Are you a content creator looking for DMCA-free video game music to use in your streams or videos? With Twitch and YouTube cracking down on copyrighted content, it can be challenging to find music that won’t get you in trouble. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there for DMCA-free video game music.
One option is to use royalty-free gaming music playlists on platforms like Spotify. These playlists are curated specifically for content creators and offer a wide variety of music from different video games. One such playlist is the “Royalty Free Gaming Music For Twitch (DMCA Free)” playlist on Spotify, which has 114 songs and over 9.1K likes. Not all playlists labeled as “royalty-free” are actually DMCA-free, so be sure to double-check before using any music in your content.
Another option is to look for video games with DMCA-free soundtracks. Some developers release their games with soundtracks that can be used freely in content creation. For example, the soundtrack for the game “Minecraft” is DMCA-free and can be used in streams and videos without fear of copyright strikes. Other games with DMCA-free soundtracks include “Stardew Valley,” “Undertale,” and “Hollow Knight.” Be sure to check the specific terms and conditions for each game before using their music in your content.
Understanding DMCA
Digital Millennium Copyright Act
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a United States copyright law that criminalizes the production and dissemination of technology, devices, or services intended to circumvent measures that control access to copyrighted works. In simpler terms, it is illegal to break digital locks that protect copyrighted content.
DMCA Takedown
A DMCA takedown is a notice sent by a copyright holder to an online service provider (such as a video game streaming platform) requesting the removal of infringing content. The online service provider is legally required to remove the content upon receiving the DMCA takedown notice to avoid liability.
DMCA Strikes
A DMCA strike is a warning issued by an online service provider (such as a video game streaming platform) to a user who has received a DMCA takedown notice. If a user receives three DMCA strikes, their account may be permanently suspended.
Three Strikes
The “three strikes” rule is a policy implemented by some online service providers (such as a video game streaming platform) where users who receive three DMCA strikes may have their account permanently suspended.
Not all video game music is DMCA-free, so be sure to double-check before using any music in your content. Many video game developers and publishers have released DMCA-free music for use in content creation. Additionally, there are websites and playlists available that curate DMCA-free music for use in content creation. It is recommended to use these resources to avoid DMCA strikes and takedowns.
Music and Streaming
When it comes to streaming video games, one of the biggest concerns for content creators is whether or not the music they use is DMCA free. While many video game soundtracks are safe to use, there are some that could result in a copyright strike or even a ban from streaming platforms. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at DMCA-free music for video game streaming.
Streaming Platforms
Different streaming platforms have different rules when it comes to the use of copyrighted music. For example, Twitch.tv has partnered with Audible Magic to scan saved streams and clips for copyrighted content. In the past, the company mainly ignored background music, but is now cracking down on streamers who violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
On the other hand, YouTube has a library of free-to-use music that creators can use in their videos without worrying about DMCA strikes. The library includes a wide range of genres, including video game music.
Content Creators
For content creators, it’s important to use DMCA-free music when creating videos or live streams. There are several sources of DMCA-free music, including Spotify playlists and royalty-free music websites. For example, the “Royalty Free Gaming Music For Twitch” Spotify playlist has over 100 DMCA-free songs that content creators can use in their streams.
Live Streams
When it comes to live streams, it’s important to use DMCA-free music to avoid any potential issues with copyright strikes. Some video game soundtracks are safe to use, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before using any music in a live stream.
Twitch Streamers
Twitch streamers should be especially careful when it comes to using copyrighted music. As mentioned earlier, Twitch.tv is cracking down on streamers who violate the DMCA. To avoid any issues, streamers should use DMCA-free music and avoid playing copyrighted music during their streams.
Music Platforms and Libraries
If you’re a Twitch streamer, you know how important it is to have DMCA-free music for your streams. Here are some music platforms and libraries that offer DMCA-free music for video game music.
Amazon Music
Amazon Music offers a wide variety of DMCA-free music for Twitch streamers. They have a dedicated section for video game music, which includes soundtracks from popular games like Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda.
