music streaming services grants you access to LISTEN to music on a personal device. It does not grant you the rights to STREAM music to other people. As a streamer, you are broadcasting to an audience. As such, broadcasting rights to music would be required.
What can happen to my channel if I play copyrighted music?
If you play copyrighted music on your Facebook Gaming channel without a license you run the risk of having your stream taken down by Facebook. If you live stream and play Epidemic Sound music without an Epidemic Sound subscription, Facebook will automatically block your stream.
Has the music industry started enforcing copyright?
In the recent past, the music industry has not enforced copyright on the platform. But, with the recent DMCA action, it is clear that this will not be the case going forward. As streaming, in general, becomes more mainstream and profitable – the music industry is going to want their cut.
Better safe than sorry
To sum up: for streamers to safely use music in their videos, a direct music license is the risk-free way to go. Want to play music and stay safe while streaming and avoid takedowns? Check out Epidemic Sound's plans.
Want some suggestions of great gaming music? Check out these D&D music tracks or browse through all of Epidemic Sound's gaming music.
