FAQ: Music and social media

As an individual user, you’re covered by Teosto’s agreement with Meta. This means you can freely post videos and livestreams, and use music from the platforms’ libraries.

For businesses and organizations:

• Live streaming is permitted without additional licenses
• For pre-recorded videos, you’ll need a Media Small License
• Story features are currently free to use
• For ads and commercial collaborations, contact the music publisher directly

Individual users can freely use music thanks to Teosto’s agreement with TikTok.

For business accounts:

• Live broadcasts are permitted without extra licensing
• Pre-recorded videos require a Media Small License
• Commercial content and ads need direct permission from the music publisher

Currently, we don’t have an agreement with Twitch. This means we can’t authorize music usage on Twitch streams, and your content may be muted or removed if you use copyrighted music. We recommend obtaining permissions directly from the rights holders.

Individual creators can include music in their videos under Teosto’s YouTube agreement. This applies even when sharing content about your work.

For business or organizational content, requirements vary:

• For news-style content (like event coverage or free recordings), you need a Minor Media License.
• For commercial content (ads, fundraising, corporate videos), you need:
  • Direct permission from the music creator or publisher is required
  • If using recorded music, you also need record label permission

Yes, as a Teosto customer, you can upload your music to YouTube. For best results, we recommend working with a record label or digital distributor who has YouTube Music Partner status. This ensures your music is properly identified and you receive your royalties.

To earn revenue, you’ll need to partner with either a digital distributor (aggregator) or a record label that has YouTube Music Partner status. Individual artists can’t obtain this status directly. Your partner will provide YouTube with the necessary information to identify your music and properly route payments.

You can earn royalties when your music is used on YouTube, both from your and others’ videos. To receive payments:

1. Your music must be identifiable through YouTube’s Content ID
   • Partner with a Music Partner-certified label or distributor
   • They’ll provide reference files and rights holder information
2. Videos must generate revenue through:
   • Advertising, or
   • YouTube Premium views
3. Register your works with Teosto online

Teosto processes YouTube payments once they exceed €25.

There are three requirements for receiving royalties:

1. YouTube must be able to identify your music
2. The videos must generate revenue (through ads or Premium subscriptions)
3. Your works must be registered with Teosto

If you suspect missing royalties, you can file a claim through our website.

YouTube sends music usage data to our partner Network of Music Partners A/S (NMP), which processes payments to us, and we then distribute them to creators.

YouTube uses Content ID to recognize music in videos. This system works when a record label or distributor has provided reference files and creator information. Once identified, the rights holder can choose to:

• Remove the content
• Monetize it through advertising
• Allow free use

We collect royalties from social platforms and distribute them to creators. Payments depend on subscription status, usage type, and play counts, to name a few. Due to confidentiality agreements, we can’t share specific payment details, but you can view your earnings breakdown in your online account.

Teosto and social platforms monitor music usage on your behalf. YouTube’s Content ID system identifies your music once your distributor provides the necessary information. Contact our customer service if you notice unauthorized use.

Our agreements with social platforms enable your music’s use while ensuring compensation. These agreements don’t limit your rights; you maintain control over where and how your music is used. You can also choose to manage social media rights independently of Teosto.

You can request the removal of individual videos either directly through the platforms or by contacting us. If you prefer complete control over your music’s social media usage, you can opt out of Teosto’s social media management.