Learn how music licensing works

Learn How Music Licensing Works

The right music can bring a story to life, give a brand its own personality and help an audience connect with your work. At TripleScoopMusic.com, we make it easy to find exceptional music and sound effects and license them for the way you create.

Getting started is easy

1. Create your free account. Visit TripleScoopMusic.com to sign up and start exploring.
2. Find your sound and choose your license. Select the music you love, then choose a single-song license or music licensing subscription that fits your projects.
3. Download and create. Complete your purchase or license tracks through your active subscription, then add them to your approved projects.

Whether you’re making social content, a client video, a podcast or a film, understanding a few licensing basics will help you choose the right option.

What a music license covers

A music license explains how you’re allowed to use a particular track. It identifies the approved uses and any conditions, such as the number of projects, the business or client covered, and where the finished work can be shared.

For video projects, combining music with images is called synchronization, often shortened to sync. A license can authorize you to include music in a video and distribute that finished video within the scope of the license.

The best license for you depends on what you’re creating and how you plan to use it.

The two rights behind a recorded song

Using an existing music recording in a video generally involves permission for two separate elements:

• The song itself: The underlying composition, including the music and any lyrics. Permission to combine it with visuals is commonly called a synchronization license.
• The recording: The specific recorded performance you want to use. Permission to use that recording is commonly called a master-use license.

These rights may belong to different people or companies. TSM simplifies the process by providing both permissions for the uses covered by your selected music license. You can license directly through TSM without negotiating separately with the artist, record label and publisher.

Buying or streaming a song doesn’t provide a project license

Purchasing a music download or subscribing to a listening service does not, by itself, give you permission to put that music in a video, advertisement, podcast or client project.

Music available within a social platform also comes with terms that can limit its use. A track available for a personal post may not be approved for business content, paid advertising or use on another platform.

Before using a song, make sure the permission you have covers your intended project and distribution.

Two ways to license with Triple Scoop Music

Single-song licensing lets you choose a particular song and purchase the license that matches your intended use. It’s a convenient option when you’ve found the perfect track or need music for an occasional project. The selected license determines how many projects and which uses are covered.

Explore music at TripleScoopMusic.com to find your next soundtrack.

Music licensing subscriptions are designed for ongoing creative work. A TSM subscription provides access to 60,000+ curated songs and soundtracks, plus 375,000+ professional sound effects, to power an unlimited number of creative projects covered by your plan during your active subscription.

Choose the subscription that fits your work, and follow its requirements for licensing tracks and registering projects. Your plan’s terms explain when projects must be completed and published or delivered, and how coverage continues after the subscription ends.

You can create a free TSM account to explore the catalog before choosing the licensing option that works for you.

Choosing the right license or subscription

Start with a few details about your work:

• Your project: A social video, wedding film, business presentation, podcast, advertisement or another production.
• Who it’s for: Yourself, your business, your organization or a client.
• Where it will appear: Social platforms, websites, events, broadcast, film screenings or other channels.
• How it will be used: Including paid advertising, monetization and any applicable business or team requirements.

TSM offers licensing options for photographers, event filmmakers, video creators, businesses, nonprofits, schools, universities and more.

Custom licensing, subscriptions and API access

If you’re looking for a custom-designed music license, a customized licensing subscription or API-powered music access for your app or platform, reach out to music@triplescoopmusic.com.

Tell us what you’re building, who will use it and how you want to include music. Our team can help develop a solution matched to your projects, your business and your goals.

We also work with corporate teams, filmmakers, broadcasters, game developers and other organizations whose needs extend beyond our standard licensing options.

Authentic music for original stories

Since 2006, Triple Scoop Music has championed independent artists and exceptional music. Our team hand-picks every artist and every song, with a focus on real performances, distinctive songwriting and professional recordings.

Alongside our music catalog, our professional sound effects help you add atmosphere, detail and impact to your projects.

Getting started is easy

1. Create your free account. Visit TripleScoopMusic.com to sign up and start exploring.
2. Find your sound and choose your license. Select the music you love, then choose a single-song license or music licensing subscription that fits your projects.
3. Download and create. Complete your purchase or license tracks through your active subscription, then add them to your approved projects.

For help choosing a license, arranging a customized subscription or exploring API access, contact music@triplescoopmusic.com.