How to Copyright Your Music: Complete Guide for Independent Artists

You've written a song. Maybe you've even recorded and released it. But is it actually protected? Can someone steal it? And what happens if they do?

Copyright law can seem intimidating, but understanding the basics is essential for every independent artist. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about protecting your music in 2026.

The Good News: Your Music Is Already Copyrighted

Here's something many artists don't realize: your music is automatically protected by copyright the moment you create it.

In the United States, UK, European Union, and most countries that signed the Berne Convention, copyright protection is automatic. You don't need to:

• Register with any government office
• Use the © symbol
• Mail yourself a copy (the "poor man's copyright" myth)
• Pay any fees

The only requirement is that your work must be "fixed in a tangible medium"—meaning you've recorded it or written it down. A melody in your head isn't copyrighted; the same melody recorded on your phone is.

Why Register Your Copyright Anyway?

If copyright is automatic, why do people register? Because registration provides significant legal advantages:

Benefits of Copyright Registration (US)

• Required for lawsuits: You must register before you can sue someone for infringement in federal court
• Statutory damages: If registered before infringement (or within 3 months of publication), you can claim $750–$150,000 per work without proving actual damages
• Attorney's fees: Registration allows you to recover legal costs from the infringer
• Public record: Creates official evidence of your ownership and creation date
• Customs protection: Allows US Customs to block infringing imports

Without registration: You can still sue, but only for "actual damages" (what you lost + what they gained)—which is often difficult to prove and may be minimal for independent artists.

How to Register Your Copyright (US)

1. Go to copyright.gov and create an account
2. Choose the appropriate form:
   • Form PA (Performing Arts) for the composition
   • Form SR (Sound Recording) for recordings—can include the underlying composition
3. Pay the fee: $45 (single work, single author) or $65 (standard application)
4. Upload a copy of your work
5. Wait 3–10 months for processing

Pro tip: You can register multiple songs as a "collection" for a single fee if they're all by the same artist and haven't been published yet.

International Copyright

Thanks to international treaties (primarily the Berne Convention), your US copyright is recognized in 180+ countries. There's no such thing as "international copyright registration"—your protection travels with you.

For UK artists, registration is done through the UK Intellectual Property Office. However, like the US, copyright is automatic in the UK.

Copyright vs. Publishing: What's the Difference?

This confuses many artists. Let's clarify:

Copyright	Publishing Rights
Protects the work itself	Handles royalty collection
Automatic upon creation	Requires PRO registration
Lasts life + 70 years	Ongoing administration
One-time registration (optional)	Collects performance royalties

Performance Rights Organizations (PROs)

PROs collect royalties when your music is:

• Played on radio (terrestrial, satellite, internet)
• Performed live at venues
• Streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
• Used in TV, film, or advertisements
• Played in restaurants, stores, gyms

Major PROs:

• US: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC
• UK: PRS for Music
• Canada: SOCAN
• Australia: APRA AMCOS

As an independent artist, you should register with a PRO to collect your performance royalties. This is separate from (and in addition to) the royalties you receive from your distributor.

Protecting Your Music Online

Content ID and Fingerprinting

Content ID is YouTube's system for identifying copyrighted music. When someone uploads a video containing your song, Content ID can:

• Track: Monitor where your music appears
• Monetize: Run ads on videos using your music (you get the revenue)
• Block: Prevent the video from being viewable

Most distributors (including ALERA) can enroll your music in Content ID as part of their service. This is one of the most practical ways to protect and monetize your music online.

ISRC Codes

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier for each recording. It's like a fingerprint for your track that:

• Tracks your song across platforms
• Helps collect royalties accurately
• Proves the creation date of your recording

Your distributor typically assigns ISRC codes automatically when you release music. Keep records of your ISRC codes—they're useful for tracking and disputes.

What to Do If Someone Steals Your Music

It happens more than you'd think. Here's your action plan:

Step 1: Document Everything

• Screenshot the infringing content with timestamps
• Save URLs before they're taken down
• Record view/play counts as evidence of damages
• Gather proof of your original creation (studio files, dated recordings, release dates)

Step 2: File DMCA Takedown Notices

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) requires platforms to remove infringing content when notified. Most platforms have simple forms:

• YouTube: Use Copyright Takedown form in Creator Studio
• Spotify: Email copyright@spotify.com
• Instagram/Facebook: Use in-app reporting tools
• TikTok: Copyright infringement form in app
• SoundCloud: Copyright page in Help Center

Step 3: Use Content ID Claims

If you're enrolled in Content ID, you can claim videos directly through YouTube's system—often faster than DMCA notices.

Step 4: Consider Legal Action

For serious infringement (commercial use, significant damages, repeat offenders):

• Consult an entertainment lawyer
• Having registered copyright makes this much easier and more profitable
• Consider whether the cost of litigation is worth the potential recovery

"The best protection is documentation. Keep dated copies of everything—session files, rough mixes, lyrics drafts. If a dispute ever arises, the person with the best records usually wins."

Common Copyright Myths

Myth: "I need to mail myself a copy for copyright"

False. The "poor man's copyright" has no legal standing. Save your postage.

Myth: "If I change 30% of a song, I can use it"

False. There's no percentage rule. Any "substantial similarity" can be infringement.

Myth: "It's on the internet, so it's free to use"

False. Copyright applies online just like offline. Being accessible doesn't mean being free.

Myth: "I credited the artist, so it's not infringement"

False. Attribution doesn't grant permission. You still need a license.

Myth: "My song is so different, there's no way it infringes"

Be careful. Subconscious copying is real. If you've heard a song, you might unknowingly recreate elements. The "Blurred Lines" case proved even unintentional similarity can lead to massive judgments.

Best Practices for Independent Artists

1. Document everything: Keep dated session files, rough recordings, and lyric drafts
2. Register important songs: At minimum, register songs that are getting traction or generating income
3. Use a distributor with Content ID: Automated protection and monetization for YouTube
4. Register with a PRO: Collect your performance royalties
5. Keep records of ISRC codes: Useful for tracking and disputes
6. Use written agreements: When collaborating, document who owns what percentage
7. Be original: The best protection is creating something unmistakably yours

Summary: Your Copyright Checklist

Action	Required?	Cost
Create and record your music	Yes (automatic copyright)	Free
Register copyright (US)	Recommended	$45–$65
Distribute to streaming platforms	Recommended	Varies
Enroll in Content ID	Recommended	Often included
Register with a PRO	Recommended	Free–$50
Document creation process	Highly recommended	Free

Copyright protection is more accessible than ever for independent artists. Your music is protected automatically, and with a few simple steps—registration, Content ID, PRO membership—you can maximize that protection and ensure you get paid when your music is used.