As a musician who wants to share your music on Facebook, it’s important to include a copyright disclaimer to avoid any potential legal issues. This lets people know you own the rights to your music. Here are some quick answers about how to properly disclaimer your music on Facebook:
Why Do You Need a Disclaimer for Music on Facebook?
You need a disclaimer for a few key reasons:
- To show you own the copyright to your music recordings and compositions
- To prevent unauthorized use or sharing of your music
- To avoid claims from others who may try to say they own your music
- To protect yourself legally in case of any disputes over ownership
Essentially, the disclaimer makes it clear you own your original works and did not infringe on anyone else’s copyright.
What Should the Disclaimer Say?
Your disclaimer should be short, simple, and state:
- You own the copyright to the music
- The year you created the music
- All rights reserved – no unauthorized use allowed
For example:
“Copyright [Your Name] [Year]. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.”
Where Should You Put the Disclaimer?
The disclaimer should be:
- In the description/caption of any Facebook post featuring your music
- In the About section of your Facebook page
- On your Facebook cover photo or profile picture (if it contains your music)
It’s best to include it anywhere your music is displayed. The caption is the most important placement.
Do You Need to Register the Copyright?
No, you automatically own copyright to your original music creations. Registration provides additional legal benefits but is not required to claim ownership with a disclaimer.
What About Cover Songs?
If you perform and share a cover song owned by someone else, you should include:
- Title and name of the original artist
- A statement like “Cover performance by [Your Name]”
This credits the original artist and shows you have the right to cover the song.
Can You Use Other Artists’ Music in Your Videos?
No, you can’t use anyone else’s copyrighted music in videos without their explicit permission. Stick to only your own original music or properly credited cover songs.
What If Someone Else Uses Your Music Without Permission?
If someone shares your music without your authorization, you can file a copyright takedown notice with Facebook. Make sure you have a disclaimer in place, so you can prove your ownership.
Could You Be Sued for Posting a Disclaimer?
It’s highly unlikely. The disclaimer demonstrates you are making a good faith effort to claim your rights, not infringe on others. As long as you truly own the music, you have nothing to worry about.
Should You Consult an Attorney?
It’s not required, but consulting a lawyer can help ensure your disclaimer is worded properly. They can review your specific situation and draft appropriate language.
Conclusion
Adding a simple but clear copyright disclaimer to your music posts on Facebook is crucial to protecting your rights. Make sure to place it anywhere your music appears and on your page info. Stick to posting only your original creations or properly credited covers. This small step goes a long way in shielding you from legal headaches down the road.
Example Disclaimer Text
Here is some example disclaimer text you can customize for your Facebook posts:
| For Original Music | For Cover Songs |
|---|---|
|
“Copyright [Your Full Name] [Year]. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, hiring, lending, distribution, public performance and broadcasting prohibited.” |
“[Song Title]” by [Original Artist]. Cover performance by [Your Name]. |
Fill in your name, the year, song/artist details, and post away!
More Facebook Music Posting Tips
In addition to adding a disclaimer, here are some other tips for safely sharing your music on Facebook:
- Post short clips rather than full songs to avoid unauthorized downloads
- Watermark your video content to prevent ripping
- Share previews and invite viewers to streaming sites for full songs
- Make sure clips are lower quality than commercially released tracks
- Do not share download links directly on Facebook
- Monitor your page for unauthorized shares and file takedowns promptly
With the proper disclaimers and sharing strategy, you can promote your music effectively on Facebook without putting your rights at risk.
Additional Considerations
Copyright Registration
While not mandatory, registering your finished tracks with the U.S. Copyright Office provides extra legal protections if you need to take legal action. The current fee is $65 per work.
PRO Affiliation
Joining a performing rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC allows you to collect public performance royalties when your songs are played or streamed. This provides an added revenue stream.
Creative Commons Licensing
Some musicians choose to release tracks under a Creative Commons license, which allows for certain types of sharing or reuse. But this is not compatible with commercially released music.
Summary
Posting a clear copyright disclaimer is vital when you share your original music on Facebook. Make sure to place it wherever your tracks appear to fend off unauthorized usage. Combine this with smart posting strategies, registration, and PRO membership for full protection. Handle your music carefully online and enjoy connecting with fans safely.