Pretzel
Pretzel is a popular music platform for Twitch streamers. They offer a variety of DMCA-free music, including video game music, sound effects, and more. They also have a request feature, which allows you to request specific songs or genres.
Monstercat
Monstercat is a music label that specializes in electronic dance music (EDM). They offer a DMCA-free license for their music, which allows Twitch streamers to use their music in their streams without worrying about copyright strikes.
Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound is a music platform that offers DMCA-free music for Twitch streamers. They have a large library of music, including video game music, and they also offer sound effects and royalty-free music for YouTube videos.
Own3d Music
Own3d Music is a music platform that specializes in music for Twitch streamers. They offer a DMCA-free license for their music, which allows streamers to use their music in their streams without worrying about copyright strikes.
Streambeats
Streambeats is a music platform created by Harris Heller, a popular Twitch streamer. They offer a wide variety of DMCA-free music, including video game music, and they also offer playlists for different genres and moods.
Pretzel Rocks
Pretzel Rocks is a music platform that offers DMCA-free music for Twitch streamers. They have a large library of music, including video game music, and they also offer sound effects and royalty-free music for YouTube videos.
Apple Music
Apple Music offers a wide variety of DMCA-free music for Twitch streamers. They have a dedicated section for video game music, which includes soundtracks from popular games like Minecraft and Halo.
Envato Elements
Envato Elements is a music platform that offers DMCA-free music for Twitch streamers. They have a large library of music, including video game music, and they also offer sound effects and royalty-free music for YouTube videos.
Incompetech
Incompetech is a music platform created by Kevin MacLeod. They offer a wide variety of DMCA-free music, including video game music, and they also offer sound effects and royalty-free music for YouTube videos.
Understanding Copyright
Copyright Claim
Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator or owner of an original work exclusive rights to control its use and distribution. In the context of video game music, copyright applies to both the music itself and the sound recording. A copyright claim is a notification from the copyright owner that their copyrighted material has been used without permission. If you receive a copyright claim, you may need to remove the copyrighted material or risk facing a copyright strike.
Copyright-Free
Copyright-free music is music that is not protected by copyright law and can be used without permission or payment. This type of music is often referred to as “royalty-free” or “public domain” music. It is important to note that just because music is labeled as copyright-free does not mean it is legal to use in all situations. Always check the terms of use and licensing requirements before using any music in your video game.
Copyright Violation
A copyright violation occurs when someone uses copyrighted material without permission or payment. This includes using copyrighted music in a video game without obtaining the proper licenses. If you are found to be in violation of copyright law, you may be required to pay damages to the copyright owner and/or remove the copyrighted material from your video game.
Copyright Strike
A copyright strike is a formal warning from a copyright owner that their copyrighted material has been used without permission. If you receive three copyright strikes, your video game may be removed from platforms like YouTube or Twitch, and your account may be terminated. It is important to take copyright strikes seriously and take steps to avoid receiving them in the first place.
Free to Use Music
As a streamer, finding DMCA-free music can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several sources of free-to-use music that you can incorporate into your streams without worrying about copyright strikes. Here are some options to consider:
Original Music
One option is to create your own original music. If you have a knack for music production, you can create your own tracks to use in your streams. Not only will this ensure that your music is DMCA-free, but it will also make your stream unique and personalized.
Royalty-Free Music
Another option is to use royalty-free music. This type of music is created specifically for use in various media, including video games and streams. There are several websites that offer royalty-free music, such as Epidemic Sound, AudioJungle, and PremiumBeat.
Free to Use Music
Some websites offer free-to-use music that is specifically designed for use in streams. For example, Spotify has several playlists that feature DMCA-free music for Twitch streams. One such playlist is Royalty Free Gaming Music For Twitch (DMCA Free), which has over 100 tracks to choose from.
Licensing
If you’re looking for more options, you can also consider licensing music for use in your streams. This involves paying a fee for the right to use the music. However, it ensures that you have legal permission to use the music and won’t have to worry about DMCA strikes.
