In today's digital world, using music in videos, podcasts, or social media content is common. However, using copyrighted music without permission can lead to copyright strikes, takedowns, or even legal consequences. Whether you're a content creator, musician, or business owner, understanding how to check if a song is protected is essential.

This guide will walk you through various methods to determine if a song is copyrighted and how can you tell if a song is copyrighted.

Understanding Copyrighted Music

Copyright is a legal protection given to creators of original works, including music, ensuring that they control how their work is used. If a song is copyrighted, you generally cannot use it without permission unless it falls under fair use, is in the public domain, or is covered under a royalty-free license.

A copyright strike occurs when a copyright owner (or an automated system like YouTube’s Content ID) flags content for unauthorized use of a protected song. Too many copyright strikes can result in penalties such as video takedowns, account suspensions, or lawsuits.

How to Check If a Song Is Copyrighted

If you're unsure whether a song is protected by copyright, here are some reliable ways to check:

1. Search the Public Domain Databases

Some songs are no longer under copyright and belong to the public domain, meaning they can be freely used. You can check these resources:

• Public Domain Information Project (PDInfo.com)
• Library of Congress Copyright Catalog (copyright.gov)
• IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project) for classical music

If a song is listed as public domain, it means its copyright has expired, and you can use it freely.

2. Check YouTube’s Music Policies

YouTube offers a Music Policies tool within YouTube Studio that allows creators to check whether a song is copyrighted and what restrictions apply.

• Go to YouTube Studio
• Click on Create and select Audio Library
• Search for the song and check its copyright status

Some songs allow limited use but may result in monetization going to the copyright holder instead of you.

3. Use a Copyright Lookup Tool

Several platforms allow you to verify the copyright status of a song, including:

• ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)
• BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
• SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers)
• SoundExchange 

These databases list registered copyrighted songs and their owners.

4. Check Content ID Systems

YouTube’s Content ID system automatically detects copyrighted music and alerts creators if they are using protected songs. Other platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, also have similar systems to detect and flag copyrighted material.

To check a song before using it, try uploading a test video as private or unlisted to see if it gets flagged.

5. Contact the Copyright Holder

If you’re unsure about a song’s copyright status, you can reach out to the copyright owner or record label to request permission. Many artists and labels offer licensing options for those who want to use their music legally.

What to Do If a Song Is Copyrighted

If you discover that a song is copyrighted, here are some alternatives:

• Use royalty-free music – Platforms like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and AudioJungle offer music that can be legally used with a license.
• Find Creative Commons music – Websites like Free Music Archive (FMA) and Jamendo provide music under Creative Commons licenses, which allow limited free use.
• Create your own music – If you have musical skills, composing your own soundtrack ensures you don’t run into copyright issues.
• Purchase a music license – Some platforms allow you to buy the rights to use copyrighted music legally.

Final Thoughts

Understanding copyright laws and checking the status of a song before using it can save you from unnecessary copyright strikes and legal troubles. By using public domain music, royalty-free tracks, or obtaining proper licenses, you can create content without risking copyright violations.