VODs
It’s important to note that even if you use DMCA-free music in your live streams, you may still run into issues with VODs (videos on demand). This is because VODs are subject to the same DMCA regulations as live streams. To avoid this, you can consider muting the audio in your VODs or using royalty-free music that is specifically designed for VODs.
Case Study: Cyberpunk 2077
If you are a Twitch streamer, you know how frustrating it can be to receive a DMCA takedown notice for playing copyrighted music during your stream. Fortunately, CD Projekt RED has taken steps to ensure that Twitch streamers won’t have to worry about DMCA violations while streaming Cyberpunk 2077.
According to an article on GINX TV, Cyberpunk 2077’s in-game music is completely DMCA strike risk-free. This means that Twitch streamers can play the game without worrying about receiving a DMCA takedown notice.
CD Projekt RED has added a “streamer mode” that will disable the tracks that could qualify to be taken down by DMCA restrictions. As noted in an article on Game Informer, this streamer mode will disable copyrighted music during Twitch streams. This is a great feature for Twitch streamers who want to play Cyberpunk 2077 without worrying about DMCA takedowns.
However, it’s worth noting that there have been some reports of copyrighted music still playing during streams despite the streamer mode being enabled. As noted in an article on IGN, DMCA enforcement is still a concern for Twitch streamers playing Cyberpunk 2077.
To avoid any DMCA strikes, streamers should turn off all music during their streams. As noted in an article on The Verge, CD Projekt RED has warned streamers to turn off all music to avoid DMCA strikes due to an issue with disabling copyrighted music during Twitch streams.
Social Media and Music
Social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives. With the rise of video game streaming, content creators have been looking for DMCA-free music options to avoid copyright issues. Here’s what you need to know about using music on social media platforms.
Facebook allows you to upload videos with background music, but it has strict guidelines on copyright infringement. Facebook’s Rights Manager tool scans uploaded videos to check for copyrighted content. If Facebook detects copyrighted music, it will either mute the audio or remove the video.
However, Facebook has a library of royalty-free music that you can use for your videos. The library includes a wide range of genres, including video game music. You can access this library by clicking on the “Add Music” option when uploading a video.
Twitch
Twitch has been cracking down on copyrighted music in recent years. The platform has implemented an automatic system that detects copyrighted music and mutes the audio. Twitch also has a DMCA takedown policy that allows copyright holders to request the removal of infringing content.
To avoid DMCA strikes, Twitch streamers can use DMCA-free music libraries. There are several websites and services that offer DMCA-free music, including StreamBeats, Pretzel Rocks, and NCS. These libraries offer a wide range of genres, including video game music.
YouTube
YouTube has a similar system to Facebook’s Rights Manager tool. YouTube’s Content ID system scans uploaded videos to check for copyrighted content. If YouTube detects copyrighted music, it will either mute the audio or remove the video.
YouTube also has a library of royalty-free music that you can use for your videos. The library includes a wide range of genres, including video game music. You can access this library by clicking on the “Audio Library” option when uploading a video.
Guide to Streaming Music
If you’re a streamer, you know that finding the right music to play during your streams can be a challenge. You want something that fits the vibe of your stream and keeps your viewers engaged, but you also need to make sure it’s legal to use. That’s where DMCA-free music comes in.
DMCA-free music is music that is free of any copyright claims under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. This means that you can use it in your streams without worrying about getting hit with a copyright strike or having your content taken down.
So, where can you find DMCA-free music to use in your streams? Here are a few options:
- Royalty-free music libraries: There are a number of websites that offer royalty-free music libraries that you can use in your streams. Some popular options include Epidemic Sound, AudioJungle, and PremiumBeat.
- Creative Commons music: Creative Commons is a licensing system that allows artists to share their work with the world while still retaining some control over how it’s used. There are a number of websites that offer Creative Commons music, including the Free Music Archive and Jamendo.
- Game soundtracks: Many video game soundtracks are DMCA-free, since they are owned by the game developers and not individual artists. Some popular options include the soundtracks for Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Undertale.
When using DMCA-free music in your streams, make sure you’re following any guidelines set by the artist or website. Some may require attribution or have restrictions on how the music can be used.
